More and more foreign nationals are choosing to buy property in Torrevieja and other areas of the Valencian Community with the intention of renting it out to tourists for all or part of the year. However, before doing so, it is essential to understand what a tourist license is, when it is required, and what legal requirements must be met to avoid penalties.

A tourist license is an administrative authorization that allows a property to be rented for short-term tourist purposes. In the Valencian Community, this license is mandatory whenever the property is rented for periods of less than one month and is advertised on tourist platforms or similar channels. It doesn’t matter whether the owner is a resident or non-resident of Spain: the requirement is the same for everyone.

Not all properties are eligible for a tourist license. The property must comply with regional and municipal regulations, as local councils may impose restrictions based on the area, land type, or urban planning regulations. Furthermore, it is essential to review the homeowners’ association bylaws, as in some cases they may prohibit or limit the tourist use of the properties.

Another essential requirement is that the property has a certificate of occupancy and meets minimum standards for safety, ventilation, equipment, and accessibility. It will also be necessary to register the property with the regional government and comply with the tax obligations arising from tourist rentals.

Renting out a property without a tourist license can result in significant fines, which in some cases can be substantial, in addition to the obligation to cease operations immediately. Many foreign owners discover this problem after purchasing the property, when they have already begun renting it out without realizing they were violating the regulations.

For this reason, before buying a property for tourist rental purposes, it is essential to analyze its legal viability. A preliminary study will determine if the property can obtain a license, what procedures will be necessary, and if there are any medium- or long-term legal risks.

Having specialized legal advice from the start ensures that buying a home in Torrevieja as a tourist investment is a safe, legal and well-planned decision, avoiding future problems with the administration.

Consult with A&G Lawyers before buying or renting a holiday home and make sure you comply with all current regulations.