New Vacation Rental Regulations in the Canary Islands - FAQ

As the vacation rental industry continues to grow, many cities and regions are introducing new regulations to ensure safe, responsible, and community-friendly hosting. At Holidu, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

 Below, you’ll find essential information and a helpful FAQ to make sure you're ready when the changes roll out.

1. When will the new law come into effect?
There is no exact date yet. The law is expected to be published between April and May 2025, at which point the adaptation period for property owners will be determined.

2. Is there a draft of the law available for consultation?Yes, there is currently a draft available for consultation. Please find it here

3. Is it mandatory to obtain the license at this time?
No, obtaining the license is not yet mandatory. Currently, there are no penalties for not having it, meaning you cannot be reported for not possessing one. However, once the law comes into effect, it will be a mandatory requirement to continue operating. For this reason, Holidu has taken the initiative to provide key information so that property owners can manage their licenses in time.

4. Is a Vacation Rental (VV) license necessary for guest registration?
No, a VV license is not required for guest registration.

5. Which municipalities have longer processing times for the license application?
Some municipalities experience longer processing times due to the high volume of applications and the administrative capacity of local authorities:

• Lanzarote: Playa Blanca, Teguise.
   
• Tenerife: Arona (approximately one month), Güímar, Candelaria, El Rosario, Garachico, Puerto de la Cruz.
   
• Gran Canaria: Agaete, Agüimes.
   
• La Palma: The entire island has halted new VV applications as the Cabildo, the organization responsible for processing these permits, is not responding to requests.
   

6. When will guest registration in SES and the One-Stop Window be mandatory?
Guest registration in SES is mandatory, and the implementation of the Ventanilla Única is confirmed for July. 

7. How is the responsible declaration for the Vacation Rental (VV) license submitted?
The responsible declaration must be submitted online through the Government of the Canary Islands website. A digital certificate is required for submission. If the property owner cannot complete the process personally, their advisor may handle it on their behalf.

This procedure is entirely free, and once the application has been submitted, the competent authority (either the local town hall or the Cabildo, depending on the municipality) will review the case and provide a response. Once the process is completed, the property owner will receive a document via email containing their signature number.