The tourist rental market in Mallorca and Ibiza continues to evolve towards an increasingly regulated and demanding environment. If in recent years the focus was on housing licences (ETVs), now the attention of the administration and platforms has shifted to another key player: the companies that manage and operate these properties.
In this context, the so-called HPM (tourist operator or operator) registration is especially relevant, an obligation that many real estate companies are still unaware of or have not implemented correctly, and which is already having real consequences in the market.
What is HPM registration and why is it important?
The HPM registration is the identification number that must be obtained by companies or professionals who manage tourist accommodation on behalf of third parties.
It is important to understand a fundamental distinction: the tourist license (ETV) identifies the property, while the HPM registry identifies the person who operates or manages it.
This implies that it is not enough for the property to be licensed. If a real estate company is involved in marketing, management or operation, it must be correctly registered as an operator.
Who is affected by this obligation?
This registration is mandatory, in practice, for most real estate agencies that operate in holiday rentals in the Balearic Islands. Specifically, it affects those who manage third-party homes, publish ads on platforms such as Airbnb or Booking, or actively intervene in the marketing and management of reservations.
In other words, if your real estate agency is involved in tourist rentals beyond simple one-off intermediation, it is very likely that you will need the HPM.
The role of platforms: control and blocking
One of the factors that has accelerated the implementation of this register is the pressure of European regulations on tax transparency and control of tourist rentals. Major platforms are required to identify professional traders, verify their situation, and share information with management. This, which not long ago seemed to be a formal matter, today has very practical consequences.
On a day-to-day basis, ad blocks, payment holds, or additional verification requests are already occurring. Therefore, not having the HPM registry has ceased to be a theoretical risk and has become an issue that can directly affect the company’s operations.
A paradigm shift in the real estate sector
An important aspect to bear in mind is that the administration does not limit itself to checking the existence of a registration number, but analyzes the activity globally. When the structure is not well planned, incidents may arise that lead to liabilities, economic sanctions, regularizations or complications in the event of an inspection. In the Balearic Islands, where administrative control is particularly active, it is advisable to act with foresight.
The registration process requires properly preparing the documentation and presenting the company’s activity in a way that is consistent with its actual operations. It is a procedure that, well focused from the beginning, allows future incidents to be avoided and to operate with greater security within the current framework.
How we can help you
At FRAU LEGAL, a firm specialising in real estate law in Mallorca and Ibiza, we offer advice and complete management in the registration as a tour operator (HPM), accompanying real estate agents and managers in this process with a rigorous approach adapted to the reality of the sector.
Our goal is for your company to be able to meet this new requirement with total peace of mind, avoiding incidents and ensuring that registration is done correctly from the beginning. If your company manages tourist rentals and you have not yet addressed this registration, you can rely on FRAU LEGAL to accompany you throughout the process.
