Can I rent out my Spanish property to holidaymakers?

Often yes, but not always. Holiday letting is controlled by each region, usually through a tourist licence, and some towns and communities of owners restrict or ban it. Always check before you buy, because you cannot assume a property can be let.

In 2025 Spain introduced a national registry number for short-term rentals, but in May 2026 the Supreme Court annulled it, ruling that regions, not central government, regulate tourist rentals. Regional licensing, such as the VFT in Andalucía or the equivalent in the Valencian Community and Murcia, is what matters now.

Before buying to let, ask for the tourist licence if one exists, check whether the town has frozen new licences, and read the community statutes and recent minutes. A community of owners can limit or prohibit tourist lets by a reinforced majority of three-fifths, although lets already operating lawfully before 3 April 2025 are protected.

The property also needs a valid occupancy licence. Long lets follow different rules, with tenant-friendly terms. Rental income is taxable in Spain, as covered on our taxes page.

General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and figures were last checked in November 2026 and change, so take independent advice from a Spanish lawyer for your own purchase.