Question
We’re looking o rent an apartment in Spain, and among the list of documents the estate agent is asking for is a ‘certificate of solvency’ (Certificado de solvencia).
I see that Idealista does one of these for €10, but since I have no financial records in Spain at all, is it worth paying for?
They also want a bank guarantee (aval bancario). We don’t have a Spanish bank account yet, and even if we did, since we have no financial history it seems like they wouldn’t issue one.
Are there other documents that I might be able to use instead? (I have excellent credit in the UK).”
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
“No, as a foreigner you can’t meet the requirements for this. It’s essentially an insurance to guarantee the landlord receives rent.
They ask for proof from the Spanish government that you haven’t received assistance within the last year, a Spanish guarantor, a work contract in Spain for over 12 months and the income must be 3x the rent, or last 3 paystubs from a Spanish employer.
They make no provisions for foreigners at all.
In fact I showed them my bank account with over 12 months worth of rent saved and was told ‘It doesn’t work that way.'”
“Show them your bank account balance.”
Conclusion
When trying to rent an apartment in Spain, foreign applicants often face challenges due to local documentation requirements. A certificate of solvency and bank guarantee (aval bancario) are commonly requested, but these are typically designed for residents with established financial history in Spain.
According to community responses, landlords often expect:
- Proof of not receiving government assistance in Spain
- A Spanish guarantor
- A long-term Spanish work contract
- Recent Spanish paystubs
However, since foreigners generally cannot meet these criteria, alternative approaches such as showing a well-funded foreign bank account may help in some cases, though not all landlords accept this.
Understanding these challenges in advance and preparing additional proof of financial stability may improve the odds of securing a rental property.
Disclaimer
This article is based on community member experiences and does not constitute legal advice. Rental policies vary widely in Spain—always consult a legal or real estate professional.
