Recent Changes to Tourism Licenses in Málaga
- nerjawithsanna
- Jan 10
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 13
In recent months, significant updates have been made to the Tourism License requirements for short-term rental properties in Málaga and the Andalusian region. These changes aim to enhance compliance, streamline processes, and address the surge in tourism activity. However, there is still a lot of confusion surrounding these updates. Let’s clarify the key points.
Updated VFT License Requirements
The Vivienda con Fines Turísticos (VFT) license remains a mandatory requirement for all short-term rental properties in Andalusia, including those in Málaga province. Recent updates include:
Enhanced Property Standards: Properties applying for a VFT license must meet stricter standards regarding safety, amenities, and accessibility. This includes ensuring appropriate fire safety measures and providing adequate ventilation and lighting.
Clear Identification of Properties: Owners must ensure that their properties clearly display the VFT license number in all marketing materials and online platforms, ensuring transparency for guests and authorities.
Regular Inspections: Authorities may conduct periodic inspections to verify compliance with the updated standards. Non-compliance can result in fines or revocation of the license.
Registration Process Simplified
To facilitate compliance, the Andalusian government has streamlined the registration process for obtaining a VFT license. Property owners can now:
Submit applications online through the Andalusian Tourism Registry portal.
Access updated guidelines and requirements directly on the platform.
Track the status of their application in real-time.
Coordination with National Regulations
With the introduction of the national registry for short-term rentals, property owners in Málaga must now ensure that their VFT license information aligns with the new national registration system. While the two systems operate separately, maintaining consistency across both is crucial to avoid discrepancies or penalties.
Málaga City’s Recent Restrictions
It’s important to note that recent restrictions on issuing new tourism licenses apply specifically to Málaga city and not to other municipalities in the Málaga province. Málaga city has implemented these restrictions to address housing availability and manage tourism density. Other towns in the province, like Nerja, have not imposed similar limitations at this time.
Each municipality within Andalusia has the authority to regulate short-term rentals independently. Therefore, while Málaga city’s restrictions have garnered significant attention, they do not reflect a province-wide policy. Property owners in other towns should monitor their local regulations for any future changes.
Common Misconceptions
"The VFT license is being replaced by the national registry." This is false. The VFT license remains a regional requirement in Andalusia and must be obtained before registering with the national system.
"Existing licenses need to be re-applied for." Not necessarily. If your property already complies with the updated standards, you can continue using your current VFT license but must ensure it is renewed as required.
Practical Steps for Property Owners in Málaga
Review the updated VFT requirements and ensure your property complies with the new standards.
Apply for the VFT license if you do not already have one. Use the Andalusian Tourism Registry portal for faster processing.
Prepare for dual registration by aligning your VFT license information with the national system once it launches.
Stay informed about ongoing changes by following trusted sources like NerjawithSanna.com.
Final Note
Navigating these regulatory changes may seem daunting, but they are designed to create a more transparent and equitable market for short-term rentals. By staying proactive and informed, property owners in Málaga and across Andalusia can ensure their rentals remain compliant and competitive. For tailored advice and updates, keep visiting NerjawithSanna.com.
