Changes to requirements when Selling Property in Spain
If you own a Spanish property, when you purchased you would have shown the notary your current passport at the time of purchase. If you have decided to sell your property and you have updated your passport since the date of purchase, the notary may ask to see a copy of your old passport as well as a copy of your new passport.
Why is this? Mainly because when passports are updated and depending on the country but particularly in the UK, passport numbers are changed. However in Spain, if a Spaniard updates their national identity card, the number remains the same. Land Registries across Spain are insisting that if you have updated your passport and the passport number has changed, that you show them a copy of your old passport.
Our advice, keep a photocopy of the photo page of your old passport!
If you do not have a copy of your old passport then in the UK and for British residents only, you can contact the Passport Office by email dpa.queries@hmpo.gsi.gov.uk or telephone number (00 44) 1733 888242. The email subject should be “Access Request” and you will need to request a certificate confirming that the holders of the new passport numbers are the same as the previous passport numbers. The Passport Office will then issue a certificate confirming all passport numbers ever issued for the holders. This certificate should then be apostilled and translated for use overseas.
Very useful reminder Alex. May I put this article onto my website as “News” – quoting your name of course?
Yes of course Christopher. Delighted it was of help.