Buying in Spain needs less paperwork than people fear, but some documents must be ready in time or the signing gets postponed. Here is the list to prepare from the start of your search.
The essentials
- A valid identity document: passport or identity card, for each buyer.
- The NIE, the foreigner identification number, compulsory to sign at the notary. It is the first step to take.
- A Spanish bank account, strongly recommended for payment and direct debits after the purchase.
Your family situation
The deed of sale states each buyer's civil status and marital property regime. If you are married, prepare your French family record book or marriage certificate, and your marriage contract if you have one. The marital property regime affects who owns the property and inheritance: it is a subject to raise when choosing how to buy, as our article explains buying alone, as a couple or through a company.
The source of funds
Anti-money-laundering rules require the notary and banks to know where the money comes from. Keep the evidence: bank statements, the deed of sale of a property in France, a mortgage offer, the release of a life insurance policy. Payments must be traceable back to you.
If you borrow
Payslips or proof of pension, latest tax assessments, bank statements, a list of your existing loans. A Spanish bank may ask for translations.
Translations
Some French documents need a sworn translation (traductor jurado), and sometimes an apostille. We tell you case by case which ones, so you don't translate anything unnecessarily.
A complete file a month before the signing means a calm signing. A complete file the day before means a postponed signing.
