What are Military Clearances and when are they required when buying property?
There has been a lot of talk lately about military authorisations in the process of buying property in Galicia, but what are they really and who do they affect?
Military authorisations are permits required by the Ministry of Defence in certain cases to purchase property in areas considered to be of strategic interest for national defence. These areas are usually located near the coast, borders, or in rural areas of special relevance. Although this may seem surprising, it is a regulation in force in Spain that applies to certain locations, including several in Galicia.
Who needs this authorisation?
This permit is only required for foreign buyers who do not belong to the European Union. In other words, it affects nationals of third countries, such as citizens of the United States, China, Russia, United Kindom or South American countries, among others.
However, it may also be compulsory for foreign EU buyers when they purchase property in the name of a company registered outside the European Union. Therefore, it is essential to know all the legal details before starting the purchase process.
Which properties are subject to this authorisation?
In Galicia, the need for this authorisation depends mainly on the location of the property. Some of the most affected areas are areas close to the coast or properties located in strategic areas. These areas are catalogued as being of ‘military interest’ due to their geographical or strategic relevance for national defence.
Therefore, if you are thinking of buying, it is important to verify if the location is within these zones. For this reason, it is key to have a trusted real estate agent who will inform you clearly about these requirements, as we do at Country Homes Group.
Why do these regulations exist?
This legislation has its origins in historical and security reasons. Although it may seem an old-fashioned measure (from the 1970s), it is still in force in Spain to protect areas that are considered strategic from a military point of view. In reality, rather than a barrier, it is simply an administrative procedure to ensure that the purchase complies with legal and security regulations.
What happens if it is not requested?
Without military authorisation, even if the purchase can be notarised, it cannot be registered in the land registry. This means that full legal recognition as the owner will not be obtained, which can lead to problems in the future. It is therefore essential to handle this procedure correctly in order to avoid legal complications.
How can we help you at Country Homes Group?
We know that these types of procedures can seem complicated or intimidating, but at Grupo Country Homes we have experience in managing military authorisations for our clients. We take care of the whole process, from verifying if the property requires authorisation to submitting the necessary documentation and following up with the Ministry of Defence.
So you can focus on enjoying your new property in Galicia, without worrying about the bureaucratic aspects.
If you have any questions about military authorisations or need help with your purchase, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to make the whole process as easy as possible and will be happy to help you.
