Short-term in Barcelona
Renting short-term in Barcelona in 2026 — what actually works
Barcelona is the strictest big city in Europe for tourist apartments. In 2024, the city council announced that all 10,101 tourist-flat licences (HUTs) will not be renewed when they expire in November 2028. If you're planning a stay between one and eleven months, the legal route is a temporary residential lease — not a tourist rental.
Don't book an unlicensed tourist flat
The city fines both the operator and the platform. For any stay of 32 days or more, a mid-term residential lease is faster, cheaper and fully legal.
The three categories
Tourist (under 31 days)
Requires a HUT licence; phasing out by Nov 2028. Limited stock, high price.
Temporary residential (32 days – 11 months)
The mid-term lease. No licence needed. This is what serious 'mid-term' platforms offer.
Standard residential (12 months+)
The long lease. Best tenant protections, lowest monthly rent.
Browse legal monthly rentals
Verified furnished apartments offered as 32+ day temporary leases. No HUT required, no in-person viewing.
FAQ
Can I legally rent a tourist apartment in Barcelona today?
Only in flats that hold a HUT licence — and the city has confirmed these will not be renewed when they expire in November 2028. Most short-stay platforms are already shifting to mid-term.
What's a temporary residential lease?
A contrato de temporada — a fully legal lease for 32 days to 11 months. No HUT licence required, no NIE required, deposit usually one month.
What's the shortest legal stay?
Through the mid-term route: 32 days. Below that, you're in tourist territory and need a licensed flat or a hotel.
See also: Mid-term rentals and short-term rules 2026.