Initial Registration of Tourist Activity for Holiday Accommodation in Dwellings (ETV)
Operating holiday tourist accommodation (ETV) in Mallorca requires strict compliance with the regulations set out in Law 8/2012 on Tourism in the Balearic Islands and its related decrees.
This regulation determines the types of dwellings eligible for tourist use, the documentation required for registration, and the administrative procedure to follow before marketing the property legally.
Eligible property types
1. Single-family detached houses
A single-family detached house is defined as a property with only one dwelling per plot. However, in exceptional cases and after a preliminary review by the competent authority, more than one house per plot may be accepted if they share similar structural and land-use conditions.
2. Semi-detached houses
A semi-detached house is a single-family dwelling attached to another either:
- Within the same plot, under a subdivision system, or
- On adjacent plots sharing a dividing wall.
By contrast, apartments, terraced houses, and multi-family buildings are not authorised for tourist rental under the ETV regime.
Capacity and operational limits
Dwellings marketed as ETV (Estancia Turística en Viviendas) must comply with the following limits:
- Maximum of 6 bedrooms and 12 beds.
- Minimum of 1 bathroom for every 3 beds.
- Rental period cannot exceed two months at a time.
Documentation required for registration
To begin marketing a tourist dwelling in Mallorca, the owner must submit a Responsible Declaration for the Commencement of Tourist Activity (DRIAT) (Declaración Responsable de Inicio de Actividad Turística).
The DRIAT must include:
- Identification of the applicant and legal representation.
- Descriptive report containing:
- Property name, address, category, and registration number (if applicable).
- Plot surface area.
- List of authorised accommodation units with ID numbers, room capacity, and surfaces (bedrooms, bathrooms, terrace, kitchen, etc.).
- Description of buildings and common areas (reception, lounge, pool, gym, parking, etc.).
- Sketches or architectural plans.
- Proof of payment of stamp duties (a fixed amount per bed).
- Self-assessment questionnaire for ETV classification.
Once the DRIAT is correctly submitted, the activity is automatically authorised to begin.
If any missing or incorrect information is detected, Law 30/1992 grants a 10-day correction period to amend the documentation.
Verification and inspection
Under Decree 13/2011, the Tourism Department will inspect the property to verify that the information provided in the DRIAT is accurate and that the property complies with all applicable regulations.
If false or incorrect information is found, the tourist licence will be suspended and the registration cancelled from the Tourism Registry.
Duration and permitted services
According to Article 50 of Law 8/2012, marketing accommodation for periods shorter than two months is permitted, provided it can be demonstrated that the rental does not fall under the Urban Leases Act (LAU) or other special housing laws.
Article 51 establishes the minimum tourist services that must be guaranteed, either directly or through third parties:
- Regular cleaning of the dwelling.
- Provision and replacement of bedding and towels.
- Upkeep of installations and household equipment.
- Customer assistance service during business hours.
Additionally, under Article 52, ETV dwellings may be required to participate in quality control plans established by the Tourism Department.
Legal guidance for ETV owners
Due to the complexity of the Balearic tourism framework, it is crucial to seek legal advice before registering your property as an ETV. Errors in the DRIAT or failure to meet building and land-use criteria can lead to suspension of the licence and significant penalties.
At Frau Legal, we advise owners, investors, and agencies in all legal and administrative aspects of tourist accommodation registration in Mallorca and Ibiza. From verifying the property’s compliance to submitting your DRIAT and liaising with the Consell Insular de Mallorca, our team ensures your rental activity meets every requirement of Law 8/2012.
📍 Contact us in Palma, Puerto Portals, Sóller, or Ibiza:
fraulegal.com/contact
For related information, see also:
👉 Setting Up Tourist Activity in Rural Areas of Mallorca
