Spain remains one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for foreign property buyers. Whether you’re buying a holiday home, investing, or planning to relocate, the opportunities are strong—but so are the legal and tax considerations.
This guide explains what non-residents need to know when buying property in Spain.
Yes. There are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in Spain.
This applies to:
EU citizens
UK buyers
US and other non-EU nationals
However, you must follow certain administrative and tax steps, especially if you rent the property or become a resident.
You need a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero), which is your tax identification number in Spain.
Most payments (purchase price, taxes, fees) are made through a Spanish bank account.
Use a reputable agent and, if possible, visit the property or arrange an independent inspection.
A lawyer is essential to:
Check ownership and debts
Review contracts
Ensure legal compliance
Avoid using a lawyer recommended by the seller or agent where possible.
A small deposit (typically €3,000–€6,000) reserves the property while checks are carried out.
Usually involves a 10% deposit:
Buyer withdraws → deposit lost
Seller withdraws → must repay double
The final deed (Escritura) is signed, and the remaining amount is paid.
The purchase is registered at the Land Registry.
In addition to the purchase price, expect 10–14% extra costs:
Transfer tax (ITP): 6–10% (resale)
VAT (IVA): 10% (new builds)
Notary & registry: 1–2%
Legal fees: ~1%
Mortgage costs: varies
Owning property in Spain comes with ongoing tax obligations:
Applies even if the property is not rented
Based on imputed income
19% (EU/EEA residents)
24% (non-EU residents)
https://taxadora.com/capital-gains-taxes/
May apply depending on the value of your Spanish assets and region.
Annual municipal tax
Paid regardless of residency
Spanish banks may offer mortgages to non-residents:
Up to 60–70% financing
Proof of income required
Terms typically 20–25 years
Spain’s Golden Visa program has been discontinued (2025).
Buying property alone no longer grants residency rights.
If you plan to move to Spain, you will need to apply through other visa routes.
Skipping legal due diligence
Relying only on the seller’s agent
Underestimating taxes and costs
Ignoring outstanding debts or community fees
Taking renovation advice from non-experts
Many buyers focus on the purchase—but the ongoing tax obligations are just as important.
You will likely need to:
File Modelo 210 annually
Declare rental income if applicable
Review wealth tax exposure
Stay compliant with Spanish tax rules
Taxadora helps non-resident property owners:
File Modelo 210 (rental or imputed income)
Handle capital gains tax on sale
Review wealth tax exposure
Stay compliant year after year
Explore our services:
https://taxadora.com/non-resident-tax-modelo-210-spain/
Buying property in Spain as a foreigner is straightforward—but managing the tax side correctly is essential.
With the right preparation:
The process can be smooth
Risks can be minimized
Compliance becomes easy to manage
Taking professional advice early can save you both time and money.
Expert in international taxation for private individuals. He combines deep advisory experience with a passion for building technology that simplifies the complexities of Spanish tax compliance. As the founder of Taxadora, he’s on a mission to modernize cross-border taxation with smart, accessible solutions.
Contact us for assistance with a wide range of tax procedures, tailored to your needs
