New Vacation Rental Regulations in the Canary Islands - FAQ

As short-term rental activity continues to grow, many regions are introducing new regulations to ensure hosting is safe, responsible, and community-friendly. The Canary Islands has recently developed new vacation rental regulations that will affect property owners and managers. Below, you'll find essential information and answers to the most frequently asked questions to help you stay informed and prepared for these upcoming changes.

1. When Will the New Law Come Into Effect?

The new vacation rental law is expected to be published between April and May 2025. Once published, the government will define an adaptation period for hosts to comply with the new requirements. This transition period will give property owners and managers time to prepare their documentation and understand the new compliance obligations before enforcement begins.

2. Is There a Draft of the Law Available for Consultation?

Yes, a draft of the new vacation rental regulations is currently available for public consultation. You can review the draft legislation to understand the proposed requirements and prepare accordingly. Access to the draft allows hosts to familiarize themselves with the regulations in advance and plan their compliance strategy before the official implementation date.

3. Is It Mandatory to Obtain the License Right Now?

No, obtaining a vacation rental license is not mandatory at this time. Currently, there are no penalties for not holding a license, and property owners cannot be reported for not having one. However, once the new law officially comes into effect, the vacation rental license will become mandatory in order to continue operating legally. This is why it's beneficial to start the licensing process early to avoid delays and ensure compliance when the regulations take effect.

4. Is a Vacation Rental (VV) License Required for Guest Registration?

No, a vacation rental (VV) license is not required for guest registration. Guest registration and the vacation rental license are separate administrative requirements. You can register guests in the system independently of the licensing process, so this should not create barriers to your current operations.

5. Which Municipalities Have Longer Processing Times for License Applications?

Several municipalities across the Canary Islands are experiencing longer processing times for vacation rental license applications due to high application volumes and limited administrative capacity. If you are located in one of these areas, you may want to submit your application earlier to account for extended review periods:

• Lanzarote: Playa Blanca, Teguise
• Tenerife: Arona (approximately one month), Güímar, Candelaria, El Rosario, Garachico, Puerto de la Cruz
• Gran Canaria: Agaete, Agüimes
• La Palma: The entire island has temporarily paused new vacation rental applications while the Cabildo (the local administrative body responsible for permits) addresses its current application backlog

6. When Will Guest Registration in SES and the One-Stop Window Be Mandatory?

Guest registration in the SES system is already mandatory as of now. The One-Stop Window (Ventanilla Única), which will provide a centralized platform for vacation rental administrative procedures, is confirmed to become operational in July. This unified system will streamline the process for hosts to manage their licenses and registrations in one place.

7. How Is the Responsible Declaration for the Vacation Rental (VV) License Submitted?

The responsible declaration for the vacation rental license is submitted online through the Government of the Canary Islands official website. To complete the submission, you will need a valid digital certificate. If you are unable to complete the process yourself due to technical or language barriers, an authorized advisor or representative can handle the submission on your behalf.

The submission process is completely free of charge. Once you submit the responsible declaration, the competent authority (either your local town hall or the Cabildo, depending on which municipality your property is located in) will review your application and respond with a decision. When the process is complete, you will receive a document by email containing your signature number, which serves as proof of your successful submission and application status.