Frequently Asked Questions

Zaminor guides you through every step of buying property abroad. After creating your account, you complete our KYC verification and financial profiling. We then run a mortgage pre-check to determine your budget, match you with suitable properties, and connect you with a licensed local broker. From initial search to signing at the notary, your dedicated advisor coordinates everything so you never have to navigate foreign processes alone.

The typical timeline for buying property in Spain is 8 to 12 weeks from accepted offer to completion. This includes approximately 2 weeks for due diligence, 4 to 6 weeks for mortgage approval (if applicable), and 2 to 4 weeks for notarial signing and registration. Obtaining an NIE number can take 1 to 3 weeks and should be started early.

Ready properties in Dubai can be purchased in as little as 2 to 4 weeks for cash transactions, or 4 to 8 weeks if a mortgage is involved. The process involves signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), paying a 10% deposit, obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer, and completing the transfer at the Dubai Land Department.

A mortgage pre-check is a preliminary assessment of your borrowing capacity based on your income, existing debts, and the target market rules. For Spain, we calculate based on a maximum 70% LTV (as of Q1 2026) for non-residents with a stress buffer of +2% on the interest rate. For Dubai, the maximum LTV is 65% (as of Q1 2026) with a Debt Burden Ratio (DBR) cap of 50% (as of Q1 2026). This saves time and prevents disappointment.

Ready (or resale) properties are completed and available for immediate occupation or rental. Off-plan properties are purchased during the construction phase, often directly from the developer, at a lower entry price. Off-plan buyers typically pay in installments tied to construction milestones. Off-plan offers potential capital appreciation but carries construction risk and a longer wait.

As a Dutch resident, you first need to obtain an NIE (Numero de Identificacion de Extranjero). You then open a Spanish bank account, get mortgage pre-approval if needed (up to 70% LTV (as of Q1 2026) for non-residents), conduct property due diligence, and sign the escritura publica before a Spanish notary. The property is then registered at the Registro de la Propiedad. Zaminor handles all coordination between Dutch and Spanish parties.

An NIE (Numero de Identificacion de Extranjero) is a unique identification number for foreigners in Spain. It is mandatory for buying property, opening a bank account, and paying taxes. You can apply at a Spanish consulate in the Netherlands or at a police station in Spain. The process requires a completed EX-15 form, your passport, passport photos, and proof of reason. Processing takes 1 to 3 weeks.

For resale properties, the main tax is ITP ranging from 6% to 10% (as of Q1 2026) depending on the autonomous community. For new-build properties, you pay IVA at 10% plus AJD at 0.5% to 1.5% (as of Q1 2026). Budget approximately 1% for notary fees, 0.5% for land registry, and 0.75% for legal fees (as of Q1 2026). In total, expect 10% to 14% on top of the purchase price.

ITP (Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales) is the transfer tax on resale properties in Spain. Rates range from 6% to 10% (as of Q1 2026): Andalusia 7%, Valencia 10%, Balearic Islands 8% to 13% (progressive), Catalonia 10% (as of Q1 2026). ITP applies only to resale; new-build purchases are subject to IVA (10%) plus AJD instead. Must be paid within 30 days of the notarial deed.

The Spain Golden Visa program grants residency to non-EU nationals investing at least 500,000 euros in Spanish real estate (as of Q1 2026). Benefits include the right to live and work in Spain, visa-free Schengen travel, and a path to permanent residency after 5 years. As of April 2025, the Spanish government announced plans to phase out the real estate route, although existing applications continue to be processed.

Yes, Spanish banks offer mortgages to non-residents up to 70% LTV (as of Q1 2026), meaning at least 30% deposit plus buying costs. Interest rates are typically Euribor + 1.5% to 2.5% (as of Q1 2026), with terms up to 20-25 years. Banks apply a stress test of +2% on the current rate. Zaminor partners with multiple Spanish banks for competitive rates.

The Golden Mile between Marbella and Puerto Banus is the most prestigious area. Nueva Andalucia offers value near golf courses and international schools. Estepona has significant urban regeneration and lower entry prices. Properties near the beach in Marbella Centro or the marina in Puerto Banus perform well for rental income. Elviria and Cabopino offer a quieter lifestyle with long-term growth potential.

