For global individuals and families looking to establish a European base, Spain and Portugal offer more than sun and lifestyle — they offer legal safety, international mobility, and long-term legacy. But buying property as a foreigner involves complexities that go far beyond choosing a listing.

Here’s what high-net-worth buyers need to know — and how to do it right.

1. 🧭 Can Foreigners Buy Property in Spain or Portugal?

Yes. Both countries allow full property ownership by foreign nationals — whether or not they are residents.

There are no citizenship restrictions for buying real estate, and foreigners can purchase:

• Residential homes
• Commercial properties
• Land
• Investment assets (e.g., buildings, hotels)

Ownership grants you the same legal rights as locals — including inheritance, resale, and the right to apply for certain visas.

2. 📋 What’s the Process Like?

Though the legal systems differ slightly, the general steps are similar in both countries:

🔹 Step 1: Define your objective

• Primary residence? Investment? Second home?
• Will it be owner-occupied or rented?

🔹Step 2: Engage a buyer’s agent (not a seller-side broker)

• Unlike most real estate agents, a buyer’s agent works for you only
• At Beyond, we conduct discreet searches, negotiate on your behalf, and represent your interests — not the seller’s

🔹 Step 3: Legal & financial due diligence

• Verify property ownership
• Review urban planning/zoning issues
• Analyze liabilities, debts, or tenant contracts

We connect you with vetted local attorneys, notaries, and tax experts to ensure clean title and protection.

🔹 Step 4: Reserve the property

• Pay a reservation fee or deposit to remove the property from the market
• Standard is 5%–10%, depending on country and seller

🔹 Step 5: Sign the purchase contract

• Includes all terms, payment structure, and legal clauses
• Usually signed in front of a public notary

🔹 Step 6: Final payment & registration

• Remaining balance is paid
• Property is registered under your name (or entity’s name) in the land registry

3. 💡 Should You Buy Personally or Through a Legal Structure?

High-net-worth individuals often opt to buy through:

• Offshore or EU-based holding companies
• Trusts or SPVs (Special Purpose Vehicles)
• Nominee structures for anonymity

This allows for:

• Inheritance tax optimization
• Asset protection
• Fiscal clarity (especially if not a Spanish or Portuguese tax resident)

At Beyond, we coordinate with legal advisors to evaluate your structure and help you choose the most protective route — always discreetly.

4. 💶 What Are the Costs Involved?

Approximate purchase costs (beyond the property price) include:

Item	Spain	Portugal
Transfer Tax (ITP/IMT)	6–10%	6–8%
Notary & Registration	~1%	~1%
Legal Fees	~1%	~1%
Buyer’s Agent (Beyond)	From €10,000*	From €10,000*

*Deducted from final commission when purchase is completed through Beyond.

5. Can You Get a Mortgage as a Foreigner?

Yes — both Spanish and Portuguese banks offer non-resident mortgages, usually up to:

• 60–70% loan-to-value
• Interest rates from 3.5%–4.5%
• Terms from 10–30 years

We help you secure the best conditions and navigate the underwriting process through trusted banking partners.

6. 🌍 Why Use a Buyer’s Agent Like Beyond?

Traditional agents work for the seller. At Beyond, we work for you — privately, personally, and without bias.

We:

• Conduct curated property searches based on your profile
• Represent only your interests during negotiation
• Protect you from overpriced or misrepresented listings
• Coordinate legal, tax, and relocation support
• Deliver weekly dossiers with insights, risks, and opportunities
• Guarantee full refund if you’re not satisfied in the first 30 days

We don’t just find you a home. We protect the life you’re building around it.

✨ Ready to Start the Search?

If you’re thinking about building a base in Spain or Portugal, we invite you to start privately — with trust, clarity, and full alignment with your future.

👉 [Book a private consultation with Beyond]

👉 [Get in contact with us]