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On this occasion, we are pleased to share with you crucial information about tourist licenses for villas on this beautiful island. If you are considering renting or buying a villa for your vacation in Ibiza, it is essential to understand the process and importance of obtaining a tourist license, so join us as we guide you through this fascinating world of uncomplicated and authentic vacation experiences!
In 2012, a new law called “Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos” was passed. With this regulation, short-term vacation rentals were allowed, as long as the requirements established at the time were met. However, in the summer of 2017, there was a significant change in the law, which made it considerably more difficult to obtain permits (new licenses) for this type of rentals. Currently, many properties in Ibiza face the impossibility of obtaining tourist rental licenses.
What is a Tourist License?
A tourist license is a legal document that authorizes a property to be used for tourist purposes and to be rented to tourists during their stay in Ibiza. These licenses are issued by the local authorities and are crucial to ensure that properties comply with the specific regulations and norms of the tourism sector.
Why are Tourist Licenses Important?
1. Legality and Security: Obtaining a tourist license is a guarantee that the villa complies with the safety and quality standards required by the authorities. This protects both the tourists and the owners of the villa, ensuring that the facilities and services are in optimal conditions.
2. Avoid Sanctions: Operating a tourist villa without the proper license can lead to serious penalties and substantial fines. In addition, it is illegal and can negatively affect the reputation of both the owner and the property in the market.
Without this license, you can still rent properties, but they have to be long-term rentals for periods of more than one month. In addition, the property cannot offer any tourist services, nor advertise on tourist offer channels, such as booking sites, social networks or real estate agencies. Persons found violating this law will be heavily fined.
3. Confidence for Guests: Villas with tourist licenses offer peace of mind to guests, as they know they have chosen a legal accommodation and that they will receive quality service during their stay.
Steps to obtain a Tourist License:
1. Consult an Expert: The first thing you should do is contact an expert in the Ibiza real estate market and in the management of tourist licenses. They will guide you through the process and provide you with all the information you need to obtain the license effectively. Visit Ibiza Manzanares Legal Service.
2. Prepare the Documentation: Gather all the documentation required by the authorities to apply for the license. This may include property plans, certificates of habitability, proof of tax payments, among others.
3. Regulatory Compliance: Make sure that the villa complies with all the necessary requirements to obtain the license. This may involve making modifications or improvements to the property to comply with current regulations.
4. Submit the Application: Once everything is in order, submit the tourist license application to the appropriate authorities. The process can take time, so it is important to be patient and be prepared for any additional requirements that may arise.
5. The wait: Once the application is submitted, you will receive a preliminary license number and can begin renting the property immediately. An inspector will come to check the property.
*As of February 2022 there is a 4 year moratorium on obtaining new tourist licenses. It means that you can apply for the license, pay the corresponding fees, but they will not be processed for the next 4 years and no preliminary licenses will be given. More info here.
Which properties can obtain the Ibiza tourist license?
Anyone who owns a single-family dwelling can apply, but only those who meet the requirements will obtain a license. Unfortunately, tourist licenses are not available for *flats and will be granted mainly to villas and (semi) terraced houses.
*Previously, licenses to operate in shared buildings (such as apartments) were not allowed. Although this regulation has now evolved, apartments are theoretically allowed to operate, but in practice, they must first be approved by the local authority board.
A property must meet the following criteria:
- The property must be fully rented.
- The dwelling must be single-family or attached.
- The home must be a short-term rental, no more than one month maximum.
- The house must have a certificate of occupancy.
- The house must be located in a tourist area.
- The house must have been used as a private residence within five years.
- The community of owners must be in agreement with the vacation rentals.
- The house must have no more than 6 bedrooms and accommodate a maximum of 12 people.
- The home must have liability and property insurance (minimum €300,000).
- There must be water consumption control systems.
- There must be separate meters for supplies such as gas or electricity.
- The housing must be in accordance with sustainability and accessibility standards.
- The property must not have been under official protection.
- The property must be equipped with 1 bathroom for every 4 ‘places’.
- The house must comply with all applicable regulations.
- The property must display the vacation rental license number on all marketing material of the property.
- Tourists must be registered with the police in accordance with public safety regulations.
- The dwelling must have basic amenities such as cleaning services, linens and towels.
- The house must visibly display a plaque with the specific number that identifies it as a vacation rental.
- The ‘PIATs’, (tourist zone intervention plans) as well as the ‘PTIs’ (island territorial plans) must be in accordance with the rental property.
- The property must not have any previous unfulfilled sanctions imposed for infractions (this is established in the certificate of non-existence of urban infraction).
- The property must have an active energy certificate and meet the energy efficiency requirements (F for buildings constructed before 31/12/2007 and D for buildings constructed after 01/01/2008).
This is an adequate list, and there may be even more requirements, depending on the exact location of the property you wish to apply for. Therefore, we always recommend using a reputable lawyer to facilitate this process and make sure that everything is well taken care of. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Types of Licenses:
1.A) ETV365-Un: Tourist stays in single-family dwellings
- No adjoining properties
- Only one property on the plot
1.B) Tourist stays in single-family dwellings between dividing walls
- Sharing common side wall (attached villas/attached properties)
- Must have separate plot
1.C) Tourist stays in detached, semi-detached houses
- Share common side wall (attached villas/attached properties)
- Share plot with other properties (semi-detached community)
- The registration of this type of license does not expire and the properties can be rented all year round.
2. ETV365-Pluri: Tourist stays in multi-family dwellings.
- The license expires after 5 years and is renewable.
- Can be rented all year round
3. ETV60: Tourist stays in single-family and multi-family dwellings
- Property contains more than one dwelling unit
- The owner is registered as a resident in the property
- Can be rented for a maximum of 60 days per year
- The license expires after 5 years and is renewable.
How much does a tourist license cost in Ibiza?
Licenses are sold according to the accommodation capacity. The amount of ‘plazas’ that each property can buy depends on the number of plazas in the cédula de habitabilidad.
Depending on the type of property and license, the costs are:
- ETV365-Un: €3,500 per plaza.
- ETV365-Pluri: 875 € per parking space.
- ETV60: 291,67 € per place
For a 3-bedroom villa with capacity for 4 persons, the license cost would be 3,500 € × 4 = 14,000 €.
Conclusion:
In summary, tourist licenses for villas in Ibiza are essential to ensure an unforgettable, safe and worry-free holiday experience for both tourists and owners. Making sure that the villa is properly licensed is a crucial step before renting or buying a property in this paradise island.
At our real estate agency, we pride ourselves in providing expert advice on the process of obtaining tourist licenses, as well as selecting the best villas for your vacation in Ibiza. Don’t hesitate to contact us and start planning the perfect getaway with total confidence and peace of mind!
More info here.
