expat network
Non-Lucrative Visa

A Guide To Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa

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 other people who do not plan to work in Spain. You have to become tax resident in Spain and it can be renewed for up to...

Getting A Social Security Number In Spain

Anyone who works or studies in Spain is required to have a social security number. This number (número de afiliación de la seguridad social) gives you access to the social security services and healthcare in Spain. Social security is generally paid for by the employer. Once you have been entered into the system the number...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

mortgage in spain

Getting A Mortgage In Spain – A Property Buyer’s Guide

Although the Spanish property market and mortgage process may be different from what you are used to at home, it is possible for foreigners and expats to buy and get a mortgage in Spain. However not all banks – and certainly not all mortgage brokers – follow the procedures of the recently regulated mortgage market...

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 &...

Getting To Know Malaga The City: Part 1 – Background And History

The first part of a series of extracts from articles by Jason Wild of The Marbella Connection about the capital of the Costa del Sol in Southerrn Spain… Malaga the City. In these articles Jason will set out the attractions of this wonderful city starting here with some of its history. Written by and published...

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...