How to get building permits in Barcelona (2026 Guide)
this is index.phpIf you are planning a full renovation or a partial one, correctly processing your building license in Barcelona is the first step to avoid fines of up to €3,000 and work stoppages. In this guide, we explain the types of permits according to the Barcelona City Council.
In this article, we are going to explain how to obtain the ‘Assabentat d´obres’ in Barcelona.
1. Building Activity Notification (ASSU)
For most renovations in Barcelona that do not affect the structure or protected elements, the ASSU (Assabentat d´obres) is used.
It is a free and immediate process for:
- Bathroom and kitchen renovations.
- Changing flooring, painting, and interior woodwork.
- Renewal of electrical or plumbing installations.
2. How to process the ‘Assabentat’ online: Step by step
To obtain the permit immediately, access the City Council’s Electronic Office. It is a free process, no architect is needed and it can be requested via Internet, simply with your personal details and the property’s cadastral reference number. Follow these steps:
- Identification: Enter the City Council’s E-Office. Describe the type of work (bathroom renovation, parquet installation, etc.) and under the type of activity select “works” (obras).
- Location: Enter the address and the Cadastral Reference (Referencia Catastral). The system will check if the building has heritage protection.
- Work Details: Select “Guided Questions” (Preguntas Guiadas), then “intervention inside a building”, “works inside a home”, and “Without affecting distribution or structure” (This process only allows works that do not touch structural elements).
- Applicant Details: Fill in your name, surname, ID/NIE, phone number, email, address, and representation (if applicable). After completing all fields, you will obtain the Permit.
- Obtaining: After filling in all the data and clicking continue, you can download the PDF with the case file number. You now have your legal license! You will also receive it by email.
Do you need help with your renovation paperwork?
At Reformas Barcelona we take care of all technical and administrative management so you don’t have to worry about anything.
3. When a change in the flat’s layout is needed:
When it is necessary to change the flat’s layout or in buildings with heritage protection, we recommend reading this article:
Are you planning a renovation in Barcelona and worried about the bureaucracy?
Processing the building permit is only the first step. To avoid surprises and extra costs, it is ideal to have a
detailed quote from a renovation company
that includes all work items and legal guarantees.
If you are still in the planning phase, we recommend using our
renovation price calculator
to get an instant estimate. You can also consult our
examples of real budgets in Barcelona
to see success stories similar to yours.
Frequently Asked Questions about Licenses
Yes. In Barcelona, for aesthetic works such as painting, changing flooring, or tiling, you must process the “Assabentat” (Immediate Notification). Although it is a free process and is obtained instantly, it is mandatory for the work to be legal in the event of a possible inspection by the City Police (Guardia Urbana).
Carrying out works without the corresponding permit can lead to fines ranging from €300 to €3,000 for minor works. Additionally, the City Council can order the immediate sealing of the works, and you could face issues with your home insurance if an accident were to occur during the renovation.
The process is instant. Once you complete the form on the City Council’s Electronic Office and validate the data, the system generates a PDF with the case file number. From that very moment, you have legal permission to start the work.
For a standard “Assabentat” (kitchens, bathrooms, floors), it is not necessary to have a technical project or an architect’s signature. However, if the work affects the structure (load-bearing walls), facades, or common elements, then you will need a technician to sign the project.
Normally, the minor works notification is valid for 3 months to execute the works. If the work takes longer than that, you must request an extension or submit a new notification.
