What is the ETV licence and why does it require the habitation certificate?
The ETV (Estancia Turística en Vivienda) licence is the permit issued by the Balearic Government (Govern de les Illes Balears) authorising tourist rental activity in a residential property in the Balearic Islands. It is required for any rental of less than 30 days to tourists.
The habitation certificate is listed among the mandatory documentation requirements for the ETV licence. The reasoning is straightforward: if a property is going to be rented to tourists, it must demonstrably meet the minimum habitability conditions. The Balearic Government will not issue an ETV licence for a property that lacks a valid habitation certificate.
Can I rent as a holiday home if my certificate has expired?
No. An expired habitation certificate is not valid. If your certificate has expired:
- You cannot apply for a new ETV licence.
- You cannot renew an existing ETV licence.
- If you are already renting illegally (without a valid licence), you risk fines from the Balearic Government.
The solution is to renew the habitation certificate. Once renewed, you can proceed with the ETV licence.
Which habitation certificate do I need for tourist rental?
Any type of valid habitation certificate — renewal, first occupation or cédula por carencia — is accepted for the ETV licence, provided it is current (not expired). The certificate must have been issued by the Consell Insular de Mallorca and must be valid at the time of the ETV licence application.
Timeline: coordinating the habitation certificate and ETV licence
Given that the Consell Insular de Mallorca takes 2 to 6 weeks to issue the official habitation certificate, you need to start the process well in advance of your ETV application:
- Contact us — we assess your case and provide a fixed quote within 24 hours.
- Technical inspection + certificate — our part resolved within one week.
- Submit to Consell — 2 to 6 weeks for the official certificate.
- Apply for ETV licence — once you have the habitation certificate in hand.
What if my property has never had a habitation certificate?
This is a common situation with older properties in Mallorca, particularly inherited houses, rural fincas and village properties that have never been through the certificate process. In these cases, the cédula por carencia is the right procedure. It takes somewhat longer than a standard renewal, but once obtained, the certificate is fully valid for the ETV licence.