VFT registration Andalusia: how to get your vacation rental license
Want to rent out your property on the Costa del Sol to tourists? You need a VFT registration from the Junta de Andalucía.
Anouar Zhaoui · 2025-12-01
What is a VFT registration?
VFT (Vivienda con Fines Turísticos) is the official license for vacation rentals in Andalusia. It is regulated by Decreto 28/2016 and updated by Decreto 31/2024.
Every property rented for tourist purposes - via Airbnb, Booking.com, or directly - must be registered as VFT. The VFT number (e.g. VFT/MA/00123) must be visible in every listing.
Registration is free, but the property must meet specific requirements for equipment, safety, and habitability.
VFT requirements in 2025
Since Decreto 31/2024, requirements have tightened. Your property must meet habitability standards (cédula de habitabilidad, fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning), and you need new documents: an urban compatibility declaration, energy certificate, and for apartments homeowners association approval.
KeyLessCosta checks whether your property meets all requirements before we start the application process. See our complete VFT guide for the full checklist of documents and property requirements.
How to apply for VFT: step by step
The VFT process takes 2-4 months and consists of six steps: feasibility check, document collection, urban compatibility from the municipality (1-3 months), declaración responsable with the Junta de Andalucía, receiving your VFT number (15 business days), and finally applying for your NRA number.
KeyLessCosta handles the entire process for you: from the initial feasibility check to the final registration. Read the complete step-by-step guide with all documents, common pitfalls and tips.
Municipality-specific rules on the Costa del Sol
| Municipality | VFT Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Málaga city | Moratorium | Full stop on new VFT registrations in historic centre and other zones. |
| Marbella | Restricted | New ordinance being drafted. Stricter requirements expected. |
| Fuengirola | Open | VFT registration possible with urban compatibility approval. |
| Estepona | Open | Relatively flexible policy. Urban compatibility declaration required. |
| Mijas | Open | VFT registration possible. Municipal conditions apply. |
| Nerja | Restricted | Restrictions in certain zones. Check local zoning. |
Fines and enforcement
The Junta de Andalucía applies three levels of fines:
• Minor (leve): €2,000 - €18,000 - E.g. missing information in listing
• Serious (grave): €18,001 - €90,000 - E.g. renting without VFT registration
• Very serious (muy grave): €90,001 - €150,000 - E.g. repeated illegal rental
Enforcement trends
Enforcement has increased significantly in recent years. Municipalities and the Junta work with platforms to detect unregistered rentals.How KeyLessCosta helps with VFT registration
The VFT application process is complex, especially for foreign owners. KeyLessCosta guides you through every step:
Our VFT registration services
• Feasibility check - We verify if your property qualifies • Document collection - We help obtain all required documents • Municipal application - We handle the urban compatibility request • VFT submission - We submit the declaración responsable to the Junta • NRA registration - Immediately after VFT approval, we apply for your NRA number • SES Hospedajes - Automatic guest registration with every bookingFrequently asked questions about VFT registration
- How long does the entire VFT process take?
- Expect 2 to 4 months in total. The urban compatibility declaration from the municipality is usually the longest part (1-3 months). The VFT registration itself at the Junta takes 15 business days after submission.
- Can I start renting while my application is pending?
- After submitting the declaración responsable, you may start renting immediately, provided you meet all requirements. The Junta can inspect retroactively.
- My property is in Málaga city. Can I still get a VFT?
- Málaga city has imposed a moratorium on new VFT registrations in certain zones, especially the historic centre. Check the current zoning with the municipality or contact us.
- Do I need approval from the homeowners association?
- Yes, for apartments you need a 3/5 majority from the owners’ meeting. This is regulated by Ley Orgánica 1/2025.
- Is a VFT permanent or does it need renewal?
- The VFT registration is in principle permanent, but can be revoked if you no longer meet the requirements or in case of serious violations. Since 2025, you also need an NRA number and must file an annual N2 declaration.
- How much does VFT registration cost?
- Registration with the Junta is free. Associated costs (energy certificate, nota simple, any property adjustments) typically range from €200 to €800 in total.
Málaga, Andalucía 29001, Spain
+31 6 18 28 40 11 (WhatsApp)
keylesscosta@gmail.com