Since July 2025, mandatory registration has been in effect in Spain for everyone planning to rent out accommodation short-term. This measure is linked to the launch of a digital platform that allows authorities to track properties offered for temporary stays. In the first two months of the system’s operation, nearly 34,500 registration applications were annulled, accounting for about half of all submissions during this period.
Meanwhile, about 34,000 applications have been approved or are under review. According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda, more than 260,000 applications for a short-term rental registration number have been submitted since the beginning of the year. Of these, just over 51,000 were rejected, while almost 175,000 have already received authorization to operate.
Reasons for refusals and requirements for applicants
The main reasons for rejection are the lack of necessary permits or failure to comply with regulations. Applicants often do not provide a tourist rental license or fail to obtain consent from the majority of building residents. In addition, properties with usage restrictions, such as social housing, cannot be registered for short-term rental. In some cases, applications are submitted by individuals who do not own the property, which also results in refusal.
To successfully obtain a registration number, applicants must provide a complete set of documents, including the cadastral number, exact address, type of rental, and number of occupants. It is also important to confirm compliance with the requirements established in each autonomous community.
Operation of the digital platform and next steps
The entire procedure is carried out through the electronic portal of the Colegio de Registradores de España. Once the documents are submitted, the applicant receives a temporary number, allowing them to post listings on online platforms. Final approval is granted after all requirements have been verified. If violations are found, registration is revoked and the listing must be removed from the site.
The system does not apply to rural houses, which are governed by separate regulations and provide additional services similar to those of hotels. The ministry plans to soon start requiring platforms to remove listings that do not comply with the new regulations.
Impact on the rental market and forecasts
Experts expect the number of registered properties for tourist rentals to approach 300,000 in the coming months, in line with estimates by the National Institute of Statistics. However, by the end of summer, an increase in applications for student and temporary worker accommodation is anticipated, as the new academic year begins and the holiday season ends.
