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Do you rent out your home in Spain? Or are you planning to buy a property in Andalusia with the idea of renting it out (partially) as a holiday home? Then it's important to stay informed about the latest regulations regarding tourist rentals in Spain. As of July 1, 2025, changes will again be introduced regarding the registration requirements for short-term rentals. In this article, we summarize the most important points for you.

What changes on July 1, 2025?
The Spanish government is introducing a new national tourism register for properties offered for short-term tourist rentals. This applies to all accommodations that are rented out in their entirety for less than 31 days. The obligation applies to all types of tourist rentals, such as holiday homes, apartments, and rooms, regardless of whether they are offered through platforms like Airbnb or rented out via other channels. The goal of this measure is to better regulate and monitor tourist rentals in Spain.

Who is required to register?
The registration obligation applies to all owners or managers of tourist accommodations who rent out their entire property on a temporary basis under a VTAR license, whether that’s via Airbnb, Booking, or directly. In Andalusia, a Vivienda de Turismo Rural (VTAR) is a type of tourist accommodation in a rural area. These accommodations differ from traditional hotels or B&Bs in that they are often stand-alone houses, villas, estates, or cottages in a rural or secluded setting. VTARs are fully furnished and equipped for immediate use and offer a home-away-from-home atmosphere for tourists seeking a more intimate and authentic Andalusian experience.

Owners of so-called Casas Rurales (CR; a more commercial form of tourist accommodation in a rural area, often rented per house, apartment, or room) are not subject to this new national registration requirement, as they already fall under a different legal framework. So if your property is already registered as a Casa Rural, no further action is needed regarding the national register.

Why is this important for buyers of a property in Andalusia?
Are you looking for a property in Andalusia that you want to rent out in full to tourists? Then it is important to:
• Check under which registration regime your property falls (VTAR or CR);
• Register your property correctly in the national register (from July 1, 2025) and also via the Registro de Turismo de Andalucía on the website of the Junta de Andalucía. Unfortunately, the new national registration system is still fresh and the registration process may not always be smooth or quick. Your gestor (local accountant/administrator) can often help you better with this.
• Discuss with your accountant how to declare your rental income. Spanish tax residents do so via the IRPF tax. Non-residents must file under the IRNR.

This way, you avoid fines and ensure you comply with Spanish law.

Of course, we are happy to help you understand these rules and find a property that matches your wishes and your rental plans.

Source: e.g. Spanje Vandaag (June 9 and 19, 2025)