Do you only work in Barcelona?

Our primary area of expertise is Barcelona and its surrounding region, including the Costa Brava. These are the markets we know most deeply — the buildings, the neighbourhoods, the developers, and the legal nuances specific to Catalonia. That said, we have a strong network across Spain. If a client is looking in Madrid, Valencia, Mallorca, or elsewhere, we can mobilise the right contacts and provide meaningful support.

Do you handle renovation licences in Barcelona?

Yes, completely. We manage the full licensing process: minor works permits, major structural licences, heritage building authorisations, and coordination with the Ajuntament de Barcelona. Our in-house architect holds full AICAT registration and has direct experience with protected buildings, finca regia structures, and Eixample properties with ornamental ceilings.

How long does a property renovation in Barcelona typically take?

A full renovation of a standard Eixample apartment takes on average four to six months from permit approval to handover. Custom or high-specification projects can run longer. We also arrange temporary accommodation in Barcelona for clients who need housing during the renovation period.

Do you handle interior decoration and furnishing?

Yes. Our in-house architect brings a design sensibility rooted in mid-century modernism and Noucentisme — the Catalan movement that championed Mediterranean clarity, fine craft, and restrained elegance. We can take a property from bare walls to fully furnished and decorated.

What does the NIE process involve for foreign buyers in Spain?

The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is the tax identification number required for any property purchase in Spain. We manage the entire process on your behalf — preparing documentation, booking appointments, and coordinating with our gestoria to ensure there are no delays that could affect your purchase timeline.

Can foreign buyers get a mortgage in Spain?

Yes. Foreign buyers can access Spanish mortgages, typically at a maximum of 60–70% loan-to-value. We work with mortgage brokers who specialise in non-resident financing and can introduce you to the right contacts early in the process.

What are the total purchase costs when buying property in Barcelona?

For a resale property in Catalonia, buyers should budget approximately 10–12% on top of the purchase price. This covers transfer tax (ITP, currently 10% in Catalonia), notary fees, land registry fees, and gestoria costs. For new-build properties, VAT at 10% applies instead, plus stamp duty at 1.5%.

Do you have access to off-market properties in Barcelona?

Yes. Many of the finest properties in Barcelona — particularly in Eixample, Pedralbes, and Sant Gervasi — change hands without ever appearing on a portal. We actively source off-market opportunities through professional networks, notary contacts, and direct relationships with owners.

How do you charge for your buyer's advisory services?

We charge a fixed advisory fee agreed at the start of the mandate, plus a success fee upon completion of the purchase. We do not receive commissions from sellers, developers, or any third party — which is what makes our advice genuinely independent.

What happens if you cannot find the right property?

We do not pressure clients into purchases that do not meet their brief. If the right property does not exist at the right price at a given moment, we will tell you. You are not paying us to close a deal — you are paying us to find the right property.

Can you manage the property after purchase?

We do not offer ongoing property management as a standalone service, but we can refer you to trusted property managers in Barcelona who handle rentals, maintenance, and tenant relations. We also advise on the regulatory environment, including current restrictions on tourist licences in Barcelona.

How do we begin the property search process with you?

With a private consultation — by video call or in person in Barcelona. We ask you to tell us what you are looking for, your timeline, and your budget. We then tell you honestly what is achievable in the current market. There is no obligation at that stage. If we are the right fit, we formalise the mandate in writing and begin immediately.

Legal GuideNovember 20255 min read

The NIE: Everything Foreign Buyers Need to Know

The NIE — Número de Identificación de Extranjero — is a tax identification number issued by the Spanish authorities to foreign nationals. Without it, you cannot complete a property purchase in Spain, open a Spanish bank account, sign a mortgage, or register utilities in your name. It is the first administrative step in any Spanish property transaction, and it should be obtained before you make an offer.

Who Issues It?

The NIE is issued by the Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional). Applications can be made in two ways: in person at a police station in Spain, or through a Spanish consulate in your country of residence. The process and waiting times differ significantly between the two routes. The NIE is a single number, assigned once, and it does not expire.

Applying in Spain

If you are in Barcelona, the most straightforward approach is to apply directly at the Oficina de Extranjería or at a designated police station. You will need to book an appointment in advance — these are released online and fill quickly. The required documents are: your original passport plus a photocopy, a completed EX-15 form (available on the Spanish government website), and a justification for the application — a preliminary purchase contract, a letter from a notary, or a letter from a lawyer confirming the intended transaction.

The fee is paid at a bank before the appointment using the official tax form (Modelo 790, Código 012). As of 2026, the fee is approximately €10. Processing time at the appointment is typically same-day or within a few days.

Applying from Abroad

If you are not in Spain, you can apply at the Spanish consulate in your country. The process is similar but appointment availability varies considerably by location. Some consulates have waiting times of several weeks; others can accommodate applications within days. We recommend checking availability early — ideally as soon as you have decided to begin a property search, not after you have found a property.

Can Someone Apply on Your Behalf?

Yes. A Spanish lawyer or gestor (administrative agent) can apply for your NIE on your behalf using a notarised power of attorney (poder notarial). This is the most common approach for buyers who are purchasing remotely and cannot travel to Spain for the application. The power of attorney can be granted at a Spanish consulate in your country, or — in some cases — before a local notary with an apostille. Your lawyer in Spain will advise on the most efficient route.

Common Mistakes

The most common mistake is leaving the NIE application too late. A purchase cannot complete at the notary without it, and delays can cause transactions to stall.

The second common mistake is confusing the NIE with residency. Having an NIE does not make you a Spanish resident, does not entitle you to healthcare or other public services, and does not trigger any tax obligations on its own. It is simply a tax identification number. Tax obligations arise from the nature and value of your transactions in Spain, not from holding the number.

Our Approach

We coordinate NIE applications for all our clients as part of the mandate. We work with trusted lawyer firm who handles the application process — either in person in Barcelona or via power of attorney — so that the NIE is in place before any offer is formalised. This removes one of the most common sources of delay in Spanish property transactions.

Ready to begin your search?

A private consultation costs nothing. Tell us what you are looking for and we will tell you exactly how we can help.