Yes, you can complete a purchase in Spain without being physically present by granting a power of attorney (poder notarial) to your lawyer. The POA must be notarized and apostilled at the Spanish consulate in The Hague or Amsterdam. However, most buyers visit at least once for viewings. Zaminor coordinates virtual tours with local brokers for initial screening.

The notary (notario) is a neutral public official who oversees the property transfer. On completion day, both parties attend the notary office. The notary reads the escritura publica, verifies identities, confirms the property is free of debts, and witnesses the signing. The buyer pays via banker's draft, and the deed is submitted to the Land Registry for registration (1 to 4 weeks). Notary fees are 0.3% to 0.5% of the purchase price (as of Q1 2026).

The Golden Mile between Marbella and Puerto Banus remains the most prestigious area with strong rental yields and capital appreciation. Nueva Andalucia offers excellent value with proximity to golf courses and international schools. Estepona has emerged as a rising star with significant urban regeneration and lower entry prices. For rental income, properties near the beach in Marbella Centro or near the marina in Puerto Banus perform well. East of Marbella, areas like Elviria and Cabopino offer a quieter lifestyle with good long-term growth potential.

For ready properties, typically 10% deposit at MOU signing. With mortgage financing, non-residents need at least 35% down payment (65% LTV (as of Q1 2026)), plus 7% to 8% in buying costs (4% DLD fee, 2% agency fee, administrative charges) (as of Q1 2026). For off-plan, developers usually require 5% to 20% at booking with the remainder in installments.

The main cost is the DLD registration fee of 4% (as of Q1 2026), plus agency commission of 2%, DLD admin fee of AED 580, trustee office fee of AED 4,000 to AED 5,000, and mortgage registration fee of 0.25% if financing (as of Q1 2026). For off-plan, add the Oqood fee of 4% (as of Q1 2026). Total buying costs are typically 7% to 8%.

Dubai does not levy annual property tax, capital gains tax, or income tax on rental earnings (as of Q1 2026). Recurring costs are the annual service charge (AED 10 to AED 30 per square foot (as of Q1 2026)), DEWA deposits, and a 5% municipality fee on annual rent (as of Q1 2026). The absence of property tax significantly improves net rental yields compared to European markets.

The UAE Golden Visa grants 10-year renewable residency for property investments of at least AED 2 million (approximately 500,000 euros) (as of Q1 2026). The property must be completed. Benefits include living and working in the UAE without a sponsor, sponsoring family members, and 100% business ownership. The visa remains valid even without permanent UAE residence.

No visa is needed to purchase property. Foreign nationals can buy freehold property in designated areas such as Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, and Palm Jumeirah. However, property ownership alone does not grant residency: minimum AED 750,000 for a 2-year investor visa or AED 2 million for a 10-year Golden Visa (as of Q1 2026).

Dubai Marina and JBR offer rental yields of 6% to 8% (as of Q1 2026). Downtown Dubai and Business Bay provide consistent capital appreciation. Palm Jumeirah commands premium prices. Dubai Creek Harbour and Dubai Hills Estate offer strong growth potential. JVC (Jumeirah Village Circle) provides high yields at lower entry prices.

Freehold zones allow foreign nationals to own property outright with full title deed. Major freehold areas include Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, JBR, Business Bay, Dubai Hills Estate, and JVC. In leasehold areas, foreigners acquire usage rights for up to 99 years but do not own the land. Most international buyers choose freehold zones for full ownership rights and residency visa eligibility.

Construction delays (6 to 18 months beyond promised handover) are common. The finished product may differ from marketing materials. Developer insolvency is a risk, though RERA now requires escrow accounts for buyer funds. Market conditions may change between purchase and completion. Mitigate by verifying the developer track record with RERA, reviewing escrow details, and checking SPA cancellation terms.

