There are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in Spain, however all foreigners who want to buy property in Spain must apply to NEI number (Numero de Identificación de Extranjeros). This is your personal tax number that must appear on all issued documents.

Applying to NEI number

You can apply for NEI number at the local National Police station in the Foreigners Department (Departamento de Extranjeros). It takes a few weeks to get NEI number and the fallowing documents must be submitted:

• Signed NEI application and photocopy;
• Passport and photocopy;
• Address in Spain.

It is recommended to open a Spanish bank account for payment of fees for the property.

Buying property in Spain

After finding the right property, it is highly recommended to check its documentation to avoid illegal property and to be sure that the property has not unpaid debts. After checking, you will sign the purchase contract with terms of payment and other provisions. In case of off-plan property, the buyer has to pay the reservation fee before signing the purchase contract. The buyer is obliged to pay under terms written in the purchase contract.

After the final payments, the buyer and the seller can sign the Title Deed of Conveyance (the Escritura de Compraventa) in front of a notary public. Then the Escritura de Compraventa is passed to the Tax office and to the Land Registry for registration of the property. The buyer becomes full and legal owner after receiving the Escritura Publica (the registered deed); it takes about 2 – 3 months after signing the Title Deed of Conveyance.

Note: The information is for guidance only. It is recommended to use professional advice before taking practical decisions.