Airbnb Laws in Costa del Sol, Spain: What You Need to Know Before Renting Your Property
Renting your property on Airbnb or similar short-term platforms is a popular and lucrative option for property owners along the Costa del Sol. With steady tourist demand and beautiful homes in places like Marbella, Málaga, Estepona, Fuengirola, Mijas, and Benalmádena, it’s no wonder many owners are turning their second homes into income-generating rentals.
But before you list your property, it’s crucial to understand the legal requirements involved in offering short-term rentals in Andalusia (the region that includes the Costa del Sol). Spain has clear regulations around holiday lets (viviendas con fines turísticos, or VFT) — and failing to comply can result in heavy fines.
At Solcierge, we help property owners navigate these laws, handle the paperwork, and run fully compliant, high-performing Airbnb rentals.
Here’s what you need to know.
🏠 What Counts as a Holiday Rental in Spain?
If you rent out your property for short stays (less than 2 months at a time) to tourists, it is considered a Vivienda con Fines Turísticos (VFT) — a property used for holiday rental purposes.
Whether you list on Airbnb, Booking.com, or manage bookings independently, you must register your property and comply with the rules set by the Junta de Andalucía (Andalusian Government).
✅ Key Legal Requirements to Rent Your Property on Airbnb
1. Tourist Licence Registration (VFT Number)
You must apply for a VFT licence and receive a registration number before legally advertising your property for short-term rent. This must be displayed on all listings and advertisements.
To apply, you’ll need:
Proof that you own the property
The property’s cadastral reference (referencia catastral)
Your DNI/NIE or passport
A declaration that the property meets legal requirements (self-certification)
📌 Solcierge can handle this entire process for you.
2. Meet Habitability & Safety Standards
Your property must:
Have sufficient furniture and fittings for the number of guests
Provide air conditioning (in summer) and heating (in winter)
Be clean, well-maintained, and ready for immediate use
Include a first-aid kit, complaint forms, and a clearly visible set of house rules
Display the official VFT licence number at the entrance of the property
3. Register Guests with the Police
Every guest over 16 must be registered with the Guardia Civil within 24 hours of arrival, just like a hotel. This includes:
Name, passport/ID number, nationality, and stay dates
Submission through a secure online portal (requires prior authorisation)
🔐 Solcierge offers guest check-in services and can handle this legally required registration on your behalf.
4. Comply with Tax Obligations
Rental income is taxable in Spain — even if you live abroad. You may need to:
Declare income and pay IRNR (Non-Resident Income Tax) or IRPF (Resident Income Tax)
Apply deductions (utilities, maintenance, management fees) if you're an EU/EEA resident
File quarterly returns as a non-resident
💼 We can connect you with accountants and tax advisors familiar with short-term rental income for non-residents.
5. Community Rules & Limitations
If your property is within an urbanisation or community (common in Costa del Sol), check the community bylaws. Some communities now prohibit or restrict short-term rentals — and those rules are enforceable under Spain’s Horizontal Property Law.
🚫 What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Authorities have become stricter in recent years. Renting without a licence or ignoring guest registration laws can lead to fines of:
€2,000 to €6,000 for unlicensed rentals
Up to €30,000 for serious breaches (e.g. failure to register guests or misleading advertising)
🛎 How Solcierge Can Help
Solcierge is a full-service Airbnb and property management company based on the Costa del Sol. We specialise in:
VFT licence application and compliance
Guest check-in/out and police registration
Legal and tax support through trusted partners
Premium property care and guest experience
Full-service Airbnb hosting — from listings and pricing to cleaning and concierge
Whether you’re new to hosting or want to ensure your existing listing is fully legal, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
💬 Want to Rent Your Property Legally in Costa del Sol?
Don’t risk fines or legal trouble. If you’re ready to rent your home on Airbnb — or want to make sure you’re doing it the right way — Solcierge is here to help.
Contact us today to learn more about our Airbnb compliance and management services across Marbella, Málaga, Mijas, Estepona, Fuengirola, and beyond.