Can Non-EU Buyers Really Own Property in Spain? Here’s the Legal Truth
By George Nayda
8 April 2025
9 min read
SMART BUYING
Can Non-EU Buyers Really Own Property in Spain? Here’s the Legal Truth
No Spanish residency? No problem but there are key rules (and sneaky pitfalls) you need to know first. Here’s what 99% of non-EU buyers miss and how to protect your money, visa, and peace of mind.
Can You Still Buy Without Residency in 2025?
Yes, in 2025, non-EU citizens can still legally buy property in Spain without holding a residency permit.
Spain has not placed any restrictions on property ownership based on citizenship or immigration status. Whether you're based in the UAE, UK, Canada, Nigeria, or anywhere else, you're welcome to purchase a home in Spain.
But there's a difference between buying a home and living in it year-round. While residency is not required for ownership, it is still required for long-term stays (over 90 days per 180-day period). We'll cover that below.
For now, let’s walk through the legal essentials you’ll need to buy as a non-resident and where most buyers get things wrong.
The Legal Checklist What You’ll Need (and What You Won’t)
Here's what you absolutely need as a non-resident buyer in Spain:
✅ NIE Number (Foreigner ID)
You can’t legally buy property without this number. The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is your official identification for tax and legal matters in Spain.
You’ll apply for it at a Spanish police station or Spanish consulate abroad. If you're not in Spain, your lawyer or real estate advisor (that’s me) can get it for you via Power of Attorney.
✅ Spanish Bank Account
You’ll need this to transfer funds for the property, pay fees and taxes, and cover ongoing bills (like utilities and community charges). Choose a bank that understands non-resident clients, not all do.
✅ Lawyer (Abogado)
Not optional. Spanish real estate law operates under a civil code, not common law. Your lawyer ensures the property is debt-free, legally registered, and safe to buy.
✅ Translator or Bilingual Support
While the purchase documents are in Spanish, you have the legal right to a certified translation or bilingual representation, especially at signing before the notary.
✅ Funds for Closing Costs
Budget an additional 10 to 13% of the purchase price for taxes, notary fees, registration costs, and legal expenses. These aren’t hidden, but many non-EU buyers don’t factor them in soon enough.
And now here’s what you don’t need:
🚫 You don’t need a Spanish residency visa
🚫 You don’t need to live in Spain or stay for a minimum number of days
🚫 You don’t need to fly over for every step; you can appoint a POA
Thinking of Living in Spain Long-Term? Here's What Changed
In previous years, many international buyers used real estate purchases to obtain residency. But as of April 2025, Spain officially ended the “Golden Visa” program.
That means:
You can still buy a home.
You can still visit up to 90 days per 180 days (under a tourist allowance).
But you can no longer apply for residency through property investment alone.
If you're planning to live in Spain long-term, you’ll now need to explore other visa options such as:
The Digital Nomad Visa - for remote workers with non-Spanish income
The Non-Lucrative Visa - for retirees or financially independent individuals
Student or Work Visas - if applicable to your situation
Residency isn’t tied to property anymore, but owning a home can still support your application (as part of financial solvency proof).
Common Mistakes Non-EU Buyers Make And How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1 Waiting too long to get your NIE
Apply early. It can take weeks, depending on your country or the consulate’s workload.
Mistake 2 Buying without legal checks
Don’t skip due diligence; hidden debts, unregistered extensions, or zoning issues can cost you dearly. Your lawyer will verify everything before you sign.
Mistake 3 Thinking that your home country’s rules apply
Spain’s process is different; it involves notaries, civil law contracts, and specific title registration procedures. Go in prepared.
Mistake 4 Underestimating buying costs
That extra 10–13% isn’t a surprise unless you forget to plan for it. Budget properly.
Mistake 5 Assuming ownership equals lifestyle access
Owning a home does not automatically grant you the right to live in Spain full-time. Make sure your residency status aligns with your goals.
Can You Buy Without Flying to Spain? Absolutely.
While it’s possible to buy remotely, most of my non-EU clients still prefer to visit Spain and view properties and areas in person before making a decision.
That said, I’ve helped clients successfully purchase without ever setting foot here a total of four homes so far, thanks to a structured, trust-based remote process.
Here’s how remote buying works when needed:
You appoint your lawyer with a Power of Attorney (POA)
We handle your NIE, bank setup, and legal checks
I provide video tours, honest feedback, and local insight
Contracts and notary steps are completed remotely
I coordinate key handover, post-sale setup, and follow-ups
If you can’t fly in, I’ll bring Spain to you, but if you can make the trip, I’ll be ready to show you around in person.
Final Word: Yes, You Can Still Buy. But Buy Smart.
Spain’s doors remain wide open for non-resident buyers.
You don’t need to be a resident.
You don’t need to visit in person.
You don’t need to learn Spanish legal codes.
You just need a trustworthy guide, a clear process, and an expert team who’s done this hundreds of times before.
So if buying in Spain is on your mind this year, reach out.
No pressure. No sales pitch. Just real answers.
📩
→ Message George on WhatsApp. Get clarity on how to buy without residency
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