Spanish Property Law FAQ for Foreign Buyers and Owners

Yes. The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is a Spanish tax identification number and it is compulsory for any foreigner buying property, signing at the notary, paying taxes or opening a bank account in Spain. You can apply in person in Spain or through the Spanish consulate in your country — and we can obtain it on your behalf with a power of attorney, so you do not need to travel.

No. With a power of attorney (poder notarial) we can complete the whole purchase in your absence: signing the deed at the notary, paying the purchase taxes and registering the property in your name at the Land Registry. Many of our clients buy from the UK, Ireland, Germany or the Netherlands without flying over.

A nota simple is the official extract from the Spanish Land Registry showing who really owns a property, its exact description, and whether it has mortgages, embargoes or planning restrictions. We always obtain and review it before you pay any deposit — it is the single most important document for checking that a property is safe to buy.

As a general rule you should budget around 10-14% of the purchase price on top of the price itself: transfer tax or VAT, notary fees, Land Registry fees and legal fees. The exact figure depends on the region and on whether the property is a resale or a new build. We give you a written breakdown before you commit to anything.

Yes. Non-resident owners must file the Modelo 210 every year, even if the property is not rented out, and pay non-resident income tax. If you rent it out or sell it, further obligations apply, including capital gains tax. We handle the filings for you and keep you compliant.