Buying Property in Spain as a German Citizen

Are you a German citizen buying a property in Spain? Tomas Ballestero Lawyers handles the legal side of the purchase for German buyers, from our office in Jávea and our associated office in Dénia, on the Costa Blanca, in person or entirely by power of attorney. We work in English, French or Spanish; we do not work in German.

The key differenceThe Spanish notary does not act for you

Buyers who have bought at home often expect the notary to check the property for them. In Spain the notary is impartial: they check the identity of the parties and the legality of the deed, but they do not investigate debts, extensions built without a licence or planning problems. That is the job of your own independent lawyer, before you pay any deposit.

Step by stepBuying in Spain

• NIEYour foreigner identification number, applied for in person in Spain or at a Spanish consulate in Germany.
• Bank accountA Spanish account for the price, the taxes and the running costs. We help you with it and with the documents on the origin of the funds.
• Legal checksBefore you pay anything: the Land Registry, the Catastro, the licences and the debts.
• Contrato de arrasThe private contract with a deposit. With arras penitenciales, a buyer who withdraws loses the deposit, and a seller who withdraws returns it doubled.
• CompletionThe deed is signed before the notary and the price is paid there.
• After completionThe taxes, the Land Registry, and the IBI and utilities in your name.

Before the depositWhat we check

• Ownership and chargesThe registered owner at the Land Registry and any mortgages, embargoes or other charges.
• Catastro and licencesThe Catastro compared with the deed and with what is built, the building licences and any planning infringements.
• Running costsIBI, the rubbish collection tax and community fees paid up to date.
• Special casesRustic land, the coastal law, tourist letting and, on a new build, the guarantees for each payment.

For a villa we always advise an inspection by an architect. We can put you in touch with Sergio Tomás Arquitectos in Jávea, an architect we usually work with, or you can instruct one of your own choice.

TaxTaxes in Spain

A resale property pays transfer tax; a new build pays VAT and stamp duty instead. As a non-resident owner you also file an annual tax return for the property. We put the figures for your purchase in writing before anything is signed. Tax in Germany is a matter for your German adviser.

Frequently asked questions

Do you speak German?

No. We do not work in German; we work in English, French or Spanish. Every document is explained to you before you sign.

Can I buy without travelling to Spain?

Yes. Apart from the NIE, which is applied for in person, the purchase can be completed by power of attorney, signed at a Spanish consulate in Germany or before a German notary, then apostilled and translated.

Should I make a Spanish will?

For many owners it makes sense. We prepare a Spanish will for the property for clients whose purchase we handle.

How we work

From our office in Jávea and the associated office in Dénia we work across the northern Costa Blanca: Jávea, Dénia, Moraira, Teulada, Benitachell, Benissa, Calpe and Altea. See also due diligence when buying in Spain and notary vs lawyer in Spain.

Tomas Ballestero Lawyers has advised international clients on Spanish property for more than 30 years. We work in English, French or Spanish, not in German.

The lawyers who will handle your matter

José Manuel Tomas

Property, Inheritance and Donations · Admitted to the Valencia Bar in 1992 (no. 6407) · Alicante Bar no. 9382

José Rico

Family Law · Valencia Bar no. 12075

Mariano Ortuño

Valencia Bar no. 6041

Manuel Lopez de Andujar

Property, Inheritance and Donations · Valencia Bar no. 7773

Juan Poch

Property, Inheritance and Donations · Alicante Bar no. 3607

María Salvá

Property, Inheritance and Donations – Dénia · Alicante Bar no. 3699

Antonio Rodríguez de Sola

Property, Inheritance and Donations – Dénia · Alicante Bar no. 3374

Selling a property? See selling a property in Spain as a non-resident.

How we meetIn person in Jávea, or 100% remote

In person in JáveaMeet us at our office in the Centro Comercial Arenal, Avenida del Pla 126. Meetings in English, French or Spanish.

100% remote, from homeMost of our clients never need to travel. We work by email, phone, WhatsApp and video call, and you sign through a power of attorney. Only the NIE has to be applied for in person, in Spain or at a Spanish consulate.

How much do you charge?

Every case is different, so before any work starts we send you a written quote. You know our fee from the beginning, with no surprises at the end.

Next stepWhat happens when you contact us

1. You send your enquiryThrough the form below, by phone, WhatsApp or email. A few lines are enough.
2. A lawyer reads itNot an assistant: one of our lawyers reviews your situation and replies personally, the same day.
3. We tell you the next stepWhat needs to be checked first, and which documents would help.
4. We confirm scope and feeIn writing, before any work starts.
5. You decideNothing is commissioned until you say yes.

This page is general information about Spanish law and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different and you should take advice on your own circumstances before acting.