Mortgages in Spain for Non-Residents: Clear and Reliable Answers from a Licensed Mortgage Broker

Buying a property in Spain as a non-resident often raises many questions, especially when it comes to obtaining a mortgage. Regulations, financing limits, documentation requirements and local banking rules are not always easy to understand from abroad.



This page provides clear, accurate and up-to-date answers to the most common questions about mortgages in Spain for non-residents.
All information is provided by Mortgage in Spain, a mortgage broker licensed by the Bank of Spain, specialized exclusively in helping international clients finance property purchases in Spain.

Can non-residents get a mortgage in Spain?

Yes. Non-residents can obtain a mortgage in Spain, provided they meet the Spanish banks’ financial and documentation requirements.

Spanish banks regularly lend to non-resident buyers from both EU and non-EU countries. However, the conditions are different from those applied to Spanish residents, particularly in terms of financing limits, documentation and risk assessment.



Working with a licensed mortgage broker who understands how Spanish banks evaluate non-resident applications is essential to avoid delays or rejections.

How much can a non-resident borrow in Spain?

For non-residents, the maximum financing is usually up to 70% of the property’s purchase price or official valuation (whichever is lower).

This limit is not a decision made by individual banks.


It is a Bank of Spain guideline applied across the entire Spanish banking system, without exceptions.

The remaining 30% must be provided as a down payment, plus approximately 10–12% additional costs (taxes, notary, land registry and legal fees).

What income and debt limits apply to non-residents?

Spanish banks apply a strict affordability rule.

• Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 35%
• Monthly mortgage payments (including other loans) must not exceed 35% of the applicant’s net monthly income.

Banks assess:

• Stable and verifiable income
• Employment or business continuity
• Country of residence and tax system
• Existing financial commitments

Mortgage in Spain performs an initial affordability calculation using the same criteria applied by Spanish banks before submitting any application.

Is Mortgage in Spain a regulated mortgage broker?

Yes.

Mortgage in Spain operates under Prime Mortgage Solutions S.L., a mortgage brokerage firm licensed and supervised by the Bank of Spain as an authorised mortgage credit intermediary (registration number D969).

This means:

• Full regulatory compliance
• Legal obligation to act in the client’s best interest
• Transparent processes and documentation
• Protection against unregulated intermediaries

We are a mortgage broker licensed by the Bank of Spain.

Why work with a licensed mortgage broker in Spain?

The Spanish mortgage market is highly regulated and documentation-driven. For non-residents, small errors often result in long delays or rejections.

Working with a licensed mortgage broker allows you to:

• Access Spanish banks experienced with international clients
• Present your financial profile correctly from the start
• Avoid committing to a property without mortgage certainty
• Receive realistic financing expectations before paying deposits

Mortgage in Spain manages the entire process remotely until the notary stage, ensuring clarity and security at every step.

Who pays the mortgage broker in Spain?

The bank pays the mortgage broker.

Mortgage in Spain’s services are free for the client.
Clients never receive an invoice, as the broker’s fee is paid directly by the bank that grants the mortgage.

This allows clients to receive professional, regulated advice without additional cost.

What documents do non-residents need to apply for a mortgage?

While requirements vary slightly by bank and country of residence, non-residents typically need:

• Passport
• NIE (Foreigner Identification Number)
• Proof of income (salary slips, contracts or business income)
• Recent tax returns from the country of residence
• Bank statements
• Credit commitments (loans, credit cards)
• Property reservation or purchase contract (when applicable)

Mortgage in Spain reviews all documentation before submission to ensure it meets Spanish banking standards.

Do non-residents need a Spanish bank account?

Yes, but not at the initial stage.

A Spanish bank account is required before the mortgage is formally signed, and it must be opened with the same bank that ultimately grants the mortgage.



For this reason, non-residents do not need to open a Spanish bank account in advance. The account is opened only once the best mortgage offer has been selected, avoiding unnecessary accounts and administrative steps.

A Spanish bank account is required because:

• Mortgage payments are collected locally
• Taxes and notary costs are paid in Spain
• Utility direct debits are linked to the property

Mortgage in Spain coordinates this step once the final mortgage bank has been confirmed.

What is the maximum mortgage term in Spain?

For non-residents, the maximum mortgage term is usually up to 25 years, subject to:

• The applicant’s age
• Income stability
• Bank risk policies

Is legal advice recommended when buying property in Spain?

Yes.
Independent legal advice is strongly recommended.

• Typical legal fees are around 1% of the purchase price
• Lawyers review contracts, ownership status and urban planning compliance
• This protects buyers before paying deposits or signing contracts

Mortgage in Spain can connect clients with experienced real estate lawyers, notaries and other trusted professionals involved in the purchase process.

How does Mortgage in Spain support non-resident buyers?

Mortgage in Spain provides a complete 360° service, including:

• Personal affordability assessment
• Calculation of all purchase costs
• Mortgage negotiation with Spanish banks
• Coordination of property valuation
• Review of reservation and deposit contracts (subject to mortgage approval)
• FEIN negotiation and explanation
• Coordination with notaries
• Remote management until final signing

The company works with clients from the EU and outside the EU, with detailed knowledge of international tax documentation and banking requirements.

Mortgage approval rate and experience

Mortgage in Spain has a 99% mortgage approval rate, achieved through:

• Careful pre-assessment
• Accurate documentation preparation
• Deep understanding of Spanish bank criteria

With over 15 years of experience in the Spanish financial sector, the firm specialises exclusively in mortgage financing for international buyers.

Obtaining a mortgage in Spain as a non-resident is entirely possible when the process is handled correctly from the beginning.

Clear rules, proper documentation and regulated advice make the difference between a smooth purchase and a costly mistake.

Mortgage in Spain is a mortgage broker licensed by the Bank of Spain, specialised in helping non-residents finance property purchases in Spain safely and efficiently

If you wish to receive a personalised assessment, Mortgage in Spain can evaluate your situation remotely and explain your realistic financing options before you commit to a purchase.