Real Decreto 933/2021 is a Spanish regulation that requires hosts and accommodation platforms to collect and report guest information to the Spanish Ministry of the Interior. This law aims to enhance security and prevent criminal activities within the vacation rental sector. If you operate properties in Spain, understanding and complying with this decree is essential to avoid fines ranging from €100 to €200,000 depending on the severity of non-compliance.

Understanding Real Decreto 933/2021

What is Real Decreto 933/2021?

Real Decreto 933/2021 is a Spanish law enacted to improve security and monitoring within the vacation rental and car rental industries. The regulation requires property owners and intermediary platforms such as Holidu to collect and report detailed guest information, property details, and booking data to the Spanish Ministry of the Interior. This helps authorities monitor accommodation usage and enhance overall safety for residents and visitors.

When Did This Law Come Into Effect?

The regulation came into force on January 2, 2023. A transition period lasted until October 1, 2024. After this date, all hosts with properties in Spain must comply with reporting requirements. Failure to comply or submitting incomplete or late information may result in infractions with the following fines:

• Minor infractions: €100 to €600
• Serious infractions: €601 to €30,000
• Very serious infractions: €30,001 to €200,000

Does This Apply to All Hosts?

Yes. Real Decreto 933/2021 applies to all properties located in Spain, regardless of whether the host is a Spanish resident or citizen. If your property is in Spain and listed on Holidu or any other platform, you must comply with this regulation.

How Real Decreto 933/2021 Affects Hosts

What Information Must I Report?

You must report the following mandatory information for each booking:

• Host details (name, contact information)
• Property details (address, registration number)
• Guest information for all guests in a booking, including:
  • Full names
  • Date of birth
  • Residency address
  • Contact details (phone or email)
  • ID type and number (for adults)
  • Spanish ID number (NIF or NIE) if applicable
  • Relationship to minors (when applicable)
• Booking and transaction details

Where Do I Report This Data?

You must report data to the appropriate authority based on your property location:

• Most of Spain: SES Hospedajes platform (Spanish Ministry of the Interior)
• Catalonia: Mossos d'Esquadra
• Basque Country: Ertzaintza

When Must I Submit Guest Information?

Guest information must be reported within 24 hours after each check-in. Holidu simplifies this process by sending guest details automatically to authorities by 11:00 PM on the check-in day, provided you have activated the online check-in feature and configured it correctly.

How Holidu Helps You Comply

What is Holidu's Role?

As an intermediary platform, Holidu collects and securely stores guest and booking information. Holidu automatically reports this data to the Spanish Ministry of the Interior via the SES Hospedajes platform within 24 hours after bookings become non-refundable. This automated process significantly reduces the administrative burden on hosts and helps ensure timely, accurate reporting.

What Happens If a Booking is Cancelled After Being Reported?

If a non-refundable booking is later cancelled, Holidu automatically updates the SES Hospedajes platform to withdraw or cancel the previously reported booking information. This ensures records remain accurate and current.

How Does Holidu's Online Check-in Feature Work?

Holidu's online check-in feature streamlines guest data collection and compliance. Guests receive an email with a check-in form link accessible through their booking details. They complete the form with mandatory information, which Holidu then securely transmits to the appropriate Spanish authorities. This automated process eliminates manual data entry and reduces compliance errors.

Steps to Submit Data Through Holidu

Follow these steps to ensure your properties comply with Real Decreto 933/2021 through Holidu's online check-in feature:

Step 1: Register on SES Hospedajes Platform

Visit the official SES Hospedajes registration page at https://sede.mir.gob.es/opencms/export/sites/default/es/procedimientos-y-servicios/hospedajes-y-alquiler-de-vehiculos/. Click on "Hospedajes y alquiler de vehículos" and find the option to access the register of HOSPEDAJES establishments and entities. Complete the registration process with your property details and contact information.

Step 2: Enable Webservice Communications

During your SES Hospedajes registration, ensure you select "Send communications via webservice." This setting allows Holidu to communicate directly with the platform on your behalf, enabling automated data transmission.

