Last Updated on March 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question
What do you need to rent an apartment in Spain as an expat? (Except for money of course). I’m an EU citizen.
Answers
These are the answers of some Facebook group members:
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Start the Moving to Spain Hub →First answer: “If you don’t rent from an agency, you need a work contract with your salary in it (company secret won’t work), or at least a stamped document that you will be contracted. At least one month of deposit, in many cases likely two (make sure that your landlord registers the deposit in the Community of Madrid for later tax benefits). If you’re a nice person, looking trustworthy and your landlord is decent, you might get away with only that.”
Second answer: “Work contract, NIE and a months deposit is what we needed. Plus agency fees too.”
Third answer: “I work as a “autonomo” for an english company and in some case the had payment insurance and they won’t allow me due to not having a work contract but in the cases they hadn’t insurance just the las 3 invoices for the company i work for.”
Fourth answer: “12 months rent up front plus guarantor or bank guarantee if you don’t work in Spain. Plus the usual sundries for agency fees and the usual costs up front.”
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Explore Cities →Fifth answer: “3 last months payslips, a permanent working contract, around 2 months deposit and 1 month + vat for the rental agency for the service”
In conclusion, it seems that in order to rent an apartment in Madrid as an expat, a work contract, NIE, deposit, and agency fees are typically required. Some landlords may also require additional documentation such as payslips, guarantors, or bank guarantees. It is worth noting that requirements and expectations may vary depending on the landlord and the current market conditions. It is best to inquire with the rental agency or landlord directly for the most accurate information.
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