No, you do not need a visa to buy a house in Spain. As a US citizen, you can purchase, own, and sell Spanish real estate using only your US passport and a Spanish tax number (NIE). However, you do need a visa if you plan to live in that house for more than 90 days at a time.
Buying Property vs. Living in Spain
It is crucial to separate the act of buying the property from the act of residing in it. The Spanish Land Registry does not care about your immigration status.
The 90/180 Day Rule (Schengen Area)
As a US tourist, you can enter Spain (and the rest of the Schengen Area) visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
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If you are buying a holiday home: If you only plan to visit Mallorca for summer vacations or short winter getaways (staying under 90 days per rolling 180 days), you do not need to apply for any visa.
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If you want to relocate or retire: If you want to live in your new Mallorcan villa year-round, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa, such as the Non-Lucrative Visa or the Digital Nomad Visa.
The Villas y Fincas Mallorca Angle
Many of our American clients in the South East of Mallorca buy their fincas years before they retire. They use them as vacation homes under the 90-day rule, or rent them out, and then apply for a full residency visa when they are ready to make the permanent move. We can connect you with top immigration lawyers in Palma to plan your long-term strategy.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa rules are subject to change.
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