Real Decreto 933/2021: Guest Registration in Spain

If you operate vacation rental properties in Spain, you need to understand Real Decreto 933/2021. This regulation requires hosts and platforms like Holidu to collect and report guest information to Spanish authorities within 24 hours of check-in. This guide explains what you need to do to stay compliant and avoid potential fines.

What is Real Decreto 933/2021?

Real Decreto 933/2021 is a Spanish law designed to enhance security and prevent criminal activities in the vacation rental sector. It requires accommodation providers to collect detailed information about guests, properties, and bookings, then report this data to the Spanish Ministry of the Interior.

The law came into effect on January 2, 2023, with a transition period that ended on October 1, 2024. After this date, non-compliance can result in fines ranging from €100 to €200,000, depending on the severity of the infraction.

How Real Decreto 933/2021 Affects Hosts

As a host with properties in Spain, you must ensure that guest and booking information is reported within 24 hours after check-in. This applies regardless of your residency status or nationality—if your property is located in Spain, the regulation applies to you.

The key requirements are:

• Collect complete guest information before check-in
• Report data to the appropriate authority (SES Hospedajes, Mossos d'Esquadra in Catalonia, or Ertzaintza in the Basque Country)
• Ensure accuracy to avoid penalties
• Update records if bookings are cancelled

What Information Must You Report?

You must collect and report the following mandatory guest information:

• Full names of all guests
• Date of birth
• Residency address
• Contact details (phone or email)
• ID type and number (for adults)
• Spanish ID number (NIF or NIE) if applicable
• Relationship to minors (when applicable)

Additionally, you must provide property details and booking transaction information. Holidu automatically collects transaction data, but you are responsible for gathering and ensuring accuracy of guest information.

How Holidu Helps You Comply

Holidu simplifies compliance with Real Decreto 933/2021 through our online check-in feature. This tool automates the guest information collection and reporting process, ensuring you meet legal requirements efficiently.

Here's what Holidu does:

• Automatically collects guest details through an online check-in form
• Securely stores property and booking information
• Reports all data to the Spanish Ministry of the Interior via the SES Hospedajes platform
• Submits information within 24 hours of booking confirmation
• Updates records if bookings are cancelled

What Steps Must You Follow to Submit Data Through Holidu?

Follow these steps to activate and use Holidu's online check-in feature for compliance:

1. Register on SES Hospedajes: Visit the official SES Hospedajes platform and create an account. Select the option to "Send communications via webservice" during registration.
2. Access Holidu Account: Log into your Holidu host account and navigate to the check-in settings.
3. Activate Online Check-in: Enable the Guest Online Check-in feature in your account settings.
4. Select Your Authority: Choose the appropriate reporting authority for your property's location:
   • SES Hospedajes (most of Spain)
   • Mossos d'Esquadra (Catalonia)
   • Ertzaintza (Basque Country)
5. Enter Your Credentials: Provide your login details from SES Hospedajes or the applicable regional authority.
6. Confirm Settings: Verify that the "Send communications via webservice" option is checked on SES Hospedajes.

Once set up, Holidu automatically sends guest details to authorities by 11:00 PM on the check-in day. Always ensure guest information is complete and accurate to avoid potential fines.

For detailed instructions on using the check-in feature, view our comprehensive Guest Check-in Feature guide.

Important Considerations

Cancelled Bookings

If a non-refundable booking is later cancelled, Holidu will automatically withdraw the previously reported booking information from SES Hospedajes. You do not need to take additional action.

Verification of Guest Details

Even though Holidu reports information automatically, you remain responsible for ensuring all mandatory guest details are collected and accurate. If information is missing or incomplete, collect it directly from guests upon check-in.

Verification of Your Setup

After activating online check-in, verify that:

• You selected the correct SES Hospedajes or regional authority
• You provided valid credentials
• The "Send communications via webservice" box is checked on SES Hospedajes

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the law apply?

The law came into effect on January 2, 2023. The transition period ended on October 1, 2024, so you must be fully compliant now. Non-compliance can result in fines ranging from €100 (minor) to €200,000 (very serious infraction).

Does this apply to properties outside Spain?

No. Real Decreto 933/2021 only applies to properties located in Spain, regardless of the host's residence or nationality.

Who reports the data—me or Holidu?

Holidu reports the data automatically through the online check-in feature, but you are responsible for collecting accurate guest information. You must ensure all mandatory details are provided before check-in.

What happens if I don't comply?

Non-compliance can result in fines:

• Minor infraction: €100 to €600
• Serious infraction: €601 to €30,000
• Very serious infraction: €30,001 to €200,000

Can I see a list of bookings Holidu has reported?

You can verify reported bookings by checking confirmed and non-refundable bookings in your Holidu account. Cancelled bookings will have their data withdrawn from SES Hospedajes automatically.

What if a guest refuses to provide information?

All guest information is mandatory for check-in. If a guest refuses to provide required details, you cannot complete the check-in process. Contact Holidu support if you encounter this issue.

Which regions have different reporting systems?

Most of Spain reports through SES Hospedajes. However:

• Catalonia: Report to Mossos d'Esquadra
• Basque Country: Report to Ertzaintza

Select the correct authority when setting up online check-in in your Holidu account.

How quickly must data be reported?

Data must be reported within 24 hours of check-in. Holidu submits all information by 11:00 PM on the check-in day.

Useful Links and Resources

For official government information about Real Decreto 933/2021, visit:

• Official BOE Publication of Royal Decree 933/2021
• Official BOE Publication BOE-A-2015-3442, Article 39
• Holidu Guest Check-in Feature Guide

Summary

Real Decreto 933/2021 requires Spanish vacation rental hosts to collect and report guest information within 24 hours of check-in. Holidu's online check-in feature simplifies this process by automating data collection and submission to Spanish authorities. By following the steps outlined above and ensuring accurate guest information, you can remain compliant and avoid potential fines. Start with Holidu's check-in feature today to streamline your compliance efforts.