Question 1

Can Americans buy property in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Yes — American citizens can buy property in Spain with no restrictions on foreign buyers at all. You don't need Spanish nationality, residency or a visa to complete a purchase at the notary. The one document every American buyer needs first is an NIE number (a foreigner's tax identification number), which you'll use to open a bank account, sign the deed and pay property taxes. It's a routine step, not a hurdle, and it can often be arranged before you even fly out.

Question 2

Can a US citizen buy property in Spain without residency?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Buying a home in Spain and holding Spanish residency are two completely separate things, and you don't need one to do the other. Plenty of American owners use their Costa del Sol property purely as a holiday home or rental investment and never apply for residency at all. You can complete the purchase as a tourist, with your NIE number and a Spanish bank account in place, and simply visit whenever you like under the standard 90-day rule for non-residents.

Question 3

Does buying property in Spain give you residency?

Accepted Answer

No — this is one of the most common misunderstandings among US buyers. Owning a home in Spain does not, by itself, grant you the right to live there. The investor-residency route that closed in April 2025 used to let qualifying property buyers apply for residency; that option is no longer available. Americans who want to actually live in Spain now need to apply through a separate visa route, such as the non-lucrative visa or the digital nomad visa, based on income or remote work rather than the purchase itself.

Question 4

Can Americans get a mortgage in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Spanish banks routinely lend to non-resident buyers, including Americans, though the terms are a little more conservative than for residents. As a non-resident you can typically expect to borrow up to around 60–70% of the property's value, compared with higher loan-to-value ratios often available to residents, and you'll need to show proof of income and pass the bank's affordability checks. Rates and requirements vary by lender, so it's worth comparing a few before you commit.

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Frequently Asked Questions