Spain Explained

It’s a familiar wish. You buy a property in Spain to enjoy initially for your holidays, but there’s the barely concealed ambition to eventually make it your forever home, your permanent residence. If, when the opportunity arises, this is still your dream, how can you make it a reality? The children have grown up and […]

Thinking about improvements or extensions to your property? We outline what you need to know.   As we begin 2025, many homeowners may be considering property improvements—whether it’s adding a pool, updating a kitchen, or enclosing a terrace. While these changes can add value, you must also be aware of what the legal implications are. […]

Managing finances as an expat in Spain can seem daunting, especially when dealing with local banking requirements and utilities. A common question among expats is whether it’s possible to pay bills directly from a foreign bank account. Here’s what you need to know. Utility bills and a foreign bank account Expats in Spain can use […]

Nowadays, it is increasingly common to see couples who, although they live together and are happy, choose not to formalize their relationship legally. For many of these couples, commitment does not necessarily involve signing a contract or a legal document, either because in their countries of origin the rights and obligations of cohabiting couples are […]

The Comunidad Valenciana implemented new tourist rental regulations on August 2, 2024, under Decreto Ley 9/2024. These changes aim at balancing tourism growth with housing availability and urban planning. Here are the main highlights, enriched by additional perspectives: Key Changes on tourist rental in Valencia License Limits per Zone: local councils now have the authority […]

Purchasing property in a foreign country can be an exciting yet complex process. Spain, known for its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and favorable climate, attracts numerous foreign buyers. However, with the increasing reliance on the internet, ensuring cybersecurity during your property purchase is crucial. This article provides advice on safeguarding your financial and personal information […]

If you are a resident living in the Valencian region of Spain and must present an annual Renta tax declaration to the Spanish tax office then we have some good news for you. Thanks to the tax deductions in Spain the number of expenses that you can claim against your income has just increased. So, […]

Last updated on May 30th, 2024 at 12:27 pm. Whether you have a non-resident or a resident bank account in Spain, you will notice that there are differences between your Spanish bank and the banking system you’ve been used to. Understanding the Spanish bank system is essential for making informed decisions. In this article we […]

Last updated on November 29th, 2024 at 11:20 am. As you might already know from our previous publications, we can finally speak of a major modification to the inheritance and gift tax which implies an unquestionable improvement for the taxpayers of this tax and which undoubtedly favours and encourages donations in the Valencian Community, thanks […]

As you know, Ábaco offers an inheritance service to complete the necessary formalities when someone dies and has property in Spain. Here, the transfer of ownership is not automatic in the same way that it is in other countries. We understand that Spanish inheritance law can be complex. Our website has numerous articles detailing the […]

We all know how important it is for our own pockets and the environment, to be energy savvy. The energy performance certificate in Spain is one way in which you can check that a property you are buying, or selling, is energy efficient. In this article we explain what it is, how to get one […]

Property in Spain should be registered on the Land Registry or ‘Registro de la Propiedad’. This is an official record of who the owners are and contains other important pieces of information. But what is the purpose of this register and how does it work in practice? The Registro de la propiedad or Land Registry […]

Last updated on February 1st, 2024 at 02:16 pm. Not all countries have a notary to verify documents as they do in Spain. Here the Spanish notary is a very much respected individual whose office carries a clearly recognised ‘Notary’ sign and who trains for several additional years to qualify for the title. Most people […]

¿There are any estate agent regulations? Until recently, there was no official regulation required for estate agents in Spain. Now this is changing in some regions. In this article we explain what the new expectations will be, how your local agent will be held accountable and what this means for buyers and sellers. Estate agents […]

Many people choose to live in Spain when they retire. However, increasingly families are aspiring to move to the sun and enjoy the very special style of family life you can experience here. It’s not without its hurdles but for those who have made it successfully there can be no turning back. In this article […]

It usually takes most Europeans a little time to get used to the fact that at 10.00 or 11.00 in the evening Spaniards are only just coming out to play. The pace of life is different here, Spanish Nightlife is only just starting when many of us would be in our pyjamas in our home […]

Last updated on October 2nd, 2024 at 04:42 pm. Given the choice, most of us would opt to fly into Spain. It’s usually quick, relatively easy and you can sit back on the plane and relax – provided you’re not travelling with a two-year old that is! But what if you need your car in […]

It’s a time that people look forward to. The time when they no longer have to jump to the alarm and can wake up at their leisure and set the agenda for the day. But what if you want more from your retirement?  The answer could be to retire to Spain. Retirement may be much […]

Last updated on March 27th, 2024 at 05:00 pm. The NIE is essential for any major transaction you wish to carry out in Spain. It is your tax number and you will need it for buying a house, car, or even collecting your mail on occasions. In this article we explain in more detail about […]

As you gaze into the estate agents’ window it’s easy to forget that the price you are seeing there is only part of the overall cost to you. It’s important that you take into account the additional fees that will come your way. In this article we outline what buying property in Spain costs overall. […]

If you are from a non-EU country citizen thinking of entering in Spain or staying for more than 90 days, you will need a Spanish Schengen visa. The questions is: Will everybody need a Spanish Schengen visa? Let’s review everything. What is a Schengen visa This kind of visa is only issued for citizens of […]

Last updated on April 19th, 2023 at 02:57 pm. Everyone likes a bargain and it’s true to say that Spanish property is well-priced in comparison with many other countries. However, there are big differences when it comes to different areas. In this article we look to different areas of the country to find the cheapest […]

Last updated on April 19th, 2023 at 02:57 pm. Are you thinking of becoming an expat in Spain? You might be on the verge of retirement and wanting a fresh start somewhere warm and sunny. Perhaps you are a remote worker who would enjoy the Spanish lifestyle of outdoor living and fiestas. Spain has many […]

Last updated on April 19th, 2023 at 02:59 pm. No matter whether you are from an EU country or a non-EU country, you will need to apply for a Spain residence permit to live in Spain long-term (more than 90 days). The way to apply for residency will be different depending on the country of […]

The past few years have had their ups and downs but where are we now when it comes to Spanish property prices? In this article we look at the trends and consider whether it’s a good time to buy property in Spain. Spain, like most European countries, is feeling the pinch. There are expectations that […]