Legal Tips for Foreigners Buying Property in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are a dream destination for property buyers seeking sunshine, affordability, and tax advantages. But buying here involves specific legal considerations every foreigner should understand.


🏠 Why the Canary Islands Attract Foreign Buyers

  • Year-round warm climate and beach lifestyle

  • More affordable property prices than mainland Spain

  • Special tax regime (REF – Régimen Económico y Fiscal de Canarias)

  • Popular for second homes and long-term relocation


📄 Legal Considerations for Property Buyers

  • Always verify the cadastral data and ownership history

  • The Canary Islands follow national property law but with autonomous tax rules

  • Pay close attention to land classification — urban vs. rustic

  • Coastal properties may be subject to coastal law restrictions


💶 Taxes and Fees

  • IGIC (7%) replaces VAT (21%) for most transactions

  • Notary and land registry fees apply as elsewhere in Spain

  • Non-resident buyers may be subject to capital gains tax upon resale

  • Local lawyers are essential to ensure compliance with Canarian tax norms


🛂 Residency and Visa Support

  • Buying property doesn’t automatically grant residency

  • You can combine property purchase with a Non-Lucrative Visa

  • Borderless Lawyers helps ensure your real estate and residency plans align legally


🛡️ How Borderless Lawyers Can Help

  • Conduct full due diligence on Canary Islands property

  • Advise on regional tax advantages and obligations

  • Handle the entire purchase remotely with Power of Attorney

  • Support your visa/residency application post-purchase


📞 Contact Borderless Lawyers Today

Buying in the Canary Islands? Borderless Lawyers provides expert legal assistance to make your purchase secure, tax-compliant, and stress-free. Contact us for tailored support across all islands.

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