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. If you are married, prepare your marriage certificate (with an apostille and a sworn translation if the notary asks for them). UK law has no community property regime, so as a couple you also decide how the ownership is split. This 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 completion statement from the sale of a UK property, a mortgage offer, investment statements. Payments must be traceable back to you.
If you borrow
Payslips or proof of pension, recent tax returns or SA302 tax calculations, bank statements, a list of your existing loans. A Spanish bank may ask for translations.
Translations
Some UK documents need an apostille from the FCDO and a sworn translation (traductor jurado). 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.
