The 2025 NRA Rule Explained: Legal Changes for Vacation Rentals & What You Need to Do

18/06/2025

The Canary Islands continue to shine as one of Europe’s most desirable destinations for vacation rentals. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote attract millions of tourists each year who seek sun, sea, and relaxation. With such strong demand, property owners have seen great success renting out their homes on platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo. However, the rise of short-term rentals has led to greater scrutiny and stricter regulations. In 2025, a new rule called the NRA (Número de Registro de Alquiler) will significantly change how vacation rentals operate.

If you rent out your property in the Canary Islands, this regulation will directly affect you. Here’s everything you need to know about the new law, how to comply, and how to safeguard your income while staying fully compliant.

What Is the NRA and Why Was It Introduced?

The NRA (Rental Registration Number) is a unique code assigned to each registered vacation rental property. Issued by the Registro de la Propiedad (Property Registry Office) or the appropriate municipality, the NRA acts as a public confirmation that your rental is legal and properly declared.

This measure is part of a broader initiative to:

Combat the rising number of illegal tourist rentals
Ensure that all properties meet safety, health, and quality standards
Make it easier for authorities to inspect and track properties
Increase housing availability for residents by regulating the short-term rental market

The regulation was introduced following years of concerns from local residents and tourism professionals, who demanded stricter controls and a level playing field in the market.

Who Is Affected? If you rent out your property on a short-term basis—whether it’s an apartment, duplex, villa, or even a room in your home—you are required to obtain an NRA and comply with the law.

When Does the NRA Law Take Effect?

The NRA requirement will become mandatory starting July 1st, 2025. That means property owners have only a few days left to register their properties and update their listings before the law comes into full effect.

Failing to act on time could result in:

Disruption to your listing’s visibility on major vacation rental platforms
Financial penalties from local authorities
Legal enforcement, including business closure or property inspections

Key Requirements of the 2025 NRA Law

The new regulation includes several clear obligations for property owners:

Register Your Property: All short-term rentals must be officially registered with the Property Registry (Registro de la Propiedad).
Display Your NRA Number Online: Once issued, you must add your NRA to all digital listings on rental platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, Holidu, and others.
Annual Update: Owners must complete annual formalities to keep their NRA registration active and valid.

These requirements ensure transparency for guests and simplify the work of inspectors and officials.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The fines for non-compliance can be substantial and damaging to your business:

Up to €60,000 for operating a property without a valid NRA
Suspension or removal of your listings from Airbnb and similar platforms
Loss of guest trust and an increase in potential cancellations
Legal actions or fines imposed by municipal authorities

In addition to financial penalties, your reputation as a host could suffer significantly. Increasingly, guests are looking for reassurance that their rental is legal, safe, and officially recognized.

How to Get Your NRA: Step-by-Step Process

Here is a simplified guide to help you obtain your NRA number efficiently:

Verify Your Tourist License: Ensure your property has a valid Vivienda Vacacional (VV) license issued under Decreto 113/2015. If it doesn't, you must apply for this license before proceeding.
Contact the Property Registry (Registro de la Propiedad) to request NRA documentation. Wait for confirmation from the Property Registry Office.
Submit Documentation: Prepare and submit the following documents, which are commonly required:

Proof of ownership or lease agreement
Floor plans
Insurance certificates
Compliance with local safety and habitability standards

Wait for Approval: Once reviewed, the authority will issue your official NRA.
Update Listings and Property: Add the NRA number to all online listings and ensure it is clearly visible at your property’s main entrance.

Additionally, every 12 months, some administrative steps and bureaucracy will be required to maintain your NRA registration status and ensure continued compliance.

This process may vary slightly by island or municipality, so always consult your local town hall.

How Booking Platforms Will Enforce the NRA Rule

Most major platforms have already adjusted their policies to comply with local regulations:

Airbnb: Will request the NRA during the listing process and may pause listings that don’t include it
Booking.com: Will require visible NRA numbers to continue showing listings
Vrbo & Others: Enforcement expected through visibility suppression, delisting, or warning messages

If your property is not compliant, your listing may be hidden from search results or automatically suspended.

How Pambnb Helps You Stay Compliant

Navigating Spanish legal procedures, tourism laws, and digital platform updates can be confusing and time-consuming. That’s where Pambnb comes in.

With Pambnb, you can avoid the stress of:

Bureaucracy, forms, and Town Hall visits

Missing legal deadlines or changing rules
Updating listings across multiple platforms

We handle it all for you, including:

Application for your tourist license (if needed)
Complete NRA registration on your behalf
Updating and optimizing your listings to stay visible and compliant
Physical signage preparation for the NRA display at your property
Ongoing communication with authorities if issues arise

Our mission is to make property ownership truly passive and profitable. With Pambnb, your vacation rental is legal, optimized, and stress-free.

Why Acting Early Matters

Don’t wait until the last minute—local offices are expected to be overwhelmed with NRA requests as the September 2025 deadline approaches.

Start now to:

Avoid long processing delays
Secure your listing visibility year-round
Show guests that your property is fully legal and reliable

A properly registered vacation rental builds trust with guests, improves your chances of positive reviews, and prevents costly disruptions.

Stay Ahead with Confidence

The 2025 NRA law marks a significant shift in vacation rental regulation in the Canary Islands. While it may feel like another piece of red tape, it’s ultimately a step toward a healthier, more professional, and sustainable tourism market.

As a property owner, embracing this change early gives you a major advantage. You’ll protect your income, comply with the law, and earn the trust of your future guests.

If you need guidance or want to leave it all in expert hands, Pambnb is here for you.

Want to register your property and get your NRA the easy way? Contact our team at info@pambnb.com or visit our website for more details - https://pambnb.com/en/contact.

Let us make your vacation rental not only profitable, but fully compliant.