The legal process for buying property in Barcelona as a foreigner is clear and reliable — but it’s not always straightforward. From securing your NIE to registering the deed and paying taxes, each step must be handled carefully to avoid legal risks, delays, or financial loss.
At Borderless Lawyers, we guide international buyers through the entire legal process — whether you’re in Spain or abroad.
🧑⚖️ Step 1: Hire an Independent Property Lawyer
Before anything else, hire a lawyer who works only for you, not for the seller or real estate agent.
Your lawyer will:
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Protect your legal and financial interests
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Perform due diligence
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Draft or review contracts
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Represent you at the notary
🆔 Step 2: Apply for an NIE Number
You need a Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE) to:
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Pay property taxes
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Sign the deed at the notary
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Register the purchase
You can get it in Spain, abroad, or through a Power of Attorney.
📜 Step 3: Sign a Reservation or Arras Contract
Once you choose a property:
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A reservation agreement blocks the listing (optional)
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The Contrato de Arras (deposit agreement) is signed and a 10% deposit is paid
Your lawyer must check this contract to ensure it includes proper exit clauses and doesn’t favor the seller unfairly.
🔍 Step 4: Conduct Full Legal Due Diligence
Before signing anything or paying the rest:
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Confirm legal ownership
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Check for debts, liens, mortgages
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Review urban planning status and permits
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Verify the Cédula de Habitabilidad (occupancy certificate)
These checks are critical — don’t skip them.
🏦 Step 5: Prepare for Closing
Your lawyer will:
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Confirm the seller has cleared all debts
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Coordinate with your bank if you need a mortgage
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Ensure the notary receives all required documents
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Draft the deed (Escritura Pública)
If you’re abroad, your POA-holding lawyer can do all this for you.
✍️ Step 6: Sign the Deed at the Notary
At the notary’s office:
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The Escritura Pública de Compraventa is signed
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The final payment is made
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Ownership is officially transferred
If you’re not present, your lawyer can represent you with a valid Power of Attorney.
🧾 Step 7: Pay Property Transfer Taxes
Your lawyer files and pays the correct taxes:
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ITP (10% for resale properties)
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VAT + AJD (for new-builds)
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Any municipal tax (e.g. plusvalía)
Timing is crucial — late tax filings lead to penalties.
🏛️ Step 8: Register the Property
Finally, your lawyer registers the transaction at the Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad) and Cadastre (Catastro). This officially makes you the legal owner and updates the tax and municipal records.
💶 Optional Step 9: Post-Purchase Legal Setup
Borderless Lawyers can assist with:
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Changing utility accounts
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Setting up IBI and garbage tax payments
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Drafting a Spanish will for your property
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Applying for rental or tourist licenses
📋 Timeline Summary
| Step | Approximate Timing |
|---|---|
| NIE application | 1–4 weeks |
| Arras contract & due diligence | 1–2 weeks |
| Final signing at notary | 1–2 months after arras |
| Tax payments & registration | 2–6 weeks after closing |
💬 Final Word
The legal process to buy property in Barcelona as a foreigner is structured — but only secure if handled correctly. Don’t rely on agents or sellers to guide you. Independent legal representation is your best protection.
Borderless Lawyers supports foreign buyers with:
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Full legal packages
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Remote purchase via Power of Attorney
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Step-by-step due diligence and tax filing
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Transparent communication in English
📞 Contact us today to start your safe, smooth property purchase in Barcelona.