Documents You Need to Rent an Apartment in Spain: Complete Checklist
Spanish landlords and rental agencies will ask for documentation before they even schedule a viewing. Having everything ready before you start looking is the single most important thing you can do to speed up your search. Here is what you need, in the order you will need it.
Essential documents
1. NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero)
Your tax identification number in Spain. Without it, you cannot legally sign a rental contract. EU citizens get it at the Oficina de Extranjería. Non EU citizens typically receive it as part of their visa or residence permit. Start the process immediately upon arrival, it takes 1 to 4 weeks.
2. Passport or national ID
Original plus a photocopy. EU citizens can use their national ID card. Everyone else needs their passport.
3. Proof of income
Agencies apply a strict rule: rent should not exceed 30 to 35% of your net monthly income. What they accept:
- Employed: work contract + last 3 payslips
- Self employed: previous year tax return + 3 months bank statements
- Students: university enrollment + scholarship proof or family financial support letter
- Remote workers: contract with your company + 3 to 6 months bank statements
4. Bank statements
Last 3 months. Show a stable balance sufficient to cover several months of rent. Foreign bank accounts are fine, but make sure the statement shows euro amounts or includes clear conversion.
Recommended documents
5. Previous landlord reference
A letter from your previous landlord confirming timely payments and good condition of the property. Especially helpful if you have no rental history in Spain.
6. Cover letter
A short paragraph about yourself: your profession, how long you plan to stay, why you are interested in the property. In a market with 50 applicants per apartment, personalizing your application makes a real difference.
What you will pay at signing
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| First month rent | 1 month |
| Legal deposit (fianza) | 1 month |
| Additional guarantee | 0 to 2 months (varies by landlord) |
| Agency fee | 1 month + VAT (if applicable, increasingly rare for tenants) |
Budget for 2 to 5 months of rent upfront on signing day.
Never pay before visiting
No legitimate landlord or agency will ask for money before you have visited the property in person and signed a contract. If someone requests an advance payment, it is a scam. No exceptions.
When to search
If you have flexibility on timing, avoid searching between June and September. During summer, many landlords pull long term rentals off the market to list on Airbnb or sign 11 month seasonal contracts (a legal workaround that avoids tenant protections). The supply of stable long term rentals drops 30 to 40%, while demand from students and seasonal workers surges. October through April is significantly better for finding quality apartments at reasonable prices.
Get your documents ready, we will watch the market
While you gather your paperwork, set up free Prio alerts to learn the market and prices in your target area. When everything is ready, you will be among the first to respond. Start free