Spain Explained

The news that you are due to inherit a property in Spain may be a surprise or you might have known for a while. What you may be unaware of, however, is how to proceed to ensure that you really are the legal owner and how to pay the mandatory taxes. This article provides a […]

Many people are unaware that there are significant differences in the way that the inheritance process works when transferring a property to your spouse in Spain. In this article we outline what you should know and how you might prepare. For many people, owning a property in Spain is a dream come true. The purchase […]

Talking about the Spanish inheritance process isn’t easy. Many people will try to avoid the discussion and, it’s understandable. However, avoiding it isn’t the answer. If you have property in Spain at some point in the future it will be transferred either through donation or inheritance. It’s most important that you take the initiative, explore […]

Congratulations on owning a property in Spain! You might now have some ideas for how you would like to improve it. There are lots of options, but you must also be aware of what the legal implications are. In this article we explain what licences you must have and the implications.   It’s natural that […]

When thinking in having things tied up for the future of your love ones, most people make a will to prepare the inheritance for when they die. They want to ensure that they help the people they love by bequeathing their assets to them. However, the inheritance process in Spain is not the same as […]

If you own a property in Spain but are not a resident here, then the prospect of squatters may be a worry. The okupa movement has gained ground here and there are stories of people moving into unoccupied properties. So, how can you protect your property from squatters in Spain and what can you do […]

People with a house to sell and those thinking of buying shouldn’t expect the same level of slump within the housing market post COVID as there was in 2008. The situation is proving to be quite different with some types of housing more, not less, in demand than before. It’s still a bitter memory. The […]

Someone wants to buy your property! It’s a great feeling when you can set the conveyancing process in motion. But have you got everything in place so that you can sell a property in Spain without a hold-up? If you have had building work done on your house you might discover that the sale will […]

Last updated on October 1st, 2020 at 04:06 pmAs the transition period draws to a close details have been released by the Spanish government of the new identity card to validate residency for those UK nationals who live in Spain. In this article we explain what the TIE card in Spain is and what you […]

You might have signed a Spanish will some time ago and think that it is now arranged. Indeed, your will is still in place and perfectly valid, but it is important to have its content and wording checked from time to time to ensure that it is in line with the latest law updates so […]

If you’re selling your property in Spain there are several costs and taxes you have to consider. Some, you’re likely to have heard of before, like capital gains tax or stamp duty. Others, however, are taxes specific to Spain that you may be less familiar with. One such charge is the plusvalía tax. In this […]

There are many obvious reasons to think about moving to Spain from the UK. Counting excellent weather, famously good cuisine and a wonderfully relaxed pace of life, it is easy to see why it is the choice for so many. Over the course of this article, we give some practical guidance on making the move […]

Last updated on July 16th, 2020 at 12:24 pmAre you thinking about living in Spain but not needing to work because you have your own financial means? If yes, the Spanish non-lucrative visa is your visa. What is the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa? A non-lucrative residence visa entitles the applicant to reside in Spain while not […]

Double tax treaties are agreements made between two states to determine the rights of nationals living in the respective countries. For instance, a double tax treaty determines the taxation regime for people who have assets located in one country but are resident in the other. In the case of the UK-Spain double tax treaty, the […]

As you may already know, Alicante is a historic Mediterranean city on Spain’s Costa Blanca. It gained prosperity during the 13th century and became an important port for Mediterranean goods such as olives, wine and oranges. In the 20th century, Alicante boomed as a tourist haven; people came for its year-round sun, warm sea waters […]

Spain is a wonderful place to own a holiday home, with many people of all nationalities investing in Spanish property. With vibrant culture, outstanding cuisine, and virtually year-round sun, it is no wonder that people are flocking to Spain to secure their Spanish escape. However, as we all know, property comes with responsibility, and income […]

If you are living in Spain, one of the most important documents you will need is a Spanish residency permit. Applying for residency is compulsory if you intend to spend more than three months in the country and is essential for various administrative processes. For example, If you are a pensioner, you will need a […]

Last updated on June 30th, 2020 at 09:27 pmAs a client of Ábaco Taxes you are entitled to a number of ‘extras’. We want to make sure you are getting the full benefit from them. We explain how Abaco Online and our team of tax lawyers can help you keep in touch and informed. Benefits […]

Electricity can be quite an expensive commodity in Spain. In this article we explain how it is possible to reduce your electricity bills and not compromise on comfort.  Electricity in Spain Most people will agree that Spain is a relatively cheap country to live in. Council tax is very reasonable and food and drink can […]

Last updated on June 30th, 2020 at 09:27 pmWhen you are moving between countries, the tax implications of selling your property can be confusing. It’s generated some of the greatest number of questions on our forums. Here we try to answer some of the questions regarding CGT in Spain for you. However, we would like […]

Last updated on July 13th, 2020 at 12:55 pmYour Spanish citizenship will allow you to remain living in Spain permanently, no more the 90-day rule, no more applications for your residency, no more renewals, no more fear of having your Spanish residency removed. And, most importantly, at the end of the process, this will be […]

When was the last time you relaxed? I mean properly relaxed. Switched off your mobile phone, computer, tablet, radio, and just sat still and calmed your mind? The answer to that for most would be “not in a very long time, if ever.” That is why we go through the best Spas in Spain, so […]

In some European countries these days, Easter can pass by almost unnoticed – except for the Easter eggs. Not so in Spain. Easter celebrations in Spain are very important and it’s well-worth understanding more about the religious and not-so-religious traditions.   Easter celebrations in Spain  Spanish people really know how to mark an occasion. What often […]

You see the distinctive green cross of the farmacia (chemists) dotted around the towns and suburbs of Spain. Pharmacies in Spain offer perhaps more than you would expect and function in ways you might not be used to. Pharmacies in Spain Whether it is for the occasional pain killer or for a regular, essential medication, […]

If you like visiting different parts of Spain then travelling by rail can be a good option. In this article we give some general advice about the Spanish railroad and the different types of Spanish trains and provide an opinion on travelling by AVE to Madrid.  Spanish railroad If you enjoy discovering Spain then you’re […]