What Documents Do You Need to Buy Property in Spain?

By Vivi Real Estate | 3 de April de 2025 |

If you're planning to buy property in Spain, understanding the legal and administrative paperwork is crucial. Spain offers a welcoming real estate market for international buyers, especially in regions like the Costa del Sol, but the process involves specific documentation. Whether you're buying a vacation home, relocating permanently, or exploring a property investment Costa del Sol opportunity, being prepared with the right documents can save you time, money, and stress.

Table of Contents

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every essential document you’ll need when purchasing property in Spain as a foreigner.

Valid Passport or National ID

Let’s start with the basics. All buyers, whether EU or non-EU citizens, must present a valid passport or national ID when purchasing property. This is used for identification throughout the process—from opening a bank account to signing at the notary.

Make sure your identification document is up to date and not due to expire soon, as some institutions require validity for at least six months from the transaction date.

NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)

The NIE, or Foreigner Identification Number, is one of the most critical documents you’ll need to buy property in Spain. It’s a legal requirement for all foreigners conducting financial or legal transactions in the country, including real estate purchases.

You can apply for an NIE:

In person at a Spanish police station
Through a Spanish consulate in your home country
Via a legal representative or lawyer in Spain

This number will also be used for tax purposes, utility contracts, and bank account setup.

Spanish Bank Account

While technically not a document, having a Spanish bank account is a requirement for property purchases. You’ll need it to:

Transfer funds for deposits and final payments
Pay property-related taxes and utilities
Set up standing orders for community fees or insurance

To open a bank account, you’ll typically need:

Your passport or ID
NIE certificate
Proof of income or employment
Proof of address (in Spain or abroad)

Many banks now offer non-resident accounts with English-speaking support, especially in popular regions like Andalusia.

Proof of Income or Financial Solvency

Some banks, notaries, or mortgage lenders may request proof of income to ensure you can afford the property and related costs. This is especially true if you are:

Applying for a mortgage
Making large transfers from abroad
Buying as a non-resident

Documents that may be requested include:

Recent payslips or income statements
Bank statements for the last 3–6 months
Tax returns from your country of residence
Employment contracts or pension documents

Nota Simple (Land Registry Extract)

While not something you need to provide yourself, it’s vital to understand the Nota Simple. This document is obtained by your lawyer or real estate agent from the Land Registry. It includes:

The legal owner of the property
Description and size
Outstanding debts or mortgages
Property classification (residential, rural, etc.)

Your lawyer will request this as part of the due diligence process to ensure there are no legal issues or claims on the property.

Title Deed (Escritura Pública)

The Escritura Pública de Compraventa is the public title deed that proves your legal ownership of the property. This document is signed in the presence of a Spanish notary on the day of completion and will include:

Buyer and seller information
Property details
Final purchase price
Legal obligations of both parties

After signing, the deed is submitted to the Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad) for official registration.

Private Purchase Contract (Contrato de Arras)

Before the final deed is signed, a Private Purchase Contract—also called a "Contrato de Arras"—is usually agreed upon. This is a preliminary agreement between the buyer and seller that:

Sets the agreed price
States the deposit (usually 10%)
Includes a deadline for the final sale

This contract is legally binding. If the buyer backs out, they may lose the deposit. If the seller pulls out, they must repay double the deposit amount.

Proof of Payment (Bank Transfer Receipts)

To comply with Spain’s anti-money laundering regulations, buyers must show proof of payment for the property. This usually means presenting:

Bank transfer receipts
Confirmation of the origin of funds
Declarations of large fund transfers (if applicable)

These receipts are also presented to the notary during the final transaction.

Mortgage Documents (If Applicable)

If you’re financing the purchase with a mortgage in Spain, you’ll need to provide additional documents:

Mortgage offer from the bank
Financial disclosure (FEIN & FIAE)
Valuation report (tasación)
Insurance contracts (life/home)

The notary will ensure all documents are in order before allowing the deed to be signed.

Tax Documents and Registration Forms

After the purchase, you’ll need to complete the following paperwork:

Form 600 or 620: Declaration and payment of transfer tax (ITP) or VAT (IVA) if buying new property
Form 210: For non-resident income tax filing
Registration documents: Required for updating the Land Registry

Your lawyer or gestor (administrative agent) usually handles this step on your behalf.

Utility and Community Paperwork

Once you’ve purchased the property, you’ll need to transfer or set up contracts for:

Electricity
Water
Internet
Gas (if applicable)

You may also need to inform the community of owners (comunidad de propietarios) if you’ve bought an apartment or shared development.

Buying Real Estate in the Costa del Sol: Additional Tips

If you’re planning to buy real estate Costa del Sol, expect some regional nuances. The region is especially popular with expats and seasonal investors, so many agents and notaries are used to working with foreign buyers.

You may find:

English-speaking support in most agencies
Streamlined NIE applications via lawyers
Specialized services for non-resident buyers

Even with these conveniences, having your documents ready will ensure a smooth and stress-free purchase.

Let Vivi Real Estate Help You Buy Property in Spain with Confidence

The documentation required to buy property in Spain may seem extensive, but with the right guidance, the process becomes much easier. That’s where Vivi Real Estate comes in.

Why choose Vivi Real Estate?

Expertise in international transactions
English-speaking agents who explain every document
Trusted legal partners to assist with paperwork and due diligence
Local knowledge of hot markets, including Málaga and the Costa del Sol
Personalized service from your first inquiry to post-sale support

Whether you’re relocating, retiring, or eyeing a smart property investment Costa del Sol, Vivi Real Estate is here to support every step of your journey.

Looking to buy property in Spain the right way?

Contact Vivi Real Estate today for a stress-free and secure experience in the Spanish property market.