Looking to start renting out your property in Marbella but feeling overwhelmed by the process of obtaining a tourism license?

Obtaining a Tourist License in Marbella is one of the first steps for property owners who want to legally rent their home as a holiday rental in Andalucía. Before advertising a property on Airbnb, Booking.com or other booking platforms, owners must comply with the applicable regional regulations and complete the required registration process. This guide explains the requirements, documents and registration procedure to help you start renting with confidence.

What Is a Tourist License in Marbella?

A Tourist License allows eligible residential properties in Andalucía to be legally marketed as holiday rentals through online booking platforms and other tourism channels.

Holiday rental properties must be registered with the Registro de Turismo de Andalucía (RTA) before operating legally. Registration is completed electronically by submitting a Declaración Responsable, after which the property receives its official registration number that must be displayed in advertisements and listings.


Who Needs a Tourist License?

If you intend to rent your property on a short-term basis through platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com or similar booking channels, you will generally need to comply with the Andalusian regulations governing Viviendas de Uso Turístico (VUT).


How to Apply

The process generally includes:

  • Checking that the property meets legal requirements.
  • Preparing the required documentation.
  • Submitting the electronic declaration.
  • Receiving the official registration number.
  • Displaying the registration number on all advertisements and booking platforms.

Can Marbella Superhost Help?

Many owners choose professional property management to simplify the process.

Marbella Superhost can assist property owners throughout the preparation of their holiday rental, helping coordinate documentation, advising on operational requirements and preparing the property for successful holiday rentals. Where legal or technical advice is required, we recommend working with qualified lawyers and licensed professionals.


FAQ

Do I need a Tourist License in Marbella?

If your property is offered as a holiday rental through tourism booking channels, you generally need to register it in accordance with the regulations applicable in Andalucía before operating.


How long does it take?

The registration process is electronic, but the overall preparation time depends on the property’s documentation and compliance with the applicable requirements.


Can foreigners obtain a Tourist License?

Yes. Nationality alone does not prevent property owners from registering a qualifying property, provided all legal requirements are met.


Do I need to display the registration number?

Yes. Once registered, the official registration number must appear in advertisements and holiday rental listings.

One of the most important steps in starting a vacation rental business is obtaining a tourism license. This process can seem daunting, especially if you’re not familiar with the legal requirements and paperwork involved. But with the help of our experienced team, you can obtain your license in just a matter of days and start earning rental income as soon as possible.

The first step in obtaining a tourism license is to gather the necessary documentation. This includes the owner’s ID (NIE/residency and passport), property title deeds, and first occupation license. You’ll also need to provide various details about the property and the way it will be exploited.

The property needs to meet certain requirements, which will be confirmed separately by the license issuing authority. The fee for the application online through the digital certificate is 180€ plus 50€ for arranging the digital certificates if required. Each owner listed in the title deed needs a digital certificate, and they will need to be in Spain to activate those based on the instructions given by the authority. Alternatively, owners can obtain the certificates themselves and send copies to the authority.

It’s important to note that if you were to apply for the tourism license on your own, the process may take up to 2 months for the City Hall to resolve. However, with Marbella House’s property management services, our experienced team can guide you through the entire process and obtain your license in just a matter of days, so you can start earning rental income as soon as possible. Our team will handle all the necessary paperwork and ensure that your property meets all the requirements outlined by the City Hall. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with the process of obtaining a tourism license and start generating rental income.

Once the license is obtained, the property also needs to be registered with the police for online registration of guests.

At Marbella House, we understand that the process of obtaining a tourism license can be overwhelming, which is why we offer comprehensive property management services to help guide you through the process. Our experienced team can handle all the necessary paperwork and ensure that your property meets all the requirements for obtaining a license.

Contact us today to learn more about our property management services and how we can help you get started with renting out your property in Marbella. Remember, obtaining a tourism license is a crucial step in the vacation rental process, and we’re here to make it as easy and stress-free as possible for you.

Related posts

Airbnb Management Marbella

Airbnb Management Marbella: Everything Property Owners Need to Know

Airbnb Management Marbella: Everything Property Owners Need to Know Before Listing Their Home Airbnb Management Marbella. Airbnb has transformed the way people... Read More

Property Management Marbella Guide

Property Management Marbella: The Complete Guide Every Property Owner Should Read Before Renting Their Home (2026–2027)

The Truth Every Property Owner Should Know Before Renting Out Their Home Property Management Marbella Guide. Owning a property in Marbella has... Read More

moving to marbella

Moving to Marbella: The Complete Relocation Guide for Families, Renters & Property Owners (2026–2027)

Moving to Marbella: Everything You Need to Know Before Starting Your New Life Every year, thousands of people visit Marbella for a... Read More

Join The Discussion

Search

July 2026

  • M
  • T
  • W
  • T
  • F
  • S
  • S
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
  • 22
  • 23
  • 24
  • 25
  • 26
  • 27
  • 28
  • 29
  • 30
  • 31

August 2026

  • M
  • T
  • W
  • T
  • F
  • S
  • S
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
  • 22
  • 23
  • 24
  • 25
  • 26
  • 27
  • 28
  • 29
  • 30
  • 31
0 Adults
0 Children
Pets
Size
Price
Amenities
Facilities
Search

July 2026

  • M
  • T
  • W
  • T
  • F
  • S
  • S
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
  • 22
  • 23
  • 24
  • 25
  • 26
  • 27
  • 28
  • 29
  • 30
  • 31
0 Guests

Compare listings

Compare

Compare experiences

Compare