VV Licence on Fuerteventura 2026: What the New Law Really Means
- Oliver Schlolaut
- Jan 11
- 3 min read
(Law 6/2025 – Analysis, Facts, Myths & Risks)
The amount of misinformation circulating about the VV licence on Fuerteventura is astonishing – especially in a market where so much is at stake. The fact that so‑called “experts” already claim to know the new tourist zones is, frankly, irresponsible. The law merely provides the framework; the municipalities are only now beginning the process of defining these zones legally.
This article cuts through the noise and clarifies what the VV licence will actually mean on Fuerteventura in 2026.
1. The Facts: Timeline & Current Status
Approval: 12 November 2025
Publication in the BOC: 12 December 2025
Entry into force: 13 December 2025
Status quo:
Since that date, a de facto moratorium on new VV licences applies in almost all municipalities until they update their urban development plans (Planeamiento Urbanístico).
2. The “Zone Myth” – Why No One Knows the Zones
Anyone claiming today to know the exact future tourist zones is either lying or speculating.
According to Law 6/2025, the process is as follows:
Six‑month deadline:
Municipalities must prepare an inspection and control plan and revise their urban planning by June 2026.
The 10% rule:
At least 90% of all residential land must remain reserved for residential use. Only the remaining 10% may be designated as tourist zones.
Public consultation:
Before any zone becomes legally valid, it must undergo a formal public review process.
Current reality:
Not a single municipality in the Canary Islands has completed this process.
3. The 10‑Year Ban for New Builds (The “Sleeper Clause”)
Rule:
Newly built properties – and those fundamentally renovated within the last 10 years – cannot obtain a VV licence until 10 years have passed.
Exception:
On the “green islands” (La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro), the period is 5 years. For Fuerteventura, the strict 10‑year rule remains.
Consequence:
The only immediately legal rental model for new builds is LAU rental (mid‑term rental, digital nomads, remote professionals).
4. The Overlooked Detail: Technical Upgrades for Existing VV Licences
A detail in the law could become a ticking time bomb for current VV owners.
The fact:
Existing licences enjoy “consolidated status”, but this protection is conditional.
Owners must meet new technical minimum standards within a transition period (often 5 years).
Key requirements include:
Energy rating:
– Built after 2008 → minimum class D
– Built before 2008 → minimum class F
Sustainability:
– Minimum share of renewable energy for hot water (up to 90% for newer buildings)
Accessibility:
– Adjustments required for certain occupancy levels
Failure to meet these standards means losing the “permanent” old licence and falling under the new, stricter 5‑year renewal regime.
5. Homeowners’ Associations: New Power Through a 3/5 Majority
The law now allows communities to:
– completely ban VV rentals, or
– impose 20% higher fees on VV users
A 3/5 majority is sufficient.
6. The “Ventanilla Única” – The End of Illegal Rentals
Since 1 July 2025, digital registration in Spain has been mandatory.
Platforms such as Airbnb and Booking now automatically cross‑check:
– registration number
– land registry
– cadastre
– tax data
Illegal rentals become virtually impossible.
7. My Checklist Against Misinformation
Myth | The Harsh Reality (Law 6/2025) |
“I already know the zones.” | Impossible. Municipalities are still in the analysis phase. |
“Existing licences are protected forever.” | Wrong. Failure to meet new energy standards risks losing the licence. |
“I can do VV immediately in a new build.” | No. 10‑year ban. Only LAU rental is legal. |
“The community can’t stop me.” | Yes, it can. A 3/5 majority can ban VV or impose higher fees. |
Conclusion
Law 6/2025 fundamentally reshapes the market for tourist rentals in the Canary Islands.
VV becomes more complex, more expensive, and more regulated.
LAU becomes more attractive, more stable, and legally clearer.
Anyone investing or renting today needs reliable information, not myths, about the VV licence on Fuerteventura as we enter 2026.
Comments