Tourist tax in Spain A complete guide
With its Mediterranean beaches, world-famous cities, and rich cultural heritage, Spain is a top destination for travelers from around the world. In this tax guide, you’ll find all the information you need on tourist tax. What the rates are, who pays it, how compliance works, and how to manage it with ease.
Why do Spanish regions charge a tourist tax?
Tourism plays a major role in the Spanish economy, but it also puts pressure on public services, housing, and the environment. Several regions use a tourist tax to help cover these costs and support more sustainable tourism.
There is no nationwide tourist tax. Instead, each autonomous region sets its own rules. Catalonia and the Balearic Islands already have a tax in place, while others like Valencia are preparing to follow. National law also requires all hosts to register guest details through the SES Hospedajes system.
Tourist tax by city in Spain
Want to know the rules regarding tourist tax per municipality in Spain? Trippz collects all data about tourist tax. Below is an overview of the specific tourist tax rules of various municipalities in Spain:
For tourists
Who pays the tourist tax in Spain?
In Spain, the tourist tax is paid by the guest. It applies to overnight stays in many types of accommodation, including hotels, apartments, and campsites. Children are often exempt, depending on the region.
There is no national tourist tax law in Spain. Each region decides whether to apply a tax and how it should be collected. In most cases, the host collects the tax from the guest and reports it to the local authorities. Some booking platforms may handle this process on behalf of the host, but not everywhere.
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When do you pay the tourist tax?
In most cases, the tourist tax in Spain is paid when you check in at your accommodation. Some booking platforms include the tax in the total price and collect it during the reservation process.
The exact timing depends on how and where you book. Hosts are responsible for making sure the tourist tax is collected and reported correctly, whether it is paid in person or online.
How is the tourist tax calculated in Spain?
The tourist tax in Spain is calculated differently in each region. Rates depend on factors like the type of accommodation, the location, the number of nights, and the time of year.
For example, in Barcelona, guests staying in high-end hotels pay more than those in budget hostels. In the Balearic Islands, the tax is higher in summer and reduced after the eighth night. Some regions offer exemptions for children or reduced rates for youth hostels.
Tourist tax in the Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands apply a regional tourist tax called the Sustainable Tourism Tax (Impost del Turisme Sostenible), introduced in 2016. It applies uniformly across all 67 municipalities in Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera. The rules are set by the regional government of the Comunidad Autónoma Illes Balears, not by local authorities.
The tax applies to all overnight stays in registered accommodations, including hotels, apartments, hostels, rural houses, and campsites. Rates vary by accommodation type and season. In high season (May to October), guests in four- and five-star hotels can pay up to €4.00 per person, per night. In low season (November to April), the amount is reduced by 75%. Children under 16 are exempt, and the amount is halved from the ninth night onward.
Frequently asked questions from tourists
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Is the tourist tax included in my booking?
It depends on how and where you book. Some platforms, like Airbnb, include the tourist tax in the total price in certain cities. Others don’t, so you’ll need to pay it directly to the host when you arrive. Always check the details before completing your booking.
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Do children pay tourist tax in Spain?
In most regions, children (under 16, 17 or 18) are exempt, but there are exceptions. Some areas apply lower rates for teenagers or students. If you’re traveling with children, it’s worth checking the local rules to know what to expect.
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Do I pay the same amount everywhere in Spain?
No. Each region — and sometimes each city — sets its own rules. The tax can vary depending on the type of accommodation, the season, and the number of nights. For example, rates in Barcelona and the Balearic Islands are among the highest.
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Can I get a refund if I leave early?
Refunds are rare, especially if the tax was charged upfront. Some hosts may offer flexibility, but it depends on local policies and how the payment was handled. If you're unsure, ask the host or reception when you check in.
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Why do I have to pay a tourist tax in Spain?
Tourist taxes help cover the cost of tourism in busy areas. The money goes to public services, environmental projects, and cultural preservation. It’s a way for destinations to keep tourism sustainable over the long term.
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I was asked to pay tourist tax upon arrival, but I already paid through the booking platform. Is this correct?
If you already paid tourist tax through the booking platform, you should not need to pay it again upon arrival. In such cases, you can show the receipt or confirmation from the booking platform to the accommodation provider as proof of payment. If there is confusion, you may need to contact the booking platform’s customer service to resolve the issue.
For hosts
Renting out in Spain: a lot to consider
Renting out a holiday home in Spain comes with more rules than many hosts expect. From guest registration through SES Hospedajes to tourist tax collection and local rental permits, there is a lot to keep track of. The exact requirements differ from one region to another.
Some booking platforms help with parts of the process, but most of the responsibility remains with the host. In the next sections, we explain what you need to know to stay compliant, avoid fines, and manage your rental with confidence.
