Last updated on November 1, 2025
No, not beyond 2028. Barcelona currently allows short-term rentals only under strict conditions, but the city has set a definitive deadline: all tourist apartment licenses will expire in November 2028 and will not be renewed. From 2029 onward, renting an entire apartment for short stays will be prohibited.
Barcelona’s Big Shift
Barcelona was once a champion of the sharing economy, welcoming platforms like Airbnb to boost tourism and local income. But as visitor numbers soared, housing costs and neighborhood tensions followed. Residents complained of noise, crowding, and being priced out of their own homes. The city responded with bold measures to restore balance between tourism and livability.
The Legal Framework: From Growth to Zero
The backbone of Barcelona’s regulation is the Special Tourist Accommodation Plan (PEUAT), approved in 2021 and enforced since 2022. This urban planning instrument set “zero growth” for tourist-use flats (HUTs) across the city. No new licenses for short-term tourist apartments have been issued since 2014, and existing licenses are tightly controlled. Properties must comply with zoning rules, display their registration number, and meet safety and habitability standards.
The PEUAT’s purpose is clear: guarantee residents’ right to housing, rest, and privacy while preventing uncontrolled expansion of tourist accommodation. It divides the city into zones with strict density limits and prohibits new HUTs in saturated areas. This plan reflects Barcelona’s commitment to sustainable urban development and quality of life for locals.
The Countdown to 2029
In June 2025, Barcelona’s City Council confirmed the next step: no tourist apartment licenses will be renewed after November 2028. This measure affects more than 10,000 legally registered flats. The goal is to return these properties to the residential market and curb soaring rents, which have risen over 60% in the past decade.
Spain’s Constitutional Court upheld this decision in March 2025, dismissing appeals from property owners. The ruling gives Barcelona full legal authority to phase out short-term rentals, citing housing affordability as a priority. From 2029 onward, offering an entire apartment for stays under 31 days will be unlawful. Hotels, hostels, and regulated accommodations will remain available, but the era of Airbnb-style whole-home rentals in Barcelona will end.
National Rules Add Another Layer
While Barcelona tightens local controls, Spain has introduced nationwide regulations through Royal Decree 1312/2024, effective July 2025. This law requires all short-term rental properties to register in a national database and obtain a unique registration number to appear on platforms like Airbnb. The system aims to increase transparency, combat illegal rentals, and ensure compliance with tax and safety standards.
Even today, hosts must provide documentation proving compliance with regional and municipal requirements. Failure to register or display the national number can lead to removal from platforms and fines. These national rules complement Barcelona’s local restrictions, creating one of Europe’s most stringent frameworks for tourist rentals.
How Can You Check If an Apartment Has a Valid Tourist License?
Barcelona makes this process straightforward. Every legal tourist apartment must display its HUT license number (Habitatge d’Ús Turístic) in the listing. This number usually starts with “HUTB” followed by digits. To verify:
- Visit the official Barcelona City Council registry for tourist-use housing.
- Enter the license number provided by the host.
- Confirm that the property is listed as active and compliant.
If the number is missing or does not match the registry, the apartment is not legal. Booking such a property can lead to cancellations or fines for the host. Always check before confirming your stay.
What Does This Mean for Travelers and Hosts?
For now, renting an apartment on Airbnb in Barcelona is legal only if the property has a valid tourist license. These licenses are scarce and expensive, often sold at a premium. Hosts must follow strict operational rules, including displaying the license number, collecting tourist taxes, and providing complaint forms. Enforcement is rigorous: inspectors actively monitor platforms and shut down illegal listings.
By 2029, the landscape changes completely. Visitors will need to rely on hotels, hostels, or other regulated options. For property owners, the clock is ticking to adapt—whether by shifting to mid-term rentals or exiting the tourist market altogether.
Why Such a Radical Move?
Barcelona’s strategy reflects a broader trend among European cities grappling with overtourism and housing crises. The city aims to protect residents’ rights, preserve neighborhood character, and ensure sustainable tourism. Supporters hail the decision as a victory for affordable housing, while critics warn of economic fallout and potential black markets.
One thing is certain: Barcelona is setting a precedent. Its hard stop in 2028 will be a benchmark for urban tourism policy worldwide.
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Sources
Special Tourist Accommodation Plan (PEUAT) – Ajuntament de Barcelona
https://ajuntament.barcelona.cat/pla-allotjaments-turistics/en
Publication date: ongoing
Royal Decree 1312/2024 – Ministerio de Industria y Turismo
https://www.mincotur.gob.es/
Publication date: ongoing
Spain’s Constitutional Court ruling on Barcelona tourist rental ban – Tribunal Constitucional
https://www.tribunalconstitucional.es/
Publication date: March 25, 2025
Tourist Housing Registry – Generalitat de Catalunya
https://habitatge.gencat.cat/
Publication date: ongoing