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Comply with the law: differences between the Digital One-Stop Shop and the Tourist License

Learn how to comply with Spanish tourism regulations: obtain your regional tourist license and register in the Digital One-Stop Shop with the mandatory NRA (Unique Registration Number).

Written by Lisa
Updated over 5 months ago

The beginning of a unified regulation

The Spanish Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda has established a mandatory procedure for registering all properties intended for tourist or short-term rentals in Spain. This regulation, supported by Regulation (EU) 2024/1028 and Royal Decree 1312/2024, introduces the Digital One-Stop Shop, a centralized system designed to guarantee transparency, control, and legal compliance in this sector.

What is the Digital One-Stop Shop?

With this new regulation, all properties used for tourist or temporary rental must be registered in the Single Register of Rentals. Additionally, digital platforms — such as booking portals and websites — must periodically share data with the Digital One-Stop Shop to ensure compliance.

Difference between the Tourist License and the Unique Registration Number (NRA)

To legally operate a tourist accommodation in Spain, you must:

  1. Obtain the Tourist License according to the regulations of the relevant autonomous community.

  2. Request the Unique Registration Number (NRA) in the Digital One-Stop Shop, once the license has been granted.

  3. Publish both numbers on digital platforms and in your Avantio management platform.

Both requirements are complementary and mandatory to comply with current legislation.

How to apply for the Tourist License

The Tourist License depends on the regional regulations of each autonomous community. You must meet all the requirements set out by the region where the property is located and verify whether additional procedures are needed according to your local council or municipality.

Click the corresponding link to find the public procedure that applies in your case.

Comunidad Foral de Navarra

Keep in mind: the Tourist License or its equivalent does not replace the registration number — having it is a prerequisite for obtaining the NRA if the property is intended for tourist use.

This information is sourced directly from the Digital One-Stop Shop official website: https://www.mivau.gob.es/vivienda/ventanilla-unica/alquiler-de-alojamientos-de-corta-duracion 

Tourist License vs. Unique Registration Number

Tourist License

Unique Registration Number

  • What is it?
    An administrative authorization granted by the autonomous community that allows a property to operate legally as a tourist accommodation.

  • What is it for?
    It certifies that the property meets the legal and technical requirements established by regional regulations, such as habitability, safety, hygiene, and other standards.

  • How is it obtained?
    The process varies depending on the autonomous community. For example, in the Valencian Community, you must submit a responsible declaration and meet the regional requirements.

  • What is it?
    A national identifier assigned to each tourist property, mandatory to advertise the property on digital platforms such as portals or websites.

  • What is it for?
    It forms part of the Single Register of Tourist and Temporary Rentals, created to regulate and supervise tourist rentals across Spain.

  • How is it obtained?
    Once the Tourist License is obtained, you must request the NRA through the Digital One-Stop Shop of the Land Registrars Association, providing the required documentation.

Both are essential and complementary to comply with current law, and must appear on both digital platforms and management portals.

Who does this regulation apply to?

The regulation applies to all individuals and legal entities renting out properties for tourist or temporary stays in Spain.

Attention to detail

  • The Tourist License is a prerequisite for obtaining the registration number.

  • Failure to register in the Single Register or to display the corresponding numbers may result in fines or the removal of listings from digital platforms.

Impact on day-to-day rental management

  • Mandatory registration: Every property must be registered with the Land Registrars Association before being rented out.

  • Identification number: Upon registration, an NRA is assigned, which must appear in listings published on portals and websites.

  • Platform obligations: Both booking portals and proprietary websites must comply with the regulation and transmit information to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda.

Procedure to register in the Digital One-Stop Shop

  • Prepare the required documentation: cadastral reference, full address, type of rental (entire property or by rooms), and maximum number of guests.

  • Complete the registration form with the accommodation details and regional requirements.

  • Receive the NRA (Unique Registration Number), mandatory for advertising your property on any platform.

  • Update your listings to include the NRA across all digital platforms and in your VRMS.

The Digital One-Stop Shop and the Tourist License are complementary and mandatory tools designed to regulate the tourist and temporary rental market in Spain.
Understanding their differences and requirements is essential to avoid penalties and to guarantee a legal, transparent, and compliant management of your properties.

The information in this article is sourced directly from the official website of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda of Spain.

If you wish to learn more or have specific questions, you can contact the official authorities through the following links:


Frequently asked questions

What types of rentals are covered by this regulation?

It includes properties used for temporary stays (students, temporary workers, medical treatments) and tourist rentals. It excludes hotels, aparthotels, motels, hostels, campsites, and caravan parking areas.

What is the cost of obtaining the registration number?

The registration fee is €27.05 per property.

If I rent by rooms, do I need to register each one?

Yes, each room must have its own independent NRA.

What happens with my booking website?

If it allows direct transactions, it must be registered as an online platform.

What data is transmitted to the Digital One-Stop Shop?

Platforms must report information about all transactions carried out.

Does the regulation apply if I rent only a few months per year?

Yes, the regulation establishes that it is mandatory regardless of rental frequency.

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