Mallorca is a perfect tourist destination to set up tourist accommodation. Its climate, gastronomy, facilities, and geographical position make it one of the preferred tourist destinations for both Spaniards and the European population.
Since 2022, the Balearic government has imposed a moratorium on issuing and transferring new ETV tourist licenses, which remains in effect at least until 2026. This means no new licenses can be requested until the Consell de Mallorca reviews the situation and publishes new requirements, expected for June 2025. Therefore, the only legal way to enter the vacation rental business is to acquire a property that already has a valid license.
The rise of Mallorca as a tourist destination has led the Balearic government to approve a tourist license moratorium, at least until 2026, which freezes both the transfer and issuance of new tourist licenses.
Currently, properties with granted tourist licenses can continue generating legal revenue, but cannot request another tourist license if the owner wants to rent another property touristically.
The best way to enter the tourist rental business in Mallorca is by purchasing a property that already has a tourist license.
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An ETV license is a permit that enables vacation rental in Mallorca year-round, without needing renewal since it’s permanent. To keep the license valid in 2025, the property must be registered in the new Single Tourist Rental Registry (NRUA), which provides a registration number that must appear on all ads and online platforms like Airbnb or Booking. Additionally, you need an updated habitability certificate and energy certificate, as well as civil liability insurance and a 24-hour contact phone available for guests and the community.
This license is perfect for those seeking long-term investments, costing €3,500 per guest bed. The price depends on the number of bedrooms in the property.
For example: If an accommodation has one bedroom, its cost would be €7,000, since each bedroom has capacity for 2 guests.
These beds are essential for legally managing a property intended for vacation rental on the island. Without an ETV license specifying the number of beds assigned by the Mallorcan government, it’s not possible to rent a property for periods shorter than one month.
Yes, you can rent a property without an ETV license, but when it’s not short-term rental. Without this license, it’s only legal to rent the property for stays of one month or more, under the Urban Leases Law (LAU). In these cases, a private rental contract is usually signed. Short-term rental without an ETV license is illegal and can result in fines from €5,000 to over €50,000. For long-term rentals (over 1 month), the Urban Leases Law (LAU) applies.
In Mallorca, there are three main types of licenses for tourist stays in housing (ETV, ETVPL, and ETV60), each with specific characteristics depending on different aspects:
ETV license regulation in Mallorca reflects an effort to balance tourism development with environmental and local community protection. Each license type (ETV, ETVPL, and ETV60) is designed to meet different needs and situations: from vacation rental in single-family properties exclusively for tourism, to partial use of the owner’s primary residence.
Additionally, ETV licenses constitute a very valuable asset in the Mallorcan real estate market due to limitations on obtaining new ones. Investors are recommended to carefully verify the status, validity, and license conditions before acquiring a property for tourist rental to avoid legal issues and fines.
However, the moratorium introduction on issuing new licenses until 2026 has significantly limited options for new owners interested in entering the tourist rental market. This restriction aims to control mass tourism impact, prioritizing sustainability and housing for residents.
In conclusion, ETV licenses are essential for legally operating in Mallorca’s vacation rental sector. However, current restrictions make properties already holding these licenses highly valuable assets. This also underscores the importance of understanding local regulations before investing in a property for tourist purposes on the island.
