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 […]

Last updated on October 16th, 2025 at 11:28 pm. October 12th is the date when the new Entry/ Exit System (EES) will begin to operate. This is the new form of border check for non-EU residents who enter the Schengen Area. What will this mean for non-EU nationals living in Spain, non-residents and tourists? It’s […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 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 […]

Spain has a reputation for hosting some of the most extravagant, bizarre and creative festivals across the course of the whole year. We can’t begin to detail every one of the opportunities for joining in with Spanish festivities, but the good news is that nearly every month you’ll find something to celebrate.   From Coruña […]

Of course, it’s not only dog owners who want to know what is and isn’t allowed in Spain. Anyone spending time here is affected by the way in which others look after, or not, their dogs in Spain. Barking dogs, dangerous dogs, dog mess left on the pavements have an impact on everyone. In this […]

Perhaps you’ve always planned to retire to Spain or maybe it’s crept up on you after years of visiting on holiday. The desire to live in another country is something that many people experience, but, what is it actually like to live in Spain as a foreigner and is it right for you?    If […]

The permanent home, for most people, is the largest capital asset that they own. When income is limited, perhaps due to a static pension and increasing expenses, people can turn to ‘equity release’ and opt to sell their property whilst still having the option of living there. What are the pros and cons of freeing […]

You would think with its record for sunny days that Spain would be one of the world leaders in solar power. But in fact, it’s wind power where Spain is leading the way. In this article we introduce you to the ways in which Spain is looking creatively at its energy sources and how you […]

Last updated on October 24th, 2022 at 12:28 pm. It’s one of the trademarks of Spain. A large dish of finely sliced ham served at any meal and at any time of year. There are few people could claim to dislike this traditional delicacy but an equally small number are aware of the full language […]

It’s always good to know that you’ve helped people achieve their dreams. At Ábaco we are lucky to often have the opportunity to provide the legal knowledge and assistance to do just that. Usually this is when it comes to assisting people in buying their Spanish home. But on 25th February we were delighted to […]