Guest registration in Spain
All hosts in Spain are required to register their guests through SES Hospedajes, the national system for guest reporting. This applies to all types of tourist accommodation, including holiday rentals, hotels, and campsites.
For each guest, you must collect and submit the following information within 24 hours of arrival:
- Full name
- Gender
- Identity document number and Document support number
- Type of document (DNI, passport, TIE)
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Place of habitual residence (street, city, country)
- Phone number
- Email address
- Number of travelers
- Relationship between travelers (in the event that any of them is a minor).
This obligation is set out in Royal Decree 933/2021. Those who register late or incompletely risk a fine of €100 to €30,000.
Guest data must be stored for three years
Submitting guest data to SES Hospedajes is not the only requirement. Hosts must also keep a local record of the submitted information for three years after the end of each stay.
This obligation is part of Royal Decree 933/2021 and applies to all accommodation providers in Spain. The stored data must match what was submitted and should be made available to the authorities if requested during that period.
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Trippz integrates with SES Hospedajes
Submitting guest data manually takes time and creates room for error. Trippz offers a direct integration with SES Hospedajes, so your guest registration is handled automatically, in the right format and always on time.
Once a guest checks in, their details are sent directly to SES Hospedajes. You do not need to log in elsewhere or upload files manually. You remain in full control. The data is always accessible in your dashboard, and you can review or edit it at any time before it’s sent.
This automated workflow also applies to other countries. Just as with Alloggiati Web and ROSS1000 in Italy, Trippz takes care of the compliance work behind the scenes so you can focus on hosting.
Handling of tourist tax in Spain
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Collecting tourist tax
In Spain, hosts are required to collect tourist tax from their guests. The amount depends on the region, the type of accommodation, the number of nights, and sometimes the age of the guest. Rates may also change between high and low season.
You must inform your guests about the tax, apply the correct rate, and make sure it is collected properly. This can happen online during booking or at check-in, depending on how your property is listed.
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Remitting tourist tax
Each region decides how and when the tourist tax must be reported and paid to the authorities. In some places, this is done quarterly. In others, it follows a local or annual schedule.
As the host, you are responsible for submitting the payment. This applies even when you have already collected the tax from the guest. If deadlines are missed or amounts are incorrect, local authorities may impose fines.
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Tourist tax when using booking platforms
Some booking platforms such as Airbnb collect tourist tax on your behalf in specific regions. This can be helpful, but it is not available everywhere and it is not always easy to confirm what has been paid.
If you also accept direct bookings, or if your platform does not handle tourist tax in your area, then you still need to take care of the collection and remittance yourself. Trippz shows you what has already been handled and what still needs attention.
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Automate tourist tax collection with Trippz
Trippz knows the correct tourist tax rate for every region in Spain. Whether it depends on accommodation type, season, or guest age, the right rate is always applied. This removes guesswork and ensures full compliance from the start.
At check-in, the tourist tax is collected automatically through our app. You no longer need to calculate amounts manually or explain the fee to your guests. Trippz gives you a clear overview for every booking, so you always know what has been charged and what still needs to be remitted. You save time, avoid errors, and stay in control. Even when managing multiple properties.
Frequently asked questions from hosts
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Can I list my property on Airbnb without a tourist license in Spain?
No. Most regions in Spain require a valid tourist license number before you can legally list your property on platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com. From 2025, a national registration number will also be required. Listings without a valid license may be removed by the platform or fined by local authorities.
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Is the tourist tax income taxable in Spain?
Tourist tax is not considered part of your income and should not be included when calculating your rental revenue. You are collecting the tax on behalf of the authorities. However, you should keep records of what was charged and remitted in case of an audit.
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Do I need a rental license to host guests in Spain?
Yes. In most regions, you need to register your property and obtain a tourist rental license before accepting guests. In some areas, you also need approval from your building’s homeowners' association. A national registration number will become mandatory in 2025.
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What happens if I forget to register a guest with SES Hospedajes?
Guest registration is required by law. If you miss the 24-hour deadline or enter incomplete information, you may face fines. Trippz helps you stay compliant by submitting the registration automatically at check-in.
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Do I still have to collect tourist tax if Airbnb says they handle it?
Not always. Airbnb collects and pays tourist tax in certain cities, but not everywhere in Spain. As the host, you are still responsible for ensuring the tax is handled correctly, even if a platform helps.
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How often do I need to pay the tourist tax to the authorities?
This depends on the region. Some require quarterly declarations, others follow different local schedules. Trippz keeps track of deadlines and shows you what still needs to be paid.
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Do I need to keep records for tourist tax and guest registration?
