Clear answers to common questions

If your question is not here, message us on WhatsApp. These are general answers: every case has details we look at in the consultation.

Our consultation

Do you speak English?

Yes. We assist clients in English as well as Spanish, by phone, WhatsApp, email and in meetings.

Is the first consultation free?

No. The initial consultation is paid (60 €) and lasts about 45 minutes. We study your case and your documents, and you leave with a clear plan. The fee is not deducted from later fees if you instruct us.

I do not live in Spain. Can you help me remotely?

Yes. We can hold the consultation by video call and handle many matters online, by email and WhatsApp. When you need to sign in Spain, we can often arrange it through a power of attorney so you do not have to travel.

Which areas do you cover?

The whole Valencia region: the province of Alicante (Benidorm, Albir, Calpe, Javea, Denia, Alicante city, Elche, Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa…), Valencia and Castellón. You can come to our office in Altea or hold the consultation by video call.

Is there anything you do not handle?

We do not handle company or commercial law (companies, insolvency or business-to-business contracts). Besides our main areas, we handle criminal, employment and social security matters, civil claims and tax matters. If in doubt, ask us on WhatsApp.

How much will my case cost?

It depends on the matter. In the initial consultation we explain how we would work and what our fees would be, so you can decide with all the information and no obligation.

Property

Do I need a lawyer if there is a notary?

The notary certifies the deed and checks it is legal, but does not act for either party and does not review what was signed before, such as the deposit contract. Your lawyer reviews the deal with only your interests in mind.

Do I need an NIE to buy a property in Spain?

Yes. Any foreigner buying property in Spain needs an NIE (foreigner identity number). We can help you get it, including from abroad.

Can I buy or sell without travelling to Spain?

In many cases yes, by granting a power of attorney. It can often be signed before a notary in your country with an apostille. We tell you exactly how.

Can I rent my apartment to tourists?

It depends on the property, the building and the local rules. We check whether your home can be used as a holiday let and help you with the licence and registrations required.

What taxes will I pay when buying?

For a resale home, transfer tax; for a new-build, VAT plus stamp duty. On top of that, notary and Land Registry fees. We give you an estimate in the consultation.

I am a non-resident selling my home. Is there anything special?

Yes. When a non-resident sells, the buyer must withhold 3% of the price and pay it to the tax office on account of the seller's capital gains tax. We explain how to reclaim it if it exceeds what you owe, and the local capital gains tax (plusvalía).

Inheritance

Which law applies to the estate of a foreigner who owned property in Spain?

Under the EU Succession Regulation, as a general rule the law of the country where the deceased was habitually resident applies, unless they chose the law of their nationality in their will. This also applies to British nationals. We look at your case in detail.

Is there a deadline for Spanish inheritance tax?

Yes. As a general rule six months from the date of death, with the option to request an extension within the first five months. The local plusvalía tax on property also has a six-month deadline. Late filing means surcharges.

Do I have to come to Spain to accept the inheritance?

Usually not. You can grant us a power of attorney before a notary in your country, with an apostille, and we sign for you in Spain.

Do I need a Spanish will if I already have one at home?

It is not compulsory, but a Spanish will covering your Spanish assets usually makes the process much faster and cheaper for your heirs. We advise you on how to make it compatible with your will at home.

Can I refuse an inheritance with debts?

Yes. You can renounce it before a notary, or accept it "with benefit of inventory" so that debts are only paid with the estate's assets. Decide before doing anything that could count as acceptance.

Residency & NIE

What is the difference between the NIE and the TIE?

The NIE is your identity number as a foreigner. The TIE is the physical residence card that non-EU residents receive, and it shows your NIE. EU citizens receive a registration certificate instead.

I am an EU citizen moving to Altea. What do I need?

If you will live here for more than three months, you must register with the Central Register of Foreigners and obtain the EU registration certificate. Depending on your situation, you will need to show employment, or sufficient income and health insurance.

I am British. What applies to me now?

UK nationals who were legally resident before 2021 are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement and hold a TIE. Those arriving since then are treated as non-EU citizens and need a visa or permit, such as non-lucrative residence. We look at your specific situation.

How long does it take?

It depends on the procedure and the workload of the immigration office. We will not promise a timeframe that does not depend on us, but we make sure your application is complete so no time is lost on requests for more documents.

My documents are not in Spanish. What should I do?

They usually need an apostille and a sworn translation into Spanish. We tell you exactly which ones.

Evictions

How long does an eviction take in Spain?

It depends on the court, whether the tenant opposes and the circumstances of the case. We will not promise a timeframe that does not depend on us. We do promise not to waste any time on our side and to keep you informed throughout.

Can I change the locks or cut off the electricity?

No. Even though the property is yours, doing so yourself can be a criminal offence in Spain and weaken your position. The property must be recovered through the proper procedure.

Can I claim the unpaid rent?

Yes. In an eviction for non-payment you can claim the rent owed and the rent that falls due until the property is handed back.

I live abroad. Do I need to come to Spain?

In most cases, no. We can hold the consultation by video call and you can grant us a power of attorney to act for you.

Someone has occupied my holiday home. What should I do?

Act quickly. The sooner it is reported and proceedings are started, the better. Message us and we will tell you which route applies depending on how and when the occupation happened.

Divorce & family

Can we divorce in Spain if we married in another country?

In many cases yes, especially if you live in Spain. We check which courts have jurisdiction and which law applies.

What is the difference between an amicable and a contested divorce?

In an amicable divorce you both agree on the divorce and its terms, set out in a settlement agreement. In a contested divorce there is no agreement and the judge decides. Amicable divorces are usually quicker, cheaper and less stressful.

Do we each need our own lawyer?

In an amicable divorce you can share the same lawyer. In a contested divorce each party needs their own.

Can custody or maintenance be changed later?

Yes, when circumstances have changed significantly since the order: income, work schedules, a move or the children's needs.

Tax

I do not live in Spain but own a home here. Do I have to file a tax return?

Yes. Non-residents who own property in Spain must file non-resident income tax, whether the property is rented out or not. You also pay the local property tax (IBI) to the town hall.

I have received a letter from the tax office. How long do I have?

The deadline is stated in the letter itself and is usually short, counted in working days. Send us a photo or copy as soon as possible.

Do you offer monthly bookkeeping for the self-employed?

[PENDIENTE: confirm whether the firm offers ongoing bookkeeping] Either way, we can advise you on registering and on any tax issues that arise.

Tell us what is happening and we will tell you how we can help

Send us a couple of lines on WhatsApp about your matter. We reply during office hours to book your consultation.

Book a consultation on WhatsApp Call +34 644 344 940

Paid initial consultation: 60 €, about 45 minutes, at our office or by video call. No obligation to instruct us afterwards.

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