Can non-EU citizens buy property in Spain?

Owning a home

A buyer from the UK, the US or any other country can own property in Spain outright. There is one exception. In a small number of areas near military sites, a buyer from outside the EU first needs a permit from the Ministry of Defence. Your lawyer will tell you if a home is in one of those areas.

The golden visa has ended

Until 2025, a buyer who paid 500,000 euros or more could apply for a residence permit. Spain stopped accepting new applications on 3 April 2025.

Staying in Spain

Without a visa, a non-EU owner can spend 90 days in any 180 in the Schengen area. To stay longer you need a visa. Owners use two visas most. The non-lucrative visa is for people who do not work in Spain. The digital nomad visa is for people who work remotely for clients or employers abroad.

The proposed 100% tax

In 2025 the government proposed a tax of up to 100% on homes bought by non-residents from outside the EU. Reuters reported in March 2026 that the bill had stalled in Congress. It is not law.

Tax as an owner

A non-resident owner files a Spanish tax return for the home every year, even if the home is never rented out. Owners who live outside the EU pay 24% and cannot deduct expenses from rental income. Owners who live in EU countries pay 19% and can deduct expenses. The 19% rate also applies to owners who live in Norway or Iceland.