New rules of the game for tourist accommodation in Menorca: what’s changing and how does it affect you?

The Consell Insular of Menorca has approved new regulations that mark a significant shift in the management of tourist accommodation on the island. With the creation of temporary stock of licenses — for both tourist establishments and holiday rentals — a transitional system has been introduced, which will remain in place until the new Territorial Plan for the Island (PTI) is approved. Additionally, for the first time, a financial cost has been established for acquiring these units, with clear rules regarding their use, duration, and conditions.

This article provides a clear and practical explanation of what the new regulations involve, how they affect property owners, developers, and investors, and the steps required to apply for tourist accommodation quotas under the new system. We also cover the strengthened enforcement measures against illegal tourist offerings and the penalties foreseen for non-compliance. Essential information if you’re considering marketing a property for tourist use in Menorca.

 

Informative Overview:

1. New regulations and temporary stock of licenses for Tourist Accommodation
The Island Council has approved a system of temporary stock of licenses for tourist accommodation, divided into two distinct categories:

  • Temporary stock of licenses for tourist establishments (hotels, agrotourism properties, etc.).
  • Temporary stock of licenses for residential properties intended for tourist use (holiday rentals and main residences offered for short-term let).

These places will remain provisionally active until the new Territorial Island Plan (PTI) is approved, which will establish the maximum number of tourist accommodation units permitted on the island.

 

2. Cost of acquiring Tourist Accommodation places
For the first time in Menorca, a price has been set for the acquisition of new tourist accommodation quotas through these places:

  • €2,500 per tourist accommodation quota for tourist establishments or holiday rentals.
  • €800 per tourist accommodation quota for the short-term letting of main residences (in accordance with Article 50.20 of Balearic Law 8/2012).

Payment must be made at the time of submitting the application and does not automatically guarantee tourist authorisation. A favourable decision is required.

 

3. No new Tourist Accommodation places can be created
It is important to emphasise that the creation of new tourist accommodation places is not permitted. The system operates on a 1:1 exchange mechanism, meaning:

  • Only quotas corresponding to previously existing units that have been formally withdrawn or inactive for three years may be acquired.
  • The purpose is to maintain a fixed total number of tourist accommodation units in Menorca, without increasing it.

This means that the possibility of obtaining units will depend directly on the number of tourist accommodation units that become available through withdrawal or expiration.

 

4. Procedure and Documentation

The process for applying for tourist accommodation units involves:

  • Completing the official application form (available on the Consell’s website).
  • Providing proof of payment of the corresponding fee.
  • Submitting a sworn declaration of compliance with tourism regulations.
  • Demonstrating that the property meets all legal requirements.

The allocation of tourist accommodation units will be made in order of application submission provided there is availability in the corresponding quota stock.

 

5. Vigencia y condiciones de las plazas

  • Las plazas adjudicadas tendrán una vigencia de 5 años, renovables si se siguen cumpliendo los requisitos legales.
  • La autorización es personal e intransferible, y queda vinculada al inmueble.
  • La concesión de plazas no implica por sí sola el derecho a explotar turísticamente el inmueble: será necesaria la posterior obtención de la licencia turística correspondiente.

 

5. Validity and conditions of the Tourist Accommodation units

  • The allocated units will be valid for five years and may be renewed if legal requirements continue to be met.
  • The authorisation is personal and non-transferable, and it is tied to the specific property.
  • The allocation of units does not in itself grant the right to operate the property for tourist use; the corresponding tourist licence must be obtained separately.

 

6. Strengthening of Controls and Sanctions

The new regulations are accompanied by reinforced measures to combat illegal offerings:

  • Penalties have been increased by 25%:
  • Minor infractions: up to €5,000.
  • Serious infractions: up to €50,000.
  • Very serious infractions: up to €500,000.

Commercial platforms (such as Airbnb or similar) must require the official registration number for each listing.

 

Furthermore, the island councils will have the authority to appoint saturated or tourism reconversion areas, further restricting the granting of new licences in certain areas.

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