Permits are one of the most misunderstood aspects of renovation in Málaga. Here's what you actually need to know before starting work.
Two types of permit: obra menor and obra mayor
Licencia de obra menor (minor works): Required for most standard renovation works — tiling, painting, bathroom replacement, kitchen update, non-structural partitions, air conditioning installation. Applications are simpler and faster, typically 2–6 weeks to approve. Cost: usually 2–4% of the declared budget.
Licencia de obra mayor (major works): Required when the work involves structural changes, modifications to the building's exterior facade, changes of use, new construction, or pool installation. Requires an architect's project and takes longer — typically 2–4 months. Cost: varies by municipality and project scope.
What doesn't require a permit in Málaga
Pure cosmetic works — interior painting, replacing fixtures like taps or light switches, changing furniture — generally don't require a permit. However, replacing floor tiles requires an obra menor in most Málaga municipalities, even if the work seems minor.
Where to apply in Málaga province
Permits are issued by each municipality's urban planning department (Gerencia de Urbanismo or Área de Urbanismo). In Marbella this is the Ayuntamiento de Marbella; in Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola and Mijas each has its own process. Timeframes and costs vary.
Community (urbanisation) permissions
Separate from municipal permits, most communities of owners (comunidades de propietarios) require internal approval for works that affect common elements, facades, terraces or noise-generating works. Approval is needed before starting even if you have the municipal permit. We manage community authorisations for all projects that require them.
Working without a permit — the risks
Unpermitted works can result in fines, demolition orders and complications when selling. Properties in Andalusia require a certificate of habitability (cédula de habitabilidad) and any declared works must have been properly permitted. We manage all permit applications included in the project scope.