Getting a mortgage in Spain as a non-resident
Spanish banks lend to non-resident buyers. Find out how much a bank might lend you, what it will ask for and which costs to set aside before you reserve a home.
How much will a bank lend you?
Ask what share of the property value the bank would lend and whether it uses the agreed price or its valuation. If the valuation comes in below your offer, you may need more cash.
For example, if you agree to pay €300,000 and the bank values the home at €280,000, an offer at 70% of the valuation would cover €196,000. You would need €104,000 towards the price, before costs. Each lender sets its own terms.
What the bank will ask for
Ask for a list early, especially if your income comes from another country or you’re self-employed. A bank may ask for:
- Your passport and NIE
- Recent tax returns and bank statements
- Payslips and proof of employment, or business accounts if you’re self-employed
- A credit report from your country of residence
What happens after pre-approval?
Pre-approval gives you a budget to work with. The lender still needs to assess the property and review the valuation. If it approves the loan, it issues a binding offer called the FEIN. Ask your lender for a realistic date before you agree to complete.
Fixed, variable or mixed?
- Fixed. The interest rate stays the same throughout the loan.
- Variable. The rate can change when the bank reviews it. The agreement can link the rate to an index such as Euribor plus the bank’s margin.
- Mixed. The rate is fixed for an agreed period, then becomes variable.
When comparing offers, look at the monthly payment, the fees and what your payment could rise to after a rate change.
Who pays the mortgage costs?
You usually pay for the property valuation, any opening fee listed in your offer and a copy of the mortgage deed if you request one.
The lender pays for the mortgage deed at the notary, the administrative firm (gestoría), the Land Registry and the stamp duty on the mortgage. See the Banco de España’s breakdown of mortgage costs. Those are mortgage costs. Ask for a separate estimate of the taxes and fees on the purchase itself.
You can approach banks yourself. If you’d like help fitting the mortgage process around your purchase, TND can help you plan when to speak to a lender, arrange the valuation and agree a completion date.
Questions about your purchase?
Our lawyers will look at your situation and the property you have in mind.
General information as of November 5, 2026, not legal or tax advice. Rates and rules change; confirm the figures with a lawyer before you buy.
