Real Decreto 933/2021 is a Spanish regulation requiring hosts and accommodation platforms to collect and report guest registration data to the Spanish Ministry of the Interior. This law enhances security and helps authorities monitor accommodation usage. If you operate properties in Spain through Holidu, understanding your compliance obligations is essential to avoid potential fines.

What is Real Decreto 933/2021?

Real Decreto 933/2021 is a Spanish law designed to strengthen security measures and prevent criminal activities in the vacation and car rental sectors. Under this regulation, all hosts and intermediary platforms must collect detailed information about guests, properties, and bookings, then submit this data to the Spanish Ministry of the Interior.

When Did This Law Come Into Effect?

The regulation came into force on January 2, 2023. A transition period lasted until October 1, 2024. After October 1, 2024, non-compliance may result in fines depending on the violation severity:

• Minor infraction: €100 to €600
• Serious infraction: €601 to €30,000
• Very serious infraction: €30,001 to €200,000

How Does This Law Affect Holidu Hosts?

As a Holidu host with properties in Spain, you must report guest and booking details within 24 hours after each check-in. The good news is that Holidu simplifies this process through its online check-in feature, which automates much of the reporting to Spanish authorities.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Collecting mandatory guest information through the online check-in process
• Ensuring all guest details are accurate and complete before check-in
• Activating and maintaining the online check-in feature in your Holidu account
• Providing correct login credentials for the relevant reporting authority

What Information Must Be Reported?

You must collect and report the following mandatory guest information:

• Full names of all guests
• Date of birth
• Residential address
• Contact details (phone or email)
• ID type and number (for adults)
• Spanish ID number (NIF or NIE) if applicable
• Relationship to minors in the booking

Holidu automatically collects transaction data for your property and booking details. However, guests must provide their personal information through the online check-in form that Holidu emails to them.

How Holidu Helps: Online Check-In Feature

Holidu's online check-in feature streamlines your compliance with Real Decreto 933/2021. Here's how it works:

Step 1: Register with the Reporting Authority

First, create an account on the SES Hospedajes platform (the official Spanish Ministry of the Interior portal). During registration, make sure to select "Send communications via webservice" as your communication method. If your property is in Catalonia, register with Mossos d'Esquadra instead. For the Basque Country, register with Ertzaintza.

Step 2: Activate Online Check-In in Holidu

Log into your Holidu host account and activate the guest online check-in feature. Select the appropriate reporting authority based on your property location (SES Hospedajes, Mossos d'Esquadra, or Ertzaintza).

Step 3: Provide Your Authority Login Credentials

Enter your login credentials from SES Hospedajes or your regional authority into the Holidu system. This allows Holidu to automatically submit guest data on your behalf.

Step 4: Collect Guest Information

Guests will receive an email with a check-in form link. They complete this form with their required personal information before arrival.

Step 5: Automatic Reporting

Once everything is set up correctly, Holidu automatically sends all guest details to the relevant Spanish 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 previously reported information.

For detailed instructions on using Holidu's check-in feature, visit the Holidu Guest Check-In Feature FAQ.

Does This Apply to All Hosts?

Yes, this regulation applies to all properties located in Spain, regardless of whether you are a Spanish resident or national. Your property location determines your compliance obligations, not your personal residency status.

What Happens If I Don't Comply?

Failure to comply with Real Decreto 933/2021 may result in fines ranging from €100 to €200,000, depending on the severity of the violation. Incomplete data submission is considered a serious infraction, while late submission is considered minor. By activating Holidu's online check-in feature and ensuring guest information is complete and accurate, you can avoid these penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to verify guest details if Holidu reports them?

Yes. While Holidu helps automate the reporting process, you remain responsible for ensuring all mandatory guest information is collected and accurate. If any information is missing or incomplete, you must collect it directly from guests upon check-in.

What if a booking is cancelled after it's reported?

Holidu automatically updates the SES Hospedajes platform to cancel or withdraw the previously reported booking information when a non-refundable booking is cancelled later.

Can I see a list of bookings Holidu has reported?

While Holidu does not provide a direct list of reported bookings, you can verify reported bookings by checking your confirmed and non-refundable bookings in your Holidu account. Cancelled bookings will have their data withdrawn from the authorities' systems.

Is the online check-in feature mandatory?

Yes, to comply with Real Decreto 933/2021 and to ensure timely and accurate reporting, you must activate the online check-in feature. It is the most efficient way to collect required guest information and submit it to Spanish authorities.

What should I do if I haven't activated online check-in yet?

Activate it immediately. Log into your Holidu account, navigate to the check-in settings, and follow the steps to register with SES Hospedajes (or your regional authority), provide your credentials, and enable automatic reporting.

What if the guest doesn't complete the online check-in form?

You must collect the required information directly from the guest before or during check-in. Incomplete data can result in fines. Send a reminder to the guest if they haven't completed the form and collect any missing information manually if necessary.

Does this regulation apply to short-term rentals only?

Real Decreto 933/2021 applies to all vacation rental accommodations in Spain. If you rent properties on a short-term basis through Holidu, this regulation applies to you.

Additional Resources

For official information about Real Decreto 933/2021, consult these government sources:

• Official BOE Publication of Royal Decree 933/2021
• Official BOE Publication BOE-A-2015-3442, Article 39

For step-by-step guidance on using Holidu's check-in feature, see the Holidu Guest Check-In Feature FAQ.

Thank you for being a valued Holidu host and for your commitment to compliance and security.