Buying property in Spain as a Scandinavian citizen

The Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland) have one of the most established expatriate communities on the Costa Blanca. Towns like Altea, Alfaz del Pi and La Nucia have Scandinavian churches, social clubs, supermarkets with Nordic products and even international schools with Nordic curricula.

This long tradition means you will find tailored infrastructure and services: lawyers who speak Swedish and Norwegian, tax advisors specialised in Nordic treaties, and a large network of fellow nationals.

There is an important distinction depending on your nationality:

• Swedes and Danes: as EU citizens, you have the right to reside and work in Spain without a visa. The purchase process is identical to that of any European citizen.
• Norwegians: Norway is not an EU member, but is part of the European Economic Area (EEA). This grants you virtually the same rights as EU citizens to reside, work and buy property in Spain.

In practice, the buying process is virtually identical for all three nationalities. You all need an NIE and a Spanish bank account.

The NIE (Numero de Identificacion de Extranjero) is mandatory for any financial transaction in Spain.

• Swedes: apply at the Spanish Consulate in Stockholm or the Embassy.
• Norwegians: apply at the Spanish Consulate in Oslo.
• Danes: apply at the Spanish Embassy in Copenhagen.
• You can also apply directly in Spain at the Foreigners Office (Oficina de Extranjeria) or a National Police station.
• Documents: passport or national ID, form EX-15, proof of reason and fee (~EUR 12).
• Timeframe: 1-3 weeks (EU/EEA).

Purchase taxes in the Valencia Region are the same regardless of nationality:

ITP (Transfer Tax)	10% of the declared price
AJD (Stamp Duty)	1.5% (new builds only)
Notary fees	0.5% - 1%
Land Registry	0.3% - 0.5%
Lawyer	~1% (highly recommended)
Plusvalia (municipal capital gains tax)	Variable (~0.5% - 1%)

Estimated total: 12% to 14% of the purchase price.

Spain has double taxation agreements with Sweden, Norway and Denmark, preventing you from being taxed twice:

Sweden - Spain

• Rental income is taxed in Spain (IRNR at 19% for EU/EEA residents).
• In Sweden, it is declared with a tax credit for the tax paid in Spain.
• Capital gains on sale are taxed in both countries, with a credit for Spanish tax in Sweden.
• Sweden has NOT had a wealth tax since 2007.

Norway - Spain

• Same tax credit scheme for property income.
• Norway levies a wealth tax (formuesskatt): properties in Spain must be declared in Norway, generally valued at 70% of market value.
• Important: consult a Norwegian tax advisor (skatteradgiver) specialised in foreign investments.

Denmark - Spain

• Rental income is taxed in Spain and declared in Denmark with exemption and progression.
• Denmark does NOT have a wealth tax, but the ejendomsvaerdiskat (property value tax) only applies to properties in Denmark.

If you plan to live in Altea for more than 3 months:

• Apply for the EU Citizen Registration Certificate (green card) at the Foreigners Office within the first 3 months.
• Requirements: NIE, padron (town hall registration), health insurance (or European Health Insurance Card) and proof of financial means or employment contract.
• Padron (municipal registration) is mandatory and required for accessing public healthcare, voting in local elections (EU citizens) and other formalities.
• After 5 years of continuous residency, you can apply for permanent residency.

Healthcare: as a registered resident, you are entitled to the Spanish public health system. Many Scandinavians also take out supplementary private insurance for added convenience.

As EU/EEA citizens, Scandinavians can access mortgages on the same terms as Spanish residents:

• Up to 80% of the appraised value for a primary residence (60-70% for second homes or non-residents).
• Interest rates: between 2.5% and 4% (variable or fixed).
• Maximum term: 25-30 years.

Some Nordic buyers prefer to finance the purchase by extending the mortgage on their home country property, where rates may be more favourable. Check with your Nordic bank before deciding.

Can I use my personnummer/fodselsnummer/CPR in Spain?

No. In Spain you need the NIE for all transactions. Your Nordic identification number has no legal validity in Spain.

Do I need a lawyer who speaks Swedish/Norwegian?

Not essential, but highly recommended. On the Costa Blanca there are lawyers who speak Scandinavian languages and understand both legal systems.

Can I keep my tax residency in my Nordic country?

It depends on how much time you spend in Spain. If you stay more than 183 days per year in Spain, you will become a Spanish tax resident. This has significant implications. Consult a tax advisor before relocating.

Are there Scandinavian schools in the area?

Yes. The Costa Blanca has several international schools with Nordic curricula or Scandinavian sections, including the Swedish School of the Costa Blanca and other educational institutions.