Foreign nationals can buy property in Spain without residency status. The process typically takes a few weeks to a couple of months and follows a clear sequence of steps.
1. Reserving the property
Once you've chosen a property, a reservation deposit is paid (usually €3,000–6,000), which takes it off the market for 2–4 weeks and locks in the price.
2. The deposit contract (arras)
The parties sign a deposit contract with a payment of 10% of the price. It sets out the terms of the deal, the timeline and the penalties if either side withdraws.
3. NIE and a bank account
An NIE — the Spanish foreigner ID number — is required for the transaction, along with an account at a Spanish bank for payments and later bills (utilities, taxes).
4. Legal due diligence
A lawyer checks the property: no outstanding charges or debts, that the paperwork matches the property's real status, and its ownership history.
5. Signing at the notary
The final stage is signing the title deed (escritura) at the notary, paying the remaining balance and receiving the keys. The purchase is then registered at the Land Registry.
We support the client through every one of these stages — from reservation to the handover of the keys.
