Calpe is one of the main tourism hubs on the Costa Blanca, but the question for many property owners isn’t whether there is demand (which is extremely high)—it’s whether it’s legally viable to put their home on the vacation rental market.
The short answer is yes, but within a strict regulatory framework. Operating without complying with the rules set by the Generalitat Valenciana not only brings hefty fines, but also makes it impossible to advertise your property on the main platforms. In this guide, we break down the exact steps for legalizing your vacation rental in Calpe.
Vacation home rentals (VUT) in Calpe are governed by the Decree 15/2018 and its subsequent updates. For an apartment to be considered a tourist rental, it must be rented for a period of less than 10 days to the same tenant and have the required registration in the Tourism Register.
Before applying for any license, you must visit the Calpe Town Hall. Not every area or building allows tourist use.
You must apply for the Urban Compatibility Certificate.
This document confirms that using the home for tourist purposes is compatible with the municipality’s general plan.
Without this certificate, it’s impossible to obtain the registration number.
For a home in Calpe to be suitable for vacation rentals, it must meet certain standards of habitability and equipment:
Certificate of Hababitability: Or a valid second-occupancy license.
Public Liability Insurance: It’s mandatory to cover any incidents guests may experience.
Minimum equipment: Wi-Fi connection (highly recommended), air conditioning/heating (depending on the season), a first-aid kit, and official claim forms.
Accessibility and Safety: Comply with the current fire protection and evacuation regulations.
Once you have the favorable report from the Town Hall, the process moves to the Generalitat:
Responsible Declaration: It is submitted electronically to the Tourism Register of the Valencian Community. In it, the owner declares that they meet all legal requirements.
Obtaining the Registration Number: After submission, a code is assigned (e.g. VT-XXXXXX-A). This number is mandatory in any advertising, including Airbnb, Booking, or your agency’s website.
Registration in the Travelers Register: You must communicate the identity of all guests over 14 years of age to the Guardia Civil through the corresponding platform (Accommodations) within 24 hours of their arrival.
Important: The homeowners’ association may prohibit or limit tourist rentals in the building if it is approved by a qualified majority (3/5 of the owners), in accordance with the Horizontal Property Act.
Renting an apartment in Calpe creates tax obligations that you shouldn’t ignore:
Personal Income Tax (IRPF): Income must be declared as income from real estate capital (if there are no hospitality services).
VAT (IVA): It’s only mandatory if you offer services typical of the hotel industry (daily cleaning, linen changes during the stay, catering/food services).
Sanctions Regime: Very serious violations (such as operating without a license) can result in penalties of up to €600,000 in the Valencian Community.
Legalizing an apartment is just the beginning. Real success lies in ongoing maintenance, customer care, and the property’s positioning. At Marina Digorn, we’re experts in comprehensive property management in Calpe—ensuring your investment complies with the law while maximizing your profitability.
If you need help processing your license or want to delegate the management of your vacation rental, contact us today.
