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. At Holidu, we're here to support you every step of the way — and our local team in Spain follows these regulatory changes closely so you don't have to.

Below, you'll find essential information and answers to your most common questions about the new vacation rental regulations in the Canary Islands.

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 timeline gives you an opportunity to prepare and ensure your vacation rental property is compliant with the new requirements.

Is there a draft of the law available for consultation?

Yes. You can review the current draft to understand the proposed regulations in detail. Having access to the draft allows you to familiarize yourself with the requirements ahead of time and plan accordingly for your vacation rental business.

Is it mandatory to obtain the license right now?

Not yet. There are currently no penalties for not having a vacation rental license, and you cannot be reported for not holding one at this time. However, once the law comes into effect, the license will be mandatory in order to continue operating your vacation rental. We recommend starting the application process early to avoid delays when the requirement becomes active.

Is a Vacation Rental (VV) license required for guest registration?

No, a VV licence is not required for guest registration. Guest registration and vacation rental licensing are separate processes. You can continue registering guests while you work on obtaining your vacation rental license.

Which municipalities have longer processing times for license applications?

Some municipalities take longer to process vacation rental license applications due to high application volumes and limited administrative capacity. If your property is located in one of these areas, plan ahead and submit your application as early as possible:

• 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 paused new vacation rental applications, as the Cabildo is currently not responding to requests

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

Guest registration in the SES (Sistema de Entrada y Salida) system is already mandatory for all vacation rentals in the Canary Islands. The Ventanilla Única (One-Stop Window) is confirmed to become mandatory in July 2025. Make sure your vacation rental is registered and compliant with guest registration requirements now to avoid any disruptions to your bookings.

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 official Government of the Canary Islands website. A digital certificate is required to complete the submission process.

If you're unable to complete the application yourself, your registered advisor or representative can handle the submission on your behalf. The process is completely free of charge.

Here's what happens after submission:

• The competent authority (either your local town hall or the Cabildo, depending on your municipality) reviews your application
• The authority responds to your submission within their standard processing timeframe
• Once the process is complete, you'll receive a document by email containing your signature number and confirmation of your vacation rental license

Keep this confirmation document for your records, as you may need to provide proof of your vacation rental license to demonstrate compliance with the new regulations.