Buying Property in Mallorca from Abroad
Most of our buyers live outside Spain when they start their search. Spain puts no nationality restrictions on buying property, so the process is the same for everyone. What differs is residency, travel and tax at home. Here is how it works, with guides for buyers from the UK, Germany, Sweden and the United States.
The buying process, step by step
- Search and view. Tell us what you are looking for. We shortlist, arrange viewings and can show you properties by live video before you travel.
- Get an NIE. The NIE is the identification number for foreigners in Spain. You need it to buy, to open a bank account and to pay taxes. You can apply at a Spanish consulate, in person in Spain, or through your lawyer with a power of attorney. Allow a few weeks.
- Instruct an independent lawyer. Your lawyer checks the title, debts, licences and planning status. We can introduce you to English- and German-speaking lawyers we have worked with for years. They act for you, not for us.
- Reserve the property. A reservation agreement with a small deposit takes the property off the market while your lawyer completes the checks.
- Sign the deposit contract (arras). You pay a deposit, usually 10% of the price. If you pull out, you lose it; if the seller pulls out, they pay you back double.
- Complete at the notary. You pay the balance, sign the title deed (escritura) and receive the keys. Your lawyer then registers the property in your name. You can complete through a power of attorney without being in Mallorca.
A purchase usually takes 6 to 10 weeks from agreed offer to completion. Our frequently asked questions cover each step in more detail.
Residency basics
Buying property in Spain does not, on its own, give you the right to live here. Spain ended its "Golden Visa" in 2025.
- EU and EEA citizens, including German and Swedish buyers, can live in Spain and register as residents.
- Non-EU citizens, including UK and US buyers, can stay up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa. Longer stays need a visa, such as the non-lucrative visa or the digital nomad visa.
An immigration lawyer can advise you on your situation.
The taxes involved
We don't quote tax rates on this page, because they depend on the price, the type of property and your own circumstances, and they change. These are the taxes to ask your adviser about:
- On purchase: transfer tax (ITP) on a resale property, or VAT and stamp duty (AJD) on a new build bought from the developer.
- Each year: the local property tax (IBI); non-resident income tax, filed on form Modelo 210 if you are not resident in Spain; and, for higher-value assets, possibly wealth tax.
- On sale: capital gains tax and the municipal plusvalía tax.
- At home: how your own country taxes a property abroad.
We strongly recommend independent legal and tax advice, in Spain and at home, before you commit.
Guides for your country
- Buying in Mallorca from the UK
- Buying in Mallorca from Germany
- Buying in Mallorca from Sweden
- Buying in Mallorca from the United States
Looking at the top end of the market? See our luxury villas from €2 million.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy without coming to Mallorca?
Yes. Many of our clients do. You can sign a power of attorney at a notary in Spain or at a Spanish consulate, and your lawyer completes for you.
Can I get a mortgage as a non-resident?
Yes. Spanish banks lend to non-residents, usually for a lower proportion of the price than for residents. Speak to a bank or mortgage broker early, as approval can add a few weeks.
Does the buyer pay the agent's fee?
No. On sales, the seller pays our fee.
Which languages do you speak?
English, Spanish, Catalan, German, French, Swedish, Russian and Welsh.