Spain Tightens Rules On Short-Term Rentals

As Spain tightens up rules around short-term rentals, landlords and holidaymakers alike are facing a fresh wave of regulation. If you’re planning to rent out your flat or snap up a summer escape online, there’s a new code you need to know about: the Unique Rental Registration Number (NRUA).

From 1 July 2025, a new European and Spanish law comes into force, and with it, a Unique Rental Registration Number (NRUA) for certain types of rentals. But the key detail is this:

You’ll only need this number if you’re advertising your holiday let or short-term rental through an online platform that enables booking contracts directly on their site.

In other words, if you’re listing your property on a transactional platform (think Airbnb, Booking.com, or any other website where guests can book and pay online), the NRUA is now a must-have.

But don’t worry if you’re renting your place through other means - old-fashioned word of mouth, a handwritten sign in the window, or a local agent - you’re off the hook. The rule is strictly for digital platforms that handle the full booking process.

The Spanish College of Registrars (Colegio de Registradores) has made it clear:

- If you’re not using an online platform for direct booking, you don’t need to register for an NRUA.
- Hotels, apart-hotels, motels, campsites, caravan parks, and hostels are also excluded from the requirement. So are those running off-line, seasonal or local arrangements.

Applying for the NRUA is straightforward. From the moment you submit your application to the land registry, you’ll instantly receive a provisional NRUA, so you can get started listing your property online without delay.

After your application’s been reviewed, your provisional number will be confirmed as final—unless there’s a hiccup.

If the authorities spot an issue with your paperwork, you’ll have seven working days to set things right after being notified. Provided you’ve got your regional or local licence in order, this should be a formality. (The registrar can’t issue an NRUA if you haven’t got the required licences or declarations from your local council or autonomous community.)

Fees for the NRUA? It’s a fixed 27 euros plus VAT - not exactly bank-breaking, especially given the fines some regions are now levying for unregistered or unlicensed rentals.

And what about blocks of flats or horizontal properties? If your building operates as a horizontal property regime but hasn’t formalised it, you can still get an NRUA without jumping through extra legal hoops.