What is the NIE and how do I get one?

The NIE (Foreigner Identity Number) is a tax identifier required for any procedure in Spain. Apply at the police station or Spanish consulate in your country. You need a passport, EX-15 form, photos, and justification of purpose. Processing takes 1-3 weeks.

How much tax does a non-resident property owner pay in Spain?

Non-residents pay IRNR (19% on imputed income), annual IBI (0.4-1.1% of cadastral value), and waste tax. If renting out, declare 19% of net income. Galicia offers 99% reduction on inheritance tax for direct family members.

Do I need Spanish tax residency if I own property?

Not necessarily. Tax residency is determined by presence (over 183 days/year), center of economic interests, or family. As a non-resident, you pay IRNR instead of IRPF. You can own property without being a tax resident.

What taxes apply when inheriting property in Galicia?

Galicia applies a 99% reduction on inheritance tax for groups I and II. The effective rate can be as low as 0.2-1% of value. Municipal capital gains tax also applies. It is advisable to make a Spanish will.

Legal & Tax 2 May 2025 2 min 308

Document Translation for Buying in Galicia: Complete Guide

Why Do You Need Document Translation?

When buying property in Galicia as a foreigner, Spanish authorities, notaries and registries require certain documents from your home country to be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator. Without these translations, you cannot complete the purchase.

What is a Sworn Translator?

A sworn translator is a professional officially authorized by Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Only their translations have legal validity before notaries, registries and public bodies.

Must be registered on the official MAEC list
Can translate from any language into Spanish
You cannot translate your own documents

Documents That Need Translation

Birth certificate - For NIE and residency application
Marriage certificate - If buying with your spouse
Passport - For the notarial deed
Bank statements - Proof of funds for mortgage
Power of attorney - If buying through a representative
Tax returns - Proof of income
Criminal record certificate - For residency
Driving licence - For exchange to Spanish licence

The Hague Apostille

Before translating, many documents need the Hague Apostille, which certifies document authenticity in signatory countries.

Obtained from your country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Costs between 10 and 50 euros per document
Process takes 1-15 days
Not needed if your country has a bilateral agreement with Spain

Translation Costs

Document	Approximate Price	Timeline
Birth certificate	50-80 euros	3-5 days
Marriage certificate	50-80 euros	3-5 days
Passport	30-50 euros	1-2 days
Bank statement	40-70 euros	2-4 days
Power of attorney	80-150 euros	5-7 days

Finding Translators in Galicia

Translators' associations in A Coruna and Santiago de Compostela
Notaries in Corcubion, Cee and Fisterra have translator lists
Online services like Traductores Jurados
Your embassy or consulate in Spain

Digital Certification

Since 2023, Spain accepts digital documents with qualified electronic signatures. If your country issues digitally signed documents, you may avoid physical apostille in some cases.

Practical Tips

Start the translation process at least 3 weeks before the notarial signing.
Verify the translator is on the official MAEC list.
At Cristina Vazquez Inmobiliaria we connect you with trusted sworn translators on the Costa da Morte.