If you own a property in Marbella and are considering renting it as a holiday home, obtaining a tourist licence in Andalusia is not optional — it is a legal requirement.

Many property owners, especially international investors, are unaware of how strict the regulations are and how costly mistakes can be. Renting without the correct registration can lead to significant fines, listing removals from platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, and even bans on future licences.

In this guide, we explain exactly what you need to legally rent your property in Marbella, how the process works, and how Pass the Keys Marbella helps owners complete everything smoothly and correctly.

What Is a Tourist Licence in Andalusia?

A tourist licence — officially known as Vivienda con Fines Turísticos (VFT) — is the registration that allows a private property to be legally rented for short-term stays in Andalusia.

Once registered, your property receives a VFT registration number, which must be displayed on:

• Airbnb

• Booking.com

• VRBO

• Any other booking platform

Without this number, listings are considered illegal, even if the property is privately owned.

Basic Requirements to Apply for a Tourist Licence in Marbella

To apply for a holiday rental licence in Marbella, your property must meet several conditions.

Urban Planning Compliance

The property must be:

• Residential (not commercial)

• Legally built and registered

• Not affected by urban restrictions

Certain developments and rural areas may have limitations, which must be checked before applying.

Occupancy Certificate or Equivalent

You must provide one of the following:

• First Occupancy Licence (LPO)

• Responsible Declaration from the Town Hall

• Equivalent legal habitation document

This proves the property is legally fit for residential use.

Safety and Equipment Requirements

By law, holiday rentals in Andalusia must include:

• First aid kit

• Fire extinguisher (in certain property types)

• Smoke and CO detectors where required

• Air conditioning and heating systems

• Complaint forms (Hojas de Reclamaciones)

Failure to comply can result in fines during inspections or guest complaints.

Proper Property Description and Registration

When submitting the application, authorities require:

• Correct property data

• Accurate room numbers and capacity

• Owner identification

• Digital submission through the Andalusian tourism registry

Any incorrect information may delay or invalidate the registration.

Can All Properties in Marbella Get a Tourist Licence?

Not necessarily.

Some properties cannot legally obtain a tourist licence, including:

• Properties in communities that have legally restricted tourist rentals

• Certain rural classifications

• Units without valid habitation documentation

• Properties in buildings with specific zoning limitations

This is why checking before advertising or purchasing is absolutely essential.

Many owners only discover problems after investing money in furniture, marketing, and listings.

What Happens If You Rent Without a Licence?

Renting without proper registration can lead to:

• Fines of several thousand euros

• Removal of listings from all platforms

• Legal proceedings with the regional tourism authority

• Neighbour complaints and inspections

• Ineligibility for future registration

Authorities in Andalusia actively monitor platforms and conduct inspections, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Marbella, Elviria, Cabopino, and Puerto Banús.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Tourist Licence?

In Andalusia, the process works under a Responsible Declaration system, which means:

• You can start renting once correctly submitted

• But documentation must be accurate and compliant

• Authorities can audit later

However, preparation often takes longer than expected due to:

• Missing certificates

• Urban planning verifications

• Community regulation checks

With professional management, the process is much faster and avoids costly mistakes.

How Pass the Keys Marbella Helps Property Owners

At Pass the Keys Marbella, we manage the entire compliance process before your property ever goes live:

• Documentation verification

• Urban planning and community checks

• Safety equipment compliance

• Licence registration guidance

• Listing compliance on all platforms

This ensures that when your property starts receiving guests, it is:

• Fully legal

• Properly insured

• Professionally managed

• Optimised for maximum occupancy

Planning to Rent in Spring or Summer? Start Now

If you want your property ready for:

• Easter

• Summer season

• Mid-term winter stays

January and February are the best months to prepare legally without pressure or rushed decisions.

Leaving it until the last minute often results in missed income opportunities.

Contact Pass the Keys Marbella

Thinking about renting your property in Marbella?

Whether you already own a property or are planning to buy, our local team can guide you through the full legal and operational process.

Contact Pass the Keys Marbella today to check if your property qualifies for a tourist licence and receive a free rental potential assessment.

Start legally, earn confidently, and let us manage the rest.