New Vacation Rental Regulations in the Canary Islands - FAQ

As short-term rental activity continues to grow, the Canary Islands is introducing new regulations to ensure hosting is safe, responsible, and community-friendly. This comprehensive FAQ guide covers the 7 essential points you need to know about the new vacation rental regulations.

1. When will the new law come into effect?

There is no exact date yet. The law is expected to be published between April and May 2025, at which point the adaptation period for hosts will be defined. This gives property owners time to prepare for compliance once the official timeline is announced.

2. Is there a draft of the law available for consultation?

Yes, a draft of the law is available for review. You can access the current draft to understand the proposed requirements and regulations before they come into effect. Reviewing the draft now allows you to anticipate changes and plan accordingly for your vacation rental property.

3. Is it mandatory to obtain the license right now?

Not yet. There are currently no penalties for not having a license, and you cannot be reported for not holding one. However, once the law comes into effect, the license will be mandatory to continue operating your vacation rental. We recommend beginning the process early to avoid delays when enforcement begins.

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 licensing are separate processes. You can register guests through the required systems independently of your VV license application status.

5. Which municipalities have longer processing times for license applications?

Some municipalities in the Canary Islands experience longer processing times due to high application volumes and limited administrative capacity. Processing delays vary by location:

• Lanzarote: Playa Blanca and Teguise have extended processing times
• Tenerife: Arona (approximately one month), Güímar, Candelaria, El Rosario, Garachico, and Puerto de la Cruz experience longer wait periods
• Gran Canaria: Agaete and Agüimes have increased processing times
• La Palma: The entire island has paused new VV applications, as the Cabildo is currently not responding to requests

If your property is in one of these municipalities, consider applying early once the process is available to secure your license before deadlines.

6. When will guest registration in SES and the One-Stop Window be mandatory?

Guest registration in SES (the guest registration system) is already mandatory. The Ventanilla Única (One-Stop Window) for centralized registration is confirmed for mandatory implementation in July. Ensure your properties are compliant with SES registration requirements now, and prepare for the additional One-Stop Window requirements when they launch.

7. How is the responsible declaration for the Vacation Rental (VV) license submitted?

The responsible declaration for your Vacation Rental license is submitted online through the Government of the Canary Islands website. A digital certificate is required to complete the submission. If you are unable to complete the process yourself, your advisor or representative can handle it on your behalf at no additional cost.

Once submitted, the competent authority (either your local town hall or the Cabildo, depending on your municipality) reviews your application and responds with a decision. When the process is complete, you will receive a document by email containing your signature number, confirming your submission has been processed.

Key Takeaways

Understanding these 7 key points about new vacation rental regulations in the Canary Islands is essential for compliance and continued operation:

• Monitor official announcements for the law publication date (April-May 2025)
• Review the available draft to prepare for upcoming requirements
• Begin the licensing process early, especially if located in high-volume municipalities
• Keep guest registration in SES up to date
• Prepare for One-Stop Window integration in July
• Obtain your digital certificate for the responsible declaration submission
• Stay informed about your specific municipality's processing timelines

Staying informed and preparing in advance will help ensure a smooth transition when the new regulations take effect in the Canary Islands.