Spanish Mortgages for non residents, by nationality

Non-resident mortgage facilities in Spain vary by nationality. Foreigners buying in Spain and applying for a mortgage can typically expect up to 70% loan-to-value. However, tax residency status can affect the criteria applied to non-EU citizens and expats, and the currency you earn in may also impact your access to a mortgage.

Before making an offer, it’s crucial to understand your options and borrowing capacity, based on your nationality and residency status. Spanish banks don’t offer non-resident mortgages to residents of certain countries, and a lack of income transparency or compliance issues can also prevent lending.

Want to know how your country of residency might affect a non-resident mortgage in Spain? Get the facts before making a commitment — speak with us today.

Obtain mortgage to buy property in Spain

Spanish Mortgages for European and UK Residents

Foreign applicants living in most European countries, including the UK, can typically get up to 70% loan-to-value on a non-resident Spanish mortgage. Spanish banks generally view EU residents as strong applicants, given the fiscal strength and stability of many European economies.

Why EU Applicants Are Viewed Favourably

  • Applicants from Germany, France, and Scandinavian countries — Sweden, Denmark, and Norway — tend to perform particularly well
  • The fiscal strength and stability of these countries works in applicants’ favour
  • Clear, well-documented paperwork helps banks assess an application easily
  • Fiscal clarity is a major factor in a bank’s willingness to lend

Some Spanish banks offer preferential rates to applicants from Germany and Scandinavia, based on a strong track record of positive lending.

Mortgages in Spain for fiscal paradise applicants

Spanish Mortgages for Applicants from Fiscal Paradises

Spanish banks treat some European countries as fiscal paradises, which can make getting a mortgage considerably more difficult — mainly due to compliance issues or a lack of official documentation.

  • Affected countries include Gibraltar, Malta, and Monaco
  • Expat applicants in these countries may find lending limited to 50-60% loan-to-value
  • Applicants from fiscal paradises outside Europe can face even greater difficulty raising funds
  • Applicants in non-tax-paying jurisdictions, or earning in certain currencies, may be unable to borrow at all
  • A bank’s legal ability to pursue assets outside Spain in the event of default is also a key consideration for the lenders

Before you start searching for a property, contact us to check whether your country of residency could affect your ability to get a mortgage in Spain.

To work out general repayment levels, use our Spanish mortgage calculator.

Calculating Spanish mortgage costs

Mortgages in Spain for US Citizens

Spanish banks welcome US citizens applying for a mortgage. Most Spanish banks trade comfortably in dollars, so the currency restrictions introduced in 2019 don’t apply — Spanish banks generally treat US citizens the same as Europeans.

  • Loan-to-value limits and access to fixed rates are unlikely to be restricted
  • Credit files, clear tax systems, and robust employment contracts give underwriters clarity
  • Well-regulated annual accounts and tax returns let lenders readily assess self-employed applicants
  • Source of deposits and income is straightforward to verify, so US citizens aren’t seen as a compliance concern

Getting 70% loan-to-value depends on the applicant’s fiscal strength — a strong financial profile shouldn’t face restrictions

Visit our partner website for real estate abroad, optimised for US citizens, with a wide selection of property in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and elsewhere in Europe.

Spanish Mortgages for Residents of the Middle East and UAE

Since the 2019 regulatory changes, it’s become harder for some non-residents to get a loan in Spain — largely due to the currency they earn in. Applicants earning in well-traded currencies tend to face fewer problems, with lenders viewing GBP and USD positively.

  • Applicants from the Middle East, including UAE-based expats, generally have more limited access to borrowing
  • Proving income through tax returns, along with the currency of earnings, restricts access to most Spanish banks
  • Employees of large multinational companies are more likely to secure a non-resident mortgage
  • Applicants living and working in Saudi Arabia and the UAE can typically achieve 50-70% loan-to-value

Many Middle Eastern countries now offer credit file facilities, a key underwriting tool for non-resident applications

Applicants from non-tax-paying jurisdictions can typically expect to provide up to 12 months of bank statements, to substantiate their income.

Spanish Mortgages for Hong Kong, Australian, New Zealand, and Singapore Residents

Applicants from these countries can still access some Spanish banks, and most required documentation closely mirrors European applications. That said, loan-to-value may be limited, and not all Spanish banks will consider these applications.

  • Nationals with no previous link to Europe may find lending harder to secure
  • Loan-to-value may be capped at 60%
  • Banks generally view employees of major multinational companies as lower risk
  • Currency of earnings can restrict access to certain lenders

Seeking expert help is worthwhile when applying for a mortgage in Spain — working with an experienced broker significantly improves your chances of success.

To check how your country of residency might affect your borrowing options, contact us today.

Spanish Mortgages for Chinese, Russian, Indian, and African Applicants

Applicants from these countries generally find it harder to secure a mortgage in Spain — though with expert help from a broker like IMS, it isn’t impossible. Expats working for multinationals in the oil and gas sector tend to have a better chance of securing some lending.

  • Compliance is usually the key issue across all these countries
  • This often means difficulty moving money, opening bank accounts, and meeting money laundering regulations
  • Given the high due diligence required, some Spanish banks won’t accept applications from certain countries at all

Maximum loan-to-value is normally around 50%, though applicants employed by a well-known global company may achieve more

The list of acceptable countries for Spanish banks can change regularly, so it’s worth getting the facts before committing to a purchase. Contact our expert advisers today.

Spanish Nationals Working Outside Spain

Whether resident or non-resident mortgage terms apply depends on where you pay tax. Spanish passport holders working outside Spain get non-resident terms, not resident ones.

  • Given the clear link to Spain, most applicants shouldn’t struggle to secure a 70% loan
  • Because income tax is paid outside Spain, 80% loan-to-value isn’t achievable in these cases
  • Country of residence and currency of earnings can still affect the application

Spanish nationals working abroad often retain a natural tie to Spain — family, property, or an intention to return — which banks may view favourably even where the application is otherwise treated as non-resident. This connection doesn’t guarantee better terms, but it can support a stronger overall case when presented well.

Spanish nationals moving back to Spain can access resident mortgage terms, provided they hold a permanent work contract outside any probationary period — allowing for up to 80% loan-to-value. First-time buyers under 35 could see this extended to 90%.

For expert advice and guidance, contact us today.