Where buyers get caught out
The price of an Ibiza villa often includes the expected rental income. If the licence does not exist, belongs to another property, covers fewer places than the house sleeps or cannot be transferred, the buyer has paid for income they cannot legally earn.
Checking a licence before you buy
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Registration in the tourism register | Confirms the licence exists and its number |
| Type of property | Single-family houses only; apartments excluded |
| Number of places | How many guests can legally stay |
| Planning and habitability | The licence depends on the house being legal |
| Zoning | Island and municipal rules on where rentals are allowed |
| Open files | Inspections or sanctions affecting the licence |
| Transfer | How and when the licence passes to you |
We make the licence an essential condition of the purchase, with seller warranties and the obligation to complete the change of holder.
Owning a licensed villa
Licence holders must comply with obligations on registration of guests, the tourist tax, insurance, displaying the licence number in adverts and keeping the property as licensed. Works that change the capacity or the house may affect the licence. We advise before you renovate.
Inspections and fines
If you receive an inspection, a request for information or a sanction proceeding, the first deadlines are short. We review the file, prepare the response and, where possible, reduce or annul the sanction. Owners renting without a licence should get advice before any inspection.
Long-term and seasonal letting
Where a holiday licence is not possible, long-term letting under the urban leases law, or genuine seasonal letting for work or study, may be the legal alternative. See landlord and tenant law in Ibiza.
Investors and businesses
For hotels, agroturismos and commercial premises, see commercial property in Ibiza. For villas, see buying a villa or finca. Ibiza.law is part of Castell.law.
Before you sign or pay, ask a lawyer
Send us the document, the listing or a short summary of the problem. A lawyer will tell you what matters, what it could cost you and what to do next.
Questions about holiday rental licences in Ibiza
Can I get a new holiday rental licence in Ibiza?
In most cases it is very difficult or not possible. It depends on the property type, the zoning and the island rules, and must be checked case by case.
Does the licence pass to me when I buy?
It can, if it is valid and the change of holder is communicated correctly. The contract should make it a condition.
What happens if I rent without a licence?
You risk very high fines and the removal of your adverts, and it may affect future licences for the property.
Can I rent my Ibiza apartment to tourists?
No, if it is in a multi-family building. Long-term or seasonal letting is the legal option.