Spanish mortgages for non residents

Everything You Need to Know to Buy Property in Spain from Abroad

We help international buyers get a mortgage in Spain — safely, online, and with expert support.

Buying a home in Spain as a non-resident is entirely possible, and increasingly common. Whether you are looking for a holiday property, a long-term investment or a retirement home, many Spanish banks offer financing to non-residents with the right financial profile.

At Mortgage in Spain.es -Mortgage broker, we specialise in Spanish mortgages for non residents, guiding you through the entire process step by step. We make sure your documentation meets Spanish bank requirements, we negotiate with the best lenders based on your nationality and income, and we coordinate all legal steps until the signing at the notary — fully online, from wherever you are.

The mortgage process in Spain is different from other countries. Banks apply stricter documentation rules, calculate affordability conservatively, and may adjust conditions based on your country of residence. That’s why it’s essential to work with a licensed mortgage broker who understands the needs of international clients and ensures your case is presented properly.

Our team has over 15 years of experience helping buyers from the UK, US, EU, Mexico, UAE, and beyond. We offer a 99% approval rate, and our service is completely free — our fees are paid by the bank.

✅ Who Can Apply for a Spanish Mortgage as a Non-Resident?

Spanish banks regularly approve mortgages for non-residents from a wide range of countries, including:

🇬🇧 UK · 🇺🇸 USA · 🇲🇽 Mexico · 🇫🇷 France · 🇧🇪 Belgium · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · 🇩🇪 Germany · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia · 🇦🇪 UAE · 🇮🇪 Ireland · 🇨🇦 Canada · 🇸🇪 Sweden · 🇳🇴 Norway · and more.

💡 Conditions may vary depending on your nationality, country of residence, and income structure. That’s why it’s essential to work with a mortgage broker specialised in non-residents — like Mortgage in Spain — to match your case with the right bank.



As a non-resident in Spain, what is the maximum mortgage amount I can apply for?

As a non-resident in Spain, the maximum mortgage amount you can apply for typically depends on two key factors: the value of the property you intend to purchase and your personal financial situation — especially your income and existing financial obligations.

In general, Spanish banks offer non-residents up to 70% of the property's purchase price or official valuation (whichever is lower). This percentage is commonly known as the Loan-to-Value ratio (LTV).

So, if you are buying a property priced at €300,000, the maximum mortgage you could obtain would usually be €210,000, meaning you would need to contribute at least €90,000 from your own funds.

However, this is not a fixed rule for everyone. The exact percentage may vary depending on your nationality, the country where you earn your income, and the bank's internal policies. For some profiles — for example, buyers from certain non-EU countries or with irregular income sources — the LTV may be lower, sometimes 60% or even 50%.

Aside from the property value, Spanish banks also take a close look at your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) to determine how much you can afford to borrow. This ratio is generally capped at 35% of your net monthly income, meaning that all your monthly debt obligations — including your future Spanish mortgage — must not exceed that percentage. It’s important to note that Spanish banks often calculate this differently than banks in your home country. For example, they may consider only 80% of rental income or apply more conservative criteria if you already have interest-only loans or liabilities in foreign currencies.

That’s why working with a specialised mortgage broker is essential. At Mortgage in Spain, we help you calculate the maximum mortgage you can apply for based on your real financial situation and how Spanish banks will interpret it. We also identify which banks are more flexible with your nationality and income structure and guide you toward the best solution.

How Mortgages Work in Spain

Spanish mortgages are highly regulated and include protections for the borrower. Here’s how the system works:

🔹 Mortgage Structure:

• Loan secured against the property
• Registered at the Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad)
• Maximum term: up to 25 years
• Typically annuity-based repayments (interest + capital)

According to the Banco de España, every applicant must receive a binding offer (FEIN) and attend a Transparency Meeting (Acta de Transparencia) with a notary at least 10 days before signing, ensuring the borrower understands all conditions.

📊 Types of Mortgages for Non-Residents

Non-residents have access to the same main mortgage types as residents, though with stricter conditions:

1. Fixed-Rate Mortgage

• Interest rate remains unchanged throughout the term
• Predictable monthly payments
• Ideal for buyers who prefer stability

💡 Example: 2.50% fixed for 20 years

2. Variable-Rate Mortgage

• Based on Euribor + bank margin
• Payments fluctuate as Euribor changes
• Suited for those open to some market risk

💡 Example: Euribor + 1.25% → if Euribor is 3.5%, rate becomes 4.75%

3. Mixed-Rate Mortgage

• Fixed rate during first years, then switches to variable
• Combines early stability with long-term flexibility

💡 Example: 2.40% fixed for 10 years, then Euribor + 1.20%

Mortgage Conditions for Non-Residents

FeatureTypical ConditionsMax Financing (LTV)Up to 70% (may vary by nationality)TermUp to 25 yearsFixed Interest RatesFrom 2.20% to 3.5%Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)Max 35% of net income

🔍 Spanish banks calculate affordability differently. If you earn rental income or hold interest-only loans abroad, they may treat them cautiously. That’s why expert guidance is crucial.

