How to Buy a Property in Spain as a Foreigner?

Buying property in Spain as a foreigner follows the same broad path whether you’re an EU citizen or not — the difference shows up in details like mortgage terms and paperwork, not in the overall process. Here’s how the journey typically unfolds, start to finish.

The step-by-step process

1. Get your NIE. The Número de Identificación de Extranjero is required for almost every step that follows — from opening a bank account to signing at the notary. Apply early, either at a Spanish consulate abroad or in Spain.
2. Open a Spanish bank account. You’ll use it to pay the deposit, the balance, taxes, and ongoing costs once you own the property.
3. Work with a local property advisor or agent. They check the property’s legal status, outstanding debts, and licences before you commit — this step protects you more than any other in the process.
4. Make an offer and sign a reservation contract. A small deposit (often 10% of the house price) takes the property off the market while due diligence is completed.
5. Sign the private purchase contract (contrato de arras). You’ll usually pay 10% of the price at this stage, and both parties commit to a completion date.
6. Arrange your mortgage, if financing. Non-residents should start this in parallel with the steps above, since approval can take several weeks.
7. Sign the deed (escritura) at the notary. This is the legal transfer of ownership. You’ll pay the remaining balance, taxes, and fees around this date.
8. Register the property. Your notary or property advisor submits the deed to the Land Registry, formally recording you as the owner.