Spain's mandatory energy efficiency certificate — required for all property sales and rentals, grading the building from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
The certificado de eficiencia energética — commonly called the certificado energético — is Spain's mandatory energy performance certificate. Required since 2013 under Royal Decree 235/2013 (implementing EU Directive 2010/31/EU), it assesses a property's energy consumption and CO₂ emissions and assigns a rating from A (most efficient, dark green) to G (least efficient, red). The certificate must be obtained before a property can be marketed for sale or rent and must be registered with the relevant autonomous community's energy authority.
The certificado energético is issued by an authorised técnico certificador — a qualified architect, engineer, or building technician who visits the property and uses approved software (the most commonly used is CE3X) to calculate the energy rating based on the building's construction, insulation, glazing, heating/cooling systems, and hot water provision. The cost typically ranges from €80–€250 for a standard residential property, depending on size and location.
For property sellers, the certificado energético is a legal prerequisite. The estate agent's listing must include the energy rating label (the coloured A–G sticker) in all advertising. At completion, the certified document must be handed over to the buyer. Failure to provide a valid certificate can result in fines for the seller and agent. The certificate is valid for 10 years from the date of issue, unless significant modifications are made to the building that would affect its energy performance.
For landlords, the certificate is equally compulsory for any rental contract. Since 2021, Spain has aligned with the EU's push to phase out F and G-rated rental properties, and Spanish legislation continues to evolve in this direction. While Spain has not yet introduced the rental ban dates that France has (which banned new G-rated rentals from 2025), buyers and investors should monitor developments. EU-wide energy renovation requirements under the EPBD (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive) will progressively tighten standards.
For buyers, the energy rating is a useful indicator of future running costs and renovation needs. Properties rated F or G will have significantly higher annual heating and cooling bills than A or B-rated properties. The rating also affects the property's future marketability and resale value as energy standards tighten. When viewing properties in Spain, always ask for the certificado energético — if the seller does not have a valid current one, they must commission one before the sale can legally complete.
Yes. If you rent your Spanish property — including for short-term holiday lets — you legally require a valid certificado energético. Many regional tourist licence (VFT/VUT) application processes specifically ask for the energy certificate as part of the licence documentation.
By law, the obligation to provide the certificate falls on the seller. In practice, the seller pays for the certificate unless otherwise agreed. Some sellers include it in the estate agent's marketing services. If the property does not have a current certificate, the seller must commission one before the property can be legally marketed.
Yes. Measures that most effectively improve the rating include: improving roof and wall insulation, installing double or triple glazing, upgrading to an A-rated boiler or heat pump, and adding solar thermal panels. After improvement works are complete, a new certificate must be issued by an authorised técnico to reflect the upgraded rating.
Browse our verified directory of English-speaking law firms across Spain. All listed firms offer English-language legal services to expats and foreign nationals.
Find My Lawyer in 60 Seconds