Buy Property
in Spain
as a Foreigner
At Vicox Legal, we guide international investors through every step of acquiring property in Spain — from NIE application to notary signing — with full legal protection and institutional-level precision.
We operate across Marbella, Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and the Costa del Sol, advising HNWIs, family offices and non-EU buyers who require rigorous legal counsel, not a conveyancer.
Our cross-border practice covers Spain, Portugal, Luxembourg and Switzerland, giving you a single advisory team across the jurisdictions that matter most for European wealth positioning.
Book a Confidential ConsultationThe €90 consultation fee will be fully deducted from your service fees if you decide to engage Vicox Legal.
Market Context
Why International Investors Choose Spain
Spain remains one of Europe's most open real estate markets. Foreign nationals — EU and non-EU alike — may acquire property with full ownership rights and no general restrictions based on citizenship.
Why Legal Counsel Matters
What Non-Resident Buyers Get Wrong
The Spanish notary witnesses the transaction — they do not protect your interests. Without independent legal representation, international buyers face risks that surface months after completion.
- Hidden debts follow the property
Outstanding IBI taxes and community fees transfer to the new owner under Spanish law. A nota simple review is mandatory before any deposit is paid.
- Illegal extensions and zoning issues
Many properties — especially on the Costa del Sol — have unlicensed additions. These become your legal liability upon purchase.
- AML scrutiny on large transfers
Spanish banks and notaries apply strict KYC requirements on non-resident transactions. Fund origin documentation must be prepared in advance.
- Residency and tax exposure
Property ownership does not grant residency, but it does create tax obligations as a non-resident. Structuring the purchase correctly from day one avoids costly corrections later.
How We Work
The Vicox Legal Process
A structured, end-to-end engagement from initial qualification to post-completion tax compliance.
Initial Consultation & Qualification
We assess your purchase structure, budget, fund origin, and residency intent. This defines whether individual or corporate ownership is more efficient for your situation.
NIE Application & Power of Attorney
We obtain your NIE and, where required, prepare a notarial power of attorney so you can complete the purchase without being physically present in Spain.
Legal Due Diligence
Full review of the nota simple, urban planning compliance, outstanding charges, building licences and vendor title. No contract is signed without our clearance.
Contract Negotiation & Arras
We draft or review the reservation and arras contracts to protect your deposit and ensure all conditions favour your position as buyer.
KYC & Fund Sourcing Documentation
We prepare the AML and KYC documentation required by Spanish banks and notaries, ensuring your funds are cleared without delays at the signing table.
Notary Completion & Registration
We coordinate the escritura signing, manage tax payments within the legal deadlines, and register the property in your name at the Land Registry.
What's Included
Services in Your Engagement
Every engagement is handled end-to-end. No referrals, no third-party conveyancers — one team, full accountability.
NIE Application
We handle the full NIE process, including power of attorney if you cannot travel to Spain.
Property Due Diligence
Nota simple, urban planning, licences, charges and vendor title — comprehensive review before any deposit.
Contract Review & Drafting
Reservation agreements, arras contracts and final deed — reviewed and negotiated in your favour.
Spanish Bank Account Opening
Guidance and representation to open a Spanish account — mandatory for tax payments and utility setup.
Tax Structuring
ITP or VAT analysis, non-resident income tax obligations and coordination with your home jurisdiction tax adviser.
Post-Completion Compliance
Annual non-resident tax filings, utility transfers and ongoing legal representation as property owner in Spain.
Also Available
Purchasing with Cryptocurrency?
If your purchase involves digital assets, we handle end-to-end crypto-to-EUR property transactions under full MiCA and AML compliance — including Bitcoin, USDC and stablecoin settlements with full legal structuring in each jurisdiction.
Learn About Crypto Property Purchases →Where We Operate
Spain's Premium Markets
We advise buyers across Spain's most active international investment markets.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions international buyers ask most before engaging legal counsel in Spain.
Can foreigners buy property in Spain without being residents?
Yes. Spain imposes no general restrictions on foreign property ownership. EU and non-EU nationals may purchase freely regardless of residency status. The key requirement is obtaining an NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) before completing the transaction. Owning property does not automatically confer residency rights.
What taxes apply when buying property in Spain as a non-resident?
For resale properties, the main acquisition tax is ITP (Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales), typically ranging from 6% to 13% depending on the region and property value — with regions such as Catalonia and Valencia applying higher rates on properties above certain thresholds. New builds attract VAT (10%) plus stamp duty (AJD). Total acquisition costs typically represent 11–14% on top of the purchase price.
Can I complete the purchase without travelling to Spain?
Yes. Through a notarial power of attorney, your Vicox Legal team can represent you at every stage — including the NIE application, contract signing and notary deed — without requiring your physical presence in Spain. This is standard practice for international buyers and family offices.
What mortgage conditions apply to non-resident buyers?
Spanish banks typically offer non-residents financing of up to 60–70% of the property value, compared to 80% for tax residents. You should have approximately 40% of the total cost available in cash, covering the down payment (30%) and taxes and fees (10–14%). We work with specialist mortgage brokers who have experience with international client profiles.
Does Vicox Legal also advise on wealth structuring after the purchase?
Yes. Many of our clients integrate their Spanish property acquisition into a broader cross-border wealth structure — whether a Spanish holding, a Luxembourg SOPARFI, or an international family office setup. We advise across Spain, Portugal, Luxembourg and Switzerland within a single engagement, which eliminates the coordination risk of working with multiple firms.
Ready to Invest in
Spanish Property?
Book a confidential consultation with our team. We will review your purchase objectives, fund structure and timeline — and provide a clear proposal within 48 hours.
Book a Confidential ConsultationThe €90 consultation fee will be fully deducted from your service fees if you decide to engage Vicox Legal.
All consultations are strictly confidential. Vicox Legal operates under professional secrecy obligations in all jurisdictions.