Before you can buy a property in Spain, open a bank account, or sign almost any official document, you’ll need a NIE number — your Número de Identificación de Extranjero, or Spanish tax identification number. Think of it as the Spanish equivalent of your National Insurance number.
It sounds daunting, but it’s a straightforward process once you know how — and we’ve helped countless buyers get theirs without any stress.
You can apply for your NIE at a Spanish consulate in the UK before you travel, or in person at a local police station once you’re in Spain. We’ll walk you through exactly what documents you need, what to expect on the day, and how to avoid the common mistakes that cause delays.
Since Brexit, UK nationals are no longer able to live in Spain indefinitely as EU citizens. But that doesn’t mean the door is closed — far from it. There are several well-established routes to Spanish residency, and thousands of British people make the move successfully every year.
If you’re planning to use your property as a holiday home and spend less than 90 days in Spain in any 180-day period, you won’t need a visa at all. But if you’re dreaming of waking up to Spanish sunshine every morning on a permanent basis, you’ll need to apply for residency — most commonly through the Non-Lucrative Visa route, which is designed for people with sufficient savings or income who aren’t planning to work in Spain.
We work with specialist immigration advisors who handle these applications regularly and know exactly how to present your case. We’ll introduce you to the right person and make sure you go into the process fully informed.
Whether your Spanish property is a permanent home, a holiday retreat, or an investment you plan to rent out, having the right insurance in place from the moment you complete is essential.
Spanish property insurance works differently from the UK, and a standard home insurance policy won’t always cover everything you need — particularly if the property is going to be empty for long periods, or if you’re letting it to holiday makers.
We can introduce you to specialist insurers who understand the Spanish property market and the specific needs of UK buyers. From buildings and contents cover to landlord policies and legal protection, we’ll make sure you’re properly protected — in plain English, without the jargon.
In Spain, the sale of a property must be completed in front of a notario — a public official who verifies the identity of both parties, confirms the details of the transaction, and registers the title deed. It’s a legal requirement, not optional, and it’s one of the things that makes the Spanish buying process feel very different from the UK.
The notary acts as an impartial witness to the transaction — they don’t represent you or the seller. That’s why it’s equally important to have your own independent solicitor reviewing everything before you reach the notary’s table.
We have well-established relationships with local notaries and English-speaking solicitors across the Costa Blanca, and we’ll make sure you arrive at completion fully prepared — knowing exactly what you’re signing and why.
If you’re buying in euros with pounds, the exchange rate matters enormously. Even a small movement in the GBP/EUR rate can make a difference of thousands of pounds on a typical Spanish property purchase — and using your high street bank to transfer the funds almost always means a poor rate and unnecessary fees.
We work with specialist currency exchange partners who deal exclusively in international property transactions. They offer significantly better rates than the banks, can lock in a rate in advance so you know exactly what you’ll pay regardless of market movement, and handle large international transfers as a matter of routine.
It’s one of those things that buyers often overlook until the last minute — and then wish they’d sorted sooner. We’d always recommend getting this in place early in the process.
The Spanish Property Specialist® recommend using a specialist currency service, such as A Place in the Sun Currency, for clients buying or selling property in Spain.
Variations in the currency markets can affect your budget significantly. During recent years, the Pound to Euro exchange rate has varied by over 5% over one year– meaning the cost of a typical €200,000 property has varied by around £9,000 during the course of the year.
More importantly, a reputable currency broker can save you up to 3.5% on the cost of your Euros, compared to a typical high street bank, on any given day. That equates to a saving of up to £6,000, whatever is happening in the markets.
A Place in the Sun Currency are also the only currency specialist dedicated to buyers and sellers of overseas property. Their personal service, with an account manager on hand throughout the process, will make your life easier, as well as your property cheaper.
When choosing a currency broker, do check their reviews and ensure that they are regulated by the FCA, for the best levels of both service and security. And make sure to contact them for a discussion early in your buying journey, because they will be able to help you budget sensibly, and get everything set up to run smoothly when you do decide to buy your own ‘place in the sun’.
There are also options available, such as fixing your exchange rate in advance, which can help you keep your budget in Pounds and avoid seeing your costs go up should the exchange rate fall before your completion.
You don’t have to buy in cash to own property in Spain. Spanish banks do lend to non-residents, and a mortgage can be a sensible way to preserve capital while still securing the home you want.
As a non-resident, you can typically borrow up to 70% of the purchase price — which means you’ll need at least a 30% deposit, plus the additional costs of purchasing (taxes and fees typically add 10–14% on top). Interest rates, terms, and eligibility criteria vary between lenders, and the application process is quite different from what you’d be used to in the UK.
We work with specialist Spanish mortgage brokers who know which lenders are most receptive to UK buyers, can advise on the documents you’ll need to prepare, and will guide you through the process from application to approval. Whether you’re looking to borrow a modest amount or finance a significant portion of your purchase, we’ll help you find the right solution.
