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. We provide our advice for if you have one […]

Do you own a Spanish property? Do you know who you would like to inherit it when you die?  We all understand that making a will is part of the process of ensuring that our assets are passed on to those we love. It isn’t an easy step to take, none of us likes to […]

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 […]

Purchasing a home is undoubtedly one of the most significant and expensive decisions anyone can make in their life. If you’re at that stage and plan to carry out renovations—whether to create extra living space, build a pool, or add a garage—it’s crucial to consult the urban planning certificate of the property before moving forward. […]

Buying a property is one of the most important decisions in anyone’s life. Beyond considering factors such as price, location, or condition, there is a crucial element that often doesn’t get the attention it deserves: the legal compliance of the property. Many buyers are unaware of whether the property they are purchasing meets urban planning […]

Thinking about improvements or extensions to your property? We outline what you need to know.   As we begin 2025, 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 also be aware of what the legal implications are. […]

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 origin the rights and obligations of cohabiting couples are […]

Last updated on April 16th, 2025 at 10:22 am. The Comunidad Valenciana implemented new tourist rental regulations on August 2, 2024, under Decreto Ley 9/2024. These changes aim at balancing tourism growth with housing availability and urban planning. Here are the main highlights, enriched by additional perspectives: Key Changes on tourist rental in Valencia License […]

Last updated on November 29th, 2024 at 11:20 am. As you might already know from our previous publications, we can finally speak of a major modification to the inheritance and gift tax which implies an unquestionable improvement for the taxpayers of this tax and which undoubtedly favours and encourages donations in the Valencian Community, thanks […]

As you know, Ábaco offers an inheritance service to complete the necessary formalities when someone dies and has property in Spain. Here, the transfer of ownership is not automatic in the same way that it is in other countries. We understand that Spanish inheritance law can be complex. Our website has numerous articles detailing the […]

We all know how important it is for our own pockets and the environment, to be energy savvy. The energy performance certificate in Spain is one way in which you can check that a property you are buying, or selling, is energy efficient. In this article we explain what it is, how to get one […]

Property in Spain should be registered on the Land Registry or ‘Registro de la Propiedad’. This is an official record of who the owners are and contains other important pieces of information. But what is the purpose of this register and how does it work in practice? The Registro de la propiedad or Land Registry […]

Last updated on February 1st, 2024 at 02:16 pm. Not all countries have a notary to verify documents as they do in Spain. Here the Spanish notary is a very much respected individual whose office carries a clearly recognised ‘Notary’ sign and who trains for several additional years to qualify for the title. Most people […]

¿There are any estate agent regulations? Until recently, there was no official regulation required for estate agents in Spain. Now this is changing in some regions. In this article we explain what the new expectations will be, how your local agent will be held accountable and what this means for buyers and sellers. Estate agents […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

When property is transferred from one person to another in Spain there is a tax to pay. From January 2022, inheritance, donation and transfer tax, will all be affected by the new ‘reference value’ in Spain, in Spanish it is called Valor de Referencia. If you have property in Spain or are considering buying somewhere, […]