Can you buy a Spanish House without being a Resident?
Can you buy a Spanish House without being a Resident?The quick response is “yes.” Due of the significant value that foreign buyers bring to the local real estate market, the Spanish government actively promotes this practise. If you’re thinking in purchasing real estate in Spain but are not currently a resident there, you’re not alone. Many expats and non-natives maintain second homes specifically for the purpose of renting them out to tourists during the high season for a profit. You’ll be considered a “stay” or “short-stay” visa holder if your intended duration of stay in Spain is shorter than three months. If you want to stay in Spain for longer than three months, you can apply for residency. The primary distinction between residency and stay status is this.
If you own property in Spain, how long can you plan to stay there?
In a nutshell: 90 days out of every 180. The detailed response is that there is no relationship between immigration status and property ownership, and that the answer also varies depending on the person’s country of origin. Since Spain is already part of the European Union, its immigration and residence regulations already reflect EU standards. If you are a citizen of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland, all you need to enter Spain is a valid government-issued photo ID. And generally speaking, a tourist visa will allow you to stay in Spain for up to three months. You have three months from now to apply for your EU Certificate. A residence card for relatives of EU residents is required for anyone staying in the nation for longer than three months who is not a citizen of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland. The good news is that wherever EU immigration regulations apply, EU individuals can apply to have their non-EU citizen family members stay with them.
The Necessity of Supporting Documentation
Within three months of your arrival in Spain, you must ask to be included in the Central Register of Non-Nationals [Registro Central de Extranjeros] at the Non-Nationals’ Office [Oficina de Extranjeros] or a local police station. You’ll need to pay a fee and show your passport or other official form of identification. You can get a certificate of registration with an NIE from the Office (non-national resident identification number). In place of the previous Community resident card system comes this new approach. Anyone from outside Spain who has business, professional, or social ties to the country needs an NIE number to prove their identity (non-national resident identification number). Non-nationals who apply for registration receive this number automatically, however it can also be requested independently. A residency permit is necessary to legally reside in Spain if you are not a citizen of the European Union, Switzerland, or another EEA member nation. If you wish to extend your stay in Spain beyond 90 days from the date of your admission, you must submit an application for a resident visa.
When I visit Spain, how do I go about applying for residency there?
Two of the most straightforward options are the Spanish Golden Visa and the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa. Real estate investment might earn you a Golden Visa to Spain, allowing you to work and live lawfully in the country. Your investment must be at least €500,000. Golden Visa applicants who do not have €500,000 to invest in real estate can instead apply for a “Non-Lucrative Visa.” The ‘Retirement Visa’ is another name for this. In Residence Permit in Spain, we answer this question in depth.
Can You Buy a Home in Spain Without Being a Resident?
You wouldn’t be the first foreigner to own property in Spain; many owners are foreigners. They, like you, are drawn to Spain’s laid-back culture, stunning landscapes, and Europe’s sunniest climate, as well as the country’s more than 600 blue flag beaches. In addition to having one of Europe’s lowest costs of living, the region is also experiencing record-high demand for vacation rentals at premium prices.
If I want to buy a house in Spain, do I need a Spanish bank account?
In theory, no; in actuality, yes. Since you will need to make regular payments toward local property tax and utility bills, opening a local Spanish bank account will simplify your life (and save you money on bank fees and possibly foreign currency expenses). A mortgage from a Spanish bank requires recurring payments to the bank. Investment property in an international community (urbanisation) will incur community fees on a regular basis. You will require a Nmero de Identificación de Extranjeros (NIE) to open a local bank account in Spain. This is the country’s version of a tax identification number. After Brexit, British citizens will require a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), which is similar to the NIE in function and may be obtained through the same channels.
If you don’t have an NIE/TIE number, will you be able to buy a house?
You will need an NIE to purchase real estate in Spain, even if you do not intend to permanently stay there or open a local bank account in Spain. Because it will be recorded on the deed of any property you buy in Spain, you must have an NIE in order to do any legal transactions there.