When is the first occupation certificate required?
The first occupation certificate is required for:
- New builds — properties constructed from scratch
- Full renovations (reforma integral) — complete internal reconstruction with or without change of use
- Change of use — converting a commercial space to residential
It is not required for partial refurbishments, cosmetic works or routine maintenance. If there's any doubt about whether your works require it, contact us — we'll advise within 24 hours.
Documents required before starting
To begin the first occupation certificate process, you need:
- Completion certificate (certificado final de obra) — signed by the project architect confirming the works have been completed as approved. This is the essential prerequisite.
- Building licence — the original licence from the local council authorising the works.
- Approved plans — to verify the as-built property matches what was licensed.
5 steps to the first occupation certificate
- Contact us and provide documentation — share the completion certificate, building licence and plans. We assess the case and provide a fixed quote within 24 hours.
- Technical review — we review the documentation to ensure everything is in order before the inspection.
- Technical inspection — our architect visits the property and verifies that it matches the approved plans and meets all minimum habitability requirements of Decree 145/1997. Duration: 45–90 minutes depending on size.
- Technical certificate — we prepare and sign the technical first occupation certificate.
- Submission to the Consell Insular de Mallorca — we submit the complete application with all documentation and pay the administrative fees (included in your quote). The Consell takes 2–6 weeks to issue the official certificate.
Timescales
Our part — documentation review, inspection and submission — typically takes 5 to 10 working days. After submission, the Consell Insular de Mallorca takes 2 to 6 weeks. Total: allow 4 to 8 weeks.
Important: Plan the first occupation certificate into your overall construction timeline. Don't leave it to the last minute. If you're selling or have a mortgage completion deadline, start this process as soon as the works are substantially complete.
Price
The price depends on the scale of the project and documentation. We always provide a fixed quote before starting. Contact us with details of your project and we'll advise.