In Spain, non-residents can typically borrow up to 70% LTV (as of Q1 2026). Some banks may offer 75% for strong profiles. In Dubai, maximum LTV for non-residents is 65% (as of Q1 2026) regardless of property value. These limits apply to the first property; second or subsequent properties may have lower limits.

The Debt Burden Ratio (DBR) in Dubai is capped at 50% by the UAE Central Bank (as of Q1 2026). Your total monthly debt obligations cannot exceed 50% of gross monthly income. This is a hard limit applied by all UAE banks. If your DBR exceeds 50%, you must reduce debts, increase your deposit, or choose a less expensive property.

EIBOR (Emirates Interbank Offered Rate) is the benchmark rate for variable mortgages in the UAE. Most Dubai mortgages are EIBOR + a fixed margin (typically 1.5% to 3% (as of Q1 2026)). EIBOR is published daily by the UAE Central Bank and fluctuates with global monetary policy. Some banks offer 1 to 5-year fixed-rate periods before reverting to EIBOR-linked rates.

Yes, but existing Dutch mortgage payments are factored into foreign bank affordability assessments. In Spain, stress-tested repayments on existing and proposed mortgages combined must remain within income limits. In Dubai, both count toward the 50% DBR cap (as of Q1 2026). Zaminor runs a comprehensive affordability check covering all obligations.

Spain uses the euro (no currency risk for Dutch buyers). Dubai uses AED, pegged to USD at AED 3.6725 per USD (as of Q1 2026). Many buyers use specialist foreign exchange providers for large transfers, saving 1% to 2% on the exchange rate. Forward contracts can lock in a rate for up to 12 months.

Foreign property is included in your Box 3 wealth tax declaration. Market value as of 1 January is added to total assets. The forfaitair rendement varies by asset class: savings yield 1.03%, other assets yield 6.04% (as of Q1 2026), taxed at 36% (as of Q1 2026). Outstanding mortgage debt reduces net Box 3 assets. Tax treaties with Spain and the UAE may provide relief against double taxation.

The bilateral treaty prevents the same income or assets from being taxed twice. Income from immovable property (rental income, capital gains) may be taxed in Spain. The Netherlands provides relief via the exemption method with progression: Spanish income is exempt from Dutch income tax but increases the effective rate on remaining Dutch income. Always verify the latest provisions with a cross-border tax professional.

IRNR (Impuesto sobre la Renta de No Residentes) is the Spanish non-resident income tax. If you rent the property, rental income is taxed at 19% for EU/EEA residents (as of Q1 2026), with deductible expenses. If you do not rent, Spain imputes deemed rental income of 1.1% of the catastral value (or 2% if not revised in 10 years) (as of Q1 2026), taxed at 19%. Declared annually via form 210.

In Spain, capital gains for non-residents are taxed at 19% for EU/EEA residents (as of Q1 2026). The buyer withholds 3% of the sale price as prepayment toward the seller's liability; refundable if actual tax is lower. In Dubai, there is no capital gains tax (as of Q1 2026). Dutch residents must still declare any gain in their Dutch tax return where Box 3 rules or treaty provisions may apply.

Wwft (Wet ter voorkoming van witwassen en financieren van terrorisme) is the Dutch Anti-Money Laundering Act. As a licensed real estate mediator, Zaminor is legally obligated to verify client identities, assess the source of funds, and report unusual transactions. This involves Customer Due Diligence (CDD) including ID verification, proof of address, and source of funds declaration. CDD records are retained for 5 years.

You need: (1) valid passport or EU identity card, (2) proof of address within 3 months, (3) proof of income, (4) source of funds declaration, and (5) a PEP declaration. Additional documents may be requested based on your risk profile. The verification process takes 1 to 3 business days.

While not legally required, hiring an independent lawyer (abogado) is strongly recommended. Your lawyer conducts due diligence (checking the nota simple for debts and charges), reviews contracts, ensures tax compliance, and can represent you at the notary via power of attorney. Legal fees are typically 0.75% to 1% of the purchase price, minimum 1,500 to 2,000 euros (as of Q1 2026).

