Spain Explained

Last updated on March 19th, 2020 at 02:05 pm. Making sure your loved ones benefit from your hard-earned money is a priority for the majority. You can’t take it with you but it’s nice to have control over who you’re leaving it to. For some, ‘gifting’ their property seems like the best option. It means […]

Unfortunately there are less-than-scrupulous builders who will claim they have obtained a building permit on your behalf, when, in fact, they have not. Having the correct building licences is, ultimately, your responsibility. In this article we explain how to make sure your reformed or extended property is legal.

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Last updated on February 19th, 2020 at 01:26 am. Erasmus is a European Union student exchange programme which has built a reputation for being a life-changing and inspirational experience. Not surprisingly, many students want to come to Spain. In this article we consider why and what the benefits are. There are currently more than 4,000 […]

Last updated on February 19th, 2020 at 01:26 am. If you regularly visit Spain during the summer then you really should at least once watch a Moors and Christians parade. This mixture of history, tradition and sheer dressing-up madness is a must for all ages. It can also be a long night ahead if you […]

Last updated on October 28th, 2019 at 04:03 pm. Whether you are able to travel to Spain or not, the power of attorney can make the process of buying a property here a lot easier. In this article we explain what it is and how to go about making one. A power of attorney or […]

Last updated on February 19th, 2020 at 01:27 am. From the homely tapas to the sophisticated Michelin starred restaurant, the food in Spain has something for everyone. If you think of Spanish food, what are the first images that come to mind? It might be garlic, paella, tapas, or the display of hams and cured […]

Last updated on February 19th, 2020 at 01:27 am. Some people think of Torrevieja as just a seaside holiday resort. In the hustle and bustle of the summer season you could be forgiven for this. However, it’s also a town with a history and salt is at its heart. Torrevieja’s population has rocketed in the […]

Last updated on October 28th, 2019 at 04:03 pm. Not everyone selling their property in Spain is leaving the country. There are times when a different type of property, perhaps in a different area, is what’s needed. What should you take into consideration if you’re not only the seller but the buyer too? Emily Clark […]

Last updated on October 28th, 2019 at 04:56 pm. If you are convinced that Spain is your home and you want to take the next step in showing you belong here, you might want to consider becoming a Spanish national. In this article María Wiedemann tells us what it entails. Most people who come to […]

Last updated on February 19th, 2020 at 01:28 am. Most people think of Torrevieja as primarily being a seaside resort. It’s not a package holiday destination as such but, with its prime location on the shores of the Mediterranean, it’s a popular holiday destination for Northern Europeans and Spanish alike. Although this swells business during […]

Last updated on February 19th, 2020 at 01:38 am. This is the fourth article of a series of five articles on Spanish residency for EU and British citizens. David Ruiz of Torrevieja Translations explains the process and what you need to comply.   The table of contents is: Spanish Residency Overview Pensioners Workers Self-employed/business Unemployed Today’s article […]

Last updated on March 19th, 2020 at 02:05 pm. If you have property in Spain you will be keen to ensure that your inheritors are not burdened with a large Spanish inheritance tax bill when you die. Leaving property in Spain brings different tax requirements to what you might be used to in your home […]

Last updated on February 19th, 2020 at 01:39 am. If you buy a property in Spain then you will need to take out insurance. Insurance in Spain works very similarly to that in other European countries, more or less. You pay a Premium and, unless you have to make a claim, that is it. However, […]

Last updated on February 19th, 2020 at 01:39 am. Noisy neighbours, barking dogs, bars and restaurants playing music to the early hours. We’re often asked what can be done about noise in Spain. In this article Marina Lorente from our legal department looks at the issue and the possible actions that can be taken. Spain […]

Last updated on October 28th, 2019 at 04:04 pm. Buying a holiday home in Spain when you retire continues to be a popular option. For Claire a little luck helped her secure the perfect spot to enjoy her free time.   When Claire retired, buying a property in Spain as a holiday home was on […]

Last updated on February 19th, 2020 at 01:34 am. This is the third article of a series of five articles on Spanish residency for EU and British citizens. David Ruiz of Torrevieja Translations explains the process and what you need to comply.   The table of contents is: Spanish Residency Overview Pensioners Workers Self-employed/business Unemployed This article […]

Last updated on February 19th, 2020 at 01:35 am. The number of tourists visiting Spain keeps on rising. In 2015 68.1 million people came to Spain whilst in 2016 the number recorded had reached 71.6 million by November. In this Infograph we can clearly see how the number of tourists visiting Spain over the past […]

Last updated on February 19th, 2020 at 01:36 am. Jamie Oliver certainly caused a storm when he recommended that paella be made with chorizo. Eduardo Simón from the Customer Care Department at Ábaco explains what should and shouldn’t be in this very important Spanish dish.  What conjures up Spain more than a large, colourful paella? […]

Last updated on February 19th, 2020 at 01:36 am. Carnaval, the Spanish spelling of carnival, is quite an event in many parts of Spain. It can also be something of a conundrum if you are not a native of the country. In this article we delve a little into what ‘carnaval’ is all about. It’s […]

Last updated on March 19th, 2020 at 02:05 pm. We have written before about the benefits of donating or ‘gifting’ your assets rather than bequeathing them when you die. ‘Donación de bienes’ is an alternative way of handing over your property which has a number of benefits. Arranging this handover sooner rather than later means […]

Last updated on February 19th, 2020 at 01:38 am. Many people are confused when it comes to what they need to apply for residency in Spain. In this series of four articles, David Ruiz of Torrevieja Translation, explains what the specific requirements are for pensioners. This is the second article of a series of five […]

Last updated on February 19th, 2020 at 01:37 am. Many people are confused when it comes to what they need to apply for residency in Spain. In this series of four articles, David Ruiz of Torrevieja Translation, explains what the general requirements are.   Welcome to the Mini guide to Spanish residency. This is the first […]

Last updated on June 5th, 2020 at 06:16 pm. Like many words, ‘embargoes’ has different connotations in Spain to what it does in the UK. For most British people when you talk about embargoes you picture a prohibition from one country on another. So what does embargo mean? It comes as something of a shock […]

Last updated on September 13th, 2019 at 09:08 am. When Bob Bray first fell in love with Harley Davidsons at eight years old he didn’t envisage that he would be touring Spain on one. Now, he plans to share the varied and marvellous scenery with his wife too. ‘I was in Bognor Regis when I […]