Where buyers get caught out
A villa with years of bookings on rental platforms may never have had a licence, or may have one for fewer places than it sleeps. If the price included that income, the buyer has paid for something the law does not allow.
Checking a licence before buying
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Tourism register | Confirms the licence exists and its number |
| Type of property | Different rules for houses and apartments |
| Capacity | Legal number of guests |
| Zoning | Whether the area allows holiday rental |
| Legality of the house | The licence depends on licensed, habitable buildings |
| Open proceedings | Inspections or sanctions affecting it |
| Transfer | How the licence passes to you |
We make the licence an essential condition of the purchase, with seller warranties and an obligation to complete the change of holder.
Running a licensed property
Holders must register guests, collect the tourist tax, hold insurance, show the licence number in adverts and keep the property as licensed. Renovations that change capacity or layout may affect the licence, so we review them first.
Inspections and sanctions
If you receive an inspection or a sanction proceeding, the first deadlines are short. We prepare the response and, where possible, reduce or annul the fine.
When a licence is not possible
Long-term letting under the urban leases law, or genuine seasonal letting, may be the legal alternative. See civil and lease matters in Menorca. For country houses and apartments, see country houses and apartments. Menorca.law is part of Castell.law.
An illustrative example
Based on situations we commonly see; not a specific client. A Dutch family was offered a villa near Punta Prima with a strong summer booking history. The licence covered six places; the villa was advertised for ten after a guest annex was added. The annex had no licence. The family negotiated a price based on the licensed capacity and a seller undertaking to regularise the annex where possible.
Before you sign or pay, ask a lawyer
Send us the document, the listing or a short summary of the problem. A lawyer will tell you what matters, what it could cost you and what to do next.
Questions about holiday rental licences in Menorca
Can I obtain a new holiday rental licence in Menorca?
It depends on the property type, the zoning and available places. It must be checked case by case.
Does the licence transfer when I buy?
It can, if valid and the change of holder is correctly notified.
Can I let my apartment to tourists?
Often not, depending on the building and zoning. Long-term letting is the usual alternative.
What happens if I let without a licence?
High fines and removal of adverts, and possible effects on future licences.
Can I let my house to friends for free?
Unpaid use by friends or family is not holiday rental. Advertising or charging, even informally, can be treated as rental without a licence.