Can Foreigners Buy
Property in Spain?
Yes — Spain places no restrictions on foreign property ownership. This guide covers the NIE requirement, the Golden Visa, and specific rules for British, American and other non-EU buyers.
The Only Requirement: Your NIE
Every foreign buyer in Spain — regardless of nationality — needs a NIE number to complete a property transaction. Here is exactly how to get one.
How to Apply for an NIE
Rules by Nationality
The Golden Visa — Residency Through Investment
Non-EU buyers who invest a minimum of €500,000 in Spanish real estate (unmortgaged) qualify for a Golden Visa, which grants: a 2-year renewable residency permit, the right to live and work in Spain, visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, and a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship after 10 years.
The Spanish government announced proposals to review the Golden Visa program in 2024. The program remains in force as of early 2025, but verify current status with an immigration specialist before making investment decisions based on visa eligibility.
Foreign Buyer FAQs
Yes. British citizens can buy property in Spain without restriction. Brexit changed the rules around residency and long-term stays (British citizens are now subject to the 90-day Schengen rule for stays without a visa), but it did not restrict property ownership. British buyers remain one of the largest national groups purchasing on the Costa del Sol. If you want to spend more than 90 days in Spain, you will need to apply for a visa or residency permit — the Non-Lucrative Visa or the Golden Visa (if your purchase exceeds €500,000) are the most common routes.
Yes, without restriction. US citizens can own property in Spain and are treated the same as any non-EU buyer. You will need an NIE number (which you can obtain at a Spanish consulate in the US) and a Spanish bank account. US buyers should be aware of their FBAR and FATCA reporting obligations to the IRS for foreign accounts and assets — consult a US tax adviser with Spanish property experience.
The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is your Spanish tax identification number, required for any property transaction in Spain. You can apply at a Spanish consulate in your home country (recommended — takes 2–6 weeks) or at a Spanish police station (Comisaría Nacional de Policía) in Spain. Many buyers use a Spanish gestor (administrative agent) or their lawyer to arrange the NIE application. The fee is minimal.
Spain's Golden Visa (Residencia por Inversión) grants a 2-year renewable residency permit to non-EU citizens who invest €500,000 or more in Spanish real estate (free of mortgages). The visa allows visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone and can lead to permanent residency and citizenship. The Spanish government announced proposals to reform or restrict the Golden Visa in 2024 — verify the current status with a specialist immigration lawyer before making any investment decisions based on visa eligibility.
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We Help Buyers From Every Country
Our advisors have helped buyers from over 40 countries purchase on the Costa del Sol. Whatever your nationality, we know the process.