Download Free Car Deposit Contract Template (Contrato de Arras) for Buying a Vehicle in Porqueres (Word/PDF)
Buying a used car from a private seller in Spain can sometimes be stressful, especially when it comes to securing the vehicle before the final paperwork is complete. This is where a Contrato de Arras (Earnest Money Deposit Contract) comes in. This legal agreement acts as a binding reservation for the car. By paying a small deposit, the buyer secures the vehicle and takes it off the market, while the seller commits not to sell it to anyone else. If either party backs out without a valid legal reason, financial penalties apply (such as the buyer losing the deposit or the seller having to return it in double). Having a solid, bilingual template ensures that both parties—whether local or international—fully understand their rights and obligations under Spanish law.
Instructions on how and where to use and sign this contract in Porqueres
The Contrato de Arras is a private agreement between the buyer and the seller; therefore, it does not need to be submitted to any government office or traffic authority (Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico) at the exact moment of signing the deposit. However, if you are conducting this transaction in the municipality of Porqueres (Girona), here is a practical guide on how to handle it safely:
- Meet in a safe environment: It is recommended to sign the contract in person, ideally where the car is located or at a local establishment in Porqueres.
- Verify vehicle documentation: Before signing or handing over any money, ask the seller for the vehicle's "Permiso de Circulación" and "Ficha Técnica" to ensure there are no hidden finance liens or outstanding administrative blocks. You can also request a "Informe Reducido" from the DGT.
- Payment of the deposit: Avoid paying large cash sums to comply with Spanish anti-money laundering laws (cash payments between professionals and individuals are limited, and traceable bank transfers or Bizum are much safer for private sales).
- Next steps in Porqueres: Once the final payment is made and the definitive purchase contract is signed, the change of ownership (transferencia) must be processed. You can do this online through the DGT electronic headquarters, via a Gestoría in the Pla de l'Estany region, or by scheduling an appointment at the nearest DGT office in Girona.
CONTRATO DE ARRAS PENITENCIALES / EARNEST MONEY CONTRACT
En Porqueres (Girona), a [Día] de [Mes] de [Año].
REUNIDOS / PARTIES
DE UNA PARTE (EL VENDEDOR / THE SELLER):
Don/Doña [Nombre y Apellidos del Vendedor], con DNI/NIE [Número], y domicilio a efectos de notificaciones en [Dirección], localidad de Porqueres, provincia de Girona.
DE OTRA PARTE (EL COMPRADOR / THE BUYER):
Don/Doña [Nombre y Apellidos del Comprador], con DNI/NIE [Número], y domicilio a efectos de notificaciones en [Dirección], localidad de [Ciudad].
Ambas partes se reconocen mutuamente la capacidad legal necesaria para el otorgamiento del presente contrato y,
EXPONEN / DECLARE
I. Que el Vendedor es propietario del vehículo cuyas características se detallan a continuación:
- Marca / Make: [Ej. Volkswagen]
- Modelo / Model: [Ej. Golf]
- Matrícula / License Plate: [Ej. 1234-ABC]
- Número de Bastidor / VIN: [Número de bastidor de 17 dígitos]
II. Que el Comprador está interesado en la adquisición del referido vehículo, por lo que ambas partes acuerdan celebrar un CONTRATO DE ARRAS PENITENCIALES, que se regirá por las siguientes:
CLÁUSULAS / CLAUSES
PRIMERA (Precio y Señal / Price and Deposit):
El precio total pactado para la compraventa del vehículo es de [Importe Total en Letras] euros ([Importe Total en Dígitos] €). En este acto, el Comprador entrega en concepto de señal o arras la cantidad de [Importe de la Señal en Letras] euros ([Importe de la Señal en Dígitos] €) mediante [Método de pago: efectivo / transferencia bancaria], cantidad que servirá para adelantar parte del precio total de la compraventa.
*English: The total agreed price is [Amount] €. The Buyer delivers today the amount of [Deposit Amount] € as a deposit, which will be deducted from the final price.*
SEGUNDA (Plazo para la firma final / Deadline for final contract):
La firma del contrato definitivo de compraventa y el pago del resto del importe pendiente ([Precio total menos la señal] €) se realizarán como fecha límite el día [Fecha límite] de [Mes] de [Año]. Llegada dicha fecha, se formalizará la transmisión de la titularidad del vehículo.
*English: The final sales contract and payment of the remaining balance must be completed by [Deadline Date].*
TERCERA (Penalización / Penalties):
Este contrato se rige por el artículo 1454 del Código Civil español. Si el Comprador desiste de la operación, perderá la cantidad entregada en concepto de arras. Si es el Vendedor quien desiste o incumple lo pactado, estará obligado a devolver al Comprador la cantidad recibida por duplicado.
*English: According to Spanish Civil Code, if the Buyer pulls out, they lose the deposit. If the Seller pulls out, they must return double the deposit amount.*
CUARTA (Jurisdicción / Jurisdiction):
Para cualquier controversia que pudiera derivarse de la interpretación o ejecución del presente contrato, ambas partes se someten expresamente a los Juzgados y Tribunales de la ciudad de Girona, renunciando a cualquier otro fuero que pudiera corresponderles.
*English: For any disputes, both parties submit to the courts of Girona, Spain.*
Y en prueba de conformidad, firman el presente documento por duplicado y a un solo efecto en el lugar y fecha arriba indicados.
EL VENDEDOR / THE SELLER EL COMPRADOR / THE BUYER
Fdo: _________________________ Fdo: _________________________
Additional documentation required
To successfully complete the car purchase process in Porqueres after signing the earnest money contract, make sure you and the seller gather the following paperwork:
- Original Vehicle Registration (Permiso de Circulación): Must be present to verify that the seller is the legal owner registered with the DGT.
- Technical Inspection Card (Tarjeta de ITV): Must show a valid inspection (ITV pasada) if the car is older than 4 years.
- Proof of Road Tax Payment (Impuesto sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica - IVTM): The seller must prove that the municipal tax for the current year (or previous year depending on the exact date) paid to the Ajuntament de Porqueres is up to date.
- Identification Documents (DNI / NIE / Passport): Valid copies or originals for both the buyer and the seller.
- Signed Transfer Contract (Contrato de Compraventa): A definitive bill of sale signed upon final payment, required by the DGT along with the Modelo 620 (property transfer tax form if applicable, though private sales between individuals usually process through Autonomous Community regional taxes).
Expert Tip: Always ensure the clauses in your Contrato de Arras explicitly state the mechanical condition of the car (e.g., "estado en el que se encuentra" / "sold as seen") or if any minor repairs are agreed upon before final delivery. This prevents post-sale disputes and guarantees a smooth transition of ownership in the beautiful province of Girona.