expat network
non-lucrative visa

Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa: A Good Option For Those Retiring To Spain

Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa allows non-EU citizens to live in Spain provided they are able to support themselves financially. It is used by those planning to retire to Spain and is an option for British retirees and other people who do not plan to work in Spain now that the UK is no longer a member...

Move or retire to the sun

Can Brits Still Afford To Move Or Retire To The Sun?

Now the UK has left the EU, work permits in Spain are more difficult to obtain and if you plan to retire to Spain you have to get a visa and demonstrate that you can financially support yourself. These more onerous requirements have ended the dreams of those who had planned to move or retire...

renting property in Spain

What You Need To Know Before Renting Property In Spain

There are many advantages to renting rather than buying in Spain and it is worth considering renting initially even if you plan to buy. How do you find a rental property, what are your options and how does the rental process work? Here we set out what you need to know before renting in Spain...

Property in Spain

Buying Property In Spain

Step one is to get your professionals lined up and ready. That should certainly include a lawyer who is independent of the estate agent or developer whose property you are viewing, who is qualified and who is a specialist in property in Spain and land law, known as urbanismo. By Christopher Nye It is also...

Driving In Spain

Driving In Spain

Driving in Spain is allowed on a foreign licence as a visitor but non-EU residents need to exchange for a Spanish licence after six months. What is involved? You will also need to understand what items and documentation you need to carry in the car with you and what the penalties for traffic violations....

Places of interest

Getting To Know Malaga The City, Part 3 – Places Of Interest

In Malaga there are many things to do… A place that blends history, nature, culture, art, sports and leisure with great dining experiences. Malaka, as it was known in the olden days was thought to first be inhabited by the Phoenicians since the century VIII B.C. using the natural port on the foothill of Gibralfaro...

Malaga the city

Getting To Know Malaga The City. Part 2 – The Experience

Malaga Capital is steeped in history. The area was first discovered some 2,800 years ago by the Phoenicians and has evolved ever since. Here Jason Wild of Marbella Connection looks at the shopping, nightlife, food and drink, festivals and the beaches that continue to attract interest and investment from all over the world. Festivals &...

Customs Regulations

Customs Regulations When Moving To Spain

If you are moving to Spain from another Member State you can move goods freely within the EU, without import duties, commercial restrictions, or customs requirements. However, if you are moving from outside the EU the requirements are more extensive. Documents Required For Entry When moving to Spain, you will need: Prohibited Items In Spain,...

NIE Number

Spanish NIE Number – What Is It And How Do You Get One?

In Spain an NIE Number is essential for a wide range of legal and informal purposes whether you are resident or non-resident.  If you want to buy or rent property, work and many other purposes you will need an NIE number. What is it and how to do you get one? What is an NIE...

register on the padron

How And Why You Should Register On The Padrón

There are a number of requirements when living in Spain including The Padrón.  This gives you access to various services in Spain and here we explain the advantages and how to register on The Padrón. The Padrón is a Municipal Civil Register on which every resident must be registered. It is a legal obligation to...

Technology layoffs in Spain

Record Technology Layoffs In Spain. What About Foreign Employees?

The technology labor market in Spain is at a time of high demand, with over 120,000 vacancies to be filled according to data from DigitalES (software development, AI, Cloud, cybersecurity, Big Data, are some of the most prominent). Technology companies are still hiring more foreign staff, allowing Spain to consolidate as a digital talent Hub...

Customs Requirements For Entry To Spain

Visitors taking up residence in Spain may import household goods and furnishings and personal effects free from duty and VAT if the items have been used for at least sixmonths for a citizen of a non-EU country. They must have a certificate of change of residence issued by the shipper’s Embassy/Consulate at origin, stating that...