What documentation do I need?

The documentation the financial institution will request can be divided into three broad groups: the documents needed to assess the property you wish to purchase (which will be the guarantee for the mortgage loan), the documentation the bank will ask you for to assess your income and ascertain whether it is sufficient to meet your mortgage repayments and, finally, personal documents.

Documents relating to the house
- The property deed: to ascertain the characteristics of the house that will be used to guarantee the mortgage.
- The property registry note (nota simple): this document contains information on the owner of the property and indicates whether there are any charges or liens against it.
- Contract of sale or deposit contract: agreement where the parties agree to proceed with the sale/purchase transaction.
- Latest property tax (IBI, by its Spanish acronym) receipt: to ensure there are no outstanding payments.

Documents relating to your income
The documents relating to your employment history and income will depend on your employment status, i.e. on whether you are in paid employment, self-employed, an employer or pensioner.

- Persons in paid employment: must submit an employment history report (vida laboral) or contract of employment, their most recent payslips and tax returns, including a validated payment receipt. They will also have to submit proof of other income, where applicable.
- Self-employed persons (freelancers): in this case, additional documents need to be submitted:
The most recent income tax returns, including a validated payment receipt.
Income tax payments for the current year.
Employment history certificate.
The most recent annual VAT returns and quarterly VAT returns for the current year.
Social security contribution certificate.
- Employer (business owner):
The most recent corporation tax returns.
Company tax ID number.
Notarial certificate of incorporation.
The most recent income tax returns, including a validated payment receipt.
The most recent annual VAT returns and quarterly VAT returns for the current year.
- Pensioners: document certifying receipt of pension payments and the most recent income tax returns, including a validated payment receipt.

Personal documents
You will have to provide a photocopy of your national ID card, passport, residence permit or Foreigner Identification card (NIE) if you are an immigrant.
If you are separated or divorced, you will be asked to provide the divorce decree and divorce settlement agreement.