How to obtain a tourist license in Catalonia

In Catalonia, the tourist rental business is booming due to its extensive supply of tourist rentals. Its strategic geo-location makes it a key territory in the Mediterranean, with much of the credit going to the city of Barcelona, which, due to its great tourist appeal, attracts a large number of tourists throughout the year.

Due to this high influx of tourists, Barcelona has been a pioneer in implementing strict measures to abruptly halt illegal tourist accommodation rentals.

The tourist accommodation sector is a significant part of the country’s economy, which is why it must be properly regulated to avoid the supply of illegal tourist accommodations.

In this article, we will cover the necessary requirements to start a vacation rental business completely legally, by applying for a tourist license in Catalonia.

Regulatory framework for tourist licenses in Catalonia

In Catalonia, the regulation of licenses for tourist use housing is mainly established in the following regulations:

Law 13/2002, of June 21, on tourism in Catalonia: This law defines and regulates tourist activities in the autonomous community. In its Article 50, it introduces the concept of tourist use housing, establishing that these are properties ceded by their owner, directly or indirectly, to third parties in exchange for financial compensation, for seasonal stays, under conditions of immediate availability. It also specifies that these properties must be ceded entirely and not by rooms.

However, in the city of Barcelona, the so-called PEUAT or Special Urban Planning Plan for Tourist Accommodations is in force. This is specific legislation regulating the implementation and growth of tourist accommodations in Barcelona. Its objective is to balance tourist supply with residents’ housing needs and territorial sustainability.

The PEUAT establishes a zoning of the city of Barcelona, allowing or not the issuance of new tourist licenses. The plan has been modified several times since its first approval in 2017. The latest update came into force in 2023, strengthening restrictions in some areas and expanding conditions for implementing tourist accommodations in other transformation zones.

Decree 159/2012 develops Law 13/2002, on tourism in Catalonia, of June 21, which establishes the requirements and obligations for operating tourist use housing in Catalonia. But… what is considered tourist use housing?

• Housing ceded entirely (not by rooms).
• Housing rented for periods equal to or less than 31 days.
• Housing commercialized directly by the owner or through intermediaries.
• Housing that does not require additional services typical of hotel establishments (such as reception, daily cleaning, etc.).

Requirements to obtain a tourist license in Catalonia

The requirements to obtain a tourist license in Catalonia are as follows:

• Structural and habitability requirements: The housing must comply with a valid habitability certificate and be in adequate conditions of hygiene, furniture, and equipment. The number of places established in the habitability certificate cannot be exceeded.
• Equipment conditions: The housing must be furnished and equipped with the necessary utensils for immediate occupancy, with adequate drinking water, electricity, and ventilation supplies.
• Coexistence and civility rules: The owner must inform tenants about the building’s coexistence rules and municipal ordinances. In case of uncivil behavior, the homeowners’ association can report to the City Council to take action.
• Guest identification and control: The owner is obliged to notify the police (Mossos d’Esquadra) of the data of the people staying. A rental contract with the conditions must be provided to the guests.
• Registration and legalization: To operate legally, the housing must be registered in the Tourism Registry of Catalonia (RTC), obtaining a municipal license and complying with the municipal urban planning requirements.
• Insurance and responsibilities: It is mandatory to have civil liability insurance covering possible damage to third parties. The owner is responsible for keeping the housing in good condition and responding to tenant incidents.
• Inspections and penalties: Housing can be inspected by the Government of Catalonia or the corresponding City Council.

Create the Traveller Register digitally on your mobile and send it directly to the Mossos d'Esquadra

Streamline the check-in process and digitise the recording of guest details at your accommodation.

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Non-compliance with regulations can lead to economic penalties and loss of the tourist license.

Procedure to obtain a tourist license in Catalonia

To apply for the tourist license, you must go to your local city council. You will need to request the responsible activity start declaration model, where the signatories commit to complying with the requirements established by current regulations.

Once the required documentation has been submitted, the housing will be registered in the Housing Registry of Catalonia.

Once the housing obtains its license, it can benefit from tourist promotion through the Official Guide to Tourist Accommodations and the Catalonia tourist promotion portal.