A POA authorizes someone (typically your lawyer) to act on your behalf in property transactions. In Spain, a poder notarial lets your lawyer sign the escritura, handle taxes, and manage utilities. It must be notarized and apostilled at a Spanish consulate in the Netherlands or at a Spanish notary. In Dubai, a POA is useful for off-plan purchases with staged payments.

A well-planned trip spans 3 to 5 days covering 6 to 10 properties. Complete the Zaminor mortgage pre-check first so your broker knows your budget. Fly to the nearest airport (Malaga for Costa del Sol, Alicante for Costa Blanca). Bring a checklist: building condition, community fees, parking, amenities, noise levels. Ask for the nota simple and energy certificate for serious properties.

In Spain, verify the broker holds a local license (colegiado or API registration). In Dubai, the broker must be RERA-registered with a valid BRN, verifiable on the Dubai REST app. Key criteria: transaction history, client references, bilingual capability, and transparent fees. Zaminor works with vetted brokers with proven track records with Dutch buyers.

Yes, most renovation work requires a licencia de obra from the local ayuntamiento. Minor cosmetic work needs only a comunicacion previa (processed in days). Major structural work requires a licencia de obra mayor (2 to 6 months, requires architect plans). Working without a permit can result in fines and demolition orders. Budget 10% to 15% of renovation cost for permits and supervision (as of Q1 2026).

As a Dutch tax resident with Dutch health insurance, you are covered for emergency care in Spain via your EHIC. If you spend more than 183 days per year in Spain, you become a Spanish tax resident and must register with Spanish social security or take out private insurance. Many Dutch owners take out private Spanish health policies (50 to 150 euros per month (as of Q1 2026)) for non-emergency care and English-speaking staff.

Zaminor verifies the identity of every client before connecting them with brokers and professionals. This is for your protection and the protection of the parties you work with. Verification involves providing a valid ID document and proof of address. When you proceed to an actual property purchase (KYC stage), additional financial documents may be requested by the broker or notary in the target country. Zaminor itself does not handle funds or process transactions.

Zaminor is a digital real estate mediation platform that guides Dutch residents through buying property in Spain and Dubai. You create a free account, complete identity verification (KYC), and build your financial profile. Our system runs a mortgage pre-check to determine your budget, then matches you with properties from our curated network of local brokers. Once you find a property, your dedicated advisor coordinates the entire transaction: legal checks, mortgage application, contract negotiation, and closing.

Zaminor charges a mediation fee that is transparent and agreed upfront before any transaction. Creating an account, completing KYC, running mortgage pre-checks, and browsing properties are all free. Our fee is only charged upon successful completion of a property purchase and is included in the total cost breakdown we provide. We also receive referral fees from partner brokers and mortgage providers, which are fully disclosed.

Yes, Zaminor B.V. is registered in the Netherlands and operates in full compliance with Dutch regulations including the Wwft (Anti-Money Laundering Act), GDPR (data protection), and applicable real estate mediation laws. We maintain robust Customer Due Diligence (CDD) processes and undergo regular audits. Our partner brokers in Spain and Dubai are licensed by their respective local authorities (Registro de la Propiedad in Spain, RERA in Dubai).

Zaminor primarily serves residents of the Netherlands, including Dutch nationals and expats with a registered Dutch address. Our mortgage pre-check, financial profiling, and compliance processes are optimized for the Dutch regulatory framework. If you are a resident of another EU country, we may still be able to assist depending on the specific market and your circumstances.

Zaminor currently covers two markets: Spain and the United Arab Emirates (specifically Dubai). Spain includes all major regions popular with Dutch buyers, such as the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Balearic Islands, and Barcelona. Dubai covers all freehold zones open to international buyers. Additional markets including Portugal are on the roadmap. Each market has its own set of rules for mortgages, taxes, and buying procedures.

Zaminor is built for Dutch residents who want to buy property abroad, whether as a holiday home, a rental investment, or a future residence. This includes first-time international buyers who need step-by-step guidance, experienced investors looking for efficient access to vetted brokers and mortgage pre-checks, and retirees planning a move to Spain or Dubai. You do not need prior experience with international real estate.