Airbnb License in the
Canary Islands 2026
Operating short-term rentals legally in the Canary Islands requires a Vivienda Vacacional (VV) license. The new Law 6/2025 brings stricter requirements and fines up to €60,000 for non-compliance.
English-speaking lawyers handling VV applications, fines defence, community of owners disputes and Law 6/2025 compliance across all 7 Canary islands.
Operating without a VV license = up to €60,000 fine
Law 6/2025 introduced significantly stricter sanctions. Inspections by the Cabildo Insular have increased 300% in 2025. Mere possession of an Airbnb listing for an unlicensed property triggers an automatic procedure. If you operate or plan to operate, get the license BEFORE listing.
Our services
New VV license application
Full handling: feasibility check, document preparation, Cabildo submission, follow-up to issuance.
License renewal (Law 6/2025)
New 3-year renewal cycle introduced in 2025. We handle the renewal process and adapt to new requirements.
Defence against fines
Sanctions up to €60,000. We defend your case before the Cabildo and contentious-administrative court if needed.
Community disputes
When the homeowners’ community resolves to prohibit short-term rentals. Challenge or negotiate compensation.
Property due diligence
Before buying: register, urban plan, community bylaws, environmental zoning. Avoid post-purchase surprises.
Tax structure
Tax efficiency for tourist rental income. IGIC vs IRNR for non-residents, Beckham Law for new residents, ZEC for management companies.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a license to rent my apartment on Airbnb in the Canary Islands?
YES. To legally rent any property for short-term stays in the Canary Islands you need a "Vivienda Vacacional" (VV) authorisation issued by the Cabildo Insular (island council). Operating without it is a serious offence under Law 6/2025 with fines from €30,000 to €60,000. Each island has its own application procedure: Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro.
What is Law 6/2025 of the Canary Islands?
Law 6/2025 of the Sustainable Use of Tourist Housing is the new regional regulation that came into force in 2025. Key changes: maximum density limits per zone, stricter inspections, mandatory professional management for non-resident owners, fines up to €60,000 for serious offences, and new requirements for renewal of existing VV licenses every 3 years. Compliance is enforced by the Cabildo Insular of each island.
Can I get a VV license if my property is in a residential building?
It depends. If the building has a community of owners (homeowners’ association) and the bylaws or a community resolution prohibit tourist use, you cannot operate. Since 2024, communities can prohibit short-term rentals with a 3/5 majority vote. Always check the property registry, the urban plan of the municipality, and the community bylaws BEFORE buying or applying. ALY Abogados performs full due diligence.
What are the costs and timeline of getting a VV license?
Application costs: €200-500 in administrative fees plus €1,500-3,000 in legal fees if you need representation. Timeline: 2-6 months in Gran Canaria; 3-8 months in Tenerife; faster in smaller islands (Fuerteventura, Lanzarote). New applications in saturated zones may be denied or put on waiting lists.
I bought a property planning to rent it. The community now prohibits Airbnb. What can I do?
You have several legal options: (1) Challenge the community resolution if procedural defects exist; (2) Negotiate compensation with the community; (3) If you bought specifically for tourist use, you may have an action against the seller for misrepresentation; (4) Convert to mid-term rental (over 3 months) which is not affected by the same restrictions. Contact us within 1 year of the resolution to preserve your rights.
Get your VV license — or defend yours
English-speaking lawyer · Law 6/2025 specialists · Free consultation
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