Renting in Murcia: when do I need a licence?

Letting property in Spain to tourists is no longer optional. Since the regional fragmentation of Spanish rental legislation, specific rules apply in the Comunidad Murcia and are strictly enforced.

Listen to our podcast episode on holiday rentals in Murcia here.

Where regions such as Valencia or the Balearic Islands tighten the reins, Murcia is known for more accessible policies. However, "accessible" does not mean "regelvrj". This article provides a legally correct overview of holiday rental legislation in Murcia, including the crucial 2025 legislative changes.

Expert Insight: "Many owners err on the side of regional differences. What is allowed in Alicante (Valencia) does not automatically apply in Cartagena (Murcia). A correct licence is the only insurance against fines that can amount to thousands of euros."

When does tourism rental legislation apply?

The legislation for holiday rentals in Murcia applies as soon as you promote an entry-level property on tourist channels to rent it out to third parties on a regular, temporary and paid basis.

There is a tourist accommodation if the following cumulative conditions are met:

• Move-in ready: The house is fully furnished and equipped.
• Promotion: You advertise on public channels or booking sites (such as Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo).
• Commerciality: There is regular rental for short periods for an economic fee.

In Murcia, it is allowed to both entire houses as single rooms to rent out, provided the conditions are met.

What are the minimum requirements for a rental licence in Murcia?

To qualify for a rental licence, your property in Murcia must meet strict habitability and safety requirements. The government does not tolerate grey areas in this.

The basic technical requirements are:

• Availability of hot and cold water.
• Electricity and adequately functioning lighting.
• A working television and adequate sanitary facilities.
• Mandatory home insurance: A policy that covers physical and financial losses of guests during their stay.

There are also administrative requirements within the home:

• Contact details of the owner or manager must be visible.
• Emergency numbers should be clearly posted.
• There should be a set of house rules for guests.

Crucial: The role of the Co-owners' Association (VME)

A common mistake is to ignore the Comunidad de Propietarios.

• Current situation: You will need an attestation showing that holiday rentals are explicitly authorised by the community.

How does the application process for a rental licence work?

Applying for a rental licence in Murcia is done via an electronic 'Declaración Responsable' (declaration of responsibility), where you receive the licence immediately.

Unlike other regions, Murcia has no waiting lists or lottery systems (yet).

1. Registration: You submit the application digitally to the Murcia tourism office.
2. Award: You will immediately receive your registration number.
3. Control: A technical inspection can take place retrospectively, although statistics show that the chance of being caught when correctly registered is currently low.
4. Validity: A rental licence in Murcia has no due date and need not be renewed periodically, as long as the property continues to meet the requirements.

Note: From 1 July 2025 a new national obligation comes into force. In addition to your regional licence, you will then have to register the accommodation in the national register For short-term rentals. Find more information on the new registration requirement here.

What are your obligations after getting the licence?

Obtaining the licence is just the start. As a landlord, you are required by law to comply with the following operational rules to maintain your status:

1. Transparency in ads

The official registration number must be visibly mentioned in every advertisement (online and offline). Rentals should also be transparent.

2. Guest administration and security

• Police report: You are required to provide the details of all guests (over 16 years old) to the police (Guardia Civil or Policía Nacional) within 24 hours of arrival.
• Data points: This concerns the 42 data points (as per Royal Decree 933/2021) which you need to register via the ministry's online platform.
• Complaint form: You should Hojas de Reclamaciones (complaint forms) available in Spanish, English and French.

3. Cleaning and maintenance

You should provide professional cleaning before each check-in. Bed linen and towels should be provided at least for longer stays once a week be replaced.

4. Fiscal Obligations

Online platforms (such as Airbnb) are required to share their booking data with the Spanish tax authorities (Hacienda). So the tax authorities are aware of your income.

• Non-residents: You should file quarterly returns via Modelo 210.
• Residents: You include rental income in your annual IRPF return.

Read more about taxes on rental income in Spain.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is a rental licence mandatory for friends and family? No, as long as there is no commercial transaction (payment of rent) and public promotion, this is private use and no licence is required.

Can the Owners' Association (VME) prohibit my letting? Yes. If the community's bylaws prohibit holiday rentals, you will not get a licence. From April 2025, you will even need explicit permission from the VME.

Do I have to pay tax on rental income in Spain if I live in Belgium? Yes. As a non-resident taxpayer, you have to pay tax in Spain on rental income (usually 19% for EU residents). This income is exempt in Belgium (with progression reservation) to avoid double taxation.

Does my rental licence in Murcia expire? No, unlike some other regions, the licence in Murcia is valid indefinitely, provided you continue to comply with the conditions and do not structurally alter the property.

About the author: Glenn Janssens is a lawyer specialising in Spanish real estate transactions and tax regulations. Since 2017, he has been helping Belgian and Dutch individuals and entrepreneurs to safely purchase and structure real estate in Spain. He guides files from A to Z: from due diligence, ownership and tax control to estate planning and optimisation for residents and non-residents. Thanks to his years of experience, hundreds of handled files and focus on transparent communication, Glenn makes complex Spanish legislation understandable and practically applicable for every property buyer.