Spain Explained

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 […]

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 […]

If you want to relocate to Spain permanently, it’s important that you understand how to get Spanish residency.  After all, if you’re going to invest in property, it’s essential that your affairs are in order. For instance, if you live in Spain for 183 days a year, then you’re classed as a resident. Many expat […]

If you’ve bought a property, you’ve likely come across IBI in Spain. This tax is basically Spain’s equivalent of council tax.  Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles, or IBI, is a tax that every property owner in Spain has to pay. Either your local town hall or SUMA offices will collect the payment, which they use to […]

If you’re looking for a tranquil, sun-drenched holiday, then look no further than a casa rural in Spain. After all, it’s not news that the days of the package holiday are well and truly gone. Now, most people prefer to build their dream holiday from scratch. Instead, tourists will book their flights and accommodation separately […]

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 […]

Last updated on March 13th, 2023 at 01:21 pm. What do you do if you have some money to spare and you want a safe return on it? Real estate investment in Spain is a good option if you want to see your money work for you and not sit around in a bank account. […]

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 […]

The Golden Visa in Spain provides non-EU citizens with an opportunity to obtain residency through investment. Spain introduced the Golden Visa scheme in 2012 in order to encourage entrepreneurship, investment, and internationalism. However, the principal aim of the Golden Visa initiative is to stimulate the Spanish economy. By attracting entrepreneurs and investors to the country, […]

Last updated on October 24th, 2024 at 01:35 pm. What could be better than living out one’s twilight years under the Spanish Sun? It is a dream come true for people who are reaching retirement age. The lifestyle, weather, entertainment and relatively cheaper property make retiring to Spain from the UK a very attractive prospect. […]

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 […]

More or less every country has a procedure for collecting taxes to pay for the local infrastructure. Every day we are using facilities that need maintaining and replacing. In Spain, the tax that is charged to pay for these is called IBI. Many of the roads that you drive on, the lights that illuminate them, […]

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 […]

Last updated on November 2nd, 2022 at 05:13 pm. You’ve seen the house of your dreams, made your offer and it’s been accepted. It should all be plain sailing from here? Not necessarily. So much depends upon the owner’s paperwork management and if they’ve kept up with their taxes. So, how long does it take […]

Last updated on October 24th, 2022 at 12:20 pm. With poor interest rates and uncertainty around currencies, people with money to invest can often choose to purchase property to rent in Spain. It can be a good investment that provides you with a return on your capital now and the prospect of a home for […]

When thinking ahead to what will happen to your property in the future you might have considered donating it to your family and those you care about rather than passing it on through inheritance. There are a number of advantages to taking this route and we have supported many people who chose to manage the […]

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 […]

We all enjoy a love story with a happy ending and even more so when you’ve been a part of the proceedings leading up to it.  So, we’re delighted to be able to share a very special journey with a very special outcome – a Costa Blanca wedding that Ábaco had the privilege to be part […]