Yes. You must keep guest data for three years, even after submitting it through SES Hospedajes. For tourist tax, you should also keep records of what was collected and when it was paid, in case authorities request it.
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How do I make this all as simple as possible?
By using Trippz! Instead of keeping track of everything by hand, by yourself we automate the guest registration and tourist tax collection for you, ensuring compliance with local regulations and reducing administrative burden.
How Trippz helps hosts
Organize your administration simply
Classifying your accommodation, keeping a guest registry, collecting and remitting the correct amount of tourist tax; besides taking good care of your guests' travel, there is a lot of administrative work involved in renting out your accommodation. Work that you may not have even thought of initially when you started, and that you probably want to spend as little time on as possible. Therefore, you want to organize your administration as simply as possible.
And fortunately you can, with Trippz!
All in one overview
Trippz is here to make your life as easy as possible, while complying with all regulations. Through our (web)app you automate your guest registration, and you can even prepare your administration for the tourist tax. You don't have to worry about collecting the tourist tax either. Because we keep track of all local regulations, we know exactly what rate your guests have to pay. On arrival day, your guests will automatically receive a message from us to pay their tourist tax. At the end of their stay, the money will be automatically deposited into your account. All you have to do is periodically transfer the total amount to the municipality. Simple!
Automatically sync all Airbnb bookings
You can now synchronise all your Airbnb bookings with Trippz on your account. This means you have to do even less yourself. Ideal for hosts who rent out a lot via Airbnb. Do you rent through another platform? We expect to complete more integrations in the near future. Get in touch to find out if your platform will soon be added to Trippz.
Trippz integrates with SES Hospedajes
Submitting guest data manually takes time and creates room for error. Trippz offers a direct integration with SES Hospedajes, so your guest registration is handled automatically, in the right format and always on time.
Once a guest checks in, their details are sent directly to SES Hospedajes. You do not need to log in elsewhere or upload files manually. You remain in full control. The data is always accessible in your dashboard, and you can review or edit it at any time before it’s sent.
Frequently asked questions about the use of Trippz
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How does Trippz help me as a host?
Trippz makes it easy to comply with local guest registration and tourist tax rules. Our tool automatically collects the necessary guest information and calculates the right tourist tax, based on the local regulations. You no longer have to worry about manually updating spreadsheets, logging into government portals, or missing deadlines. Trippz takes care of the compliance work in the background, so you can focus on offering a great guest experience.
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Is it difficult to start using Trippz?
Not at all! Trippz is designed to be user-friendly. It is developed as a web application, so you do not need to download an app. You can start right away!
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What does the use of Trippz cost?
At the moment, it is free of charge! Have a look at our page for Hosts, to see the current pricing.
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Can I use Trippz if I only rent occasionally?
Yes, absolutely. Trippz is built to support all types of hosts, from someone who rents out their home a few weekends per year, to professional property managers. Whether you're small-scale or manage multiple listings, Trippz adjusts to your needs and helps you stay compliant with minimal effor
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Can I import all my bookings from Airbnb?
Yes, you can! We have worked on an integration with airbnb, through which you can automatically import all your bookings. Thereby, the messages about guest registration will also be send automatically through our platform.
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Can I import all my bookings from my own booking system?
After the integration with Airbnb, we are now working on all other sorts of integrations. Integrating your own platform is not yet available, but will be in the future!
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How does guest registration work for my guests?
Once a booking is confirmed, Trippz sends a registration link to your guest via email or platform message. The guest fills in a simple form, and you’re notified once it’s completed. You can review the details before they are submitted to local authorities. This ensures all data is accurate, and no extra logins or uploads are needed on your side.
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Does Trippz collect the tourist tax for me?
Yes. Trippz now collects the tourist tax directly as part of the check-in process. Once your guest has completed their registration, the correct tax amount is calculated and securely collected. You don’t need to handle any payments yourself. Periodically, you’ll receive a payout with an overview of the amounts collected and remitted, keeping everything clear and compliant.
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What if a guest doesn’t want to register digitally?
This is an unfortunate situation, that does happen from time to time. If a guest does not want to enter digitally, you can manually enter their details into Trippz afterwards.
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What if my municipality changes the tourist tax rates?
At Trippz, we actively follow all tax rates in areas that we cover. When a new tax rate is implemented, we will update the rates accordingly. Still missing something? Please reach out to us!
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What happens if my municipality collaborates with another one?
No problem. As said, we actively follow all municipalities and their rules. We will automatically update this for you. If you want to be sure, you can always message us in advance, so we are even more on top of things!
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How does it work if another organization manages the tax in my municipality?
With Trippz, you can export all the information you need. You can easily copy the needed information towards the file the tax organization requires from you.
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