Buying in Spain involves a fair amount of paperwork. Nothing to worry about, but you do need to know what is required. Some documents are compulsory. Others have to be officially translated or even legalised. Arrange it in advance and nothing stalls.
1. Your own documents #
Without these you cannot buy. A valid passport, an NIE number (your Spanish tax number, compulsory for the purchase) and a Spanish bank account for payments, taxes and standing charges.
2. Documents relating to the property #
Your lawyer normally requests and checks these as part of the legal due diligence. They include the Nota Simple, which summarises ownership, debts and charges; the title deed (Escritura de Compraventa); the cadastral reference (Referencia Catastral) with location and valuation details; the habitation certificate (Cédula de Habitabilidad or Licencia de Primera Ocupación); any building permits for extensions or alterations; and receipts for IBI and utilities, to confirm there are no arrears.
3. Financial documents, if you are borrowing #
Taking a Spanish mortgage means extra paperwork: the mortgage offer and terms, the valuation report (tasación), and your proof of income and tax returns. UK documents will generally need translating.
When is a translation compulsory? #
Not everything needs translating, but a good deal does. The rule is simple: documents not written in Spanish usually need an official translation by a sworn translator (traductor jurado).
Common examples are UK income documents such as payslips, SA302 tax calculations or accountant’s letters, notarised powers of attorney, and marriage or divorce documents. Your lawyer or bank will tell you exactly what is needed.
When is legalisation needed? #
Some documents need more than a translation. They need an apostille under the Hague Convention, which in the UK is issued by the Legalisation Office of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
This typically applies to notarial deeds, powers of attorney and civil documents such as birth or marriage certificates.
CostaConnectUK tips #
You save yourself a lot of trouble with preparation. Ask your lawyer for a complete document list at the start. Allow for the lead time, because translations and apostilles frequently take several weeks. Use a sworn translator with experience of Spanish property. And keep both digital and paper copies of everything.
In short #
Buying in Spain is as much about the right documents as the right property. Get this in order and the process runs without unnecessary delay.
Last reviewed 2026-08-24
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