Cédula de Habitabilidad is the Spanish term for a Certificate of Occupancy.

This is a certificate required by Spanish law aimed at controlling conditions relating to health and safety in any building to be used for housing. It is essential in order to be able to contract water, electricity and gas supplies and is valid for 15 years.

All buildings used for housing must have a Certificate of Occupancy. This ensures that they meet the minimum requirements needed for a building to be habitable (new buildings, renovated buildings etc.)

A Certificate of Occupancy is essential in Spain in the following circumstances:

• Letting or selling a property destined for housing purposes
• New buildings
• Renovated buildings
• To contract vital services (water, gas and electricity)

In some autonomous regions in Spain the Certificate of Occupancy has been substituted by a Municipal Urban Occupancy Licence. It has the same requirements as the certificate. To apply for a licence or certificate you need to fill in a form and attach various documents.

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