Guest Registration duties in Rentals
- 1 Guide to Royal Decree 933/2021 and Guest Registration in Accommodations (Entering in force Dec 2024)
- 2 1. Key Details of Royal Decree 933/2021
- 2.1 1.1 Who Does Royal Decree 933/2021 Apply To?
- 2.2 2. New Communication Requirement: SES.HOSPEDAJES
- 2.3 3. Changes to Guest Data Collection
- 2.4 4. Territorial Application of Royal Decree 933/2021
- 2.5 5. Sanctions and Infractions under Royal Decree 933/2021
- 2.6 6. FAQs on Royal Decree 933/2021 and Guest Registration
- 2.6.1 6.1 Is Guest Registration Mandatory?
- 2.6.2 6.2 Can I Continue Submitting Data to Hospederías or WebPol?
- 2.6.3 6.3 Can I Automate the Check-In Process?
- 2.6.4 6.4 When Must Entry Records Be Submitted to SES.HOSPEDAJES?
- 2.6.5 6.5 If I publish in AirBNB, will they accomplish this obligation for me?
- 2.6.6 6.6 I am renting in seasonal basis. Do I need to fulfill also this obligation?
Guide to Royal Decree 933/2021 and Guest Registration in Accommodations (Entering in force Dec 2024)
If you manage an accommodation business, you’ve likely heard about the new law published in Spain’s BOE (Official State Gazette) that has caused quite a stir: Royal Decree 933/2021. This legislation establishes requirements for the documentation and registration of guests.
Deciphering legal texts from the BOE can be challenging, so we’re here to simplify it and provide an easy overview of the key information regarding guest registration. If you’re unsure about what this law entails or how to adapt your hotel or accommodation to comply, keep reading—we’ll explain everything you need to know.
The final implementation date has been confirmed: December 2, 2024.
1. Key Details of Royal Decree 933/2021
1.1 Who Does Royal Decree 933/2021 Apply To?
The new regulations on guest documentation and registration apply to all individuals and businesses primarily engaged in hospitality activities. This includes hotels, apartments, hostels, guesthouses, campsites, and similar establishments.
Additionally, the decree also extends to:
- Tour operators offering intermediary services between hospitality businesses.
- Online platforms facilitating hospitality services.
1.2 When Must You Comply?
Compliance with the registration and communication requirements becomes mandatory starting December 2, 2024. From this date onward, non-compliance will be subject to penalties.
2. New Communication Requirement: SES.HOSPEDAJES
One of the most significant changes in this law is the institution responsible for receiving guest data.
Previously, guest registration information was submitted to the Guardia Civil through the Hospederías platform or to the Policía Nacional via WebPol.
Now, data must be communicated to the Ministry of Interior via its SES.HOSPEDAJES platform.
3. Changes to Guest Data Collection
Under the new law, there are several important updates regarding the data required during check-in:
- Expanded Data Requirements: Establishments must now collect 17 data points for each guest during check-in (previously, only 9 were required).
- Additional Data: Some of the new data fields are not included on standard identification documents, except for the address when it matches the guest’s habitual residence.
- Mandatory Signatures: Guests aged 14 and older must sign the entry record.
- Removed Data: The “Date of issuance of the identification document” is no longer required.
3.1 Guest Data to Collect in 2024 (as per RD 933/2021):
- First Name
- Last Name
- Second Last Name
- Gender
- Identification Document Number
- Document Support Number
- Type of Document (e.g., ID card, passport, residence permit)
- Nationality
- Date of Birth
- Complete Address (Habitual Residence)
- City (Habitual Residence)
- Country (Habitual Residence)
- Landline Phone Number
- Mobile Phone Number
- Email Address
- Number of Travelers
- Relationship between Travelers (if minors are included)
4. Territorial Application of Royal Decree 933/2021
This legislation applies across all of Spain. However, there are exceptions for Catalonia and the Basque Country, where guest data must continue to be submitted to:
- Mossos d’Esquadra (Catalonia)
- Ertzaintza (Basque Country)
If your establishment is located in these regions, see our guides:
- “Guest Registration in Catalonia (2024)”
- “Guest Registration in the Basque Country (2024)”
5. Sanctions and Infractions under Royal Decree 933/2021
Starting December 2, 2024, non-compliance with guest registration obligations will result in penalties. The severity and type of infractions are defined under Organic Law 4/2015 on citizen security.
5.1 Types of Infractions and Fines
Minor Infractions (fines between €100–€600):
- Errors or deficiencies in the guest registration process.
- Delayed communication of required data.
Serious Infractions (fines between €601–€30,000):
- Failure to maintain required guest records.
- Omission of mandatory communications.
6. FAQs on Royal Decree 933/2021 and Guest Registration
6.1 Is Guest Registration Mandatory?
Yes, guest registration is mandatory for security purposes. RD 933/2021 requires collecting 17 guest data points and submitting them to the Ministry of Interior through SES.HOSPEDAJES.
6.2 Can I Continue Submitting Data to Hospederías or WebPol?
No, starting December 2, 2024, data must be submitted exclusively through SES.HOSPEDAJES.
6.3 Can I Automate the Check-In Process?
Yes, many establishments have already automated this process to streamline operations and reduce wait times.
6.4 When Must Entry Records Be Submitted to SES.HOSPEDAJES?
As per RD 933/2021, guest data must be submitted within 24 hours of:
- The reservation or contract formalization.
- The start of the contracted service.
6.5 If I publish in AirBNB, will they accomplish this obligation for me?
No. As we have already mentioned, this obligation to communicate affects both platforms and hosts. Airbnb will provide the authorities with data about your reservations, but you will also have to communicate this information to them on your own.
6.6 I am renting in seasonal basis. Do I need to fulfill also this obligation?
Altough this law is very new, and not confirmation yet from the administration, we conder that, if you are using Digital Platforms as AirBNB, you will need to register guests even if you are renting in seasonal rent.