As short-term rental activity grows, the Canary Islands are introducing new regulations to make hosting safe, responsible, and community-friendly. Below are answers to the most common questions about these changes, so you can prepare in good time.

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, and the adaptation period for hosts will be defined at that point.

Is there a draft of the law available for consultation?

Yes. You can read the current draft here.

Is it mandatory to obtain the license right now?

No, not yet. There are currently no penalties for not having a license, and you cannot be reported for not holding one. Once the law comes into effect, however, a license will be mandatory to keep operating. We recommend gathering the key information now so you can manage your license in good time.

Is a Vacation Rental (VV) license required for guest registration?

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

Which municipalities have longer processing times for license applications?

Some municipalities take longer to process applications because of high application volumes and limited administrative capacity:

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

When will guest registration in SES and the One-Stop Window (Ventanilla Única) be mandatory?

Guest registration in SES is already mandatory. The One-Stop Window (Ventanilla Única) is confirmed to launch in July.

How is the responsible declaration for the Vacation Rental (VV) license submitted?

The responsible declaration is submitted online through the Government of the Canary Islands website, and a digital certificate is required. If you cannot complete the process yourself, your advisor can handle it on your behalf.

The process is free. Once submitted, the competent authority, either the local town hall or the Cabildo depending on the municipality, reviews the case and responds. When the process is complete, you will receive a document by email containing your signature number.