Leaving Spain – What do you need to know and do? We have recently been asked what someone should do if they are moving back to their home country from living in Spain? If you are selling your property, what will you need to pay out as a seller? 1) Plusvalia – every seller has to pay a tax based... Read more »
Fallas Festival in Alicante
The Fallas Fiestas in Alicante consist of lights, gunpowder, flowers, traditional costumes, music, and a great deal of fun and partying, all part of a unique event known as the Fallas Fiestas. Valencia celebrates each year the final days of the Winter and the arrival of Spring with spectacular fires and pyrotechnics. From March 15 to 19 (the feast of Saint Joseph,... Read more »
What is the Spanish Probate process?
What is the Spanish Probate process? A loved one has died or you have inherited assets in Spain? What do you do? We are able to deal with Inheritance and Probate in Spain. It is a fact of life that the day will arrive when you will have to deal with a probate. Probates are always complicated, whether in Spain... Read more »
Carrying Documents with you: Useful infomation
We were recently asked a question and I felt it would be useful to place here? Could you please inform me as to what identification documents are required to be carried on one´s person under Spanish law. I ask this question where a non driver and non passport holder would not normally possess photographic identification. Everyone in Spain must carry... Read more »
Top 10 Issues for Expats Living or Owning a Property in Spain.
If you are looking to enjoy a permanent or non-permanent life in Spain, we recommend you follow this advice below:- 1) Apply for a NIE number (identification number for foreigners). You will need it to buy a property, car, setting up a bank account, get a new mobile phone etc. 2) Advice before buying a property: – Find a Representative... Read more »
The Spanish Civil War – What a difference from 50 years ago.
How much do you know about the Spanish Civil War? It started in July 1936 and finished in April of 1939? At least 500,000 to 1 million people perished during this time, and it was considered a dress rehearsal for World War II. The war originally started because of the political divide between the two main parties; the Republicans and... Read more »
Pareja De Hecho
The concept of a ‘Common Law’ marriage or relationship in Spain, is still relatively recent by Spanish standards. These days of course it is much more popular for couples to co-habit without the intention of even getting married – including same-sex couples – and under these circumstances many people choose to put their relationship on a more secure, practical and... Read more »
NIE Number, Residencia, TIE & Padron
NIE Number in Spain All foreigners with any kind of fiscal (tax) obligations here in Spain are required to obtain a foreigner’s identity number. This document is called an NIE (“Número de Identificación para Extranjero”). The NIE number identifies you to the Spanish tax authorities. This is very similar to the National Insurance number which you have in your own... Read more »
Buying a property in Spain and the Costs
1 Define your needs! So, you´re ready to buy in Spain. This is where the fun really begins. Whether or not you are familiar with the area, you need to get yourself over here, look around and decide what type of property you want. 2 Begin the search! Talk to an agent you trust and feel comfortable with and they... Read more »
Travel Advice in Spain
Apply for a free European Health Insurance Card to be able to access emergency medical treatment if non resident: www.ehic.org.uk or www.ehic.ie Buy travel insurance to help cover unexpected costs e.g. medical bills, stolen belongings etc. Take enough medication and money to cover any unforeseen extended stays or emergencies. Don’t keep all money & credit cards together. Keep a photocopy... Read more »