Real Decreto 933/2021 is a Spanish regulation that requires hosts and accommodation platforms to collect and report guest information to the Spanish Ministry of the Interior. This law aims to enhance security and prevent criminal activities within the vacation rental sector. If you operate properties in Spain through Holidu, understanding and complying with this decree is essential to avoid significant fines.
What is Real Decreto 933/2021?
Real Decreto 933/2021 is a Spanish law that came into effect on January 2, 2023, requiring all vacation rental hosts and intermediary platforms to report detailed guest and booking information to authorities. The regulation applies to all properties located in Spain, regardless of whether the host is a Spanish resident or not.
The law establishes a transition period that lasted until October 1, 2024. After this deadline, non-compliance or incomplete submissions may result in fines ranging from €100 to €200,000, depending on the severity of the infraction.
How Does This Law Affect You as a Host?
As a host with properties in Spain on Holidu, you are required to report guest and booking details within 24 hours after each check-in. However, Holidu simplifies this process through its online check-in feature, which automates much of the reporting to the Spanish Ministry of the Interior.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure all guest information is collected accurately and completely
- Provide guests with an online check-in form to gather mandatory data
- Verify that Holidu has successfully reported the information to authorities
- Update reported information if a non-refundable booking is cancelled
What Information Must You Report?
The following data must be collected and reported for each booking:
Host and Property Details
Holidu automatically collects and stores this information, so you don't need to provide it separately.
Guest Information
You must gather the following details from all guests in a booking:
- Full names
- Date of birth
- Residential address
- Contact details (phone number or email address)
- ID type and identification number (for adults)
- Spanish ID number (NIF or NIE) if applicable
- Relationship to minors in the booking
Guests complete this information through an online check-in form that Holidu emails automatically. You can access and review this data in your booking details.
Booking and Transaction Details
Holidu automatically collects transaction information, so no additional action is required from you for this data.
How Holidu Helps: The Online Check-In Feature
Holidu has developed an online check-in feature specifically designed to simplify compliance with Real Decreto 933/2021. This tool automates the collection and reporting of guest information to Spanish authorities.
What Steps Must You Follow to Submit Data Through Holidu?
Follow these steps to activate and configure the online check-in feature:
Step 1: Register on the SES Hospedajes Platform
Visit the official SES Hospedajes registration page provided by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior to create your account. You will need this account to connect with Holidu.
Step 2: Enable Webservice Communications
During your SES Hospedajes registration, ensure you select "Send communications via webservice." This setting allows Holidu to communicate directly with the platform on your behalf.
Step 3: Activate Guest Online Check-In in Your Holidu Account
Log in to your Holidu host dashboard and navigate to the check-in settings. Activate the Guest Online Check-In feature for your properties in Spain.
Step 4: Select Your Relevant Authority
Choose the appropriate reporting authority based on your property location:
- SES Hospedajes (for most of Spain)
- Mossos d'Esquadra (for properties in Catalonia)
- Ertzaintza (for properties in the Basque Country)
Step 5: Provide Your Login Credentials
Enter your username and password from SES Hospedajes or the relevant regional authority into your Holidu account settings. This allows Holidu to securely report information on your behalf.
How the Automated Reporting Works
Once you complete these steps, Holidu handles the rest automatically:
- Guests receive an online check-in form via email when their booking is confirmed
- Guests submit their information through the secure form
- Holidu collects and validates the data
- Holidu automatically reports the information to your selected authority by 11:00 PM on the check-in day
- If a non-refundable booking is later cancelled, Holidu updates the authorities to withdraw the reported information
For detailed instructions on using this feature, see the Holidu Check-In Feature FAQ.
Important Compliance Deadlines and Penalties
The transition period for Real Decreto 933/2021 ended on October 1, 2024. After this date, the following penalties apply for non-compliance:
- Minor infractions (late or slightly incomplete submissions): €100 to €600
- Serious infractions (incomplete information): €601 to €30,000
- Very serious infractions (repeated non-compliance): €30,001 to €200,000
To avoid these penalties, ensure all guest information is complete and accurate, and verify that your Holidu account is correctly configured to report to the appropriate authority.
Official Government Resources
For comprehensive information about this regulation, refer to the official government sources:
- Official BOE Publication of Royal Decree 933/2021 - Contains the complete text of the regulation
- Official BOE Publication BOE-A-2015-3442, Article 39 - Contains related legal framework and definitions
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Real Decreto 933/2021 come into force?
The law came into effect on January 2, 2023, with a transition period lasting until October 1, 2024. After October 1, 2024, failing to comply or submitting incomplete or late information may result in fines.
Does this regulation apply to non-Spanish hosts?
Yes. This regulation applies to all properties located in Spain, regardless of whether the host is a Spanish resident or holds Spanish nationality.
What happens if a guest cancels their booking after it becomes non-refundable?
Holidu will automatically update the SES Hospedajes platform to cancel or withdraw the previously reported booking information. You do not need to take any additional action.
Can I see a list of bookings Holidu has reported to authorities?
While there is no dedicated list in your Holidu account, you can verify reported bookings by checking confirmed and non-refundable bookings in your dashboard. Cancelled bookings will have their data automatically withdrawn from the authorities' systems.
Is activating online check-in all I need to do?
Once you activate online check-in and provide your credentials, most of the process is automated. However, you must ensure that guests receive and complete the online check-in form with accurate information. Verify that you selected the correct authority and that the "Send communications via webservice" option is enabled on SES Hospedajes.
What if guest information is missing or incomplete?
You must ensure all mandatory guest details are collected and accurate. If information is missing, collect it directly from guests upon check-in. Incomplete submissions can result in fines.
Why is this data collection necessary?
This requirement enhances public security by enabling Spanish authorities to better monitor accommodation usage, contributing to increased safety for residents and visitors in Spain.
Where do I find more information about the online check-in feature?
For step-by-step instructions and additional guidance, see the Holidu Check-In Feature FAQ.
What if I have properties in multiple regions of Spain?
If you have properties in Catalonia, report to Mossos d'Esquadra. If you have properties in the Basque Country, report to Ertzaintza. For all other regions, report to SES Hospedajes. Holidu allows you to configure different authorities for different properties.
Thank you for being a valued Holidu host. By following these guidelines, you ensure compliance with Spanish regulations while providing a smooth experience for your guests.
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