If you own a holiday rental property in Menorca or are thinking about buying one, recent changes could affect you. Since July 2025, registering your property in a new national database is mandatory if you want to advertise it online. Here’s what this means, how it affects the local market, and what you need to do to stay fully compliant.
As of just a few weeks ago (specifically 1 July 2025), a new requirement came into force for anyone letting tourist accommodation in Spain. You must now register the property in a National Tourist Accommodation Registry and obtain a Unique Registration Number (URN). This measure, stemming from EU Regulation 2024/1028, aims to bring order and traceability to holiday homes listed on platforms like Airbnb, Booking or Vrbo.
In Menorca — where an autonomic ETV licence is still required — this new rule adds another regulatory layer. It doesn’t replace the Balearic legislation, but complements it. The URN is essential to advertise the property on digital platforms that allow bookings and payments online.
You can find more official information in the press release from Spain’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda, as well as other national media.
What exactly is this new registry?
The National Registry for Tourist Accommodation is managed via a platform called the “Ventanilla Única Digital”, run by the College of Registrars. Unlike existing regional registries, this system seeks to harmonise information nationwide and comply with EU rules.
To register, you’ll need to provide basic information (such as the cadastral reference, accommodation capacity, type of letting) and documentation proving the legality of the activity. You can start the process even without a digital certificate using SMS authorisation. The fee is around €27 plus VAT, and once registered you receive the URN, which must be clearly displayed in all online listings.
According to the College of Registrars, this obligation applies only to those letting via platforms that allow online booking and payment, and not via more traditional channels.
Who does this affect?
This requirement concerns both private individuals and companies offering short‑term lets anywhere in Spain. In the Balearics and Menorca, you still need the regional tourist licence (ETV or ETVPL). But now you also need the URN if you want to list on digital platforms.
It’s important to emphasise that this measure does not replace Balearic licence or urban planning requirements — it supplements them, introducing a national requirement for better control and traceability.
If you’re unsure about local rules, we can offer a clear guide on how to start and stay legal when letting in Menorca.
What happens if you don’t comply?
The consequences can be serious. Letting platforms are required to check that the URN appears in each listing and must withdraw any ad without it within 48 hours. Failing to do so could result in fines ranging from €2,000 to €500,000 depending on severity.
Therefore, whether you’re planning to buy a holiday let or already have one advertised online, it’s essential to ensure you meet both regional licence requirements and the new national registry.
What does this mean for the Menorca market?
On Menorca, where balancing tourism with quality of life is delicate, this measure could help eliminate unauthorised offers and enhance the value of fully compliant properties. In the medium term, licenced properties with a URN may appreciate, as they would be the only ones legally able to operate on digital platforms.
Additionally, tighter control could free up part of the residential housing stock — vital for local residents trying to rent or buy year-round homes. It helps ensure tourism growth does not come at the expense of Menorca’s permanent community.
What should you do now?
If you own a licenced holiday let or are looking to buy one in Menorca, act proactively. Verify that the property has a valid licence and register for the URN as soon as possible.
At Portal Menorca, we are committed to guiding you every step of the way to help you make informed and confident decisions.
Would you like to see our selection of tourist-licensed properties ready to rent? Click the previous link to browse or contact us and we’ll help you find the best match.