Frequently Asked Questions about the new Unique Registration Number in Spain
What is the Digital Single Window and why do you need a Unique Registration Number in Spain from 2025?
April 2025
Starting July 1st this year, the Spanish Council of Ministers’ Royal Decree 1312/2024 introduces new regulations for the short-term vacation rental sector in Spain, following European Union guidelines. The objective is to enhance traceability and transparency through the Digital Single Window for Rentals, a system in which each property must obtain a Unique Registration Number (NRA). Below we answer the most frequently asked questions about the holiday rental law changes and how to comply with the new requirements.
Most frequently asked questions about the changes in holiday rental law (Royal Decree 1312/2024)
1. What is the Digital Single Window for Rentals and the Unique Registration Number (NRA)?
The Digital Single Window for Rentals is a centralized platform, managed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda, that allows short-term rentals in Spain to be registered and monitored in a unified way. In short, it’s the central holiday rental registry for Spain.
The NRA is the mandatory identifier that each accommodation must obtain in order to be legally offered on holiday rental portals and platforms such as Holidu.
2. Why is this law being introduced?
Royal Decree 1312/2024, based on EU Regulation 2024/1028, aims to:
- Increase transparency and traceability in the short-term rental market.
- Combat illegal rentals and unauthorized operations.
- Create a safer environment for both hosts and travellers, ensuring quality and proper tax compliance of short-term accommodations.
3. Who is affected by this regulation?
- Hosts (individuals or companies) offering short-term accommodations in Spain in exchange for remuneration.
- Digital rental platforms operating in Spain, regardless of where their headquarters are located.
4. What types of properties are impacted by this regulation?
All properties intended for short-term rental for profit, for example:
- Tourist-use housing (homes, apartments, equipped boats, etc.)
- Temporary-use housing (for students, relocated workers, medical patients, etc.)
The regulation does not apply to hotels, aparthotels, motels, guesthouses, hostels, or similar establishments officially classified under NACE Rev. 2 Groups 55.1 or 55.2, as well as properties located in campsites or caravan areas classified under Group 55.3.
5. How do I know if my property is excluded from this regulation?
If your tourist license is not classified as a “tourist-use home” (VUT) or vacation rental, but instead registered as a hotel, hostel, guesthouse, camping, or other regulated tourism establishment, it’s likely excluded.
You can verify this through your license number in the regional tourism registry or by consulting your local authority or regional government.
6. When does the law come into effect and what is the deadline?
The regulation took effect on January 2, 2025.
There is a grace period until July 1, 2025.
- Before that date, all hosts must have obtained an NRA and communicated it to the holiday rental portals and platforms.
- As of July 1, 2025, any listing without an NRA must be removed by the platforms within 48 hours.
7. What are the main obligations for hosts?
- Obtain a Unique Registration Number (NRA) for each unit you offer.
- Keep your information updated: if you change capacity, ownership, or other features, you must report it.
- Respond to authorities regarding inspections or information requests.
- Include the NRA in every holiday rental platform where your property is listed. Otherwise, the platform will not be able to keep your listing active.
8. How do I obtain a Unique Registration Number (NRA)?
You can find the process in detail in this video (in Spanish) or this PDF (also in Spanish).
- Gather the required documentation:
- Unique Registry Code (“Código Registral Único” or CRU)
- Cadastral Reference (or Boat ID number if applicable)
- Tourist license or authorization (if required by your region
- Access the Electronic Headquarters of the College of Registrars.
- Sign and submit the documentation online via “Telematic Submission” (“Presentación telemática””).
- You will receive an email with a link to download the provisional NRA from the Electronic Headquarters. Once validated, its status becomes permanent and you will receive an email notification.
9. Can I apply for an NRA if my property only has a temporary license number?
Yes. As long as your license is currently active in the Consell, it will be accepted during the application process. A temporary license is still valid, even if under review.
10. I have several units under the same license number. Can I apply for multiple NRAs with the shared license?
Yes. As long as the units legally operate under the same license, you can apply for an individual NRA for each one using the shared license number.
11. Can I apply for an NRA on someone else’s behalf (e.g. if I’m a property manager or agency)?
Yes. But you must:
- Attach a document proving legal authorization (e.g., a notarized power of attorney or signed authorization).
- Indicate the owner’s name in the “Person represented by the applicant” field of the form (“Persona a la que representa el interesado”).
12. How long is the NRA valid and do I need to renew it?
The NRA is valid for 12 months and is renewable if the rental activity continues. You’ll need to renew it annually, but the number itself won’t change.
13. What if I have multiple properties?
- You must apply for an NRA for each unit you rent.
- If multiple units share the same CRU (e.g. apartments in one building), you can apply for multiple NRAs in one application by detailing each unit.
- In Holidu, you must enter the NRA for each individual unit.
14. Will I still be able to rent my holiday home if I don’t get the NRA before July 1, 2025?
By law, holiday rental portals and platforms (including Holidu) must deactivate any listing without a valid NRA starting on that date. You won’t be able to advertise your holiday home and receive booking until you obtain an NRA.
15. What about future bookings if I don’t get or renew the NRA?
Future reservations do not need to be cancelled if they were made through a valid listing at the time of booking (either with a valid NRA after July 1, 2025 or without an NRA before the Royal Decree 1312/2024 took effect).
16. I’m a Holidu Host. What are the steps I need to follow?
- Obtain your NRA as soon as possible by following the steps above.
- Log into your Holidu account.
- Click on “Check the list” in the homepage banner and enter the NRA(s) you received (even if provisional) for each unit.
- Or go to the “Properties” section and enter the NRA in the “Unique Registration Number” field under “General Information.”
17. What if I don’t have a certificate of occupancy (“cédula de habitabilidad”)? Will I lose my license?
No. Licenses will not be revoked due to missing certificates of occupancy.
Many tourist licenses were issued for properties without this certificate. If your license is included in the Unique Registration Number system, your property can claim grandfathered status due to long-term activity and request an exemption. This allows you to keep your license and obtain an NRA.
18. My Holidu account won’t accept my NRA — it shows an error. What do I do?
The NRA can be up to 53 alphanumeric characters and follows a specific structure.
If you see an error while saving the NRA in Holidu, make sure the format is correct and all parts comply with the specifications highlighted in the table below:
19. Where can I find my Unique Registry Code (“Código Registral Único” CRU)?
The CRU is a 14-digit numeric code you can find:
- On the Simple Note (“Nota Simple”) from the Property Registry. If you don’t have it, you can request it online from the College of Registrars: https://sede.registradores.org
- In your property deed, where it may appear as “Unique Registry Identifier” (“Identificador Único Registral”)
20. Where can I find more information?
- Official Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda website: short-term rentals and Digital Single Window FAQ
- Official video tutorial (in Spanish) for the NRA application process
- Official NRA Application Guide (in Spanish)
- College of Registrars: https://www.registradores.org/
- The Royal Decree 1312/2024 text in the Official State Gazette (BOE)
- Holidu Help Center