Marriage contracts in Spain (capitulaciones matrimoniales)
Capitulaciones matrimoniales are the notarial deed by which spouses choose, change or replace the matrimonial property regime that governs their marriage. They are the instrument; the regime is the result.
They are often described as a prenuptial agreement, but the two are not the same. Article 1325 of the Civil Code allows capitulaciones to be granted before the marriage or at any time during it, and they can be changed again later. A prenup, by contrast, is signed only before marrying. This flexibility is one of the advantages of the Spanish system.
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What can be agreed, and why it matters
Under Article 1315 of the Civil Code, the regime governing a marriage is the one the spouses agree in their capitulaciones, with no limits other than those set out in the Code itself. The most common decision is to move from community of property to separation of property, or the reverse, but capitulaciones may also contain other arrangements relating to the marriage.
If nothing is signed, Article 1316 applies the default regime, which in most of Spain is community of property. For couples where one spouse runs a business, holds professional liability or has assets abroad, that default is frequently not the outcome they would have chosen.
Granting capitulaciones during the marriage does not require a crisis or a separation. It is a common step when circumstances change: starting a business, receiving an inheritance, buying property in another country or simply wanting to clarify how each estate is organised.
How are marriage contracts formalised?
Formality is essential. Article 1327 of the Civil Code requires capitulaciones to be executed as a public deed before a notary; without that, they are not valid. Article 1333 then requires the deed to be noted on the marriage entry at the Civil Registry, and where immovable property is involved, recorded at the Land Registry, so that the change is effective against third parties.
Two practical points matter for international couples. A change of regime does not have retroactive effect: it operates from the date of the deed, so assets already forming part of the common estate must be settled. And if you married abroad, the marriage will usually need to be registered in Spain before the change can be noted.
If what you need is to understand the three regimes themselves rather than the deed, see our page on the Spanish matrimonial property regime.
Protect your future with clear agreements
At Zabalgo Lawyers, we help you formalize agreements tailored to your personal and financial situation, so you can move forward together with confidence and peace of mind.