Can Chinese Citizens Buy Property in Spain?
✅ Yes. Chinese citizens can legally purchase real estate in Spain — including residential, commercial, or investment properties.
Spain places no restrictions on foreign buyers. However, Chinese nationals must comply with legal requirements regarding:
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Identity and tax registration (NIE)
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Anti-money laundering compliance
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Bank transfers and currency conversion
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Document translation and legalization
❌ Buying property no longer grants Spanish residency. The Golden Visa for real estate investment has been abolished.
📋 Step-by-Step: Buying a Property in Spain from China
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Get a Spanish NIE (foreigner tax ID) |
| 2️⃣ | Appoint a Spanish lawyer (recommended) |
| 3️⃣ | Open a Spanish bank account |
| 4️⃣ | Reserve the property & sign a Contrato de Arras |
| 5️⃣ | Lawyer conducts due diligence |
| 6️⃣ | Sign the public deed before a notary (can be remote) |
| 7️⃣ | Register the property under your name |
| 8️⃣ | Pay taxes and obtain legal ownership title |
✅ At Borderless Lawyers, we manage every step — in English, Mandarin, or Spanish, with or without your presence in Spain.
🧑💼 Required Documents for Chinese Buyers
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid Chinese passport | Must be current and undamaged |
| Spanish NIE | Required for all real estate transactions |
| Proof of source of funds | Bank statements, tax returns, etc. |
| Currency exchange records | RMB to EUR conversion, if applicable |
| Sworn translations | All Chinese documents must be officially translated into Spanish |
| Power of Attorney (optional) | Enables remote purchase from China or elsewhere |
📌 All documents from China must be apostilled or legalized, and translated by a Spanish sworn translator.
🏘️ Where Chinese Buyers Invest in Spain
| Property Type | Popular Locations |
|---|---|
| City apartments | Madrid, Barcelona |
| Beachfront homes | Costa del Sol, Alicante, Marbella |
| Retirement villas | Canary Islands, Valencia, Málaga |
| Investment flats | Seville, Murcia, student cities |
| Commercial property | Logistics hubs, Madrid metro area |
Many Chinese clients buy:
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For family relocation or education
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As a retirement base
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For long-term rental income
🧾 What Taxes Do Chinese Citizens Pay When Buying?
| Tax / Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Transfer Tax (resale homes) | 6%–10% (varies by region) |
| VAT (new properties) | 10% + 1–1.5% stamp duty |
| Notary Fees | €600–€1,200 |
| Land Registry Fees | ~0.2%–0.5% of price |
| Legal Fees | ~1% of property value |
| Annual IBI (property tax) | Based on cadastral value |
📌 We provide a full cost breakdown before you sign or pay anything.
💳 How to Pay for Property from China
Due to currency restrictions and international banking policies, Chinese buyers must plan fund transfers carefully.
Tips:
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Work with a Spanish lawyer and notary to approve source of funds
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Use an authorized Chinese bank with euro conversion ability
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Provide documentation for large transfers
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Consider pre-clearing funds into a Spanish escrow or law firm account
✅ Borderless Lawyers helps navigate all banking and anti-money laundering procedures for Chinese citizens.
🧠 Can I Buy Property Without Visiting Spain?
Yes — Chinese nationals can purchase Spanish property 100% remotely using a Power of Attorney.
How It Works:
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You sign a POA at a Spanish consulate or with help from our firm
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We obtain your NIE, open your bank account, and handle due diligence
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We review contracts, sign the deed, and register the property on your behalf
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You receive the keys and ownership certificate, and we handle post-sale steps
✅ This option is ideal if you’re based in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, or overseas.
⚠️ Common Mistakes Chinese Buyers Should Avoid
| Mistake | Risk |
|---|---|
| Paying before legal due diligence | Could lose money on illegal or encumbered property |
| Using a real estate agent as your only advisor | Agents work for sellers, not you |
| Failing to legalize or translate documents | Delays or rejections |
| Ignoring currency transfer rules | Payments may be blocked |
| Believing property = visa | No longer true in Spain |
✅ Our independent lawyers protect your interests at every step.
👩⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Helps Chinese Buyers
✔️ Due diligence on property ownership and debts
✔️ NIE application and Spanish bank account setup
✔️ Legal representation and remote signing via POA
✔️ Contract review, negotiation, and deed signing
✔️ Post-sale tax registration and utility setup
✔️ English, Spanish, and Mandarin-speaking support
📌 You don’t need to be in Spain — we take care of everything from document prep to key delivery.
📞 Call to Action
Looking to buy property in Spain from China?
Our bilingual legal team helps Chinese clients purchase securely, legally, and without stress — whether you’re relocating or investing.