Legal & Residency in Spain

Straightforward, up-to-date advice for international buyers and sellers in Benahavís and the Costa del Sol. Explore visa routes, purchase costs, the buying process, ownership taxes and essential documentation.

Purchase Costs in Andalucía (2025)

Compare resale (ITP) vs new-build (IVA + AJD) and typical legal, notary and registry fees.

  • Resale guide: usually ~10% total (7% ITP + ~3% fees)
  • New-build: typically ~12–13% (10% IVA + ~1.2% AJD + fees)
  • What varies by price band, municipality and promotions

Open Purchase Costs →

Spain Visa Options

The most common routes for non-EU nationals relocating or staying long-term.

  • Digital Nomad Visa (remote workers & founders)
  • Non-Lucrative Visa (retirees & passive income)
  • EU family rights & other pathways (overview)

Explore Visa Options →

Buying Process (Step-by-Step)

From offer to completion — what to expect and when.

  1. Reservation & arras
  2. Due diligence & legal checks
  3. Finance & timelines (mortgage or cash)
  4. Completion & handover

See the Process →

Taxes When Buying & Owning

Understand buyer taxes and annual ownership obligations.

  • ITP/IVA & AJD; Plusvalía (where applicable)
  • IBI & Basura (local property & refuse)
  • Non-Resident & Wealth tax overview

Read the Tax Guide →

Selling Costs & Taxes

What sellers should budget and prepare in Andalucía.

  • Agency fee, legal fees, mortgage cancellation
  • Plusvalía, capital gains (overview)
  • Documentation & EPC requirements

Open Seller Guide →

Residency & NIE Essentials

The core admin steps for a smooth move.

  • NIE & opening a Spanish bank account
  • Health insurance basics
  • Padrón/TIE (where relevant)

Start with Essentials →

Energy Certificate (EPC) & Compliance

What owners, sellers and landlords must provide.

  • When an EPC is required
  • How to obtain and typical costs
  • Validity, display & fines

EPC Requirements →

Holiday-Rental Licences: Do They Transfer?

Andalucía’s VFT registrations generally run with the property. Learn how transfers work, 2025 rule changes, community votes, and what to verify before buying or selling.

  • VFT vs NRUA (registry layers)
  • LPH: community approvals post-Apr 2025
  • Municipal overlays (Málaga, Marbella, Benahavís, Estepona)

Read the Guide →

Quick links:
Market Update
Buyer’s Checklist
Living in Benahavís

 

Want tailored legal introductions?

Darren & Angelina — your Personal Property Concierge — can connect you with English-speaking lawyers and mortgage advisors.
Get in touch →