Tourist‑Rental Licensing in Costa Blanca: What Property Owners Must Know – Updated Jun 2025
If you’re considering renting your property on the Costa Blanca to holidaymakers, you need to stay ahead of significant regulatory changes affecting tourist rentals. Here’s an updated guide to navigating the current landscape. We know plenty of people who have done this unadided but some steps can be time consuming and frustrating if you are new to the the system or dont speak Spanish. If you need help with applications, we recommend contacting a local Gestor or Lawyer to help you; they will be able to navigate the system much easier and could save you a lot of time.
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Starting on July 1, 2025, a significant change has taken place regarding short-term rental properties in Spain. Under the new law, all properties being rented for short-term stays (less than 30 days) must be registered in the National Registry of Short-Term Rentals in addition to holding a regional tourist license.
Currently, major rental platforms are legally required to request two key identifiers before allowing you to publish your listing:
- The regional registration number, issued by the tourism registry of your Autonomous Community (e.g., VUT/MA/XXXXX, HUTB-XXXX).
- From 1 July 2025, a new national property registry code (NIU), issued by the Colegio de Registradores, will also be compulsory.
How to Obtain The New National Property Registry Code (NIU)
Visit the official Colegio de Registradores website: https://sede.registradores.org/sede/sede-corpme-web/registro-bienes-muebles/presentacion-telematica/bienesmuebles-nraYou will need a digital certificate or DNI electrónico to access the portal and complete the registration. In addition to that, according to Michael Morton, an American ex-pat who has just been through the process, you will need to register with the Colegio de Registadores as a first step. The best option here according to Michael is to fill in and sign the application and deliver it in person. Here is a link to the application: https://sede.registradores.org/sede/sede-corpme-web/informacion-y-ayuda/instancias-presentacion/propiedad/formulario_SEDE-RP-31-InsCodComRegAlqCorDur You will need to bring your passport and DNI or NIE card or a printed copy of the NIE certificate to the local office of Registros de Propiedad. Once registered, you will receive your unique registration number (NIU), which must be added to all your listings on short-term rental platforms.
Regional Tourist License in Costa Blanca (VUT)
To rent your property for under 11 days, a valid tourist rental license—known as a VUT—is mandatory. Licenses are issued by the Valencian Tourism Registry and include a unique cadastral reference. They remain valid for five years and require renewal well in advance.
Homeowners’ Association Approval:
A major change effective April 3, 2025: 60% of apartment‑building owners (by count and quota) must approve new tourist rentals before a license is granted
- Existing licensed owners are grandfathered under older rules
- New applicants must secure both HOA approval and a municipal certificate confirming urban compatibility
Rental Duration & Classification
- Less than 11 day rental = tourist rental (requires license).
- 11 days to 11 months = seasonal or medium‑term rental (license not required).
- Longer than 11 months = long‑term lease (license not required)
Strict Property Standards
Licensed rentals must meet safety, comfort, and service requirements:
- Emergency plans, hot water, heating/cooling, internet/TV
- Furnished kitchens with appliances
- First‑aid kits, liability insurance, 24‑hour contact
- In‑person key handover—no key boxes allowed
Evolving Local Restrictions
- Some municipalities (e.g., Altea, L’Alfàs del Pi, Dénia) have temporarily paused new license approvals due to housing shortages
How to Apply for a Regional Tourist License in Costa Blanca
Applying for a tourist license (VUT – Vivienda de Uso Turístico) involves several steps:
Check Zoning and Community Permissions
- Confirm your area allows tourist rentals (consult your local town hall/urbanism department).
- If your property is part of a community (e.g. an apartment block), you’ll need:
- Approval from 60% of owners (by number and ownership share) authorising tourist rentals.
- A formal certificate from the administrator or notary stating this approval.
Obtain the Urban Compatibility Certificate (CU)
- Request a “Certificado de Compatibilidad Urbanística” from your local Ayuntamiento (Town Hall).
- This proves your property is compatible with tourist rental use under local planning rules.
- Fee: varies by municipality (€30–€100 approx.)
- Response time: 1–3 weeks.
Preapre Your property
Before applying, your property must:
- Be fully furnished, including appliances and hot water.
- Have internet access and a TV.
- Include safety items: first-aid kit, emergency plan, fire extinguisher.
- Provide 24/7 contact number and personal check-in (no key boxes).
Submit the Application Online
Go to the Generalitat Valenciana’s official tourism site:
You’ll need to:
- Log in with a digital certificate (Certificado Digital) or Cl@ve. If you do not have this you will need to apply for this first. Visit the following site for more info on this step which must be completed in person: https://www.accv.es/puntos-de-registro/ciudadanos-autonomos-y-empresas/encuentra-tu-punto-de-registro/
- Complete the online form: include property details, owner ID, bank info.
- Upload:
- CU certificate
- Proof of ownership
- Community authorisation (if required)
- Floor plan
- Photographs
- Liability insurance (recommended)
Register with the Valencian Tourism Registry
Once accepted, your property will be listed with a unique VUT license number. This number must be included in all online listings (Airbnb, Booking, etc.).
When Do You Need to Renew or Update Your Regional Tourist License (VUT)?
You only need to renew, update, or re-register your VUT license if:
You stop renting and then want to restart
- If you’ve ceased renting for a significant period (often 1–2 years), you may need to re-register the property with the Valencian Tourism Registry.
Your personal or property details have changed
- If you:
- Sell the property
- Change ownership (inheritance, divorce, etc.)
- Change your business structure (e.g. personal owner → company)
- Change your property’s capacity or configuration
You must inform the Generalitat Valenciana and possibly reapply.
The urban planning or tourist rental regulations have changed
- Some municipalities (like Dénia, Altea, and Calpe) have introduced moratoriums or more restrictive local rules. If your area introduces changes, you may be asked to revalidate your license or comply with updated requirements.
Important Update: licenses issued between 2018 and August 2024 have a five-year renewal requirement starting from 2030, and licenses issued after August 2024 have a five-year renewal cycle starting from the date of issue.
How to Renew or Update Your License (If Needed)
Step 1: Access the official portal
Visit the GVA Tourism Registry:
You’ll need to:
Step 2: Log in with your digital certificate
You must use your Certificado Digital or Cl@ve PIN for access.
Step 3: Choose the action:
- Modify registration – to update owner, contact, property data
- Re-register – if the license was cancelled or activity paused
- Cancel – if you’ve sold or no longer wish to rent
Step 4: Submit required documents
This may include:
- Proof of ownership
- Urban compatibility certificate (CU)
- Community authorisation (if applicable)
- Updated floor plan or photographs (if layout has changed)
Pro Tips
- There’s no automatic annual renewal required—just keep your listing legal and up to date.
- Always include your registration number (VT-XXXXX) on all rental ads.
- Keep a record of guest registration, complaints, and maintenance, as inspections are possible.
Final Word
The new regulations aim to balance tourism with residential needs, promote professional rental management, and curb unregulated short‑term lets. While they add complexity, they also elevate quality and community harmony.