Buying a property in Marbella as a foreigner involves several legal steps — from securing your NIE number to signing the deed before a Spanish notary. Whether you’re buying a villa, apartment, or new-build, it’s essential to follow the process carefully to avoid delays or legal problems.
At Borderless Lawyers, we manage the entire legal process so foreign buyers can purchase confidently — even remotely.
🧾 Step 1: NIE Number (Foreigner Identification)
Every non-Spanish buyer must obtain an NIE to:
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Sign contracts and deeds
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Open a bank account
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Pay taxes
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Register the property
✅ We apply for your NIE in Marbella or remotely via Power of Attorney.
🏦 Step 2: Open a Spanish Bank Account
You’ll need this to:
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Pay the seller
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Pay notary, taxes, and registry fees
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Set up utilities and community charges
We assist with this process and ensure the account is ready before the final deed.
🧐 Step 3: Legal Due Diligence
Before signing anything, we:
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Verify ownership and debts
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Check urban planning and building legality
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Confirm cadastral and land registry data
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Ensure the seller is legally authorized
✅ This prevents you from inheriting problems with the property.
✍️ Step 4: Contrato de Arras (Deposit Agreement)
We draft or review the arras contract, which:
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Reserves the property
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Sets the purchase price and timeline
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Triggers a 10% deposit
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Includes penalty clauses for cancellation
💡 Never sign this without a lawyer. We ensure you’re protected.
🏛️ Step 5: Notary Signing (Escritura Pública)
We arrange the signing of the final deed of sale:
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Buyer and seller sign before a Spanish notary
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Payment is certified and confirmed
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You become the new legal owner
✅ You can attend in person or let us sign on your behalf via POA.
💸 Step 6: Pay Property Taxes & Fees
Within 30 days, we pay:
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ITP (10%) on resale properties
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Or VAT + stamp duty (new builds)
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Notary and registry fees
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Plusvalía tax (if contractually required)
We file all official forms with the Andalusian tax office.
🏠 Step 7: Register the Property in Your Name
We file the deed with the Land Registry and update:
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The Cadastre (for property tax purposes)
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Utility accounts
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Community ownership records
📄 You receive an updated nota simple confirming ownership.
🔒 Step 8: Post-Purchase Support
We help with:
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Setting up direct debits for taxes and utilities
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Appointing a local fiscal representative (if non-resident)
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Future legal needs: renovations, rentals, inheritance
✅ Our legal service continues even after your purchase is complete.
💬 Final Word
The legal process to buy a home in Marbella is structured, but each step must be completed carefully. Delays, missing documents, or tax errors can create serious problems — especially for foreign buyers.
At Borderless Lawyers, we handle everything — from NIE to registration — with full legal oversight and personalized service.
📞 Contact us today to start your Marbella property purchase with total peace of mind.