Selling Your Spanish Property as a Foreigner? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re a non-resident or foreigner who owns real estate in Barcelona and you’re planning to sell, the process involves legal obligations, tax declarations, and coordination with notaries and buyers.
This guide breaks down the full legal process for selling property in Barcelona as a foreigner, including what documents you need, what taxes apply, and how a lawyer can protect your interests.
📋 Legal Requirements to Sell Real Estate in Barcelona
As a foreign seller, you must:
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✅ Prove legal ownership (Land Registry extract – Nota Simple)
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✅ Have an updated NIE (Foreign Tax ID)
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✅ Provide the original notarial deed (Escritura Pública)
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✅ Ensure all property taxes and community fees are paid
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✅ Coordinate with a Spanish notary
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✅ Pay relevant Spanish property sale taxes
📜 Step-by-Step: Selling Property in Barcelona as a Foreigner
1. 🧾 Gather Required Documents
You will need:
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NIE
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Passport copy
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Title deed
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Land Registry extract
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Latest IBI (property tax) receipt
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Proof of paid utilities and HOA fees
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Energy efficiency certificate (CEE)
2. 📃 Sign the Purchase Agreement
The buyer typically signs an arras contract and pays a deposit (usually 10%).
Your lawyer will:
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Review the contract
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Ensure conditions are favorable to you
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Prepare the final public deed of sale
3. ✍️ Complete the Sale at the Notary
The sale is formalized at a Spanish notary office. If you’re abroad, we can represent you via Power of Attorney.
You’ll receive:
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The sale proceeds (less withholding)
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A copy of the signed deed
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A certificate of funds transfer (for capital gains reporting)
💸 Taxes When Selling Property as a Foreigner
1. Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
Foreigners pay the same rates as residents:
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19% on first €6,000
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21% from €6,000–€50,000
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23% from €50,000–€200,000
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26% above €200,000
This is calculated on the difference between purchase price and sale price, minus eligible deductions (like renovation costs, legal fees, agent fees, etc.).
2. Plusvalía Municipal
This local tax is based on the increase in land value since you purchased the property.
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Paid to the Barcelona city council (Ajuntament de Barcelona)
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Your lawyer calculates it before the sale
3. 3% Withholding Tax for Non-Residents
If you are a non-resident, the buyer is legally required to withhold 3% of the sale price and pay it directly to the Spanish tax office on your behalf.
If you have no capital gain, you can claim a refund of this amount after the sale.
🛡️ Why You Need a Lawyer When Selling Property in Barcelona
Selling as a foreigner involves:
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Navigating language barriers
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Complying with strict tax rules
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Coordinating with buyers, notaries, and agents
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Preventing delays or disputes
We ensure:
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All taxes are calculated and paid correctly
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You receive sale funds securely
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Legal documentation is managed remotely if needed
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No hidden liabilities remain after the sale
✈️ Selling Remotely? We’ve Got You Covered
Our Barcelona-based lawyers can handle the entire sale via Power of Attorney, including:
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Document collection
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Notary signing
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Fund transfer
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Tax declarations
📞 Selling in Barcelona? Let Us Handle the Legal Side
Whether you’re in Spain or abroad, we make selling property in Barcelona secure, compliant, and stress-free.