Is it possible to buy real estate in Spain without a residence permit

Do you need a residence permit to buy an apartment in Spain?

No, we found no residence permit requirements in foreign investment regulations or in tax authorities, and for non-resident foreigners Real Decreto 571/2023 on foreign investment, the procedure is to declare, not permit: the purchase of property by a non-resident over 500,000 is classified as an investment that is declared in the Registero de Inversions of the Ministry after the transaction. If the transaction was handled by a Spanish notary, he passes the information through Consejo General del Notariado, and the buyer who handed the information to the notary is exempt from the declaration. [4].

There are exceptions: prior authorization is required from non-EU states that buy buildings for embassies and consulates, and for investments from jurisdictions included in the Orden HFP/115/2023, the declaration is submitted in advance. [4]Who is considered a "non-resident" in the sense of Real Decreto 571/2023, defines article 2 Ley 19/2003, and we have not dealt with this definition in detail.

What does a foreigner need to buy a place?

The number is NIE, and whoever doesn't, the tax service gives the NIF, which starts with the letter M. [3].The tax return on the transaction, modelo 600, indicates the buyer's NIF [6].

1. NIE. Article 205 Real Decreto 1155/2024 allows those who are connected with Spain to request it, whether it is economic, professional or social, and must not be in Spain illegally and must indicate the reasons for it. [1].
2. Statement. Form EX-15, fee on modelo 790 código 012 in a bank, police service, OFCina de Extranjería or commissariat. [2].
3. Subject check. Recording in Registro de la Propiedad, encumbrances, comunidad debts. on notea simple.
4. Notarized deal and tax. After escritura, the buyer pays ITP or IVA and AJD, and in Catalonia the stakes are published by Agéncia Tributària de Catalunya [7]See article on the purchase of taxes.
5. Registration. Escritura is registered in Registro de la Propiedad.

The time limit for the NIE decision under the law is 5 days, and if no reply is received, the application is dismissed [1][2]We have no official sources to find the time frame, as described in the article. on waiting for NIE.

Does the purchase of real estate permit residence?

No. Ley Orgánica 1/025 has revoked articles 63, 64, 65, 66 and 67 Ley 14/2013, which held an investor ’s visa for the purchase of real estate (Golden Visa). The Act entered into force three months after the publication in BOE on 3 January 2025, i.e. 3 April 2025. [5].

Transitional rules are: Investors who apply before entry into force receive a document under the old rules and the visas and permits issued remain valid for the period for which they are granted. [5]For a new buyer, this means that the apartment is not a reason for a residence permit, but the basis is selected separately: remote work (i.e., a job)DNV, funds without work (no lucrativa), family or studies; overview available on page Residence permit in BarcelonaI. Detailed under on the purchase and closed Golden Visa.

Does the tax for non-residents differ?

In Agéncia Tributària de Catalunya, we did not find a separate rate for non-residents: the rate depends on the cost and type of purchase, and special tariffs, such as 5% for basic housing for young people, children and other categories, depend on the destination of the dwelling. [7]This does not mean that there are no other tax duties: the owner who does not live in Spain pays taxes for the fact of ownership itself, which depends on your case, so check them with the master. Non-resident purchase of stepwise.

What depends on the incident?

The mortgage depends on the non-resident, the source of the funds, the way the payment is paid, and whether the transaction can be processed without your presence: it's up to the bank, the notary and you and the lawyer to decide that. We haven't found an official list of restrictions for foreigners at the site and we don't accept that they are not there · NEXO Consultation.

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The source is viewed on 02.10.2026 · NEXO · Drafting Draft · Sources do not replace individual legal advice.