Guest Check-In Requirements in Costa del Sol, Spain: What Every Host Needs to Know
If you rent out your property on Airbnb or other short-term platforms in Spain, there’s more to check-in than just handing over the keys and saying “enjoy your stay.” Spanish law requires hosts to register guest information with the police, just like hotels and hostels do.
Whether you’re in Marbella, Málaga, Estepona, or Fuengirola, these check-in requirements apply to every short-term rental — and failing to comply can result in fines of up to €30,000.
At Solcierge, we manage check-ins and legal compliance for property owners across the Costa del Sol. In this guide, we break down the exact requirements you need to follow to stay legal, stress-free, and guest-ready.
🛎️ What Are the Legal Guest Check-In Requirements?
Under Spanish law (Order INT/1922/2003 and updated regulations), every guest over the age of 16 staying in a holiday rental must be:
Identified with valid ID (passport or national ID card)
Logged on a guest registration form (parte de entrada)
Reported to the local police or Guardia Civil within 24 hours of check-in
This applies to:
Airbnb stays
Booking.com, VRBO, and other platforms
Direct bookings and private short-term lets
If you're hosting guests in Andalusia, you're required to follow this process for every stay — no exceptions.
🧾 Step-by-Step Guide to Compliant Guest Check-Ins
Here’s what the legal check-in process looks like in practice:
✅ 1. Register as a Holiday Rental Host with the Police
Before you can submit guest data, you must register your property and identity with the local police or Guardia Civil.
This involves:
Filling out a registration form
Showing your ID and VFT licence
Receiving access to the HOSPEDAJES (online registration portal)
⚠️ You cannot submit guest details until this is completed.
✅ 2. Collect Guest Information Upon Arrival
When guests arrive, you must verify and record the following:
Full name
Date of birth
Nationality
Passport or ID number
Date of arrival
Signature of the guest
You must use an official guest registration form — known as a parte de entrada de viajeros.
📝 You’re required to store these signed forms for up to 3 years in case of inspection.
✅ 3. Submit Guest Data to the Police
Once you've collected the required information, it must be submitted within 24 hours via:
The HOSPEDAJES portal (preferred method)
An authorised channel (e.g. police integration software)
In person (only allowed in limited rural cases)
The data is securely held by law enforcement and is not shared with other parties — but it’s a crucial part of Spain’s national security system.
📌 Additional Rules You Should Know
Every guest over 16 must be included — even if they’re not the one booking.
Group bookings still require individual details for each person.
You must display your VFT licence number in your listing and on your property.
Failure to comply can result in administrative fines ranging from €600 to €30,000, depending on severity.
👋 How Solcierge Helps with Guest Check-In
At Solcierge, we take the pressure off property owners by managing every aspect of guest check-in and legal registration. Our services include:
In-person guest welcomes and key handovers
Passport scanning and ID verification
Guest form completion and signature capture
Secure and timely police registration
Coordination with property access systems (if using keypads or smart locks)
We also handle Airbnb messaging, arrival coordination, and concierge-style welcomes, so you and your guests can enjoy a smooth, professional experience — without the paperwork stress.
💬 Need Help With Guest Check-In in Costa del Sol?
Whether you’re managing a single property or a growing portfolio, staying compliant with Spain’s short-term rental laws is essential. Let Solcierge take care of the admin — so you can focus on enjoying your property and maximising its return.
Contact us today to learn more about our guest check-in services across the Costa del Sol, including Marbella, Mijas, Estepona, Málaga, Benalmádena, and beyond.