New Vacation Rental Regulations in the Canary Islands - FAQ

As short-term rental activity continues to grow, many regions are introducing new regulations to ensure hosting is safe, responsible, and community-friendly. At Holidu, we're here to support you every step of the way — and our local team in Spain follows these regulatory changes closely so you don't have to.

Below, you'll find essential information and answers to help you stay prepared when the changes roll out.

1. When will the new law come into effect?

There is no exact date yet. The law is expected to be published between April and May 2025, at which point the adaptation period for hosts will be defined.

Once published, hosts will have a designated transition period to comply with the new requirements. We recommend staying informed about official announcements from the Government of the Canary Islands to understand the exact timeline and deadlines for your specific municipality.

2. Is there a draft of the law available for consultation?

Yes, a draft is available. You can review the current draft to understand the proposed requirements and prepare accordingly.

Reviewing the draft now allows you to identify which requirements may affect your property and start gathering necessary documentation early. This proactive approach can help streamline your compliance process once the law officially takes effect.

3. Is it mandatory to obtain the license right now?

Not yet. There are currently no penalties for not having a license, and you cannot be reported for not holding one at this time.

However, once the law comes into effect, the license will be mandatory to continue operating your vacation rental. We recommend obtaining your license during the transition period to avoid any disruptions to your bookings or operations.

4. Is a Vacation Rental (VV) license required for guest registration?

No, a VV license is not required for guest registration. Guest registration and the vacation rental license are separate processes.

You can register guests through the required systems without holding a VV license. However, to legally operate a vacation rental once the new regulations take effect, you will need to obtain the appropriate license from your local municipality or Cabildo.

5. Which municipalities have longer processing times for license applications?

Some municipalities experience longer processing times due to high application volumes and limited administrative capacity. If your property is located in one of these areas, consider applying early to avoid delays.

Municipalities with longer processing times include:

• Lanzarote: Playa Blanca, Teguise
• Tenerife: Arona (approximately one month), Güímar, Candelaria, El Rosario, Garachico, Puerto de la Cruz
• Gran Canaria: Agaete, Agüimes
• La Palma: The entire island has paused new VV applications. The Cabildo is currently not responding to requests, so applications cannot be processed at this time

If your municipality is on this list, we recommend contacting your local town hall or Cabildo to understand current processing times and plan your application accordingly.

6. When will guest registration in SES and the One-Stop Window be mandatory?

Guest registration in SES is already mandatory. The Ventanilla Única (One-Stop Window) is confirmed for July 2025.

SES (Sistema de Estadísticas de Alojamientos) is the official system for registering guest information and must be used immediately. The One-Stop Window (Ventanilla Única) will provide a centralized platform for various administrative processes starting in July. Make sure your property is compliant with current SES requirements and prepare for the One-Stop Window rollout.

7. How is the responsible declaration for the Vacation Rental (VV) license submitted?

The responsible declaration is submitted online through the Government of the Canary Islands website. A digital certificate is required to complete the submission.

If you cannot complete the online process yourself, your legal advisor or representative can handle it on your behalf. The submission process is free of charge.

Once you submit the declaration, the competent authority (either your local town hall or the Cabildo, depending on your municipality) will review your application and respond within the established timeframe. When the process is complete, you will receive a document by email containing your signature number, which serves as official confirmation of your license application.

Key steps for submission:

• Visit the Government of the Canary Islands official website
• Access the online submission portal using your digital certificate
• Complete the responsible declaration form with accurate property and owner information
• Submit the application and save your confirmation reference
• Wait for the competent authority to review and respond
• Receive your signature number via email when approved