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. Understanding these new vacation rental regulations in the Canary Islands is essential for property owners and managers. Below, you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the new regulations.

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. Property owners should monitor official announcements from the Canary Islands government to stay informed about the specific implementation timeline.

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

Yes, a current draft of the new vacation rental regulations is available for public consultation. You can review the complete draft document to understand the proposed requirements and prepare your property accordingly.

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

Not yet. There are currently no penalties for not having a vacation rental license, and you cannot be reported for not holding one. However, once the law comes into effect, the license will be mandatory in order to continue operating your vacation rental property. We recommend gathering the necessary information and preparing your documentation now to avoid delays when the law is officially implemented.

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

No, a VV license is not required for guest registration. Guest registration and vacation rental licensing are separate requirements. You can continue registering guests through the required channels independently of the VV license application process.

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

Some municipalities in the Canary Islands experience longer processing times for vacation rental license applications due to high application volumes and limited administrative capacity. These 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 currently paused new VV applications, as the Cabildo (the administrative body responsible for these permits) is not responding to new requests at this time

If your property is in one of these areas, consider submitting your application early to account for extended processing times.

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

Guest registration in SES (the Canary Islands' guest registration system) is already mandatory. The Ventanilla Única (One-Stop Window) requirement for vacation rental administration is confirmed for July 2025. Property owners should ensure they are compliant with current SES requirements and prepare for the additional Ventanilla Única requirements when they take effect.

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

The responsible declaration for your vacation rental license is submitted online through the Government of the Canary Islands website. A digital certificate is required to complete the process. If you are unable to complete the submission yourself, an authorized advisor can handle it on your behalf.

The process is completely free. Once you submit your responsible declaration, the competent authority (either your local town hall or the Cabildo, depending on your specific municipality) will review your case and respond accordingly. When the process is complete, you will receive a document by email containing your signature number, which serves as confirmation of your application.