Holiday Rental Licences in the Costa Blanca: What You Should Know

The Costa Blanca continues to be one of Spain’s most sought-after destinations for international buyers who want to enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle and generate attractive rental income when they are not using their property.

With the latest changes in holiday rental regulations, many owners are asking the same question:

“Can I still rent out my property legally?”

The good news is yes, absolutely.

Below, we explain everything you need to know about obtaining a holiday rental licence (VUT) in the Valencian Community, what has changed, and why your investment can continue to be both profitable and enjoyable.

 What Is a Tourist Rental Licence (VUT)?

If you want to rent out your property for short-term stays (10 days or less), you must register it as a Vivienda de Uso Turístico (VUT) with the Generalitat Valenciana.

(Note: The regulation refers to “10 days”, meaning calendar days, although in practice this is commonly interpreted as 10 nights.)

This licence ensures that your property meets the required standards regarding:

• Safety
• Quality
• Habitability
• Tourism tax registration

The process is simple, but it must be completed before advertising the property on platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com or other rental sites.

 

What Has Recently Changed?

The Valencian Community has introduced new measures to better organise the tourist rental market. The main updates are:

1. Zoning rules

Some municipalities have defined zones where tourist rentals are either permitted or restricted. Whether your property lies inside or outside these zones determines if you can obtain a VUT licence.

2. Approval from the community of owners

In properties with a community of owners, prior approval may be required. Each community has its own statutes, so it is essential to check the specific rules that apply.

3. Categorisation and compliance requirements

Properties must now meet minimum standards for emergency information and access, heating and cooling, internet, safety features, minimum size requirements, ventilation, fire safety and energy certification.

Licences now include a category: standard, superior, or premium.

The Great News: You Can Rent Without a Tourist Licence for Stays of More Than 10 Days

One of the most important and beneficial changes is the following:

If you rent your property for periods longer than 10 days, you do not need a tourist licence and you do not need approval from the community of owners.

This allows many owners to continue renting legally and without restrictions simply by adjusting their rental strategy.

It also opens opportunities to attract families, remote workers, digital nomads, golfers and winter clients, who typically book two-week, monthly, or seasonal stays.

This flexibility is a major advantage for those seeking stable income with less administrative burden.

This measure is completely legal and recognised by the Valencian authorities. Rentals of 11 days or more are governed by national law (seasonal rentals and long-term rentals).

Of course, you must still comply with general rental regulations, declare the income correctly and ensure the contract clearly states the minimum stay.

 

Other Key Points of the New Regulation

1. Tourist licences apply only to stays of 10 days or less.

If you wish to offer weekend stays or 5 to 7 day rentals, a tourist licence is required.

2. Clear rules provide greater security for property owners.

The new legal framework brings transparency and reduces uncertainty.

3. Community decisions follow regulated procedures.

Homeowners’ associations now operate under clearer legal guidelines, reducing conflicts and simplifying management.

What This Means for Investors

The new rules allow for flexible rental strategies:

Option A: Rentals of more than 10 days (no licence required)

• No licensing procedures
• Ideal for family, winter, and seasonal stays
• Less turnover and more stable income
• Lower wear and tear costs due to less frequent occupancy

Option B: Apply for a tourist licence for short stays

• Allows weekly or weekend rentals
• Higher turnover, but higher rates per night
• Must comply with formal activity requirements: visible evacuation plan, 24-hour assistance phone, prohibition of key lock-boxes, cooling and heating, internet, first aid kit and more

Both options are legal and can be highly profitable.

Why This Matters If You Already Own or Are Buying a Property

• Your rental opportunities remain very strong
• You can rent legally without a licence for stays of more than 10 days
• The Costa Blanca maintains steady demand throughout the year
• The new rules provide clarity and security
• Investment properties remain highly attractive

At Silc Estates, we guide buyers so they can maximise profitability while staying compliant with the regulations.

Why Owning Property in the Costa Blanca Is Still a Great Investment

Despite the changes, holiday rentals, both those exceeding 10 nights and those requiring a licence, continue to be one of the most attractive opportunities for owners:

• High demand year-round thanks to more than 320 days of sunshine
• Excellent occupancy rates in golf resorts, coastal areas and new developments
• Flexible rental options: holiday rentals, medium-term stays and long-term tenants
• Strong property appreciation, especially in established resorts and new developments

Many owners combine both models: medium-term rentals without a licence, plus tourist rentals once the VUT is approved.

How to Obtain the VUT Licence: Step by Step

If you decide to apply, the process is simple with the right guidance:

1. Request authorisation from the community of owners to carry out the activity
2. Check zoning and eligibility
3. Gather the required documents (energy certificate, occupancy certificate, safety equipment and more)
4. Submit the online declaration of responsibility (DR)
5. Register the property with the tourism authority
6. Receive the official licence number

You may begin renting as soon as you submit the DR, even if the final approval is still pending. VUT licences are valid for 5 years and must be renewed once that period ends.

Need Help? We Can Connect You with the Right Professionals

Navigating rental regulations can be complex, especially for international owners. While Silc Estates does not directly manage licence applications or rental administration, we work with trusted local specialists who can assist you with:

• Licence applications
• Short- and medium-term rental strategies
• Legal compliance
• Legislative updates
• Optimising rental returns

We guide you in the right direction and connect you with qualified professionals who can handle the entire process efficiently and reliably.

Final Message

Owning a property on the Costa Blanca continues to be an excellent lifestyle and investment decision. The new regulations aim to create a more organised and higher-quality rental market, not to limit opportunities.

And remember: You can still rent your property legally for stays of more than 11 days, even without a tourist licence.

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