Tourism License in Catalonia: How to Apply

If you want to rent out a holiday apartment in Catalonia, you need a valid tourism license.

Without it, you may face heavy fines. In this article, we explain step by step how to obtain the license, what costs are involved, and which requirements must be met.

Requirements for a Tourism License

To apply for a license to rent out a holiday apartment in Catalonia, the following conditions must be met:

• Ownership or right of use: You must be the owner of the property or have a legal right to use it. If there are multiple owners, explicit consent is required.
• Complete apartment: Only a full apartment can be licensed, not individual rooms.
• Good living condition: The property must be in good condition and have a valid Cédula de Habitabilidad (certificate of habitability).
• Insurance: Proof of liability insurance is mandatory.
• Energy certificate: An energy efficiency certificate for the property must be provided.
• Community approval: In multi-unit buildings, approval from the homeowners' association is often required.

Costs of the Tourism License

The fees for obtaining a license vary depending on the municipality:

• Administrative fees: €30 – €100
• Additional costs may apply for inspections or modifications to the property

Important Notes

• Zone restrictions: In cities like Barcelona, new licenses are heavily restricted. They are usually only granted in specific areas with low tourist density.
• Density limits: In many municipalities, the number of holiday apartments must not exceed 10% of all apartments.
• Penalties for illegal renting: Renting without a valid license can result in fines of up to €60,000.

Application Process

The application is usually submitted at the local town hall (Ajuntament). Required documents:

• Applicant's personal information
• Cadastral number of the property
• Floor plan of the apartment
• Cédula de Habitabilidad

In some cases, an additional preliminary report from the municipality is required, confirming the property's suitability for tourist use.

Conclusion

Before renting out a holiday apartment in Catalonia, it is essential to apply for a tourism license. Applying on time and correctly protects you from heavy fines and ensures that your property can be rented legally.