Canary Islands Decree-Law 10/2026, published on 11 November, changes the transitional framework for holiday homes. In a narrowly defined set of cases, the prior notice for classified activities may be filed until 31 December 2027.
The deadline is not automatic legalisation
Transitional Provision 10 identifies who may use this route: people who filed a responsible declaration before Law 6/2025 entered into force and did not submit the prior classified-activity notice, or whose notice was rejected or declared ineffective. The route also requires evidence of the property’s planning status and a technical memorandum prepared by a competent professional, including plans, the current layout and photographs.
Owning a holiday home, having an old licence or having filed a responsible declaration is not, by itself, enough. The decree sets a specific transitional case and requires a property-level review of documents and planning status.
If requirements remain unmet
Transitional Provision 11 provides up to five additional years of activity after the relevant deadline for the cases it covers. If requirements remain unmet when that period ends, the activity must cease. This is not a general five-year permit for every holiday rental.
Special treatment for the western islands
For El Hierro, La Gomera and La Palma, certain territorial and planning requirements under Law 6/2025 are deferred until 13 December 2030 under the special regime cited in the decree. Other obligations still need to be assessed for compatibility and for the individual property.
What owners should check
- Date and content of the responsible declaration.
- Whether a prior classified-activity notice exists and its outcome.
- Applicable occupancy, licensing and planning evidence.
- Whether the built property matches its plans, floor area and current layout.
- Technical and safety requirements applicable to the property and municipality.
Review the file before investing, marketing or changing the property’s use. A general reading of the decree is not a substitute for individual technical and legal advice.
Official source
Decree-Law 10/2026, 9 November (Canary Islands Official Gazette No. 226, item 3911). See Transitional Provisions 10 and 11. Application depends on each property’s facts and records.
Leer en español: Viviendas vacacionales en Canarias: el plazo existe, la regularización automática no.