Documents required when purchasing real estate in Spain

Buying property in Spain is a plan for an increasing number of people, both from Poland and other European countries. In order for the purchase to become a reality, it is necessary to collect and possess the appropriate documents. In our guide, you will find up-to-date information on the documents required at each stage of the purchase – from the first step, which is the reservation of the property, to the signing of the notarial deed.
You will learn, among other things:
- how to obtain a Spanish tax identification number (NIE),
- what documents are needed to open a Spanish bank account,
- what documents to prepare if you plan to finance the purchase with a mortgage.
Our guide provides essential knowledge for anyone thinking about buying property in Spain. Be an informed customer. Invest your money safely.
Documents required during the first stage of purchasing real estate in Spain.
Booking property in Spain

After conducting a market analysis and selecting the properties in Spain that interest you, you will be invited to view them. Once you decide to purchase, you will need to pay a reservation deposit, which will allow the property to be taken off the market.
Reserving a property in Spain is based on the conclusion of a preliminary sales agreement. This document will include the date of signing the notarial deed transferring ownership to you.
Reservation agreement in Spain – three options:
Arras Confirmatorias
The advance payment is included in the total purchase price. In the event of withdrawal from the contract, it will be refunded in full.
Arras Penales
A form of contractual security intended to cover damages resulting from termination of the contract or non-performance of obligations.
Arras Penitenciales
In the event of withdrawal from the contract by one of the parties, the deposit will be refunded.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: If the withdrawing party is the buyer, all deposits paid will be forfeited.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: If the seller is the party withdrawing from the contract, they are obliged to pay the buyer double the amount of the deposit.
Buying property in Spain – signing the notarial deed

Once all the formalities related to the property reservation have been completed, the key moment arrives—the signing of the notarial deed. It is at this point that the purchase process is officially completed, and you become the owner of the selected property.
A notarial deed is a document of special legal significance, which is drawn up in Spanish. For this reason, it is recommended that the deed be signed in the presence of a notary and a sworn translator. The presence of a translator will ensure that all provisions of the document are fully understandable to you, which is crucial for the safe and informed execution of the transaction.
At this stage, you will need to provide a number of documents required by Spanish law. Without them, it will be impossible to complete the transaction.
Documents required for signing a notarial deed
- NIE number
- Passport or ID card
- Confirmation of opening an account with a Spanish bank
Foreign Identification Number (N.I.E.)

N.I.E is a Spanish tax identification number required from foreigners when dealing with any official and legal matters in Spain. It is also necessary for stays longer than 90 days in Spain.
In what situations is the number NOT necessary?
- opening a bank account
- purchasing, selling, and renting real estate
- purchasing, selling cars/fixed assets
- signing contracts with utility providers
- purchasing insurance
- obtaining a mortgage
- registering your place of residence
Where can I obtain a NIE number and how do I do it?
You CANNOT submit your application in Poland at the consular section of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain in Warsaw or at a National Police station in Spain.
To obtain a NIE number, you will need to provide the following documents:
- passport or ID card and two copies of this document
- two color photos, 3×4 cm in size
- proof of payment for issuing the document
- completed EX-15 form
- document justifying the purpose of obtaining a NIE number, e.g., a reservation agreement for the purchase of real estate.
The average waiting time for a NIE number is up to 30 days, but depending on the location, it may take longer.
Opening an account with a Spanish bank

Opening a bank account in Spain is another step that is necessary to carry out transactions related to the purchase of real estate. Spanish law requires that all financial transactions related to the purchase of real estate, including advance payments and notary fees, be made through a local bank account.
A Spanish bank account is also essential if you plan to take out a mortgage in Spain. To open one, you will need your NIE number and an identity document such as a passport or ID card. The account opening process is usually quick, but may vary depending on the bank.
We offer our real estate agency clients assistance with opening a bank account and obtaining a NIE number. It is worth planning an extra day during your investment visit to choose a property in Spain. Agents from the GoSpain real estate agency will ensure that the process runs smoothly and without unnecessary complications.
Documents required to obtain a mortgage in Spain

If you are considering financing part of your property purchase with a mortgage, you will need to gather the necessary documents. You will need:
- Identity card or passport,
- Confirmation of opening a Spanish bank account,
- NIE number,
- PIT tax returns for the last two years,
- Information about credit obligations,
- BIK credit report,
- Bank account statement for the last 6 months.
For more information, including a detailed list of documents related to confirming your income, see our guide – Mortgages in Spain.
FAQ – Pytania i odpowiedzi
Najczęstsze i najważniejsze pytania i odpowiedzi, które słyszymy od klientów naszej agencji nieruchomości.
Do ceny nieruchomości należy doliczyć podatki około 13%, opłaty notarialne oraz ewentualne koszty kredytu hipotecznego.
Akt notarialny jest dokumentem prawnym, który formalizuje zakup nieruchomości i przenosi własność na kupującego.
Po wybraniu nieruchomości wpłacasz zaliczkę i podpisujesz umowę rezerwacyjną, co wyłącza nieruchomość z rynku.
Tak, jeśli stroną wycofującą z transakcji jest kupujący, natomiast jeśli to sprzedający odstępuje od umowy jest zobowiązany do zapłaty podwojonego zadatku.
Tak, każdy obywatel UE może kupić nieruchomość w Hiszpanii, a nawet zamieszkać w swoim wymarzonym domu czy też apartamencie.
Przeprowadź analizę rynku z biurem nieruchomości, wybierz kilka nieruchomości. Po obejrzeniu wybranych lokali wybierz jeden z nich, podpisz umowę rezerwacji nieruchomości i wpłać zadatek. Dalej poprowadzi Cię biuro.
Numer NIE to hiszpański numer identyfikacyjny dla obcokrajowców, wymagany przy załatwianiu spraw prawnych.
Wniosek należy złożyć w Ambasadzie Królestwa Hiszpanii w Warszawie lub w Policji Nacional w Hiszpanii. Średni czas wynosi do 30 dni, może się wydłużyć.
Są 3 warianty:
- Arras Confirmatorias – zaliczka wliczona w całkowitą cenę zakupu, może zostać zwrócona,
- Arras Penales – forma zabezpieczenia w wyniku rozwiązania umowy,
- Arras Penitenciales – zadatek zostaje zwrócony w przypadku odstąpienia od umowy.
Numer NIE, dowód osobisty bądź paszport oraz potwierdzenie posiadania konta w hiszpańskim banku.
Tak, jest możliwość sfinalizowania części zakupu nieruchomości przez kredyt. Sprawdź jakich dokumentów będziesz potrzebować.
Będziesz potrzebować dowodu osobistego, numeru NIE, wyciągów bankowych, PIT-u z dwóch lat oraz raportu BIK.
Tak, konto bankowe w Hiszpanii jest niezbędne do przeprowadzenia transakcji zakupu nieruchomości,
To zależy od rodzaju umowy. W umowie typu Arras Penitenciales wpłacona zaliczka może przepaść, jeśli kupujący się wycofa.
Tak, agenci z naszego biura pomagają w założeniu konta bankowego, uzyskanie numeru NIE oraz kontrolują proces zakupu nieruchomości.
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