Documents to buy a property in Spain

Buying a property in Spain is an exciting decision, especially if it’s for a second residence, a place to retire, or a real estate investment in high-demand areas like Marbella, Estepona, or Benahavís. However, for the purchase process to run smoothly, proper preparation is essential.

Many foreign buyers make the mistake of leaving paperwork to the last minute, which can cause delays, missed opportunities, and even frustration. Having the documents to buy a property in Spain ready in advance not only speeds up the process but also gives the buyer greater flexibility.

Below, we explain how to prepare proactively and in an organized way, avoiding surprises and gaining flexibility when the time comes to reserve or sign.

Why is it important to prepare your documents in advance?

From our experience at FM Properties.es, many buyers contact us with a firm decision to invest in a property on the Costa del Sol. They’ve done their research, visited the area, and know the available offer. But even though the decision is made, they still don’t know which specific property they will buy.

This phase of “partial decision” is the ideal time to prepare the documents to buy a property in Spain. Taking these steps early not only reduces stress but can save one or two months later—especially valuable when a unique opportunity appears.

As the lawyer in the video explains:

“Everything adds up. Because some properties are one-of-a-kind, and if there are other interested buyers at the same time, you might lose it just for not having done your homework in advance.”

Therefore, getting started with the paperwork is not just a legal recommendation—it's a strategy that increases your chances as a buyer.

The first key step: obtaining your NIE on time

The NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) is a legal requirement for any non-resident wishing to purchase property in Spain. This number identifies you for tax purposes, and without it, you cannot sign a purchase deed or carry out legal investment procedures.

Requesting the NIE from abroad might seem like a minor task, but the process can take 3 to 4 weeks. If not started early, it can become a bottleneck at the worst possible moment—when you’ve already chosen a property and are ready to sign.

The professional advice is clear:

“We could arrange a power of attorney in your home country to obtain the NIE as soon as possible. This is something you can do easily, even before choosing a property.”

Moreover, with legal assistance, this power of attorney can be arranged quickly and without the need to travel. With this document, your lawyer can represent you in Spain and handle the NIE application with the police on your behalf.

Prepare financial documents to apply for a mortgage

Another common mistake among international buyers is underestimating the documentation required to apply for a mortgage in Spain. Many believe that a payslip or tax return is enough—but the reality is very different.

Spanish banks require comprehensive financial documentation, tailored to the buyer’s profile and the country where their income is generated. This documentation may include:

• Recent tax returns

• Payslips or income certificates

• Bank statements

• Employment contracts

• Proof of assets

• Credit reports

• Translated and, in some cases, apostilled identity documents

As the lawyer clearly explains:

“Many clients think that one payslip is enough... but it’s not. Banks ask for much more, and if the documents are in another language, they might require official translations or even an apostille.”

That’s why, if you plan to finance part of the purchase, prepare the documentation from your home country. This will save weeks of waiting and avoid last-minute issues during the reservation process.

The importance of mortgage pre-approval

Many buyers feel uneasy signing a purchase contract without prior mortgage approval. And rightly so—committing legally without knowing if the bank will approve the loan is an unnecessary risk.

In fact, more and more sellers and developers require buyers to show pre-approval before reserving a property. It gives them peace of mind and helps avoid unnecessary delays.

“There are many sellers who won’t proceed with the purchase contract until the buyer has received mortgage pre-approval,” explains our lawyer.

If you already know that you’ll need financing, start your conversations with the bank alongside your property search. This will allow you to:

• Know your financial capacity in advance

• Act quickly when the right property comes along

• Build credibility with sellers

• Reduce the total transaction time by several weeks

What if you don’t know which property to buy yet?

You don’t need to have chosen a specific property to begin with the legal and financial preparations. In fact, the more prepared you are before making a choice, the more agile you’ll be when the time comes.

Think of this stage as a phase of strategic preparation:

• Requesting your NIE

• Granting power of attorney to your lawyer

• Gathering financial documentation

• Consulting with a tax advisor if needed

• Getting provisional bank pre-approval

These steps not only make the process easier—they also give you an advantage if there’s competition for the same property. In places like Marbella or La Zagaleta, the most exclusive homes rarely stay on the market for long.

“Just one month of preparation can save you valuable time and prevent losing a property due to paperwork that could have been handled earlier.”

That’s why having the documents to buy a property in Spain ready from the start isn’t just good advice—it’s a key strategy to act with speed and confidence.

Conclusion: Getting ahead means gaining freedom

When buying property in Spain—especially in high-demand areas like the Costa del Sol—time is a decisive factor. Opportunities don’t wait. And while it might seem like financing or the NIE can be sorted out later, experience shows otherwise.

If you already know you want to buy—even if you haven’t chosen the exact project or home—you can begin preparing the key elements: documents to buy a property in Spain, legal paperwork, bank requirements. This gives you agility when the right property appears and strengthens your negotiating power.

At FM Properties.es, we recommend all our international clients work with a specialized lawyer and coordinate with the agency, bank, and notary. Getting ahead with the process isn’t just a sign of good planning—it’s a sign of commitment, and often the difference between buying a home and missing out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I buy a property in Spain without having the NIE yet?
Yes, but you must have a confirmed appointment to obtain it within the days following the signature.

2. How long does it take to get the NIE from abroad?
Between 3 and 4 weeks, depending on the consulate and the documents submitted.

3. What financial documents do Spanish banks require from foreigners?
Payslips, tax returns, bank statements, and ID documents—sometimes translated and apostilled.

4. Can I apply for a mortgage before choosing a property?
Yes, you can obtain a bank pre-approval to negotiate with more confidence.

5. What if another buyer acts faster while I’m gathering documents?
You might lose the property. That’s why it’s key to prepare ahead and act fast.