Are you planning to buy a property in Barcelona as a foreigner? Do you need to know what are the special requirements, expenses, and taxes to pay when purchasing a home in Spain as a foreigner?

This article explains to you what are the requirements to buy a property in Spain as a foreigner and details all the taxes and expenses you need to pay when purchasing a home in Spain.

Being a Spanish resident is not a necessary requirement to buy a property in Spain.

However, as an overseas buyer you must apply for the NIE (Foreigner Identification Number), have a Spanish bank account, and pay the appropriate taxes.

NIE: Foreigner Identification Number

To be able to buy a property in Spain as a foreigner you must have the NIE.

The NIE is a personal, unique, and exclusive number that is assigned individually to each foreigner for identification purposes. This personal number will be the foreigner ID that must be used in any documents or monetary transactions to be performed in Spain.

In Spain, the NIE can be requested in person or through a representative with a power of attorney at the nearest police office where the foreigner has the intention to buy a property. From abroad it can also be processed through the Spanish embassy or consulate in the country of the foreigner.

In Spain, the purchase of a property must be formalized in a public deed authorized by the notary. After signature, the title deed will be taken to the corresponding property registry office for its registration. For this purpose, the notary will request the NIE from the foreign buyer for identification purposes.

That same NIE will be used to liquidate the corresponding taxes and expenses.

Open a Spanish bank account

To be able to buy a property in Spain as a foreigner, you will need to open a Spanish bank account.
Also, you will use this bank account to pay all appropriate taxes and expenses related to the purchase of your property.

Taxes and expenses for the acquisition of a property

All taxes and expenses associated with the purchase of a property must be paid in Spain. The taxes you will have to pay as a foreigner when purchasing a property are the same as for a Spanish citizen and are:

  •  The VAT if it is a New Construction property: the buyer has to pay the VAT (Value Added Tax) which is 10% of the property selling price.
  •  The ITP if it is a Second-hand property: the buyer has to pay the ITP (Patrimonial Transmission Tax) which is 10% of the property selling price in Catalonia.
  • The buyer must also pay the notary fees, stamps, and registration fees to the Land Registry, which are between 0.5% and 2% of the property selling price. This amount can change if the property is acquired with or without a mortgage.
  • Likewise, taxes such as the IBI (Spanish Property Tax) or the garbage tax, derived from the purchase of that property, are paid from a bank account in Spain.

Spanish Income Tax for Non-Residents IRNR

If you are a Non-Resident in Spain and own a property there, you must fulfill your fiscal obligations as you are liable to the Spanish Income Tax for Non-Residents known as IRNR.
The Non-Resident Income Tax or IRNR is a tax on the income obtained within the Spanish territory by individuals and organizations not residing in Spain.

It is understood that a person is considered Non-Resident in Spain if he/she stays in the country for less than 183 days during the calendar year.

Keep in mind that if individuals are going to remain in the country for over 183 days during the calendar year, they are considered residents in Spain, and in such case, they are subject to the Personal Income Tax IRPF, and not the IRNR.

You can find all the necessary information about the different taxes for Non-residents on the website of the Tax Agency (agencia tributaria). You can do the process online or in person.

Golden Visa Spain

Another alternative for a foreigner outside the European Union who wants to acquire a property in Spain is to apply for the Golden Visa.

The Golden Visa allows the granting of visas and residency permits for non-EU citizens who invest more than 500,000 euros in real estate assets. You will find all the necessary information you need to know in order to apply for the Golden Visa in Spain.

From Barcel Property Invest, we collaborate with immigration law firms to obtain the NIE (Foreigner Identification Number), open a Spanish bank account, and process the Golden Visa in Spain.

Once you are aware of all the requirements you need to meet as a foreigner to buy a property in Spain, you can find more useful tips on how to successfully buy a property in Barcelona.

In conclusion, it is highly recommended to hire a Real Estate Consultant or Property Hunter as he is a local expert who assists his clients throughout the entire purchasing process by defending exclusively their interests, and his fees are due only in case of success.

If you are looking to invest or buy a property in Barcelona as a foreigner, Contact us and we will be happy to present you Our Services and see how we can help you with all these procedures to purchase a property in Spain.

If you are looking to invest in a property in Barcelona in order to obtain the Golden Visa, Contact us today for a free consultation.

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