+34 958 63 01 14 [email protected]

NIE, Residency cards and TIE

Brexit is now a reality and leaves three types of identity documents used for the identification of citizens in Spain: NIE Residence card TIE   What are the differences between them?     NIE (Número de identidad de extranjero) is a foreigner identification number...

Health Care Spain – Entitlement

Since the law 16/2012 dated 20 April came into force in Spain (Law of urgent measures to ensure the sustainability of the national health system) many things have changed regarding the requirements for accessing the Spanish public health care system.

Social-Security Aid for Pregnancy in Spain

Pregnant women, resident in Spain and registered in the Spanish social security, are entitled to a series of benefits depending on their particular situation. There are also additional benefits depending on the autonomous community in which you are resident.

Starting a Business in Spain

The report Doing Business 2014, published by The World Bank put Spain at rank 142 in the ease of starting a business, with an average of 23 days for the time to create a company (a very long time if we compare with other EU economies)

School Admission in Spain

In Spain, the education system is regulated by the LOE or Ley Organica de Education. This law states the major principles and requirements for running the system. Nevertheless the implementation of these principles is delegated to the different autonomous regions resulting in many differences in the day-to-day functioning of schools.

What is the process of buying a property in Spain?

As we have previously mentioned, historically, the property market in Spain was slow. We did not have the tradition of moving house often and trading up to a bigger property, which meant that property inflation was very low. Our inheritance laws meant that property...

How can I set up a company?

Any person or legal entity has the right to form a limited company as a founder member. The society of limited responsibility is formed by the members with a public deed, certified by a Notary. The information that the constitution has to contain: The formal identity...

Is it advisable to set up a company in Spain?

As in the UK the decision to form a company will depend on various factors such as turnover, risk etc. As in the UK a member of the company enjoys limited liability, however, unlike the UK formation costs are high and this requires careful consideration.

Can I get divorced in Spain?

Yes. In accordance to Spanish law, the Spanish Courts and Tribunals are competent in matters of personal and patrimonial relations between couples, marriage annulment, separation and divorce, when both parties reside in Spain, or at least one, at the time of placing...

Litigation

While all cases are different, the process of litigation in Spain can be slow and expensive and where possible, we try to negotiate and settle disputes out of court. If you have any doubts in this respect please do not hesitate to contact us so that we can study the...

What documents must I have in the car?

Driving licence (the Driving Regulations in Spain allow Non-Residents to drive in Spain on a foreign driving licence for a maximum period of 6 months in a year). Insurance policy (original documentation) and payment receipt. Registration documents. Road Tax receipt...

How easy is it to get a mortgage in Spain?

If you decided to take out a mortgage in Spain, Velasco Lawyers will help you look for the best deal by contacting several banks in the area. In Spain there are good mortgage rates and some banks have special products designed for non-resident borrowers. We may have...

Is it really necessary to have a Spanish Will?

Yes, because if you haven’t already done so you run the risk of your heirs losing their rights to your assets if they do not claim their inheritance in time, or if your last Will and testament do not appear in the Central Registry of Wills in Madrid. Under Art. 9.8 of...

Am I liable for Inheritance or gift taxes?

Yes, you are. Generally, foreign people will only pay inheritance tax on the assets left in Spain. Be aware, however, that the estate value may also have to be included in deceased person’s estate in their home country, with any tax paid in Spain reducing that...

What inheritance Tax planning should I be considering?

There are several ways in which tax can be mitigated by tax planning. As circumstances vary, it would be prudent to seek the advice of our firm. In the case of a husband and wife, they may be able to take advantage of the 95% deduction applicable to the principle...

What is a NIE and where do I get it?

A NIE is a Numero Identificacion de Extranjero or a foreigner’s identification number. You must have one of these to buy any property or a car in Spain. It is relatively easy to obtain but the process can be long as you have to go to the foreigners department of the...

Do I need to come to Spain to sign any papers?

There is no reason for you to come to Spain to sign anything if you give your Lawyer a Power of Attorney. The POA can be sent to you in England and once signed and given an apostille, it can be used for the signing of public documents.

Is it really necessary to sign over a Power of Attorney?

You do not have to sign a POA but it is strongly advisable to do so. You may believe that you will be able to travel to sign the deeds for your new property, but there is always the unforeseen: Your money may not arrive in time, your plane may be delayed, the vendor...

What is a Notary?

A Notary Public is the person whose signature and stamp make statements legal. He will not certify that the said statements are true, only that the people signing the statements agree to them and therefore it is official. Once he signs a document then it is stored in...

When I sell what are the Capital Gains Tax implications?

Fiscal residents over 65 years of age and who have lived in the property for more than 3 years are not subject at all to capital gains tax when they sell the property. Residents and non-residents, including those over 65 years of age, living in the property for less...

Do I really need insurance?

Yes, this is an area often overlooked by some buyers. Once the property is purchased then it is prudent to find insurance from a reputable company at the best price. At Velasco Lawyer we can help you find quotations.