Marbella is a top destination for foreign property buyers — and many rely on Spanish mortgages to finance their purchase. Whether you’re from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, or the Middle East, securing a non-resident mortgage in Marbella is possible with the right guidance. In this article, we explain how to get approved, which banks to use, what documents are required, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
🌴 Why Marbella Attracts International Buyers
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🏝️ High-end coastal living, golf resorts, and gated villas
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🌍 International expat community and multilingual services
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💼 Proximity to business hubs (Malaga tech corridor)
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✈️ Easy access via Malaga Airport
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🏘️ Popular zones: Nueva Andalucía, Sierra Blanca, Elviria, Golden Mile, San Pedro
🏦 Can Non-Residents Get a Mortgage in Marbella?
Yes — and it’s common. Marbella has one of Spain’s most non-resident-friendly mortgage environments, with banks experienced in processing international applications.
You don’t need Spanish residency or local income — but you must meet specific criteria, and the terms are usually stricter than for residents.
💶 Typical Mortgage Terms for Foreigners in Marbella
| Condition | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Loan-to-Value (LTV) | 60–70% of the purchase price |
| Deposit Required | 30–40% from buyer’s funds |
| Term Length | 15–25 years |
| Interest Rate | Fixed: 3.5–4.5% / Variable: Euribor + 1.5–2.5% |
| Income Requirement | Debt-to-income ratio under 30–35% |
| Property Appraisal | Must meet or exceed mortgage amount |
📌 Luxury properties (€1M+) often face lower LTV and longer approval times.
📋 Required Documents
Non-residents applying for a mortgage in Marbella will need to provide:
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Valid passport and NIE
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Proof of income (employment or pension)
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Tax returns (1–2 years)
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Bank statements (3–6 months)
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Credit report from your home country
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Details of existing debts or obligations
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Proof of deposit (savings or assets)
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Pre-agreement or reservation contract for the property
📌 All documents must be translated into Spanish and may need to be apostilled.
🏛️ Best Banks for Foreigners in Marbella
| Bank | Why It’s Recommended |
|---|---|
| Sabadell | Dedicated expat team, very active in Marbella area |
| CaixaBank | English-speaking staff and flexible documentation options |
| Bankinter | Accepts foreign self-employed and high-net-worth clients |
| Unicaja | Andalusia-based with experience in local property market |
💡 Consider using a mortgage broker to access the best offer across banks.
⚖️ Legal Support Is Essential
A local Spanish property lawyer can:
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Review your mortgage contract (to avoid abusive clauses)
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Negotiate better terms on your behalf
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Sign mortgage documents and register your property via power of attorney
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Coordinate between the notary, bank, seller, and Land Registry
📌 Marbella has specific legal quirks related to rural zoning, off-plan projects, and short-term rental licenses — legal review is critical.
💸 Marbella Mortgage-Related Costs
| Expense Type | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Notary + Registry Fees | 1.5–2% of the purchase price |
| Bank Fees | 0.5–1% mortgage arrangement fee |
| Mortgage Tax (AJD) | 0–1.5% (may vary or be waived by lender) |
| Property Transfer Tax | 7–10% (based on resale price brackets) |
❓ FAQs
Can I get pre-approved before visiting Marbella?
Yes. Pre-approvals can be issued remotely. You’ll need a NIE, digital copies of your documents, and possibly a power of attorney.
Do I need a local job or income in euros?
No — Spanish banks will assess your foreign income (salary, rental income, dividends, pensions).
Can I get a mortgage for a holiday home or rental property?
Yes. Many foreign buyers use financing for second homes or investment properties, especially near Puerto Banús or Golden Mile.
🤝 How We Help
At Borderless Lawyers, we help non-residents:
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Obtain NIEs and open Spanish bank accounts
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Apply for mortgage pre-approval
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Review and negotiate mortgage terms
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Handle the entire process remotely via power of attorney
👉 Buying in Marbella? Let us secure your mortgage and protect your property purchase from day one.