Documents you need to sell your property in Spain as a non-resident

Selling a property in Spain when you live abroad means gathering a set of documents that, if not prepared in advance, can delay a sale by weeks or even months. We know this from over 35 years of handling transactions in Torrevieja and the Costa Blanca. Missing paperwork is, by a wide margin, the most common reason sales get held up at the finish line.

Our standard advice: start collecting your documents at least two to three months before you want to list. Some of them — the energy certificate, for example — require a site visit and a registration process. They cannot be obtained overnight.

The documents non-resident sellers need in Spain

1. NIE and valid passport

The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is the tax identification number for foreigners in Spain. You cannot sign before a notary without one. If you bought the property in Spain, you almost certainly already have a NIE — just check that it has not expired. If you only have a passport, speak to your lawyer, as in some cases it is possible to obtain a NIE quickly before completion.

2. Original title deed (Escritura de Compraventa)

This is the notarised deed from when you originally bought the property, and it proves that you are the legal owner. If you have misplaced it, you can obtain a certified copy from the notary's office where the purchase was signed. Bear in mind this takes a few days and carries a fee.

3. Nota Simple from the Land Registry

The nota simple is an extract from the Land Registry confirming who the registered owner is, whether there are any charges (mortgages, liens, easements) against the property, and its basic description. Buyers and their solicitors always request it; banks require it if the buyer is taking out a mortgage. It must be no more than three months old at the time of signing. You can request it online through the Land Registry website or in person at the local office.

4. Community of owners certificate

If your property is part of a residential community or urbanisation, you need a certificate from the property administrator confirming you are up to date with community fees. Outstanding debts can allow the buyer to withhold part of the purchase price, or even walk away. Allow several days for the administrator to issue this document.

5. Latest IBI receipt

The IBI is Spain's annual local property tax. Buyers will ask for proof that it is paid, as IBI debts attach to the property rather than the owner. You only need to show the most recent paid receipt, which you can usually find in your online account with the local council or obtain directly from the town hall.

6. Energy performance certificate (EPC)

Mandatory in Spain since 2013, without exception. A certified technician visits the property, assesses it, and issues a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). The certificate then needs to be registered with the regional authority. The whole process typically takes two to three weeks, so do not leave it until the last minute. The certificate is valid for ten years, so if you bought recently, check whether yours is still current.

7. First occupation licence or habitation certificate

This document certifies that the property meets minimum habitability standards. Requirements vary by region. In the Valencian Community — which covers Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa — new-build properties require the first occupation licence, while resale properties need a second-occupation habitation certificate. If yours has expired or was never obtained, the local town hall is where you apply.

8. Mortgage cancellation certificate

If your property has an outstanding mortgage, your bank must issue a certificate stating the exact balance owed as of the signing date. This amount is deducted from the sale price at the notary, cancelling the mortgage simultaneously. It is a routine process, but banks need several days to issue the certificate, so request it early.

9. Recent utility bills

Water, electricity, gas if applicable. These are not legally mandatory, but buyers routinely ask for them to confirm there are no unpaid balances with utility companies. Keep your recent paid bills or pull them from your online accounts.

10. Form 210 and the 3% withholding (non-residents only)

This applies specifically to sellers who are not tax residents in Spain. By law, the buyer must withhold 3% of the agreed sale price and pay it to the Spanish tax authority (AEAT) on your behalf using Form 211. This acts as a payment on account of the IRNR — the non-resident income tax applied to any capital gain you have made on the sale.

After the sale, you have four months to file Form 210 and settle your actual tax position. If your real gain is smaller than the amount withheld, you can claim a refund. If it is larger, you will owe the difference. A Spanish tax adviser will handle this for you.

Do you have to manage all of this yourself?

Not at all. At Bennecke we coordinate with lawyers, property administrators, energy assessors and gestorías so that you can focus on what actually matters — agreeing the price and completing the sale. We have spent over three decades helping non-resident owners sell their properties on the Costa Blanca, and we know exactly what is needed and when.

If you would like to know what your property is worth and which documents you already have in place, contact us for a free, no-obligation valuation. We will walk you through the next steps.