How to register your property on Airbnb in Spain: 8-step guide

Airbnb has become a popular platform for property owners in Spain looking to rent out their spaces to tourists and travelers. With its growing popularity and ease of use, listing your property on Airbnb in Spain can be a lucrative venture. However, it’s essential to understand the registration process, regulations, and fees involved.

How to register your property on Airbnb in Spain?

To list your property on Airbnb in Spain, you must follow several steps, including complying with specific legal requirements based on the region where your property is located. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Create an Airbnb account: Sign up for Airbnb in Spain.
2. List your property: Click on ‘Become a Host’ and provide comprehensive information about your property, including its location, amenities, and photos.
3. Set your price and calendar: Determine your pricing strategy and update the availability calendar accordingly.
4. Understand and comply with local laws: Depending on where your property is situated, you may need to obtain a tourist license or register with local authorities.
5. Apply for a tourist license: In many regions, such as Catalonia and Andalusia, possessing a tourist license is mandatory.
6. Register with local authorities: Certain areas require you to register your property with local tourism offices or councils.
7. Add tourist license number to your listing: In certain areas in Spain, you must add the number to your Airbnb listing.
8. Adhere to community rules: If your property is located within a community setting, ensure compliance with any community-specific regulations regarding short-term rentals.

How to start an Airbnb in Spain?

It is possible for any property owner to start Airbnb in Spain. However, before you buy property in Spain to start Airbnb rentals, there are specific regulations that must be understood in order to establish an Airbnb rental business. The process of becoming an Airbnb host in Spain starts with research on the local laws applicable to the region where the property is situated. Property owners must apply for the appropriate tourist license and potentially register the property with local authorities. Following these steps, property owners can proceed to create an Airbnb account and list their property, providing the registry number as required.

Airbnb regulations in Spain

Each region in Spain has its own set of rules and regulations pertaining to short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb. In general, obtaining a tourist license for your property within the respective region is necessary. The most effective way to accomplish this is by visiting the town hall or accessing the regional government’s website.

Since March 2019, new legislation has been implemented across Spain that impacts apartments designated for tourism purposes within apartment buildings. According to this law, if at least 60% of the apartment owners vote against allowing short-term rentals in the building, property owners can be prohibited from renting their units for short-term stays, including through platforms like Airbnb. Therefore, property owners need to obtain permission from the apartment building owners before registering with local authorities.

There are various regional regulations that Airbnb hosts need to be aware of in Spain. Below is a breakdown of the local rules and regulations applicable to Airbnb in Spanish regions.

Catalonia/Barcelona

The Airbnb regulations in Catalonia and Barcelona include:

• Mandatory registration with municipal authorities and acquiring a tourist license (Habitatge d’Ús Turístic) here.

It should be noted that licenses are no longer being issued for specific areas within Catalonia as a means of limiting the number of available short-term rentals in each region.

Balearic Islands

The Airbnb regulations for the Balearic Islands (such as Mallorca) include:

• Registration and obtaining a registration number from the General Register of Companies, Activities, and Tourist Establishments.

Obtaining a license can be challenging due to increased scrutiny by local governments. Since July 2018, there has been a complete ban on tourist apartments in Palma de Mallorca, the capital of Mallorca.

Asturias

The Airbnb regulations for Asturias include:

• Registration with the Ministry of Employment, Industry, and Tourism;
• Displaying the registration certificate on your Airbnb listing.

Navarra

The Airbnb regulations for Navarra include:

• Submitting a responsibility statement to the Navarra Tourism Registry;
• Applying for a property license online.

Andalusia

The Airbnb regulations for Andalusia (including Granada, Sevilla, and Malaga) are:

• Registering with the Tourism Register of Andalucía;
• Complying with the regulations of the Tourism and Sports Council;
• Displaying the registration number you receive from the Tourism and Sports Council in your Airbnb listing.

Madrid

The Airbnb regulations for Madrid include:

• Registration and obtaining a tourism license number;
• Adding the tourism license number to your Airbnb listing.

Please note that there is a limited availability of tourist rentals in different neighborhoods of Madrid. Property owners should contact the Madrid City Council to inquire about availability in their area.

Airbnb fees in Spain

When using Airbnb in Spain, hosts are subject to a service fee for each booking. Typically, this fee amounts to under 5% of the booking subtotal. However, it’s important to note that this fee can vary depending on factors such as the cancellation policy.

Receive more bookings through Airbnb with these 7 tips

To maximize your success when listing your property on Airbnb in Spain, it’s crucial to not only understand and comply with local regulations but also implement additional strategies to improve your listing and attract more bookings:

1. Optimize your listing: Use high-quality photos and detailed descriptions.
2. Competitive pricing: Research local pricing trends and adjust accordingly.
3. Offer discounts for longer stays: Attract guests looking for longer-term rentals.
4. Maintain high standards: Ensure your property is clean, comfortable, and well-maintained.
5. Be responsive: Quickly respond to inquiries and booking requests.
6. Gather positive reviews: Encourage satisfied guests to leave positive reviews.
7. Offer local insights: Provide guests with information about local attractions and dining options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)