Renting an Apartment in Spain as an Expat: What You Need to Know
Dreaming of moving to Spain? Here’s your honest guide to renting an apartment as an expat, from finding listings and understanding rental terms to avoiding common pitfalls. Real advice, local tips, and a bit of sunshine from Málaga.
When I started searching for an apartment in Spain, I pictured sunlit terraces and morning cafés con leche on a balcony. What I didn’t picture was how different, and occasionally confusing, the rental process would be.
Whether you’re heading to Málaga, Madrid, or Valencia, renting in Spain comes with its own rhythm and rules. Here’s everything I wish I’d known before I started looking.
What’s All That Difference About?
The style of houses might differ from your part of the world. Coming from the Netherlands, I was used to big windows, usually laminated floors or carpet, and a typical corridor. That’s all changed, since living here in Spain. Now I cannot imagine anything else than tiles and my usual barricaded windows that looked like I was living in a prison for the first time. Furthermore, I make it a sport how many appliances I can use before my powers goes off. It took some time getting used to, but after a while, you enter your friends’ 50 square meter apartment and you can both laugh about the Catholic painting above the guest bed. Not recommended to start laughing as you see the same painting in your in-laws’ house. That said, I had to lower my expectations of what a decent liveable space looks like. Adding the current housing prices in the Costa del Sol and larger cities throughout Spain, a single Spanish salary can only be stretched so far. You may have to give or take here and there, or have really good connections.
Where to Start Your Search
Most apartment hunting begins online. The best sites for expats are:
Idealista – the most reliable and comprehensive platform
Fotocasa – another popular choice
Spotahome – ideal for verified medium-term rentals
Facebook Groups – try searching “Apartments in Málaga” or “Expats in Spain”
💡 Pro tip: Listings in popular cities move fast — message immediately if you’re interested. Some landlords rent within days.
What Documents You’ll Need
Landlords in Spain typically ask for:
Passport or NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)
Proof of income (employment contract, payslips, or bank statements)
References or a guarantor
If you work remotely or are self-employed, offer recent bank statements or savings proof — and expect to pay 2–3 months upfront in some cases.
💡 Pro tip: If you don’t yet have your NIE, some agents accept a passport initially, but you’ll need to provide it soon after signing.
Understanding Rental Terms
A few useful Spanish terms:
Alquiler de larga duración → Long-term rental (12+ months)
Alquiler temporal / de temporada → Shorter rental (3–11 months)
Amueblado → Furnished
Sin amueblar → Unfurnished (and often completely empty)
Always ask what’s included. “Fully equipped” sometimes just means there’s a fridge and a lightbulb!
Deposits, Fees & Contracts
You’ll usually need to pay:
One month’s deposit (fianza)
First month’s rent
Possibly an agency fee (often another month)
Before paying anything, always have a written contrato de arrendamiento. If it’s in Spanish, have someone review it with you.
Avoid sending money before viewing a property, especially through Western Union or similar services.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term
Booking a short-term place (1–3 months) when you first arrive can be a lifesaver.
Platforms like Spotahome or Airbnb allow you to explore neighborhoods before committing long-term. Many of the previously mentioned websites also offer short-term rentals.
That’s exactly what I did in Málaga, and it helped me find an area that truly fit my lifestyle — not just my budget.
What I Learned Along the Way
The best apartments often rent through word of mouth — network locally.
Learn a few key Spanish phrases; it makes everything smoother.
Always confirm whether utilities (gastos) are included.
Take photos of the apartment’s condition before moving in.
Final Thoughts
Finding an apartment in Spain can be challenging at first, but it’s also one of the most rewarding steps of starting your new life here.
There’s a moment when you unlock your door for the first time, look out at your new street, and realize:
you’re not just visiting anymore — you live here.
Spain isn’t just a place to stay. It’s a way to live. ☀️
And if you’d like some help getting started — I’ve created a Spain Relocation Checklist for 2026 that walks you through the whole process, step by step.
Sign up below to get your free copy and join a growing community of people who are building a new life under the Spanish sun.
