How Can I Rent a Flat in Spain as a Foreigner? 7 Powerful Steps to Get Started

Can foreigners rent an apartment in Spain? Yes — here’s how to do it legally, safely, and without a job contract.

Rent a Flat in Spain as a Foreigner is absolutely possible — but knowing how the system works will help you avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re moving for work, remote life, or just an extended stay, here’s what you need to know.

Types of Rentals When You Rent a Flat in Spain as a Foreigner

Before beginning your apartment search, it’s important to understand the three main types of rentals available in Spain:

Short-Term Rentals (up to 3 months)

Ideal for tourists and temporary stays. These are often found on platforms like Airbnb. However, they usually don’t allow address registration (empadronamiento), which can be a problem if you’re planning to stay longer or need local paperwork.

Mid-Term Rentals: The Best Option to Rent a Flat in Spain as a Foreigner

Perfect for expats, digital nomads, or people relocating to Spain. These properties are fully furnished, utilities are often included, and they offer more flexibility — without requiring a permanent work contract or Spanish income proof.

Long-Term Rentals (12+ months)

Often unfurnished and typically require more extensive paperwork, including a Spanish work contract, NIE, and proof of stable income. These leases are ideal for residents with long-term plans in Spain.

Documents You Need to Rent a Flat in Spain as a Foreigner

The requirements vary depending on the rental type and landlord. In most cases, expect to provide:

• A valid passport or EU ID

• Proof of income or employment (contract, freelance invoice history, or bank statements)

• NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) — not always mandatory for mid-term rentals

• One or two months’ deposit

• Sometimes: proof of solvency, previous landlord references, or a guarantor

💡 Good to know: You can often rent a flat without a NIE, especially for mid-term rentals — but you’ll need one later for things like opening a bank account or registering with the local municipality.

Where Can Foreigners Find Flats in Spain?

There are several ways to find an apartment in Spain, but each has pros and cons:

• Local portals (e.g. Idealista, Fotocasa): Large inventory, but mostly in Spanish, and often require calls with landlords.

• Facebook expat groups: You might find good deals — but scams are frequent.

• Expat-friendly rental agencies: These are designed for foreigners and digital nomads, often providing English-speaking support, furnished apartments, and flexible lease terms.

Typical Costs and Fees

When budgeting for your flat rental, consider the following:

• Monthly rent: Varies by city and neighborhood. Mid-term rentals usually include utilities.

• Security deposit: 1–2 months, refundable after your stay.

• Agency fee: Can be 1 month’s rent with traditional agents. With expat agencies, the fee is often included in the monthly price.

Avoid Rental Scams in Spain

Unfortunately, rental scams do exist — especially in major cities like Barcelona, Valencia, or Madrid. Watch out for:

• Landlords who won’t show you the property (not even via video call)

• Requests to pay via crypto, Western Union, or wire transfer before signing a contract

• Unrealistically low rent for large, central apartments

✅ Always sign a legal contract and use secure payment methods. Mid-term rental agencies offer more protection and transparency.

Can You Register Your Address (Empadronamiento)?

If you need to register your residence (for visa, school, or health care reasons), ask if the landlord allows empadronamiento. Not all properties — especially short-term rentals — permit it.

Final Thoughts

Renting a flat in Spain as a foreigner doesn’t have to be stressful — especially if you understand how the system works. If you want a smooth relocation experience, working with a rental agency that specializes in mid-term rentals for expats can save you time, money, and headaches.

✅ Need help finding a flat in Spain?

Globexs specializes in fully furnished mid-term rentals (1–11 months) for expats, digital nomads, and professionals — with utilities included and English-speaking support.

👉 Browse apartments in Valencia and fill out the form to receive a personalized offer. We also offer full relocation services: NIE assistance, legal paperwork, and more.