Welcome to the American’s Guide to Buying Property in Mallorca. If you are a US citizen looking to buy a home, invest, or relocate to Southeast Mallorca — Ses Salines, Santanyí, Campos and Colònia de Sant Jordi — this is your starting point. Below you will find the whole journey, from the legal process and taxes to visas and the best areas, each linked to an in-depth guide.
Can a US citizen buy property in Mallorca?
Yes. There are no restrictions on Americans buying property in Spain — as a primary home, a vacation home, or an investment. Owning a home does not, by itself, grant residency. Note that Spain abolished the real estate Golden Visa in April 2025, so a purchase no longer comes with an automatic residence permit, but several other residency routes remain open (see Visas & residency below).
The step-by-step buying process
Buying in Spain follows a clear sequence: obtain your NIE number, open a Spanish bank account, sign a reservation and deposit contract, run due diligence with an independent lawyer, and complete the purchase before a notary. Most of it can be done remotely from the US.
- What are the steps to buy a house in Mallorca?
- How to safely buy property in Mallorca as a US citizen: a step-by-step guide
- What is a NIE number and how can a US citizen get one quickly?
- Do I need a Spanish lawyer to buy property in Mallorca?
- Do I need a Spanish bank account to buy property in Mallorca?
- Is my deposit safe when buying property in Spain?
Financing and moving your money
US buyers can finance in Spain, and non-resident mortgages are common. Plan ahead for moving funds from USD to EUR efficiently.
- Can I get a Spanish mortgage as a US citizen?
- Mortgage interest rates in Spain for American non-residents
Taxes for American buyers
You will deal with two tax systems. In Spain there are purchase taxes on acquisition and, in the Balearic Islands, a wealth tax that affects higher-value estates; in the US, your worldwide income and assets still matter (IRS & FATCA). These guides explain what applies and when.
- What are the taxes on buying property in Mallorca?
- How does buying property in Spain affect my US taxes (IRS & FATCA)?
- Wealth tax in the Balearic Islands: what high-net-worth American buyers need to know
- Capital gains tax in Spain when an American sells their Mallorca property
Visas and residency after the Golden Visa
With the Golden Visa route closed since April 2025, the main pathways for Americans are the Non-Lucrative Visa (for those with passive income) and the Digital Nomad Visa (for remote workers). On a US passport you can also visit visa-free under the 90/180-day Schengen rule.
- The Golden Visa in Spain: what changed in 2025 and the rules for 2026
- What is the Non-Lucrative Visa for Spain and how do US citizens apply?
- Digital Nomad Visa vs. Non-Lucrative Visa: which is better?
Where Americans buy: Southeast Mallorca
Villas y Fincas Mallorca specializes in the southeast of the island — Ses Salines, Santanyí, Campos and Colònia de Sant Jordi — an area known for its fincas, sea views and a quieter, authentic lifestyle away from the crowds.
- Best areas in Mallorca for families moving from the United States
- Where do most American expats live in Mallorca?
- Southeast Mallorca (Santanyí): is it a good investment for Americans?
- Buying property in Port d’Andratx: the ultimate guide for US buyers
Ready to browse? Explore our country houses & fincas, every property for sale, or homes to rent in Southeast Mallorca — or start from our homepage to get in touch with our team.
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Essential guides for American buyers
Moving to Mallorca From the USA (2026): A Practical Guide
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The Real Cost of Owning a Home in Mallorca (2026)
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What Does It Cost to Buy Property in Mallorca? (2026)
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What is the ultimate exit strategy for selling a Mallorca finca?
Key Takeaway for US Buyers: The ultimate exit strategy for a US seller in Mallorca requires executing forensic legal audits years before listing, pricing the asset for the ultra-luxury cash market, managing the 3% non-resident retention at the Notary, and utilizing elite FX brokers to repatriate massive USD wealth. Preparing the legal paperwork years in […]
Renting agricultural land in Spain. Learn how US owners of Mallorca fi
Key Takeaway for US Buyers: The Ley de Arrendamientos Rústicos governs the leasing of agricultural land in Spain. US owners of massive Mallorca fincas use this law to lease their olive groves to local farmers, ensuring the land is expertly maintained while legally protecting the estate from severe agricultural abandonment fines. The burden of massive […]
What is the Spanish Gift Tax (Impuesto de Donaciones)?
Key Takeaway for US Buyers: The Impuesto de Donaciones is the Spanish tax levied on living wealth transfers. For US expats, gifting cash or a Mallorca property to children triggers this aggressive Spanish tax, entirely ignoring the massive American lifetime gift tax exemptions and causing severe cross-border tax complications. The severe taxation of living wealth […]
Can you hire a US architect to design a Mallorca finca?
Key Takeaway for US Buyers: While a US architect can provide conceptual design consulting, they are legally forbidden from officially designing or signing off on a Spanish construction project. US buyers must hire a fully licensed Spanish architect (Arquitecto) to submit blueprints and assume the massive structural liability. The legal monopoly of the Spanish architect […]