I Own a House in Spain and Want to Start Renting It Out – Your Complete Getting Started Guide

Owning a property in Spain opens up fantastic opportunities — both for enjoying the sun yourself and for generating an extra income through rentals. But how do you actually get started the right way? Here is your guide to the most important steps, permits, and legal requirements you need to know to rent out your property in Spain safely and legally.

With the right help and knowledge, the process is not only possible — it’s also profitable and secure.

1. Get the Right Permits — Tourist License and NRA Number

To legally rent out your property to tourists, in most Spanish regions you need:

Tourist License (Licencia Turística / Vivienda de Uso Turístico)

This is the regional permit required for short-term rentals. The application is submitted to the tourism authority in the region where the property is located. Requirements vary, but the property must meet minimum standards regarding equipment, comfort, and safety.

Learn more: Junta de Andalucía – Viviendas con fines turísticos

NRA Number (Número de Registro de Alquiler)

This is a national registration number for short-term rentals, mandatory under Real Decreto 1312/2024, which regulates the new Registro Único de Arrendamientos.

Important to know:

• Mandatory for all short-term rentals: Applies to rentals under 12 months — whether for holidays, seasonal stays, or monthly lets.
• Applies even through third parties: You must have an NRA even if renting through a registered agency.
• Required on all booking platforms: Airbnb, Booking.com, Rentalia, and others — even Facebook ads involving payment or booking may be included.
• Should appear in all advertising: We strongly recommend showing the NRA number in all your listings, including on social media, to avoid penalties.
• Requires annual renewal: Registration is not permanent — you must renew it every year.

What about Facebook ads?

The legislation does not explicitly mention Facebook, but since the platform enables direct contact, bookings, and payments, it may be interpreted as a rental channel. Our advice? Play it safe and register your NRA even if you only advertise in groups or on your profile.

Learn more:

BOE – Real Decreto 1312/2024,

Ministerio de Vivienda – Registro Único de Arrendamientos,

Ministerio de Vivienda – Registro Único de Arrendamientos,

Short-term rental accommodation Registration Number

Approval from the homeowners' association or urbanization is required

According to the new legislation, you must have approval from your homeowners' association or urbanization in order to legally rent out the property as short-term accommodation.

The association has the right, through a majority decision at the annual meeting, to restrict or prohibit short-term rentals in the building or area.

The law also gives the community the right to impose a fee increase of up to 20%.

Tip: Check your statutes and request a written certificate confirming that rental is permitted before registering your NRA.

2. Property Equipment and Standards

To obtain a tourist license, the property must meet certain basic standards, including:

• Furnishings: Fully furnished with beds, tables, chairs, wardrobes.
• Kitchen: Equipped with stove, fridge, microwave, utensils, and dishware.
• Safety: Fire extinguisher, smoke detector, and first aid kit.
• Climate control: Air conditioning and/or heating for guest comfort.
• Cleaning: The property must be clean and ready for each guest.
• Signage: In some regions, the NRA number must be visibly posted at the entrance.

3. Rent Out Yourself or Use an Agency?

You can choose to:

• Rent out yourself: You handle bookings, keys, guest contact, and reporting.
• Use a rental agency: If you hire an agency, they must be registered as a responsible operator (gestor responsable). Then the agency, not you as the owner, is responsible for reporting and compliance.

Important:

• Rental agreement: A clear agreement with guests is recommended.
• Insurance: Check that your policy covers short-term rental, or take out a dedicated rental insurance policy.

4. Reporting the Rental — According to New Regulations

Since 2023, Spain has changed how rentals are reported:

• Guest registration is done via the SES.HOSPEDAJES platform — a digital system that replaces previous reporting to the police.
• Deadline: Guest details must be registered within 24 hours after arrival.

5. Pay Tax on Rental Income — How to Do It

As a non-resident in Spain:

• Tax rate: Generally, 19% on the net rental income for EU/EEA citizens and 24% on the gross rental income for non-EU/EEA citizens.
• Declaration: Use form Modelo 210 and declare your rental income annually.
• Deductions: Allowed deductions include electricity, water, maintenance, community fees, property tax (IBI), etc.

Tip: Use our service for easy and accurate tax filing.

Summary: Simple — with the Right Support

Renting out your property in Spain is entirely possible and can be a very profitable business. The key is understanding the rules, securing the right permits, and using the right tools for admin and tax management. With a digital solution like ours, you get a smooth and secure start — so you can maximize your investment without unnecessary hassle.

👉 Ready to take the next step? With the right support, renting your property can be both safe and simple.

Do you have any questions feel free to contact us and we will try to help you as much as possible: support@estity.com