What is it and how to obtain the IDUFIR?

The IDUFIR is a unique, exclusive and unvariable 14-digit code that precisely identifies each finca or property to which it is linked, vital for verifying the corresponding information for each property.

As more properties were registered, they began to coincide with some registers and this led to confusion and so properties could not be properly identified. Faced with such a mess, it was decided to create the IDUFIR.

What does IDUFIR mean?

It stands for Unique Identifier of Registered Properties. It is a number that identifies you in the property registers organised throughout Spain.

The IDUFIR has existed since 2008. Previously, the fincas and properties were assigned a registration number consisting of the volume, book, folio, inscription and date, after having been registered in the corresponding Land Registry.

IDUFIR is the new registration number.

Just as people have a national identification document (DNI) that does not vary and does not coincide with any other, the properties that have been registered in Spain have an invariable and unique code. In 2016 the acronym IDUFIR became obsolete and was replaced by CRU, the Unique Registration Code.

With the IDUFIR or CRU, no property can be confused with another as the code will allow it to be identified and located without any error.

CRU equals IDUFIR

So CRU is the same as IDUFIR. It is the same in content, only the naming has changed. Both codes refer to an invariable and unique code that identifies the properties in the Spanish territory.

This change of spelling has given rise to some doubts that need to be cleared up because some properties have an IDUFIR code and others a CRU code. It should be considered that:

• Properties registered from August 2016 onwards have a CRU code.
• Properties that were registered between 2008 and 2016 will be identified and located with their IDUFIR code.
• Properties registered before 2008 will only have the code that was used at that time.
• Properties that were registered before 2008 will be assigned a CRU code when they change ownership and have to be registered in the CRU.

What is the IDUFIR or CRU for?

It is very important for carrying out administrative procedures related to real estate transactions. The following are the main uses of the IDUFIR or CRU.

• Requesting a Nota Simple or copy of the title deeds of the property as a matter of urgency.
• Verify the ownership of the property before renting, buying or selling it through a document.
• Request a Registry Certification to check if a property has any outstanding charges.
• Carry out procedures with the Property Tax.
• Check and prove the ownership of properties in the case of a sale, donation, inheritance or building permit.

The IDUFIR or CRU is requested at the corresponding Land Registry. In the Nota Simple are the details of the property that appear in the register, such as ownership, description, mortgages, liens, among others.

It can also be ordered from the official website of the Spanish Association of Registrars. In this way it is more practical and easier, although the cost of the procedure can be between 3 and 25 euros. Now we know a little more about what the IDUFIR is, how and where it is obtained and by which acronym it was changed.