Step 3: Activate Online Check-in in Your Holidu Account

Log in to your Holidu host account and navigate to the Guest Check-in settings. Enable the Guest Online Check-in feature for your Spanish properties. For more detailed instructions on activating and managing this feature, visit Holidu's Check-in Feature Guide.

Step 4: Select Your Relevant Authority

Choose the appropriate authority for your property location:

• SES Hospedajes (for most Spanish regions)
• Mossos d'Esquadra (for Catalonia)
• Ertzaintza (for Basque Country)

Step 5: Enter Your SES Hospedajes Login Credentials

Provide your SES Hospedajes username and password (or the credentials for the relevant regional authority) in your Holidu check-in settings. Holidu uses these credentials to securely transmit guest data to the appropriate platform. Ensure your credentials are correct and up-to-date.

Step 6: Verify Configuration

Confirm that all settings are properly configured. Check that you have selected the correct authority and entered valid credentials. Ensure guests receive check-in emails and can access the form without issues.

Step 7: Collect Complete Guest Information

Always ensure guests provide complete and accurate information through the online check-in form. If any mandatory fields are missing or incomplete, contact guests directly before check-in to collect the required details. Incomplete submissions may result in failed compliance and potential fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Verify Guest Details Even if Holidu Reports Them?

Yes. While Holidu automates the reporting process, you remain responsible for ensuring all mandatory guest details are collected and accurate. Review the information guests submit through the check-in form and verify it is complete. If information is missing or unclear, collect it directly from guests upon check-in before the 24-hour reporting deadline.

Can I See a List of Bookings Holidu Has Reported?

There is no direct list within Holidu, but you can verify reported bookings by checking your confirmed and non-refundable bookings in your Holidu account. Cancelled bookings will have their data withdrawn from SES Hospedajes. For detailed records, you can access your SES Hospedajes account to review submission confirmations.

I've Activated Online Check-in—Am I All Set?

Not quite. Ensure you have completed all steps: selected the correct authority (SES Hospedajes, Mossos d'Esquadra, or Ertzaintza), entered valid credentials, and confirmed the "Send communications via webservice" checkbox is enabled on SES Hospedajes. Test the check-in process with an upcoming booking to verify everything works correctly.

What If a Guest Fails to Complete the Online Check-in Form?

Contact the guest immediately to request completion of the form. Holidu will send a reminder email, but you should follow up directly if needed. Ensure all required information is collected before the 24-hour deadline. Incomplete submissions may prevent successful compliance reporting.

Does This Regulation Apply to All Spanish Regions?

Yes, the regulation applies nationwide. However, certain regions (Catalonia and Basque Country) maintain separate reporting channels. Ensure you select the correct authority for your property location during setup.

What Should I Do If I Haven't Activated the Online Check-in Feature Yet?

Activate it immediately in your Holidu account settings. Follow the steps outlined above to register with SES Hospedajes or the relevant regional authority, then configure Holidu's online check-in feature with your credentials. This ensures you remain compliant going forward.

Are There Penalties for Non-Compliance?

Yes. Failing to report required information or submitting incomplete or late data may result in infractions with fines ranging from €100 to €200,000, depending on severity. Ensuring timely, accurate reporting through Holidu's online check-in feature helps you avoid these penalties.

Useful Resources

For additional information about Real Decreto 933/2021, consult these official government resources:

• Official BOE Publication of Royal Decree 933/2021 - The full text of the regulation in Spanish
• Official BOE Publication BOE-A-2015-3442, Article 39 - Related legal framework
• Holidu's Check-in Feature FAQ - Detailed guidance on using Holidu's online check-in system

Conclusion

Real Decreto 933/2021 represents an important regulatory requirement for hosts with properties in Spain. By leveraging Holidu's online check-in feature, you can automate compliance, reduce administrative burden, and avoid costly penalties. Ensure you complete all setup steps, provide accurate guest information, and verify submissions are successful. For ongoing support, consult Holidu's help center resources and official government documentation.