Activity licences
Opening licence in Fuerteventura — from idea to open doors
Retail, hospitality, holiday rental, workshop or practice: I prepare the technical project, file the responsible declaration or licence application with your town hall and follow the file to the end.
What the opening licence is and when you need it
To open premises or run a business in Fuerteventura (retail, hospitality, holiday rental, workshop, warehouse, practice...), the town hall must authorise that activity in those specific premises. That's the opening licence: confirmation that your activity meets planning, safety and environmental rules.
In practice it isn't always called a "licence": depending on the activity and the town hall, it may be a responsible declaration (you can start trading once filed) or a prior classified activity licence (you wait for approval before opening).
Harmless vs. classified activities
The rules distinguish harmless activities (low impact: most shops and offices) from classified ones (noise, vibration or risk requiring extra reports: bars with music, workshops, machinery...). The activity type determines the procedure.
| Aspect | Harmless | Classified |
|---|---|---|
| Usual procedure | Responsible declaration | Prior licence |
| Open before approval? | Generally yes | No, you must wait |
| Extra reports | Rarely needed | Environmental / acoustic / health |
What I need from you
- Premises details: address, cadastral reference, floor area.
- Lease contract or title deed.
- Description of the activity.
- Floor plans if they exist (if not, I survey and draw them).
- Photos of the current state.
Tip before signing the lease: send me the premises details and I'll tell you whether your activity is viable there. It's the query that saves the most grief.
Step by step with me
- I visit the premises (or you send photos and plans) and assess the activity type.
- I draft the project or technical report.
- I file the declaration or licence application with your town hall.
- I follow the file until it's resolved.
Timelines: why I don't publish a fixed figure
Deadlines vary between town halls and often aren't met. Rather than publishing an "average" that sets false expectations, I give you a realistic case-by-case estimate based on how your town hall (Puerto del Rosario, La Oliva, Antigua, Tuineje, Pájara or Betancuria) is currently performing.
Is your activity 'harmless' or 'classified'?
Four questions and I'll give you an idea of the procedure ahead (30 seconds).
Will you have a kitchen with smoke extraction, wood oven or industrial fryers?
Typical of restaurants, grills, pizzerias
Guidance only: the exact classification depends on the activities nomenclature and the specifics of your premises and municipality. I'll confirm it for free once I see your case.
Frequently asked questions
Can I open as soon as I file the responsible declaration?
For most harmless activities, yes: you can trade from the moment it's filed, with the town hall checking afterwards. For classified activities you normally wait for approval.
What if my premises don't meet the rules?
I'll tell you at the first visit or plan review, before filing anything. There's almost always a fix (minor works, change of use, corrective measures) and I'll explain cost and timing.
Is the previous business's licence valid for me (transfer)?
It depends on whether the activity and premises conditions match the previous licence exactly. I review the old file and tell you whether it works as is or needs updating.
Do you work with every town hall on the island?
Yes: Puerto del Rosario, La Oliva, Antigua, Tuineje, Pájara and Betancuria. Each has its own quirks, which I factor into your file.