VUDA registry guide: how to get your NRA number in Spain
Last month, a client from London called us in a panic: his Airbnb listing in Fuengirola had vanished overnight. The reason? No NRA number. Since July 2025, VUDA registration is mandatory for every vacation rental in Spain, and the platforms are enforcing it hard. Here is everything you need to know to get your NRA number without surprises.
Anouar Zhaoui · 2026-05-19
Update 22 May 2026: national NRA registry scrapped
Important update (22 May 2026)
On 22 May 2026, the Spanish Supreme Court voided the national rental registry. Applying for a national NRA number is no longer required. Your regional VFT registration and SES Hospedajes guest registration remain fully mandatory. Read what the ruling means for you before following this guide.
What is VUDA?
VUDA stands for Ventanilla Unica Digital de Arrendamientos - Spain's digital one-stop shop for rental registrations. It was created by the national government as a centralised registry for all short-term and long-term rental properties in the country. Why does VUDA exist? The government wants to combat fraud, detect illegal rentals, and build a reliable database of every tourist property in the country.
VUDA does not replace your regional VFT registration in Andalusia. It is an additional national requirement. You need both a VFT number (regional, Junta de Andalucia) and an NRA number (national, VUDA) to legally rent out your property.
Legal basis
The legal foundation for VUDA lies in Ley 12/2023 (Right to Housing Act) and its implementing regulations. This law mandates a national registry and requires platforms to only display listings with a valid registration number.NRA vs NRUA: which number do you need?
When you register with VUDA, you receive a registration number. The type of number depends on your rental activity:
If you rent out a vacation property on the Costa del Sol through Airbnb or Booking.com, you need an NRA number. This is the number you must display on your listings. The NRA number consists of exactly 53 characters and includes a country code, region code, cadastral reference, and sequence number.
The NRUA number is the broader variant that also covers standard residential leases. For most vacation rental owners, the NRA number is what matters.
| Number | Full name | Rental type |
|---|---|---|
| NRA | Numero de Registro de Alquiler | Short-term / tourist (VFT) |
| NRUA | Numero de Registro Unico de Arrendamientos | All rental contracts (including long-term) |
Step-by-step: VUDA registration
The registration process is fully digital through the VUDA portal of the Ministry of Transport and Housing. Follow these steps:
- Obtain digital access - you need a Spanish digital certificate, Cl@ve PIN, or Cl@ve Permanente. For non-residents, the digital certificate is the most reliable option. You can apply at the FNMT and verify your identity at the comisaria in Malaga (Avenida de Andalucia) - book a cita previa appointment first, as walk-ins are turned away.
- Log into the VUDA portal - go to the VUDA website and select "Nuevo registro" (new registration).
- Select the registration type - choose "Alquiler de temporada / uso turistico" (tourist use) to request an NRA number.
- Enter property details - cadastral reference (referencia catastral), address, number of rooms, maximum guest capacity. Find your cadastral reference at the Sede Electronica del Catastro.
- Confirm your regional registration - enter your VFT number. VUDA verifies this with the Junta de Andalucia.
- Pay the fee - the cost is 27 euros per application, payable through the portal via credit card or bank transfer.
- Receive your NRA number - after approval, you receive a 53-character number that must be added to all your listings.
Processing time
Processing typically takes 5 to 10 working days. During peak periods (spring and summer), this can extend to 15 working days. Practical tip: download your NRA confirmation as a PDF the moment you receive it. The VUDA portal logs you out after 15 minutes of inactivity and the confirmation page becomes unreachable. Start your application well in advance, especially as the high season approaches.Costs and validity
The VUDA registration costs 27 euros per application. This is a one-time payment per property. If you rent out multiple properties, you pay 27 euros for each one.
The NRA number is linked to the specific property (cadastral reference) and remains valid as long as:
• Your regional VFT registration is active
• The property details in VUDA match reality
• You comply with annual reporting obligations (such as the N2 annual declaration)
If you lose your VFT registration or if the property details change (e.g. after a renovation that alters the room count), you must update your VUDA registration.
What happens without an NRA number?
Since July 2025, Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO and other platforms are legally required to only display listings with a valid NRA number. Without one:
• Platforms deactivate your listing - your property becomes invisible to guests
• Existing bookings are not cancelled, but you cannot receive new bookings
• Fines are possible - the government can impose penalties for offering unregistered accommodation
• Other obligations become harder - without an NRA number you cannot correctly file your N2 annual declaration
The NRA number is not a formality. It is a hard requirement to stay active on booking platforms. The longer you wait, the more revenue you lose.
How it fits with other obligations
The NRA number does not stand alone. It is part of a broader compliance landscape for vacation rentals in Spain. You also need your VFT registration, must register guests through SES Hospedajes, and file your N2 annual declaration. With KeyLessCosta, we automate the SES registration and the check-in process so you can focus on the other requirements.Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between VUDA and the VFT registry?
- The VFT registry is regional (Junta de Andalucia) and gives you permission to operate a tourist rental. VUDA is national and provides your NRA number, which is mandatory on all platforms. You need both.
- How much does VUDA registration cost?
- 27 euros per property, one-time payment. You can pay by credit card or bank transfer through the portal.
- How long does it take to get an NRA number?
- Typically 5 to 10 working days. In spring and summer it can stretch to 15. Our rule of thumb: start at least 4 weeks before your first guests arrive.
- Can I register without a VFT number?
- No. VUDA verifies your regional registration (VFT number) as part of the application process. Apply for your VFT number first.
- What happens if my NRA number is revoked?
- If your NRA number is revoked (e.g. for failing to submit the N2 declaration), platforms will deactivate your listing. You must resolve the issue and re-register.
- Do I need a gestor for VUDA registration?
- Not necessarily. But if you do not have a digital certificate or do not speak Spanish, a gestor saves you a lot of frustration. The portal is entirely in Spanish and the error messages are not exactly helpful. Budget around 100-150 euros for a gestor to handle it.
Málaga, Andalucía 29001, Spain
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keylesscosta@gmail.com