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Foreign Buyer Guide

Buying property in Spain as a foreigner

A clear, safe process. We guide you at every step.

Step 1 — Get your NIE

The Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE) is the foreigner's tax identification number, required for any financial transaction in Spain.

  • • Apply at the Spanish consulate in your country or at a police station in Spain.
  • • Documents: passport, form EX-15, reason for application, fee (modelo 790).
  • • Processing time: TBD:nie-tramitacion weeks (varies by office).

Step 2 — Open a Spanish bank account

To manage payments, mortgage and standing orders, a Spanish bank account is strongly recommended. Can be opened as a non-resident with passport + NIE. Some banks allow online opening from your home country.

Step 3 — Reservation and private purchase contract

  • • Reservation deposit to secure the apartment.
  • • Arras (private contract): typically 10% of sale price. If the developer withdraws, they return double the deposit.
  • • At Prim 3 we provide specialist legal assistance for foreign buyers.

Step 4 — Financing & mortgage

  • • Non-residents can apply for a Spanish mortgage — banks typically lend up to 70% of the appraisal value.
  • • Documents: passport, NIE, last 2 years' tax returns from home country, bank statements, proof of income.
  • • We can connect you with specialist mortgage brokers for international clients.

Step 5 — Completion & taxes

  • • VAT (new build): 10% of purchase price.
  • • AJD (Stamp Duty): TBD:ajd in the Valencia Region.
  • • Notary fees: approx. 0.1–0.5% of purchase price.
  • • Land Registry: approx. 0.1–0.25%.
  • • Gestoría (admin): post-completion registration (variable).
  • * Costs are approximate. Consult a tax advisor for your specific case.

Golden Visa

Non-EU citizens investing over €500,000 in Spanish real estate may qualify for a Golden Visa (investor residency permit). Note: Prim 3 apartments individually are below the €500K threshold, but may be combined with other qualifying investments. The Golden Visa programme is currently under legislative review — consult a lawyer for the latest status.

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Need guidance?

Our English-speaking team can guide you through every step of the purchase process remotely, from your home country.