Spain Explained

Do you pay into a funeral plan? Many foreigners living in Spain have a plan that is pre-paid and includes details of how and where they would like their funeral to take place. Recent news has shone light on the vulnerability of some of these plans. We provide our advice for if you have one […]

For more than 25 years, Ábaco has offered empathy, support and emotional help to those who have lost a loved one and are going through the inheritance process in Spain. We consider it to be an important part of our role to accompany you and take the bureaucratic burden off your shoulders. Here we explain […]

Do you own a Spanish property? Do you know who you would like to inherit it when you die?  We all understand that making a will is part of the process of ensuring that our assets are passed on to those we love. It isn’t an easy step to take, none of us likes to […]

If you are working in a remote capacity and for a foreign employer or are self-employed with foreign clients, then you may be eligible to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa (DNV). This is one way in which people of working age who are a national of a country outside the EU can still make […]

If you live in a non-EU country, such as the UK, then you will need a visa to entitle you to live in Spain. There are different options available, one of which is the Non-Lucrative Visa or NLV. In this article we explain who can obtain this and how to get one. The Non-Lucrative Visa […]

Purchasing a home is undoubtedly one of the most significant and expensive decisions anyone can make in their life. If you’re at that stage and plan to carry out renovations—whether to create extra living space, build a pool, or add a garage—it’s crucial to consult the urban planning certificate of the property before moving forward. […]

Buying a property is one of the most important decisions in anyone’s life. Beyond considering factors such as price, location, or condition, there is a crucial element that often doesn’t get the attention it deserves: the legal compliance of the property. Many buyers are unaware of whether the property they are purchasing meets urban planning […]

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 […]

Last updated on April 16th, 2025 at 10:22 am. 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 […]

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 […]

Last updated on February 27th, 2025 at 03:14 pm. 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 […]

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 […]