Tourist Rental Licence in Murcia
Everything you need to know about the VUT licence — what it is, who needs it, and how to get it
What is the VUT licence?
The Vivienda de Uso Turístico (VUT) — also called the licencia turística — is a registration certificate issued by the Regional Government of Murcia (Comunidad Autónoma de la Región de Murcia). It authorises a residential property to be rented to tourists for short-term stays.
The VUT is governed by Decree 75/2005 and its subsequent amendments. Properties in urbanisations such as Mar Menor Golf Resort and Serena Golf Resort fall under this regional framework.
Once issued, your VUT number must be displayed on all listings and marketing materials, including Costadels and any other platform you list on (Airbnb, Booking.com, etc.).
Who needs a licence?
Any owner who rents their property to tourists — even once — requires a VUT licence. This applies regardless of whether you rent through a platform, a letting agency, or directly to guests. There are no exemptions for occasional rentals.
Minimum property requirements
Before applying, your property must meet the following minimum standards set by regional regulations:
- Functioning heating and air conditioning in all habitable rooms
- Smoke detectors in each room
- A fire extinguisher on the premises
- A first-aid kit
- An information folder for guests (emergency numbers, house rules, waste collection days, etc.)
- Complaint forms (hojas de reclamaciones) available for guests
- Adequate furniture and household equipment for the number of guests stated in the licence
- Valid habitation certificate (cédula de habitabilidad) or equivalent
How to apply — step by step
Gather your documents
You will need: copy of your NIE or passport, title deed (escritura), habitation certificate (cédula de habitabilidad), and proof that the property meets the minimum requirements above. If your property is in a community of owners, check that the community rules do not prohibit tourist rentals.
Submit a Declaración Responsable
The VUT is obtained by filing a Declaración Responsable Turística — a responsible declaration — with the Regional Tourism Authority of Murcia (CARM). This is a self-certification that your property meets all requirements. You do not need prior approval; the licence takes effect from the moment the declaration is submitted correctly.
Submit online or in person
The declaration can be filed online via the CARM portal (certificate required) or in person at a regional government office. The official portal is sede.carm.es. Many owners use a local gestor or solicitor to handle this on their behalf.
Receive your VUT number
Once the declaration is processed, you will receive a registration number in the format VUT-MU-XXXXX. This is the number you enter in your Costadels Self listing. Keep a copy of your registration confirmation — you may be asked to produce it during inspections.
Display the number on all listings
Spanish law requires the VUT number to appear on every advertisement for the property. Costadels Self displays it automatically on your listing once entered. Make sure to add it to any other platform (Airbnb, Booking.com) as well.
Guest registration — SES.hospedajes
In addition to holding a VUT licence, Spanish law requires you to register every guest (aged 16 and over) with the authorities within 24 hours of check-in. In the Region of Murcia, this is done through the SES.hospedajes system operated by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior.
Register at: hospedajes.ses.mir.es
You will need to collect a copy of each guest's ID document (passport or national ID) at check-in and upload the details to the portal. Failure to comply is a legal infraction and the owner's sole responsibility.
Community of Owners — important check
Since 2019, Spanish horizontal property law allows communities of owners to prohibit or restrict tourist rentals by a three-fifths majority vote. Before applying for a VUT licence, check the minutes and statutes of your Comunidad de Propietarios to confirm that short-term rentals are permitted. If the community has voted to ban them, a VUT licence cannot override that restriction.
Contact your community administrator (administrador de fincas) to verify the current rules.
Need help with the application?
Many owners at Mar Menor Golf Resort and Serena Golf Resort work with local solicitors or gestores who handle the application process on their behalf. The typical cost for professional assistance ranges from €150–€400, depending on the complexity of your situation.
Costadels does not provide legal or tax advice and cannot apply for licences on your behalf, but we can point you toward trusted local professionals upon request.
Ready to list your property?
Once you have your VUT number, add it to your listing and set your status to Published.
Go to My Listing →