Spain Explained

A guide for foreigners on every aspect of safe property ownership in Spain

Posts filtered by Life in Spain

Private health insurance in Spain for expats: what you need to know

If you’re planning to move to Spain, whether to retire, work remotely, or buy a property, private health insurance is one of the first things you’ll need to arrange. Spanish immigration law requires most non-EU citizens to hold qualifying private health cover as a condition of their visa or residency permit, and getting it wrong […]

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Should I stay or should I go?

Beautiful Couple

How many years have you lived in Spain? And how have your feelings changed over the years? We look at making that one final decision about where you will spend your final years. It’s a difficult decision to make but don’t put it off too long  Think carefully about future planning if you decide to […]

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Up, up and up again

Housing Market Increase

Whatever has been happening in the world at large, it looks as though the Spanish property market is still a popular choice with house prices continuing to increase. Between January and March 2026, house prices have risen by 3.2% The Valencian Community continues to be the second highest region to grow Spain has risen notably […]

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EES rules in Spain: what property owners need to know in 2026

The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) has been live at Spanish airports since October 2025 and will be fully operational across all border crossings by April 2026. For non-EU nationals who own, or plan to buy, property in Spain.  This new biometric border control system brings a fundamental change: the 90/180-day rule is now digitally enforced, […]

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10 tips for renting a car in Spain

Car Rental - Tips For Renting a Car

Renting a car in Spain is a great way of getting around and seeing more of the country. If you have your own property then it helps you catch up on those jobs you routinely have to do as well as making the most of your stay when you’re out here. However, there are some […]

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How to greet people in Spain

How to greet people in Spain

We take it for granted- the ways in which we say hello to new and known people. Every country has its custom and getting it wrong can be both awkward and embarrassing. So, whether you’re new to Spain or still finding it confusing – here is our guide to getting it right. Spanish greeting protocol […]

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Who’s buying and where in Spain

The Spanish Notaries Association has released housing purchase figures for 2025. Although house prices are still on the increase and the market is buoyant, there are some trends emerging in the profile of who is buying and where. In 2025 there were 138,254 property purchases made in Spain by a foreign buyer. This is just […]

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Making the most of your campervan – legally

Have you always had the desire to travel? Spain has so many interesting and varied places to visit and a campervan is a flexible way to reach and enjoy them. So, why not carry your home on your back?    Around Torrevieja you can see them parked up on the coast and in larger car […]

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How to be polite in Spain

Every culture has its differences when it comes to being polite and general etiquette. In this article we give you some basic guidelines as to how you should treat others and can expect to be treated. Have you ever been surprised by the abruptness of a phone call greeting or equally impressed by the politeness […]

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Good news for property buyers in the Valencia Region

Spanish Property Tax

If you are thinking of purchasing a Spanish property then you could be in luck. From June 1st 2026 buying a home in the Valencia Region (Alicante, Valencia and Castellón) will be a little cheaper due to a reduction in property transfer tax and stamp duty. When buying a property we all appreciate an opportunity […]

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IBI in Spain: what is it and who pays?

Spanish tax forms

You’re probably used to paying some form of tax for your property at home, so the IBI in Spain property tax won’t come as a total surprise if you’re thinking about buying a Spanish property. More or less every country has a procedure for collecting taxes to pay for the local infrastructure. Every day we are […]

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Your Digital Key to Spain: Why You Need a Digital Certificate and How Ábaco Advisers Can Help

In today’s increasingly digital world, having secure and efficient access to public services is no longer a luxury—it’s essential. If you are a foreign resident or non-resident with interests in Spain—whether you own property, pay taxes, or simply need to manage official paperwork—a Digital Certificate (Certificado Digital) is one of the smartest tools you can […]

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Have you got an unregulated funeral plan?

Last updated on January 19th, 2026 at 03:24 pm. 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. […]

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Applying to live in Spain as a Digital Nomad

Digital Nomad Visa

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 […]

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The Non-Lucrative Visa explained

Non Lucrative Visa

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 […]

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From holiday home to permanent residence in Spain

permanent residence in spain

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 […]

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New year, new look!

Building Licenses

Last updated on December 29th, 2025 at 09:16 am. Thinking about improvements or extensions to your property? We outline what you need to know.   As we begin 2026, 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 […]

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Foreign bank account: can expats in Spain use it to pay bills?

foreign bank account

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 […]

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Planning your financial future as a couple

Partners

Last updated on May 30th, 2025 at 09:21 am. 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 […]

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Understanding the Spanish bank system

bank system

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 […]

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The best places to live in Spain for families

best places to live in Spain for families

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 […]

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Making the most of the Spanish Nightlife

Spanish nightlife

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 […]

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A drive to Spain? Prepare with some advice

drive to spain

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 […]

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Why not retire to Spain?

retire to spain

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 […]

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Your guide to becoming an expat in Spain

becoming an expat in spain

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 […]

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