Spain Cracks Down on Short-Term Rentals – 120,000 Airbnb Listings Under Scrutiny

Since July 1, 2025, new regulations in Spain have placed significant pressure on short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb. The Spanish government has identified more than 120,000 listings that violate the law – with over half already removed.

Spain has rapidly become one of Europe’s most regulated countries for vacation rentals. In response to rising housing shortages, soaring rents, and growing dissatisfaction from residents in tourist-heavy areas, the government introduced a new rule on July 1, 2025: All short-term rentals must display a valid tourist license number publicly – or be removed from listing platforms.

120,000 Listings Without a Valid License

According to Reuters, 65,000 listings have already been taken down from Airbnb in Spain. An additional 54,728 are now flagged for investigation due to missing the required tourist license. These listings are spread across the country, with concentrations in cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and tourist hotspots such as the Balearic and Canary Islands.

This nationwide review is being carried out in cooperation with Airbnb, which stated in a press release that it “supports Spain’s initiative to improve transparency and legality in vacation rentals.”

What Does This Mean for Non-Resident Property Owners?

If you own a home in Spain but live abroad – especially if you rent it out short-term – it’s now critical that you:

Hold a valid tourist license: Regulations differ by region. For example, the Balearic Islands can require minimum distances to neighbors, while Valencia enforces neighborhood-specific quotas.

Display your license number in listings: This is mandatory on all platforms – Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, and private websites.

Comply with tax laws: Short-term rental income is taxable. Authorities are becoming increasingly proactive in enforcement, especially toward non-residents.

Reduced Availability, Increased Regulation

On the surface, it might appear that Spain wants to shut down short-term rentals entirely – but that’s not the case. The main objective is to eliminate unregulated rentals that bypass taxation and jeopardize guest safety.

Still, for investors and holiday homeowners, the new rules introduce new hurdles: obtaining a tourist license can take months, and some regions have placed moratoriums on new permits.

Part of a Wider European Trend

Spain isn’t alone. Cities like Amsterdam, Paris, and Berlin have been tightening their own rental rules for years. The EU is also moving toward uniform legislation, with standardized requirements expected across member states by 2026.

Conclusion

For non-resident property owners in Spain, it has never been more important to act proactively. Reviewing your license status, updating rental listings, and understanding regional legislation is no longer just best practice – it’s a legal obligation.

With clearer rules, greater oversight, and stricter enforcement, staying informed and compliant is key to ensuring your investment remains both legal and profitable in Spain’s evolving short-term rental market.

How Estity Can Help You Navigate the New Rules

For non-resident owners, these new requirements mean accurate information and compliant handling are more important than ever. That’s where Estity comes in.

As an authorized collaborator with the Spanish Tax Agency and member of the Spanish Real Estate Association (GIPE), Estity is developing a digital platform tailored to your needs:

• Organize essential documents – licenses, receipts, certificates.
• Submit tax declarations – including rental income, property tax, and capital gains.
• Stay updated – we provide guidance and alerts on changing regulations.

Everything in one secure, easy-to-use place – available in English and Swedish.