Everything you need to know about residency, visas, property buying, taxes, and lifestyle on the Costa del Sol — one of Europe's most sought-after destinations.
320+ days of sunshine, world-class infrastructure, and one of the fastest-growing international property markets in Europe.
The Costa del Sol enjoys one of the best climates in Europe. Mild winters averaging 17°C and warm summers make it a year-round paradise.
Record international buyer activity in 2025–2026 with Americans comprising ~30% of all foreign purchases. Steady 5–8% annual appreciation.
Over 300,000 expats from 100+ nationalities call Costa del Sol home. English widely spoken, international schools, and global cuisine.
Málaga Airport (AGP) serves 100+ direct routes. High-speed AVE rail to Madrid. Excellent motorway network along the coast.
Multiple pathways to Spanish residency — from remote workers to retirees to business investors. Here are the most popular options.
Ideal for remote workers and freelancers. Work for non-Spanish companies while enjoying Spanish lifestyle. Renewable up to 5 years.
Named after David Beckham — a flat 24% income tax rate for up to 6 years. Available to new tax residents who haven't lived in Spain for the past 5 years.
Perfect for retirees and those with passive income. Live in Spain without working — ideal for enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle full-time.
For those starting a business in Spain. Particularly relevant for tech, sustainable development, and innovative real estate projects.
For highly qualified professionals with a job offer in Spain. Provides mobility across EU member states after 18 months.
After 5 years of legal residency in Spain, you can apply for permanent residency — and after 10 years, Spanish citizenship.
| Feature | Digital Nomad | Non-Lucrative | Entrepreneur | EU Blue Card |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Can work remotely | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Can work locally | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passive income OK | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Beckham Law eligible | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Min. income/salary | ~€2,850/mo | ~€2,400/mo | Varies | ~€40K/yr |
| Family included | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Path to citizenship | ✓ (10 years) | ✓ (10 years) | ✓ (10 years) | ✓ (10 years) |
| Best for | Remote workers | Retirees | Business owners | Professionals |
Foreign nationals can freely purchase property in Spain. Here's the step-by-step process — typically completed in 6–10 weeks.
Apply for your Número de Identificación de Extranjero — Spain's tax ID for foreigners. Required for any property transaction. Takes 1–3 weeks.
Required for mortgage payments, taxes, and utilities. Major banks accept non-residents. Bring your NIE, passport, and proof of income.
Work with a trusted agent who knows the local market. Research areas, visit developments, and compare prices. We can help guide your search.
Hire an independent abogado (lawyer) to verify the property's legal status, check for debts, and review all documentation.
Sign a reservation contract with a small deposit (€3,000–6,000). Then sign the contrato de arras (pre-contract) with 10% deposit.
Sign the escritura pública (title deed) at the notary. Pay the balance, taxes, and fees. Keys are yours — bienvenido a casa!
Beyond the purchase price, expect 10–13% in additional costs for taxes, fees, and legal expenses.
| Cost | New Build | Resale | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer Tax (ITP) | — | 7% | Andalucía rate on resale properties |
| VAT (IVA) | 10% | — | On new-build properties only |
| Stamp Duty (AJD) | 1.2% | — | Andalucía rate, new builds only |
| Notary fees | 0.5–1% | 0.5–1% | Regulated by property value |
| Land Registry | 0.3–0.5% | 0.3–0.5% | Registration of the title deed |
| Legal fees | 1–1.5% | 1–1.5% | Independent lawyer (highly recommended) |
| Mortgage costs | 1–2% | 1–2% | Valuation, arrangement fees (if applicable) |
| Total additional | ~13% | ~10–11% | On top of purchase price |
Whether you're looking for your dream home, an investment property, or a sustainable new-build — we'll guide you through every step of your journey to Spain.