Which documents do I need for a mortgage in Spain as a non-resident?
ID card or passport, NIE number, last 2–3 payslips, income tax assessment, 3–6 months of bank statements, employment contract, proof of equity and purchase contract. The self-employed additionally need financial statements and business analyses.
What is the 35 % rule?
For non-residents, Spanish and Portuguese banks usually apply the 35 % rule: the monthly mortgage payment plus all other monthly obligations (consumer loans, rent) may not exceed 35 % of net income.
How much equity do I need at minimum?
At 70 % LTV in Spain: 30 % equity plus 11–13 % purchase costs = approx. 41–43 % of the purchase price. At 80 % in Portugal: 20 % equity plus 7–10 % costs = 27–30 %. Strong creditworthiness can lower this slightly.
Can I use my German property as equity?
Yes, through a second-charge loan in Germany. If you own a property in Germany (even with an existing first loan), it can be mortgaged up to 80 %. The capital raised serves as equity for the Spain/Portugal purchase.
How long does a mortgage approval take?
With complete documents and simple constellations, 2–6 weeks in Spain, 4–8 weeks in Portugal. For more complex cases (self-employed, multiple income sources, premium properties), longer.