 What Documents Will You Need?

When applying for a mortgage in Spain as a non-resident, the documentation required can vary depending on your financial profile, employment situation, and country of residence. At Mortgage in Spain, we tailor the list of required documents to each client, but there are certain key items that nearly all banks will ask for.

First, you’ll need to provide proof of identity, including a valid passport. You’ll also need a Spanish NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero), which we can help you obtain online without needing to travel.

To demonstrate your ability to repay the mortgage, you must present proof of income. If you're employed, this usually includes your last three payslips and your employment contract. In some cases, a letter from your employer confirming your position and salary may also be useful. If you are self-employed or own a company, you’ll need to submit your last two years of personal tax returns, business accounts, documentation proving company ownership, and possibly a letter from your accountant confirming your income.

Banks also require six months of bank statements from the account where your savings or deposit are held. These statements must clearly show regular income and savings activity. Additionally, you must provide clear proof of the origin of your deposit. This could be money from the sale of a property, an inheritance, long-term savings or the liquidation of an investment. The source must be documented and accompanied by an explanation letter, which we help you prepare.

Your last two years of tax returns will also be requested. The format depends on your country — for example, Form 1040 in the US, SA302 or P60 in the UK, Avis d’impôt in France, or the Dutch Aangifte inkomstenbelasting. Other countries have similar equivalents, and we guide you through the requirements for your specific case.

Importantly, all non-resident applicants must present a recent credit report from their country of origin and — if different — from their country of residence. We will assist you in obtaining the correct version depending on the country, whether that’s through Experian, Equifax or other official agencies.

Finally, if you have already chosen a property, you’ll need to submit the reservation agreement or offer, as well as details of the property such as its cadastral reference, agreed price and seller’s information.

We review and prepare all documents with you to ensure that they meet the exact standards Spanish banks require, helping you avoid delays and increase your chances of fast approval.

🛠 How the Process Works (Step by Step)

Getting a mortgage in Spain as a non-resident may seem complex — but with the right guidance, it becomes a smooth and transparent experience. At Mortgage in Spain, we simplify the entire process for you, offering 100% online support from the first step until you sign at the notary.

Here’s how it works, step by step:

✅ Step 1: Complete the Pre-Qualification Form

The process begins with our online pre-qualification form. In just a few minutes, you'll provide us with key information:

• Your nationality and country of residence
• Type of employment and monthly income
• Purchase budget and available deposit
• Timing and preferred location in Spain

🔍 This helps us understand your financial situation and assign the right advisor to your case.

📞 Step 2: Personal Consultation with a Mortgage Advisor

Once we review your form, we’ll contact you to schedule a one-on-one call with a licensed mortgage advisor.

During this call:

• We explain how much you can borrow
• We answer your initial questions
• We go over the mortgage terms for your profile
• We prepare a list of the documents you'll need

🎯 This consultation is tailored to your situation — no generic advice, just what applies to you.

📄 Step 3: Collect and Submit Your Documents

You’ll receive a secure upload link and a detailed checklist of the required documents. These usually include:

• Passport and NIE (we help you get the NIE remotely if needed)
• Last 3 payslips or proof of income
• Tax returns from the last 2 years
• Bank statements (6 months) of the account holding the deposit
• Proof of savings origin (e.g. inheritance, property sale, savings plan)
• Employment contract or company ownership papers

🗂 We review every document before sending them to the bank — properly translated, explained and formatted according to Spanish standards.

🏦 Step 4: Mortgage Search and Bank Matching

Based on your nationality, financial structure, and property goals, we match your profile with the most suitable Spanish banks for non-residents.

We negotiate directly with the bank's mortgage departments, saving you time and ensuring you only receive serious offers aligned with your profile.

📬 You’ll receive a preliminary offer (or more than one) for review.

🏠 Step 5: Order the Property Valuation (Tasación)

Before confirming the loan, the bank needs an official valuation report (tasación) of the property. We help you:

• Choose the best valuation company in the area
• Coordinate the appointment with the seller or real estate agent
• Ensure the report is valid and meets bank requirements

💡 This valuation is valid for 6 months and can be used with any bank in case of a second offer or switch.

