Non-residents can buy property in Spain freely and pay the same purchase taxes as residents. You will need an NIE and, in practice, a Spanish bank account; mortgages are available up to around 60–70% loan-to-value; and the whole purchase can be completed remotely by power of attorney.
The NIE: your Spanish identification number
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is essential — you cannot complete a purchase, pay taxes or open most accounts without one. You can apply in person at a Spanish consulate in your home country, or in Spain through the national police. Most buyers simply grant their lawyer a power of attorney to obtain it on their behalf. Allow a few weeks.
A Spanish bank account
A Spanish account is used to move the purchase funds, pay the notary and taxes at completion, and set up ongoing payments — utilities, community fees and the annual IBI council tax. Non-resident accounts are straightforward to open with your passport and NIE.
Taxes: the same on purchase, with two things to know later
On purchase, non-residents pay exactly the same as residents — transfer tax (ITP) on resale or IVA plus AJD on new build, with notary, registry and legal fees on top. See our full cost-of-buying guide for the breakdown. Two non-resident points matter beyond completion:
| Item | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| 3% retention on sale | When you later sell as a non-resident, the buyer withholds 3% of the price and pays it to the tax authority towards your capital gains tax. |
| Annual non-resident tax (IRNR) | Non-resident owners file an annual return — on actual rent if let, or on a small imputed amount if kept for personal use. |
Mortgages for non-residents
Spanish banks lend to non-residents, though on tighter terms than to residents. As a guide, expect a maximum loan-to-value of around 60–70% for EU buyers and 50–60% for non-EU buyers — so a deposit of roughly 30–50% of the price, plus the purchase costs. Banks assess affordability on your worldwide income and will ask for proof of income, tax returns and bank statements.
Buying remotely, by power of attorney
You do not need to be in Spain to buy. A power of attorney (poder notarial), signed before a notary at home (with apostille) or in Spain, lets your lawyer obtain your NIE, open your account, and sign the title deed at the notary on your behalf — so the entire purchase can complete without you travelling.
Frequently asked questions
Can a non-resident buy property in Spain?
Yes. There are no restrictions on non-residents — EU or non-EU — buying property in Spain. You will need an NIE (foreigner’s identification number) to complete, and in practice a Spanish bank account.
What is an NIE and how do I get one?
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is your Spanish tax and identification number, required for any property transaction. You can apply at a Spanish consulate in your home country, or in Spain through the national police — often handled for you, with a power of attorney, by your lawyer.
Do non-residents pay more tax when buying in Spain?
No. Non-residents pay exactly the same purchase taxes and fees as residents. The difference comes later: when a non-resident sells, the buyer withholds 3% of the price towards the seller’s capital gains tax, and non-resident owners pay annual non-resident income tax (IRNR).
Can a non-resident get a mortgage in Spain?
Yes. Spanish banks lend to non-residents, typically up to 60–70% loan-to-value for EU buyers and around 50–60% for non-EU buyers, meaning a deposit of roughly 30–50% of the price plus purchase costs.
Can I buy a property in Spain without travelling there?
Yes. By granting a power of attorney (poder notarial) to your lawyer, they can obtain your NIE, open accounts and even sign the deed at the notary on your behalf, so the purchase can complete entirely remotely.
Do I need a Spanish bank account to buy?
In practice yes. A Spanish account is used to transfer the purchase funds, pay completion costs, and set up ongoing payments such as utilities, community fees and IBI council tax.