Certificado Final de Obra (CFO) - Certificate of Completion of Construction
01.05.2025The Certificado Final de Obra (CFO), or Certificate of Completion of Construction, is an essential technical and legal document in Spain that certifies that a construction project or major renovation has been completed according to the approved project and in compliance with current laws and regulations at national, regional and local level.
What is the Final Construction Certificate?
The Final Construction Certificate (CFO) is a technical and legal document in Spain that certifies the completion of a construction or significant renovation project in accordance with the approved plans and applicable regulations at national, regional, and local levels.
This certificate is essential for:
- Applying for the Certificate of Habitability (Cédula de Habitabilidad) in regions where required.
- Obtaining the First Occupancy License (Licencia de Primera Ocupación), which allows for legal habitation and utility connections.
- Registering the completed property in the Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad).
- Applying for renovation subsidies or grants.
- Securing insurance policies for the building.
The CFO must be signed by the project's technical director (e.g., architect or engineer) and endorsed by the relevant professional associations. It includes:
- Type and location of the project
- Details of the developer, builder, and designer
- Building permit information
- Description of any modifications made
- Results of quality control tests
- Signatures of the technical supervisors
Additional Required Document
Alongside the CFO, the developer must provide an Energy Performance Certificate, reflecting the actual energy efficiency achieved compared to the projected efficiency.
Differences Between CFO, Final Acceptance Certificate, and Notarial Completion Act
- Final Construction Certificate (CFO): Confirms that the construction complies with the approved project.
- Final Acceptance Certificate (Acta de Recepción Definitiva de Obra): Documents the unreserved handover of the completed work from the builder to the developer, initiating the warranty period.
- Notarial Completion Act (Acta Final de Obra - AFO): A notarial document required for registering the completed construction in the Land Registry.
Obtaining the CFO is a crucial step in the Spanish construction process, ensuring legal compliance and safety for habitation.
For more information about buying a house in Spain and the necessary documentation, you can always contact us.
