Name: Retiring and Moving to France: Visa, Residency & Health Insurance
Start: 2024-10-31T16:30:00+00:00
End: 2024-10-31T17:30:00+00:00

Question 1

Can foreigners buy property in Cyprus?

Accepted Answer

Yes—foreigners can buy property in Cyprus, including non-residents.

The key is to run proper legal checks through an independent Cyprus lawyer (not the seller’s/developer’s lawyer) and to make sure your purchase contract is properly protected at the Cyprus Land Registry.

Buying a property does not automatically give residency, but ownership can support longer-stay planning when combined with the correct visa/residency route. Always confirm any nationality-specific requirements (especially for non-EU buyers) before you pay major deposits.

For full buying process download our Cyprus Buying Guide.

Question 2

Is Almería a good place to buy for value compared with Málaga or Alicante?

Accepted Answer

For many buyers, Almería can offer strong value because pricing is often less “heated” than some headline coastal markets, while still providing beaches, sunshine, and lifestyle appeal.

The best fit depends on your priorities: year-round services, airport access, and the type of community you want (resort-style vs quieter towns/villages).

To buy confidently, compare total ownership costs—maintenance, utilities, community fees, and travel—alongside purchase price, and prioritise properties with clear legal status and easy day-to-day management if you’ll be overseas.

If you are undecided on a location of your next property purchase, speak to our team of in house Spain Property Consultants.

Question 3

Does buying property in Greece qualify you for residency i.e. the Golden Visa?

Accepted Answer

Buying property in Greece does not automatically grant residency, but Greece offers a Golden Visa (investor residence permit) for qualifying non-EU investors.

The minimum real-estate investment level can depend on location (commonly higher in high-demand zones like Attica/Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos and Santorini, with different thresholds elsewhere) and there are specific rules/exceptions (e.g., certain conversions/restorations).

Important: recent reforms also introduced restrictions for some Golden Visa property use (for example, limits on short-term letting for properties used for the permit), so treat Golden Visa eligibility and usage rules as a compliance step to confirm early—before you buy.

Question 4

What should I check when buying in an urbanisation in Alicante (Costa Blanca)?

Accepted Answer

Alicante has many properties in urbanisations with shared pools, gardens, and maintenance. Before buying, request confirmation of community fees, any planned major works, and whether the seller is up to date on payments. Your lawyer should verify title in the Land Registry and check for charges and debts attached to the property.

Also review community statutes for rules on pets, noise, renovations, and rentals—these can affect resale and your day-to-day use. For the property itself, ensure any extensions or terrace enclosures were authorised and properly documented.

If you are looking to buy a property in Spain, download our Spain Buying Guide for more information.

Question 5

Can foreigners buy villas in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Yes—foreigners can buy villas in Spain, including non-residents.

In most cases you’ll need an NIE (foreigner ID number), proof of funds for compliance checks, and a lawyer who can verify the villa’s legal status before you pay major deposits.

The purchase completes when you sign the title deed (escritura) in front of a Spanish Notary (Notario) and ownership is registered at the Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad).

If you’re buying from abroad, you can often complete via power of attorney once your legal checks are in place.

For full buying process when buying a villa in Spain download our Spain Buying Guide.

Question 6

What is the buying process in Cyprus?

Accepted Answer

A typical Cyprus purchase follows:

(1) agree price and terms,

(2) your lawyer completes due diligence, including a Land Registry search for mortgages/charges,

(3) sign the Contract of Sale,

(4) lodge/deposit the contract at the Land Registry (often a crucial buyer protection step under Cyprus “specific performance” protections),

(5) pay any applicable taxes/fees and complete payments,

(6) transfer of ownership and title deed into the buyer’s name when available. If you’re buying new build/off-plan, the “title deed timeline” becomes a major point to verify upfront.

Most estate agents and developers in Cyprus will be able to assist you with this process, however we recommend using an independent lawyer for any property purchase or investment in Cyprus.

Question 7

Can foreigners buy property on the Costa del Sol?

Accepted Answer

Yes—foreigners can buy property on the Costa del Sol, including non-residents. You’ll typically need an NIE, proof of funds, and a lawyer to run due diligence before you commit to major deposits. The purchase completes when the escritura is signed at the Notary and ownership is registered at the Land Registry. For overseas buyers, power of attorney is common once legal checks are complete.

To fully understand the buying process in Spain download our free Spain Buying Guide.

Question 8

Can foreigners buy property in Portugal?

Accepted Answer

Yes—foreigners can buy property in Portugal with no general requirement to be a resident.

The practical “must-haves” are getting a Portuguese tax number (NIF), using an independent lawyer for due diligence, and completing the purchase through the formal deed/registration steps so ownership is properly recorded.

Many overseas buyers also open a Portuguese bank account early to simplify deposits, tax payments, and completion funds.

For further information on how to buy a property in Portugal as a foreigner download our Portugal Buying Guide.

Question 9

Are buying taxes different in Alicante compared with other Spanish regions?

Accepted Answer

The overall categories of costs are the same across Spain, but the rates for transfer tax (ITP) and some duties can vary by autonomous community, so Alicante (Valencian Community) may differ from Andalucía or Catalonia.

Whether you pay ITP versus VAT/IVA + stamp duty depends on whether the home is resale or new build. In all cases, budget for Notary and Land Registry fees and conveyancing support. The “right” figure is the current rate that applies to your exact property and buyer profile, so confirm with a local lawyer before signing the private contract.

Question 10

What should I check before buying a villa in Spain?

Accepted Answer

For any villa in Spain, the most important checks are:

(1) Land Registry details (owner, boundaries, charges/mortgages),

(2) debts attached to the property (IBI, community fees if applicable), and

(3) planning and build legality—especially for pools, terraces, extensions, enclosed porches, and outbuildings.

Ask your lawyer to confirm the villa matches its legal description and that any renovations have the right permissions. For rural villas, add checks for access rights, water supply, septic systems, and whether the land classification restricts future works.

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