Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, attracts thousands of foreign buyers each year with its warm climate and vibrant property market. But the Spanish legal system — especially on an island — requires serious due diligence and clear legal steps.
At Borderless Lawyers, we guide foreign clients through the entire property purchase process in Tenerife — remotely and securely.
âś… Step-by-Step: How Foreigners Buy Property in Tenerife
1. Get an NIE (Foreigner Identification Number)
This is required for:
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Signing the deed
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Paying taxes
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Registering property
✅ We apply for your NIE via POA, even if you’re abroad.
2. Hire an Independent Lawyer
Avoid relying solely on estate agents. Your lawyer will:
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Review the title
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Conduct land and zoning checks
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Protect your deposit
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Handle all legal filings
3. Sign the Arras Contract (Reservation Agreement)
This private agreement reserves the property and usually requires:
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A 10% deposit
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Clear terms for closing
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Penalties for withdrawal
âś… We draft or review this contract to protect your funds.
4. Conduct Legal Due Diligence
Before proceeding, we verify:
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Title and ownership
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Urban/rustic land classification
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Planning permissions
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Outstanding debts or charges
5. Finalize the Sale at the Notary
The public deed (escritura pĂşblica) is signed before a Spanish notary. You can:
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Attend in person
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Or appoint us via Power of Attorney (POA)
6. Register the Property & Pay Taxes
After signing, we:
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Pay the ITP or VAT
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Register the deed at the Land Registry
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Notify the Cadastre
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Set up utilities and community fees
🧾 Documents You Need to Buy Property in Tenerife
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Valid passport
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NIE
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POA (if not attending)
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Spanish bank account
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Proof of funds
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Energy Certificate (provided by seller)
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Property title and nota simple (for legal review)
🛑 Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Paying a deposit without legal review
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Buying rustic property with illegal construction
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Assuming urban planning allows future renovations
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Not registering utilities or property taxes properly
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Missing deadlines for tax payments
đź’Ľ What We Do at Borderless Lawyers
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Apply for your NIE
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Draft or review the arras contract
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Perform full legal due diligence
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Represent you at the notary via POA
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Handle tax payments and registration
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Deliver all documents translated and certified
đź’¬ Final Word
Tenerife is an excellent place to invest or retire — but foreign buyers must follow the legal process carefully. One small mistake can result in fines, delays, or worse — buying a property you can’t legally use.
đź“ž Contact Borderless Lawyers now to start your Tenerife property journey with full legal protection.