Lapdrop Expat Services: Licences & permits

Whether you are opening a shop, renovating a villa or renting out an apartment to tourists, Spain’s rules depend on your region and your town hall (ayuntamiento). Lapdrop arranges vetted local professionals across Spain to work out what applies to you and to prepare and file the paperwork. Depending on the job, that means a technical architect, engineer, gestor or lawyer.

We can arrange help with:

• Activity licences, or the declaración responsable that many small shops and services can use instead
• Building and renovation permits (obra mayor / obra menor), including the technical project where needed
• First or subsequent occupation documents and, in regions that require it, the cédula de habitabilidad
• Tourist rental licences or registration with your regional authority
• The national short-term rental registration number, which online platforms have required since 1 July 2025
• Checking owners’ community approval for tourist use

Send us the address, what you plan to do and any documents you have. Lapdrop matches you with a suitable professional in that area, shares the professional’s quote and timeline with you before anything is booked, and you decide whether to go ahead. Lapdrop keeps you updated. We arrange this in all Spanish regions. Rules differ, so the professional confirms exactly what your municipality requires.

Areas covered

All of Spain. Lapdrop arranges this service through vetted local professionals in every region, including the Balearic and Canary Islands. Tell us your town so we can confirm who is available near you.

What to have ready

• Property or premises address and cadastral reference (referencia catastral), if known
• A description of the activity or works you plan
• Title deed or rental contract for the premises
• Photos, plans and any previous licences
• Owners’ community rules or minutes, for flats and tourist rentals

How to request

• Email info@lap-drop.com with the subject “Expat service request: Licences & permits”. Include your town, what you need and your timing.
• Or post a Need on Lapdrop.

Lapdrop replies with next steps, shares the professional’s quote with you before anything is booked, and you decide whether to go ahead.

Read the guide first: https://lap-drop.com/licences-permits-spain-guide/ · All expat services: https://lap-drop.com/expat-services/