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 frequently asked questions to help you stay prepared when the changes roll out.

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 property owners time to prepare and ensure compliance before enforcement begins.

Is there a draft of the law available for consultation?

Yes, a draft of the law is available for consultation. You can review the current draft on the official Canary Islands Parliament website to understand the proposed requirements and regulations in detail.

Is it mandatory to obtain a 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. However, once the law comes into effect, the license will be mandatory to continue operating your vacation rental. We recommend obtaining your license early to avoid delays and ensure a smooth transition when enforcement begins.

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

No, a vacation rental license is not required for guest registration. Guest registration and vacation rental licensing are separate processes. You can register guests through the required channels independently of the VV license application process.

Which municipalities have longer processing times for license applications?

Some municipalities experience longer processing times due to high application volumes and limited administrative capacity. If you're operating in one of these areas, plan ahead to 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 (the governing body responsible for permits) is currently not responding to requests

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

Guest registration through SES (the Canary Islands guest registration system) is already mandatory. The Ventanilla Única (One-Stop Window) for centralized administrative processing is confirmed to become mandatory in July 2025. Both systems are part of the regulatory framework to ensure transparent and compliant vacation rental operations.

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

The responsible declaration is submitted online through the official Government of the Canary Islands website. A digital certificate is required to complete the submission. If you're unable to complete the process yourself, your authorized advisor or representative can handle it on your behalf.

Key details about the submission process:

• The process is completely free
• Once submitted, the competent authority (either your local town hall or the Cabildo, depending on your municipality) will review your application
• The authority will respond with their decision
• When the process is complete, you'll receive a confirmation document by email containing your signature number

Keep this confirmation document safe, as it serves as proof of your application submission and will be important for compliance purposes.