Settle in — Spain

Step by step

1. 1

   Get your NIE

   The foreigner identity number is required to buy a property, open a bank account and pay taxes.

2. 2

   Open a bank account

   Essential to pay for the property and bills; our credit partners review your financing in advance.

3. 3

   Deposit contract (arras)

   The contrato de arras reserves the property against a deposit (often 10%). For new builds, payments follow construction progress.

4. 4

   Notarial deed and taxes

   Deed signed before a notary, then entered in the Land Registry. Resale: ITP (rate set by region). New build: 10% VAT plus AJD stamp duty.

5. 5

   Empadronamiento and residence

   Register on the town hall's municipal roll (padrón). EU citizens: registration certificate; non-EU: a visa, then a TIE card.

6. 6

   Health and tax

   Health card from the local health centre, and a review of your tax residency with a gestor.

General information, to be checked against your situation. Your advisor and our partners (lawyer, accountant) will support you.