I haven’t been in Spain for long and recently needed to provide a property report for some paperwork. I looked into how to apply for this document called a Nota Simple. The process isn’t complicated, but it was a bit overwhelming the first time, so I decided to put together a guide to share with everyone. I hope it helps those in need, especially newcomers who aren’t familiar with the procedures here.
The Nota Simple Informativa is an official document containing the most basic information about a property, such as who the owner is, if there are any mortgages or liens on it, whether it has been seized, its size, and so on. You might need it whether you’re conducting due diligence before buying a house or for certain procedures that require proof of your address and housing situation.
There are two main ways to apply: online and in person. I prefer convenience, so I did it online, as a trip to the Land Registry office can be time-consuming. The online application is very straightforward and can be done directly on the official website.
Online Application Steps
1. Visit the Official Website
First, you need to visit the official website of the Association of Property Registrars of Spain: https://www.registradores.org. The site has an English interface, which is very helpful for those who are not fluent in Spanish. Once on the site, look for ‘Registro Online’ or a similar online services portal.
2. Fill in the Information
When applying, you’ll need to provide some key information about the property to locate its Nota Simple. There are several search methods available. I’ve listed the most common ones in the table below, so you can choose based on the information you have:
| Search Method | Information Required |
|---|
| Datos registrales (Registry Data) | The most accurate method. You’ll need the property’s registration number, the city, and the specific Land Registry office name. This information can usually be found on the property deed or a previous Nota Simple. |
| CRU / IDUFIR | The Unique Registry Identification Code, like a ‘national ID number’ for the property, usually a 14-digit number. This is the fastest way to search. |
| Dirección (Address) | The most common method. Simply enter the full address of the property, including province, city, street, building number, floor, etc. The more detailed the information, like what’s needed for a Spanish proof of housing, the more accurately the system can locate it. |
| Titular actual (Current Owner) | Search using the current owner’s full name and ID number (NIE/DNI). This is useful if you know the owner but not the property address and want to request a Nota Simple. |
3. Payment and Waiting
After filling in the information and submitting your request, you’ll need to pay the fee. It’s not expensive, usually around €9, and you can pay online with a bank card. Once the payment is successful, the system will provide you with a confirmation receipt. Typically, you will receive the Nota Simple as a PDF file via email within 24 to 48 business hours. When I last applied, I received it the following afternoon, so the turnaround is quite efficient.
And that’s the whole process. I hope this guide is helpful! If anyone has experience with the in-person application, feel free to share your tips, such as which registry offices are less crowded or any other points to keep in mind. Let’s share information to make life in Spain easier for everyone!
