Spain Explained

Last updated on March 19th, 2020 at 03:14 pm. When you first buy a Spanish property with your partner, husband, wife or even friend, you have no idea what might happen in the future. In the excitement of making the purchase your thoughts are to the here and now and not the ‘what might be’. […]

Last updated on May 9th, 2020 at 04:20 pm. Last year around this time, there was great consternation amongst many foreigners living in Spain. The requirement to complete the 720 asset declaration form really shook the community. In case you are blissfully unaware, the 720 is a form on which foreigners living in Spain must […]

Last updated on March 17th, 2020 at 05:40 pm. The 3% retention is the amount that is kept back by the Spanish Tax Authority after the sale of a property by a non-resident. It is used to pay the Spanish Capital Gains Tax and ensures that funds remain available. Ábaco sometimes receive notifications from the […]

Last updated on September 13th, 2019 at 09:10 am.   January is a pretty grim month. It’s cold, Christmas and the New Year celebrations are over and most people are out of money. Some people seem to save enough to make the January sales worth a visit, for the majority, it’s batten down the hatches […]

Last updated on September 13th, 2019 at 09:10 am. Most travel guides and tourist handbooks introduce you to the main attractions of Spain. Barcelona, Madrid, Seville and Granada are covered in depth. They are fascinating places to visit and you could spend weeks exploring them. However, it would be unfair to neglect some of the […]

Last updated on September 13th, 2019 at 09:10 am. The use of the word ‘embargo’ in Spain is a lot more widespread than it is in many other countries. Whereas it’s often associated with a ban on trade between different countries, in Spain it can refer to an action taken against your property or Spanish […]

Last updated on December 29th, 2025 at 09:16 am. Waiting at the airport to greet someone you care about is a wonderful feeling. On December 22nd, it was our turn. My daughter and boyfriend were flying in from Stansted and we took our usual position at the barrier. As the flight was delayed, we had […]

Last updated on September 13th, 2019 at 09:10 am. Wherever you live in the world, it is likely you have heard of the Alhambra in Granada. The only Muslim palace to survive from the Middle Ages, it was originally Al Qal’a al-Hamra which means ‘the red fort’ hardly an inspiring description for such an amazing […]

Last updated on September 13th, 2019 at 09:10 am. I am writing this blog post at Christmas time when the heat is up, at least in terms of present-buying in bulk. However, present-buying  headaches for relatives abroad can happen at any time of the year. There are perhaps two issues for the resident wanting to […]

Last updated on March 19th, 2020 at 03:14 pm. People do find talking about inheritance difficult. It evokes all kinds of emotions and can be a subject we avoid until it is too late. You need to consider carefully whether you make a will in Spain and how you are going to distribute your property […]

Last updated on October 28th, 2019 at 04:31 pm. Once you have a property in Spain, it is likely that you will find some improvements you want to make to it. Perhaps a new patio, a conservatory or a lick of paint.  If you look at an older urbanisation in Spain it can be surprising […]

Last updated on May 9th, 2020 at 04:23 pm. Do you know what you’re getting for Christmas? Is it a present you’ve already asked for, some money, or will it be a surprise? People seem to fall into two groups when it comes to Christmas surprises. Those who seek out their presents, feel the package […]

Last updated on May 9th, 2020 at 04:28 pm. What attracted you to the property you bought in Spain? Was it the number of rooms or the size of the plot? Was it the proximity to local shops and bars or the fact that you have a large patio that takes the sun in the […]

Last updated on March 17th, 2020 at 05:45 pm. I used to love the quiz and games shows of the seventies and eighties. The Generation Game, The Price is Right, Call My Bluff and Blankety Blank were some of my favourites. They were all games you could at least try and join in with, unlike […]

Last updated on September 13th, 2019 at 09:10 am. Most people have heard of Gaudi. It’s one of those names, like Picasso or Dali, that if you know nothing about art or architecture you still have a chance of recognising. If you are visiting Barcelona, there is no doubt that you should pencil into your […]

Last updated on March 17th, 2020 at 05:47 pm. There are probably not many people who wouldn’t feel a sense of fear at finding the Spanish tax man at their door. Even if you’ve declared every penny that you should you can’t help but feel irrationally guilty. They are the kind of official who you […]

Last updated on May 9th, 2020 at 04:31 pm. The Spanish Tax Authority is continuing to target tax evaders and has announced further measures in its fiscal fraud campaign. Over the past few years we have continued to see a number of different strategies being used. Cross-referencing electricity consumption with the Land Registry, the circulation […]

Last updated on September 13th, 2019 at 09:10 am. How are you at book-keeping? People might fall into three book-keeping categories following a request for an invoice: Category 1 answer:  ‘Here is the invoice for the 31st December 2010’ Category 2 answer:  ‘I had an invoice somewhere for that’ Category 3 answer:  ‘What’s an invoice?’ […]

Last updated on March 27th, 2020 at 07:52 pm. What comes to mind when you think about learning the Spanish language? Is it long lists of vocabulary, verbs, conjunctions and unfathomable grammatical rules? Or is it a fun and challenging experience routed in dialogue, speaking and listening? Chances are it’s the first option. Unfortunately, our […]

Last updated on March 17th, 2020 at 05:50 pm. You know that minute when you first realise that your wallet or purse is missing. The shock that runs through you to be replaced by a vague hope that you didn’t bring it with you in the first place. In that second of realisation you’ve already […]

Last updated on March 17th, 2020 at 05:51 pm. Is CCTV surveillance a good or a bad thing? Most people agree that having a watchful eye in our streets and thoroughfares is a good idea. But how far should it go and when does neighbourhood watch become Big Brother? We have become almost blasé to […]

Last updated on September 13th, 2019 at 09:10 am. Many people who move to Spain are unclear about what their health entitlement might be when they arrive. This confusion hasn’t gone unnoticed by the official authorities either. Too many people are using the EHIC, European Health Insurance Card, inappropriately or are simply returning to their […]

Last updated on September 13th, 2019 at 09:10 am. A consultation document was released by the Department of Health (UK) in July 2013. ‘Sustaining Services, ensuring fairness’ is the first steps towards finding ways of balancing the books in relation both to those who enter the UK and look for support and those who leave […]

Last updated on March 2nd, 2023 at 12:38 pm. 2012 was the first year in which the form 720 had to be presented by those residents in Spain with assets abroad. If there have been no changes in your circumstances since you presented your last 720 you will not need to submit a form this […]

Last updated on March 17th, 2020 at 05:53 pm. It’s around 12.00 o’clock on a weekday. The sound of a scooter punctures the peace and quiet that usually characterises our little calle. It happens every day around this time and is followed by the appearance of our young post woman on her bright yellow scooter. […]