If you own a property on the Costa del Sol, in the centre of Seville or in a charming corner of the Sierra de Aracena and want to earn income from it as tourist accommodation, you need to be up to date. We explain how to register your home and obtain a holiday rental licence in Andalusia. The legal landscape in Andalusia has changed significantly with Decreto 31/2024 and the new municipal restrictions introduced in 2026.
In this article we explain the steps, the requirements and, most importantly, how to comply with the legal registration of your guests.
What is a Tourist-Use Dwelling (VUT)?
In Andalusia, a Tourist-Use Dwelling (Vivienda de Uso Turístico, VUT) is any property located on land zoned for residential use that is offered, for a price, for accommodation services on a regular basis and for tourism purposes.
Key note: if the rental is for more than two months to the same person, it is no longer considered a VUT but a seasonal rental under the Urban Leases Act (LAU).
Applicable regulations
The main legislation for holiday rentals (tourist-use dwellings) in Andalusia is Decreto 28/2016, of 2 February, regulating tourist-use dwellings, amended by Decreto 31/2024, of 29 January. It is part of Ley 13/2011, of 23 December, on Tourism in Andalusia, which regulates the sector in general, including inspections and penalties. Another complementary rule is Decreto 194/2010, of 20 April, on tourist apartments (also amended in 2024). This framework sets the habitability requirements, mandatory entry in the Andalusian Tourism Register (RTA), the minimum services and the prohibitions, such as for social housing or buildings whose bylaws forbid it.
Before starting the procedure, check that the property can be used for tourism, that the community of owners does not prohibit it and that you have the necessary documents. It is also important to review the municipal regulations and the guest registration obligations that apply throughout Spain.
Essential requirements to obtain a holiday rental licence in Andalusia
For the Junta de Andalucía to give you a registration code (the well-known VFT number), your home must meet minimum quality and habitability standards:
- Floor area and capacity: at least 25 m² of built area. You must guarantee at least 14 m² per guest place.
- Heating and cooling: bedrooms and living rooms must have cooling (fixed or portable units) and heating.
- Equipment: first-aid kit, official complaint forms and a 24-hour support number for guests.
- Bathrooms: if the home has more than 5 places, it must have at least 2 bathrooms; above 8 places, 3 bathrooms.
- Energy certificate: minimum rating F for buildings prior to 2007 and D for later ones.
You also need to verify ownership of the property, its planning compatibility and, where applicable, the agreement of the community of owners, and have the home’s identifying data available, such as the cadastral reference and maximum capacity.
The role of Town Councils and Communities of Owners
In 2026, municipal autonomy is total. Before starting the procedure, check two things:
- Planning limits: many town councils (such as Málaga, Cádiz or Seville) have limited the number of licences in saturated areas. You will need a planning compatibility report.
- Community of owners: since 2024, communities can prohibit tourist activity if 3/5 of the owners approve it. If the bylaws already prohibit it, you will not be able to obtain the licence.
▶Step by step: how to register your home
The process is 100% online through the Single Digital Window (Ventanilla Única Digital) of the Junta de Andalucía.
- Gather the documents: responsible declaration, identification of the owner, property details and, where applicable, proof of representation or authorisation from the community.
- Check that the home meets the legal requirements described above.
- Responsible declaration (declaración responsable): submit a form stating that you meet all the legal requirements.
- Obtaining the VFT code: once submitted, a registration number is assigned automatically or within a few days. Without this number you cannot list on Airbnb, Booking or VRBO.
- Registration with the Ministry of the Interior: once you have your licence, you must register on the SES Hospedajes platform.
The guest registration obligation
Having the licence is only the beginning. Public safety regulations require all owners in Andalusia to:
- Identify every guest, regardless of age.
- Complete the traveler entry report (Parte de Entrada de Viajeros).
- Send the data to the authorities (Ministry of the Interior) within a maximum of 24 hours from arrival and from the booking.
- Keep the guest register book for at least 3 years.
Pro tip: automating this process with Registro Parte Viajeros tools saves you hours of manual work and avoids fines that can range from €601 to €30,000.
Common mistakes
The most common mistakes are starting to rent before the registration is complete, leaving out permissions from the community of owners or not checking the municipal regulations. Another frequent mistake is confusing tourism registration (VFT code) with full compliance with the legal obligations, which also include guest registration with the Ministry of the Interior.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to register a tourist rental in Andalusia?
You need to submit a responsible declaration, provide the property details and check that tourist use is compatible with the applicable regulations, as well as meeting the habitability requirements set by the Junta de Andalucía.
How long does registering a tourist accommodation take?
In many cases the registration and the VFT code are obtained automatically or within a few days of submitting the responsible declaration, although the administration may review it or request corrections later.
Is guest registration mandatory in addition to the licence?
Yes. In addition to the tourism licence (VFT code), accommodations must comply with the guest registration obligations set by national law (Royal Decree 933/2021), sending each guest’s details to SES Hospedajes.
Conclusion
The holiday rental market in Andalusia is more professional than ever. Complying with the regulations not only helps you avoid penalties but also improves your accommodation’s reputation. Make sure your licence is in order and, above all, do not neglect the security and registration of your guests with the Ministry of the Interior through the SES Hospedajes platform.
At Registro Parte Viajeros we help you comply with SES Hospedajes quickly and easily. Try our app for free.