Living in the beautiful Costa Blanca North, I quickly realized how crucial it is to understand the ins and outs of getting a tourist license if you're thinking about renting out your property to visitors. Whether you're looking to turn your vacation home into a rental or expand your business, obtaining the proper license is a necessary step. My journey through the process was filled with surprises, paperwork, and a good deal of patience, but it was also a rewarding experience that helped me appreciate the local regulations.

Why Do You Need a Tourist License?

In Spain, renting out properties to tourists is tightly regulated to ensure the safety and comfort of guests while maintaining the quality of local tourism. In the Costa Blanca North, this means that any property rented out for short-term stays must have a Licencia de Alquiler de Vivienda Vacacional (Tourist Rental License). Without this, you could face hefty fines or even have your listing removed from popular platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com.

The Paperwork: A Lesson in Patience

The first step was gathering all the necessary documents. These included proof of property ownership, proof of compliance with safety standards (like fire extinguishers, first aid kits, etc.), and a certificate confirming the property's suitability for tourism. The application needed to be submitted to the local town hall (ayuntamiento), which in our case was a small but bustling municipality near Denia.

The paperwork was not complicated, but it did require patience. Everything had to be in order – from the property's registration to its exact address. If anything was missing or incorrect, it could delay the approval process.

The Inspection: A Thorough Process

One of the most surprising parts of the process was the property inspection. Once my application was in, the town hall sent an inspector to ensure that my property met all the legal requirements for a tourist rental. This included checking fire safety measures, the number of beds, the quality of the amenities, and even the cleanliness of the property.

I had heard that these inspections could be quite strict, but it wasn't as intimidating as I had expected. The inspector was professional and just made sure everything was up to standard.

The Waiting Game

After the inspection, the next challenge was the waiting game. The approval process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the municipality and the volume of applications. During this time, I found myself checking my email religiously, hoping for that confirmation letter. Fortunately, my application was approved without any major hiccups, but I know many who have faced delays or even had to resubmit documents.

The Final Approval: Worth the Wait

Once my license was approved, it felt like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. I was finally able to legally rent out my property to tourists, and it opened up a world of opportunities. The license allowed me to list my property on all the major rental platforms, and the influx of tourists quickly made the process worth it.

Final Thoughts

Getting a tourist license in Costa Blanca North wasn't a walk in the park, but it was an incredibly valuable learning experience. The process involved careful planning, attention to detail, and a lot of patience, but it ultimately set me up for success in the short-term rental market. If you're thinking about doing the same, my advice is to be prepared, stay organized, and follow the regulations closely. The legal benefits and peace of mind that come with having the proper license make the effort more than worthwhile.

Have you gone through the process of obtaining a tourist license in Spain? I'd love to hear about your experience! Write to me at johanna@comparepropertiesspain.com