Why Bilbao Appeals to Foreign Buyers
Bilbao is one of Spain’s most dynamic cities for real estate, offering:
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🖼️ A world-class cultural scene (Guggenheim, architecture, cuisine)
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💶 Lower property prices than Madrid or Barcelona
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🌊 Proximity to beaches, mountains, and the French border
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🏢 Growth in remote work, tech, and international living
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✈️ Convenient flights across Europe and Latin America
Whether you’re seeking a pied-à-terre, investment apartment, or family home, Bilbao is attracting buyers from France, the UK, Germany, the US, and Latin America.
🇪🇸 Can Foreigners Buy Property in Bilbao?
✅ Yes. Foreigners — EU and non-EU — can freely buy property in Bilbao without needing residency. The purchase process is 100% legal and secure with the right legal support.
🧾 What You’ll Need to Buy Property in Bilbao
| Requirement | Why It’s Needed |
|---|---|
| Passport or national ID | To identify you in Spain |
| NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) | Required for tax, banking, and legal steps |
| Spanish bank account | Needed to transfer funds, pay taxes, and utilities |
| Power of Attorney (optional) | To buy remotely without traveling |
| Independent Spanish lawyer | Strongly recommended to protect your interests |
💼 Borderless Lawyers can obtain your NIE and handle the purchase from start to finish, even if you are abroad.
🏗️ Legal Steps to Buy Property in Bilbao
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ Get your NIE | Foreigners’ tax ID required to buy and register property |
| 2️⃣ Open a Spanish bank account | Needed for payments and taxes |
| 3️⃣ Find a property | Via agents, portals, or privately |
| 4️⃣ Sign the arras contract | Reservation contract with ~10% deposit |
| 5️⃣ Conduct due diligence | Verify title, debts, licenses, and urban status |
| 6️⃣ Sign final escritura before a notary | Ownership is transferred |
| 7️⃣ Register the property | At the Land Registry and cadastre office |
📍 Where to Buy in Bilbao – Neighborhood Guide
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Abando – Central, elegant, close to shopping and Guggenheim
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Indautxu – Residential and upscale with parks and schools
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Casco Viejo – Historic center with strong rental potential
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Deusto – Young, vibrant area near the university
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Getxo & Portugalete – Coastal suburbs with villas and sea views
We assist clients with urban and coastal properties, including rustic land purchases nearby.
💶 What Are the Costs?
| Expense | Approximate Range |
|---|---|
| Property Price | Varies by area – from €200,000–€600,000+ |
| ITP Transfer Tax | 7%–10% depending on region & value |
| Notary + Registry | €1,000–€2,000 |
| Legal Fees | 0.8%–1.5% or flat fee |
| Banking + currency fees | If buying from abroad |
✅ We’ll give you a full quote tailored to your purchase scenario.
✈️ Buying Property in Bilbao Remotely
Can’t travel to Spain? No problem.
We offer:
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Power of Attorney setup
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Remote NIE application
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Full legal due diligence
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Digital communication and signing
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Tax and registry services handled locally
Foreign buyers regularly purchase safely and securely with our remote support.
🧑⚖️ Why Work With Borderless Lawyers
We’re an international legal boutique based in Spain, with:
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Independent, bilingual lawyers
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Transparent pricing and flat fees
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Extensive experience with foreign buyers
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End-to-end property purchase management
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Offices in Bilbao and across Spain
📞 Ready to Buy in Bilbao?
Don’t sign anything without legal protection. Let our team of Spanish lawyers handle everything — from first offer to final signature.