Barcelona is one of Spain’s most popular destinations for foreign property buyers — but its legal and bureaucratic traps can catch even experienced investors by surprise.
Here’s a step-by-step legal checklist every non-resident buyer should follow before signing anything.
📋 10-Point Legal Checklist for Foreign Buyers in Barcelona
✅ 1. Get Your NIE Number
You can’t sign a property deed without an NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero).
📌 Solution: We obtain your NIE remotely or in-person.
✅ 2. Hire an Independent Property Lawyer
Never rely solely on the real estate agent. Agents work for the seller — not you.
📌 Solution: Our legal team only represents foreign buyers.
✅ 3. Verify Property Ownership
Make sure the seller legally owns the property and that no third parties (e.g. banks, ex-spouses) have claims.
📌 We pull updated title registry reports from the Registro de la Propiedad.
✅ 4. Check for Urban Planning or Zoning Violations
Illegal renovations? Lack of building permit? These can prevent registration or resale.
📌 We conduct full urban planning compliance checks.
✅ 5. Confirm the Habitation License (Cédula de Habitabilidad)
Essential for living in or renting out the property.
📌 We confirm validity and issue date with the local authorities.
✅ 6. Review the Community of Owners (HOA) Status
Check for debts, disputes, or special assessments in the apartment building.
📌 We contact the administrator and review bylaws and meeting minutes.
✅ 7. Draft or Review the Arras (Deposit) Contract
This is a legally binding agreement. Never sign a template without legal review.
📌 We draft a bilingual contract with buyer-protective clauses.
✅ 8. Review All Taxes and Fees
Understand what you’ll pay: ITP, notary, registration, Plusvalía, lawyer’s fee, etc.
📌 We provide a transparent closing cost estimate.
✅ 9. Use Power of Attorney if Needed
Want to buy remotely or avoid extra travel? A Spanish POA lets us handle everything legally.
📌 We set it up from your home country, with full safeguards.
✅ 10. Complete the Notary & Registration Process
We attend the notary, pay all taxes, and register the deed in your name.
📌 You receive a full legal dossier with translated documents and title registration proof.
🛡️ Why Use Borderless Lawyers?
✔️ Independent legal representation for foreign buyers
✔️ Fixed-fee packages with no surprise costs
✔️ Multilingual service in English, French, German, Dutch & Spanish
✔️ In-person and remote service
✔️ Based in Barcelona with national coverage
📞 Ready to Buy Property in Barcelona?
Avoid risk, stress, and costly surprises. Let us guide you through every legal step — from reservation to registration.