Barcelona is one of the most attractive destinations in Europe, making short-term apartment rentals a highly sought-after option for property owners and investors.
However, to legally rent a property as tourist accommodation, it is essential to have a valid tourist license.
What is the tourist license?
The tourist license, also known as HUT (Habitatge d’Ús Turístic), is the official permit granted by the Barcelona City Council allowing a property to be used for short-term rentals.
Without this license, any vacation rental is considered illegal, exposing the owner to potential fines or even closure of the property for tourist purposes.
Why is it so important to obtain it?
Barcelona’s tourist market is highly regulated. The tourist license ensures that the apartment meets safety, hygiene, accessibility, and comfort standards necessary to welcome guests. It also protects the owner from potential inspections or legal claims.
Requirements for obtaining a tourist license in 2025
In 2025, it is not possible to obtain a new tourist license (HUT) in Barcelona. Since the approval of the Special Urban Plan for Tourist Accommodations (PEUAT) in 2017 and its subsequent updates, the City Council has frozen the issuance of new licenses across almost the entire city, with only a few very specific exceptions.
Since late 2023, Decree Law 3/2023 introduced a new regional legal framework. While it allows some catalan municipalities to grant new licenses based on their urban planning rules, this is not applicable to Barcelona. Therefore, only properties with an existing registered license can operate legally. These owners must adapt to the new legal requirements if they want to continue operating beyond 2028.
How to apply for the license
As new licenses are no longer being granted in Barcelona, this section is relevant only for property owners who already hold a valid HUT license. According to the current regulatory framework, these owners must adapt to the requirements set out in Decree Law 3/2023 to continue operating beyond 2028. This includes updated technical standards, documentation reviews, and regulatory inspections.
It is recommended to regularly update habitability certificates, safety measures, and compliance with the Tourism Registry of Catalonia. Working with experts like BCN Flat Management ensures legal compliance and operational peace of mind.
Furthermore, as of November 2023, all existing licenses now have a five-year validity. This means they must be renewed before November 2028 or cease activity. A possible five-year extension may be granted depending on legal and urban planning factors.
Mandatory digital registration from 2025
Starting July 1, 2025, all tourist rental properties in Spain must be registered in a centralized digital system, as established by new law. This national registry will assign a mandatory identification number required to legally list the property on platforms such as Airbnb, Booking, and others.
The goal of this measure is to strengthen transparency and regulatory control over short-term rentals, making it easier for authorities to oversee activity at both the national and regional levels.
New guest registration requirements
In addition, by January 31, 2025, all HUT-licensed properties must register individually with the Mossos d’Esquadra and update their systems to comply with the new guest registration framework.
This regulation increases the level of required documentation: more detailed guest information will be requested, and in some cases, direct integration with booking platforms will be mandatory. Compliance will be essential to continue operating legally.
Consequences of renting without a license
Renting a tourist apartment without the appropriate license can lead to serious consequences. The City Council can impose fines of over €60,000, and suspend the property’s operation as a tourist rental.
Platforms like Airbnb or Booking may block the listing if a valid license number is not provided.
What property owners should do now
In the current context, foresight and rigor are key. We recommend that owners:
- Verify the current status and expiration of their HUT license.
- Prepare all documentation for the upcoming digital registration process.
- Check whether their building’s community has approved restrictions affecting tourist activity.
- Take note of key dates: July 2025 (digital registry) and November 2028 (license renewal).
- Consult specialists to ensure legal and operational continuity.
What to do if you can’t obtain a license?
If obtaining a tourist license is not an option, there are alternatives to maximize your property’s profitability. One option is mid-term rental (over 31 days), which does not require a tourist license and can also be managed by our property management company in Barcelona. We offer tailored solutions for property owners seeking to optimize their income in a safe and legal way.
Response from the sector
Associations such as Apartur have launched several legal initiatives in response to the regulatory changes:
- Claims for damages due to the new restrictions.
- Constitutional challenge against Decree Law 3/2023.
- Complaints to the European Commission for potential violation of EU law.
These actions reflect the growing concern among property owners and operators about the future of the HUT model in the city.
Trust experts to manage your apartment
BCN Flat Management has years of experience in the comprehensive management of tourist apartments in Barcelona. Our team handles everything, from obtaining the license to marketing the property on major rental platforms. If you’d like more information or want us to help you manage your property, feel free to contact us.
