22:16, Sat, Jun 7, 2025 | UPDATED: 22:20, Sat, Jun 7, 2025
These rules come after a rise in protests calling for more affordable housing for local residents (Image: Getty)
Spain is introducing sweeping new regulations aimed at curbing overtourism and cracking down on illegal short-term rentals. Starting July 1, 2025, any property advertised for short stays on platforms such as Airbnb or Booking.com must be officially registered to operate legally.
This move follows growing concerns over housing shortages and rising tensions in tourist hotspots like Barcelona, the Canary Islands, and the Balearics, where locals have been demanding stricter controls on holiday lets and more affordable housing.
The new rules, introduced under EU Regulation 2024/1028, are designed to bring greater transparency to Spain’s rental market. The regulations will apply to all properties rented out for less than one year, including stays for tourism, work, study, or medical purposes.
There has been an increase in protests calling for stricter regulation of tourist rentals (Image: Getty)
Whether it’s a full property or just a single room, every rental property must now have a unique registration number issued by the authorities.
Properties that do not comply by the July deadline will be removed from online platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, with hosts risking fines, being banned from re-listing, and facing potential delays if they attempt to rejoin later.
Registration is managed through Spain’s new Single Rental Register, and all necessary documentation must be submitted via the Digital Rental Portal.
Property owners are required to provide full details about their property, including the exact address, cadastral reference, type of let, guest capacity, and proof of compliance with local regulations.
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In addition to registering, owners must now submit yearly reports summarising their rental activities.
The government has said it is up to the booking platforms to verify registration numbers and conduct audits, in order to further increase accountability across the industry.
These measures are part of a broader effort to reduce overcrowding in popular tourist destinations, ensure fairer housing access for locals, and eliminate fraudulent or unlicensed holiday rentals.
Spanish officials have urged property owners to register as early as possible to avoid delays or penalties as the enforcement date approaches.
Spain hopes these reforms will help restore balance in affected areas, preserving their appeal for both residents and visitors while promoting a sustainable approach to tourism.
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