Essential Information for Swiss Buyers: How Much You Need, What to Prepare, and How to Get Started

In recent years, Spain has become one of the top destinations for Swiss nationals seeking a holiday home, a retirement property, or a long-term investment. In 2025, this trend continues strongly, driven by Spain’s excellent climate, coastal lifestyle, competitive real estate prices, and quality healthcare system.

If you are a Swiss citizen considering buying a property in Spain with financing, this guide explains everything you need to know about the process. From the required savings to the paperwork involved, this article gives you a detailed, up-to-date overview of how to buy real estate in Spain from Switzerland using a mortgage.

Can Swiss Nationals Apply for a Mortgage in Spain?

Yes, Swiss citizens can apply for a mortgage in Spain, even if they are not tax residents in the country. Spanish banks welcome non-resident applicants, but they apply different conditions compared to Spanish residents.

In 2025, the maximum financing available to non-residents is typically 60% to 70% of the property’s purchase price or official valuation, whichever is lower. This means that Swiss buyers are expected to provide a down payment of at least 30% to 40% of the property price from their own savings. In some cases, especially for high-end properties or more complex profiles, the bank may require an even higher contribution.

For example, if you are purchasing a property valued at €600,000 in Spain, you will likely need to invest between €180,000 and €240,000 upfront just for the down payment.

Additional Expenses You Must Prepare For

In addition to the down payment, there are several purchase-related costs you need to consider. These include:

• Transfer taxes or VAT, depending on whether the property is new or second-hand.
• Legal fees, usually around 1% of the purchase price.
• Notary and land registry fees, which can amount to approximately 1%–1.5%.
• Mortgage arrangement and valuation costs, which vary by bank.
• Translation and sworn documentation costs, especially for Swiss documents in German, French or Italian.

In total, the additional costs generally amount to 10%–15% of the purchase price. Combined with the down payment, Swiss buyers should plan to have between 40% and 55% of the property’s price available in savings before applying for a mortgage.

For a €600,000 home, this means having at least €240,000 to €330,000 ready to cover all initial costs.

Required Documents for Swiss Applicants in 2025

Spanish banks are highly regulated and require extensive documentation to approve a mortgage for non-residents. If you are employed, self-employed, or retired in Switzerland, you must provide official and up-to-date documents to demonstrate your income, financial stability, and creditworthiness.

In 2025, the required documentation for Swiss citizens includes:

• Recent salary slips (usually last 3 months).
• Tax declarations (last 2 years, with official translations if not in English or Spanish).
• Bank statements showing regular income and available savings.
• Confirmation of other assets or liabilities (mortgages, loans, etc.).
• Credit report or debt register extract (e.g., from ZEK or CRIF).
• Employment contract or pension documentation, depending on your situation.
• Passport and proof of address in Switzerland.
• NIE (Spanish Foreigner Identification Number) – mandatory for buying property.
• A Spanish bank account in your name.
• Draft or signed reservation/arras agreement for the selected property.

It’s essential to ensure all documents are recent, clearly legible, and translated into Spanish by a sworn translator. Some banks also request documents to be apostilled for international validity.

Understanding the Mortgage Process from Switzerland

Applying for a mortgage in Spain as a Swiss national involves several coordinated steps:

1. Financial Pre-Assessment: A mortgage broker will evaluate your eligibility and calculate your maximum budget based on Spanish lending criteria.
2. NIE Application: Before purchasing, you must obtain a NIE, which can be requested at a Spanish consulate or through a legal representative.
3. Opening a Spanish Bank Account: Required for both the property transaction and the mortgage.
4. Property Selection: Once you have selected a property and signed a reservation contract, the mortgage application process can begin.
5. Submission of Documents: Your  mortgage broker  will prepare and present the full mortgage application to one or more Spanish banks.
6. Bank Evaluation and Offer: The bank will analyze your profile and issue a binding offer (known as “FEIN”) if approved.
7. Notary Appointments and Signatures: After a mandatory “cooling-off” period, you’ll sign the public deed of sale and the mortgage before a notary.

This process typically takes between 6 and 10 weeks, depending on how quickly you submit documentation and how efficient the parties involved are.

Why Work with a Mortgage Broker in Spain?

Buying property abroad involves different legal systems, languages, and banking procedures. As a Swiss citizen, you are used to a very specific financial culture, and the Spanish mortgage market may seem unfamiliar at first. This is why working with a mortgage broker licensed by the Bank of Spain is highly recommended.

At Mortgage in Spain- Mortgage Broker , we help clients from Switzerland manage the full mortgage process from start to finish. Our team speaks multiple languages and understands the financial documentation issued in Switzerland. We make sure your file is presented in a format that Spanish banks accept, avoiding costly delays or misunderstandings.

Our advantages include:

• Personalized assessment before property hunting
• Assistance with NIE and Spanish bank account
• Tailored mortgage offers from top banks
• Connection with lawyers, real estate agents, and notaries
• No cost to the client – our service is paid by the bank

We are a mortgage broker licensed by the Bank of Spain, with over 15 years of experience and a 99% mortgage approval rate for non-resident buyers.

If you’re considering buying a home in Spain from Switzerland in 2025, now is the time to start preparing. Ensure you have enough savings to cover both the down payment and additional costs, and seek the guidance of experienced professionals who understand both Swiss and Spanish financial systems.

At Mortgage in Spain, we’re ready to guide you step by step—securely and efficiently.
Contact us today to receive your personalized mortgage plan.