What is a CNIU?
A CNIU stands for Certificación de No Infracción Urbanística, a certificate of absence of urban planning violations.
It is an official document that confirms there are no ongoing or recorded violations or sanctioning procedures related to a specific property.

What does a CNIU contain?

• The application is usually submitted for a residential property, for example during a sale or purchase.

• The certificate indicates whether there are currently any urban planning procedures against the current owner(s).

• In some cases, the document may also refer to old court rulings related to the original building permit. For example, if a permit was annulled in the past due to non-compliance with the law.

What does it mean if a CNIU exists?

• There is no ongoing investigation or procedure concerning urban planning issues for the property.

• If there is a legal history, such as an annulled permit, it is not necessarily a problem.

• However, your lawyer should carefully review this, as such information may have consequences for:

  • the legal status of the property

  • potential legalization

  • obtaining a mortgage

  • future renovations or resale

In summary

• CNIU = Certificate of Absence of Urban Planning Violations

• Purpose: Often requested during property purchase, sale, mortgage applications, or transfer of ownership in Spain