When a couple separates, dividing the assets starts with a list. What there is, whose name it’s in, and what it’s worth. The problem comes when the list doesn’t add up. A property that isn’t on it. A sale nobody mentioned. An inheritance that “never existed”.
It happens more often than you’d think. And you don’t have to wait for a court to find out: the Spanish Land Registry keeps that information, and anyone with a legitimate interest can request it.
By Lucía Orden — over 25 years helping individuals and businesses with Spanish Property Registry and DGT paperwork. Last reviewed: November 2, 2026.
A “nota de localización” (property locator certificate, also called “certificado del Servicio de Índices”) is the document that searches every Property Registry in Spain for property registered under a person’s name. It’s requested with the person’s name, and it returns the list of registries and properties where they appear as owner.
You don’t need to know which province to search. It covers all of Spain at once.
That’s step one. Step two is a “nota simple” for each property, which is the document that shows the current owner, any charges, and — if it was sold — when and before which notary.
It starts with your spouse’s full name. With it, we request the search from the Spanish Land Registrars’ index service. If you also have their DNI, NIE or passport number, add them: they help narrow the search. But they aren’t essential, because properties registered years ago don’t carry those numbers, only the name.
The result arrives by email, usually within about 24 business hours (it depends on each registry and on local holidays).
Total cost: €16 (VAT included), no surprises. You can pay by card, PayPal or bank transfer.
Request your property locator certificate →
The standard search tells you what your spouse owns today. But there’s a second option that looks back: the history.
With the history, the search also tells you which properties were in their name at some point and no longer are. A flat they sold two years ago. A house they put in their brother’s name. Commercial premises transferred to a company.
In a separation, that’s what matters. It shows what moved before or during the break-up, and when.
On the order form, this option appears under its technical name: “derechos no vigentes” (literally, rights no longer in force). It means exactly that: what they had and no longer have. Tick that box. It costs €1 more (€17 in total). Not every search service offers it; we do.
With the list of properties in hand, the next step is a nota simple for each one. A nota simple is the Land Registry document that shows the current owner, any charges on the property (mortgages, liens) and its full description.
If the property is no longer in your spouse’s name, the nota simple still makes it clear. It shows who it was transferred to, on what date, and before which notary. With those details, your lawyer knows exactly what happened and when.
Each nota simple costs €16 (VAT included) and most arrive the same business day.
Request your nota simple online →
We locate the properties and deliver the Land Registry documents. What happens next — the inventory, the division of marital assets, challenging a sale — is your lawyer’s job.
If you don’t have a family lawyer yet, get in touch: we’ll put you in touch with collaborating professionals.
They might. Not immediately, but any owner can set up an alert with the Land Registrars or later ask who has requested information about their properties. If your interest is legitimate, there’s nothing to hide: consulting the Registry is a right.
Not to request the search. Anyone can ask for it by stating their legitimate interest. What you do afterwards with the information is another matter: that’s where a lawyer comes in.
Describe your situation in one sentence. For example: “separation or divorce proceedings and liquidation of the marital property regime”. It’s very rare for a registry to ask for more detail. It has happened to us once, and in that case we help you reply.
No. The search is done by name. A DNI, NIE or passport number helps narrow it down, but properties registered years ago don’t carry those numbers, so the name is what counts. Keep two limitations in mind: if the name is very common, properties belonging to other people with the same name may appear; and if your spouse changed their name or surname and never updated it at the Registry, they’ll appear under the old name.
The Registry says who appears as owner, not whether the asset is marital or separate property. That’s for your lawyer to determine from the deed and your matrimonial property regime. The nota simple gives them the documentary basis to do it.
If you request the search with history (the “derechos no vigentes” box), that property still appears. And its nota simple shows the date of the sale, the notary and the new owner. It’s the most direct way to document assets that have been moved.
No. The property locator certificate covers the Spanish Property Registries only. For property in another country, you need that country’s registry.
The property locator certificate costs €16 (VAT included), or €17 with history (“derechos no vigentes”). It usually arrives within about 24 business hours, depending on the registry and local holidays. Each nota simple costs €16 and most arrive the same business day.
Yes. Everything is handled online, without a Spanish digital certificate. You can pay by card, PayPal or bank transfer.
We’re available by phone or WhatsApp at +34 935259833, or by email, to help you through every step — reach us here.
