Building permits and licenses in Malaga 2025: definitive guide for renovations without fines
Before demolishing a partition or installing solar panels on the Costa del Sol, you need to know what renovation licenses in Malaga the city council requires to avoid penalties that can reach 75% of the value of the work. With this guide you will learn which permit corresponds to each type of renovation, how much the fees cost in 2025 and how to speed up the process without surprises. In addition, you will discover our tips so that your project gets the green light the first time and is executed within the deadline and budget.
1. Why is it essential to process the building permit?
- Legal security: you avoid fines and work stoppage.
- Value of the property: a legalized renovation increases the sale or rental price.
- Insurance guarantees: insurers require licenses to cover claims.
- Bank financing: banks request the permit to approve renovation loans.
At Reformas Costa del Sol we manage all the paperwork for you and present the endorsed project for a major building permit when the intervention requires it.
Types of licenses and when they apply
2.1. Responsible declaration (minor work)
For work without structural effects—for example, changing the tiling of a bathroom or painting interiors—a responsible declaration is sufficient. You only need to provide the budget for the work and pay a fixed fee (from €75 in Torremolinos).
2.2. Minor building permit
Includes renovations that modify the interior distribution without touching the structure: light partitions, renovation of electrical installations or complete rewiring. The fee is calculated as a percentage of the budget (0.5% in most municipalities) with a minimum of €120.
2.3. Major building permit
Mandatory if you expand the useful area, change the use or intervene in load-bearing elements. Requires a technical project signed by an architect and endorsed. The Malaga City Council requires a minimum fee of €500 for this type of license.
3. License costs and fees 2025
| Type of permit | Minimum fee (€) | Response time | Municipalities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Responsible declaration | 75 – 150 | 24 – 48 h | Málaga, Torremolinos, Benalmádena |
| Minor building permit | 120 – 250 | 7 – 15 days | All municipalities |
| Major building permit | ≥ 500 or 0.5% of the budget | 1 – 3 months | Málaga, Marbella, Mijas |
According to the fiscal ordinance of the Malaga City Council, the fee can reach 1.5% of the cost for large projects.
Savings tip: submit the complete documentation the first time and avoid surcharges for corrections. Our turnkey service includes drafting the project and obtaining licenses.
4. Steps to apply for the license without errors
- Define scope: request a free technical visit to assess whether you need minor or major work.
- Project and report: we prepare plans, measurements and justify CTE.
- Payment of fees: we generate a payment letter and pay at the Electronic Headquarters of Malaga.
- Online submission: we upload digitally signed PDFs; you get an file number.
- Monitoring: we respond to requirements from the city council in less than 48 hours.
- Start of work: we place an information sign and comply with noise hours according to municipal regulations.
Do you need to process an urgent license in Torremolinos? Write to us by WhatsApp and we will present it for you in less than 24 hours.
5. Frequently asked questions about renovation licenses
- What happens if I do work without a license in Malaga?
- You can receive a fine of 75% of the cost of the renovation and the immediate stoppage of work.
- When do I need an architect’s project?
- Whenever you affect the structure, facades or change the use of the property.
- Is the fee paid before or after the work?
- It is paid at the time of submitting the application; without proof of payment, the file does not advance.
- Can I deduct the fee in the Income Tax?
- In energy rehabilitations there are deductions of up to 20% on the Personal Income Tax.
Conclusion
Managing renovation licenses in Malaga is easier with a specialist partner. Reformas Costa del Sol takes care of the project, fees and permits so that your work starts without delays or fines. Call or send us a message and get your fixed budget with license included.