How long can you stay in Spain if you own a property?

Owning a property in Spain could be a dream for many people. Escaping to a place with warm weather and a relaxed lifestyle is ideal, especially when you’re accustomed to living in a city where everything happens at the speed of light.

It might sound like a cliché, but spend a few days without rushing, and you’ll understand how appealing Spain can be. Of course, Spain offers more than a laid-back experience, but its relaxed pace does boost your endorphin levels.

How long can you stay in Spain if you own a property, especially if you’re coming from the US? 

Let’s explore more and understand your options.

Can US citizens buy property in Spain?

Yes, US citizens can buy property in Spain without restrictions, and the good part is that Spain's property prices are generally more affordable than in many US cities.

Buying a property with a mortgage can extend buying power, and several Spanish banks are ready to serve US citizens. 

Did you know? With Homevest, you can:

• have a dedicated mortgage broker who structures your application to secure the best offers and negotiates with the banks
• have an all-in-one digital platform where you can upload your paperwork 
• request and compare mortgage offers from top Spanish banks, including Santander, Banca March, Sabadell, UCI, and Cajasur

Is it easy to buy a house in Spain from abroad?

Like any unfamiliar process, it might seem daunting at first glance, but having the right partner by your side can ease your experience.

For instance, having a mortgage broker will simplify the process, especially if you're new to the language and Spanish laws. They provide guidance and negotiate on your behalf to secure a better deal.

Many mortgage brokers in Spain specialize in assisting non-residents, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

How long can you stay in Spain if you own a property?

Owning property does not automatically grant extended residency rights. So, if you’re from outside the EU, you can stay in Spain for 90 days without a visa. 

If you want to extend this period, you must apply for a visa. Fortunately, there are several options available. 

Visa options for property owners

Spain offers long-stay visas, so depending on your activity, you can remain in the country for more than three months.

Digital Nomad Visa

Every foreigner working remotely for a company outside of Spain can apply for a Digital Nomad Visa. If you are self-employed, you can also work for a Spanish company as long as the percentage of this work doesn’t exceed 20% of the total amount of professional activity.

To apply for a Digital Nomad Visa, you must have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a prestigious university or at least three years of work experience in your current field of activity. 

Entrepreneur Visa 

The Entrepreneur Visa suits foreigners undertaking an innovative, entrepreneurial activity of particular economic interest for Spain. 

Entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, researchers, and workers performing inter-company business operations can apply for this visa to work in Spain in their field of expertise.

The country favors applicants in professions or with startup ideas in line with the general interest of the Spanish economy.

Non-working Residence Visa

The Non-Working or Non-Lucrative Residence Visa suits foreigners who can provide sufficient and guaranteed resources to live in Spain without working. 

This visa could be a great idea for those planning to retire in Spain from the US.

Golden Visa

Until April 2024, foreigners who invested in a property worth over 500,000 EUR could apply for a Golden Visa. Spain ended the Golden Visa scheme, so this option is no longer available.

Owning a property can help facilitate your application for citizenship after a period of residency. It's a long-term strategy, but it might be worth it if you decide to relocate to Spain.

Nowadays, buying a property in Spain from abroad isn’t an impossible task anymore. There are plenty of solutions that can streamline your experience and make things easier for you. 

Homevest is one such solution that connects you with mortgage brokers and Spanish lenders, allowing you to choose what’s most aligned with your plans.

Sources used and checked in April 2024:

1. Digital Nomad Visa
2. Entrepreneur Visa
3. Non-lucrative Residence Visa
4. The end of the Golden Visa program in Spain

We recommend obtaining professional or specialist advice before taking or refraining from any action based on the content in this article. The information in this article does not constitute legal, tax, or other professional advice from Homevest Limited. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. We make no representations, warranties, or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content in this article is accurate, complete, or up to date.