Spain is an EU member state and a world-leading lifestyle property market. Foreign nationals may freely purchase property (freehold) registered at the Registro de la Propiedad, requiring a Spanish tax number (NIE). CRUCIAL UPDATE: The real estate Golden Visa was officially ABOLISHED on 3 April 2025 under Organic Law 1/2025. While buying property remains fully legal, it no longer grants a residency permit. Alternative residency pathways include the Non-Lucrative Visa (~EUR 28,800/year passive income) and the Digital Nomad Visa (~EUR 2,849/month). Prime markets include Costa del Sol (Marbella/Benahavis), Balearics, Madrid, and Barcelona.