| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Restricted — rules apply |
| Permit / License Required | Yes |
| Tax Rate | Per national rules |
| Minimum Stay | Tourist use short-stay; seasonal 32+ days separate |
| Penalties | Unlicensed operation: fines under Andalusia's tourism law; operating without NRU registration (national): up to €30,000 under Organic Law 4/2015. Spec |
| Primary Residence Required | No |
| Occupancy Limit | Per RTA registration |
Short-term rentals in Málaga, Andalusia are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes.
Short-term rental operators in Málaga should be aware of these tax obligations: Per national rules. Yes — income tax; guest reporting.
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Málaga include: Primary residence requirement: No. Occupancy limit: Per RTA registration. Minimum stay: Tourist use short-stay; seasonal 32+ days separate.
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Málaga: All new tourist accommodation (STRs, hotels, hostels, tourist apartments) on residential-classified land must now undergo a full PGOU planning modification and prove wider public benefit. No new STR r. Density rules: Municipal moratorium on new licenses in saturated zones (also Fuengirola, Manilva).
Hosts who fail to comply with Málaga's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Unlicensed operation: fines under Andalusia's tourism law; operating without NRU registration (national): up to €30,000 under Organic Law 4/2015. Specific fines for violating the new planning modifica.
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Málaga: Display RTA number; platform delisting of non-compliant.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Málaga but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Hosts and developers in Málaga must now navigate both the ongoing city-wide VUT registration moratorium (no new STR licences until moratorium lifts or new PGOU is approved, up to 3 years from August 2
Yes. Málaga requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes.
Short-term rental hosts in Málaga are subject to the following tax obligations: Per national rules.
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Málaga may face enforcement. Unlicensed operation: fines under Andalusia's tourism law; operating without NRU registration (national): up to €30,000 under Organic Law 4/2015. Specific fines for violating the new planning modification requirement not yet published..
1. City-wide moratorium on new VUT registrations has been in place since August 2025 — no new STR licences can be obtained in Málaga city until the revised PGOU is approved or 3 years elapse. 2. As of July 6, 2026, the expanded planning rule closes a loophole that allowed new tourist apartment blocks and sub-4-star hotels on residential land to proceed under simpler procedures. 3. Existing license
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