📊 Step 6: Final Bank Approval and FEIN

After the valuation is completed and approved by the bank, you’ll receive the official mortgage offer document, called the:

FEIN (Ficha Europea de Información Normalizada)

This is a binding offer that includes:

• The final interest rate
• Monthly repayment amounts
• Total cost of the loan
• Conditions and linked products (if any)

📑 We review the FEIN with you in detail to make sure you understand everything.

🖋 Step 7: Legal Steps and Notary Signing

Once you accept the FEIN, we coordinate the final legal steps:

• Acta de Transparencia: a legal meeting with a notary where the mortgage terms are explained to you
• Cooling-off period: usually 10–15 calendar days before signing
• Signature at the notary: we prepare all documents, coordinate with the bank, and ensure everything is ready for a smooth closing

🔐 On the day of signing, the bank releases the funds, the seller is paid, and you receive the keys to your new home in Spain.

🎉 Done! You’re a homeowner in Spain

From start to finish, the process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how fast documents are prepared and how advanced the purchase is.

With Mortgage in Spain, you're never alone — we’re by your side through every step, and you benefit from:

• Full transparency
• Clear communication
• Fast and accurate results
• No extra costs — our service is paid by the bank

Costs involved when getting a mortgage in Spain

If you’re planning to buy a property in Spain with a mortgage as a non-resident, it’s important to understand all the costs involved beyond the price of the home itself. Many clients focus on the down payment, but there are several additional expenses to consider in order to complete the purchase safely and legally.

Let’s walk through the typical costs you should prepare for.

The most significant cost is the down payment. Since Spanish banks usually finance up to 70% of the purchase pricefor non-residents, you’ll need to contribute the remaining 30% from your own savings. For example, if you’re buying a property worth €300,000, the minimum down payment would be €90,000. This amount must be available in your bank account and must have a clear and legal origin — whether it comes from long-term savings, the sale of a previous property, or inheritance. Spanish banks are legally required to check the source of funds, and we help you prepare this documentation correctly.

In addition to the down payment, you’ll need to cover the taxes and legal fees associated with the purchase. These vary depending on the region and whether the property is new or a resale. In most cases, the total cost for taxes, notary fees, land registry, and other legal expenses ranges between 10% and 13% of the property price. That means for a €300,000 home, you should budget around €30,000 to €39,000 for these additional expenses. These taxes include things like ITP (transfer tax), IVA (VAT), AJD (stamp duty), and the cost of registering the property under your name.

Another important expense is the property valuation, known in Spanish as la tasación. This is required by all banks before they approve a mortgage, as it confirms that the value of the property matches the amount being financed. The valuation must be carried out by a certified appraisal company approved by the Bank of Spain. We help you choose a reputable firm in your area that’s accepted by all major lenders. The cost of the valuation usually starts at around €300, and can go up to €600 depending on the size and location of the property. This fee is always paid by the buyer and must be paid upfront.

Although not mandatory, we strongly recommend hiring a property lawyer to guide you through the legal aspects of the purchase. A good lawyer will review the contracts, check for any legal issues with the property, ensure tax compliance, and accompany you through the signing process at the notary. Most lawyers charge around 1% of the property price, so for a €300,000 home, expect to pay around €3,000. We can put you in contact with experienced English-speaking lawyers who work regularly with non-resident buyers.

It’s important to note that our mortgage broker service is completely free for you. You will never receive an invoice from us. We are paid directly by the bank that grants your mortgage, once the loan is approved and signed. This allows you to benefit from expert support and personalised negotiation without any extra cost.

In summary, while the mortgage allows you to finance up to 70% of the property’s value, you will still need to prepare sufficient funds for the down payment, taxes, legal fees, valuation and — if you choose — legal support. These costs are all part of a secure and successful buying process in Spain.

If you would like a detailed estimate of the costs based on your specific case, location, and budget, we will be happy to prepare it for you. Just fill in our online form, and one of our advisors will guide you through every step.

Looking for expert help with Spanish mortgages for non-residents?

At Mortgage in Spain, we specialise exclusively in helping international clients secure mortgages in Spain with confidence, speed and full transparency. With over 15 years of experience, we offer a 99% approval rate, a fully online process, and personalised guidance in your language — no stress, no hidden fees.

We are a mortgage broker licensed by the Bank of Spain, and we assist you at every step: from reviewing international documents and negotiating with the right banks, to connecting you with trusted lawyers, real estate agents and valuation experts.

Get started today and discover how easy it can be to finance your property in Spain as a non-resident.

📩 Ready to Get Started?

Complete our online form today and receive a free pre-assessment of your mortgage options based on your unique profile.

At Mortgage in Spain, we get you the best mortgage offer tailored to your needs, with transparency, speed, and confidence.