Residence permits in Spain for EU and non-EU citizens

In Spain, there are two main types of residence permits:

• residence for EU citizens and their family members
• residence for non-EU nationals

These procedures are separate from obtaining the NIE number in Spain.

EU residence in Spain

Residence applications for EU/EEA citizens or their family members are usually simpler and require less documentation. In many cases, the process can be completed within approximately one week.

Non-EU residence in Spain

Residence permits for non-EU nationals are more complex and require more documentation, often in original form and duly legalised or apostilled in the country of origin.

In most cases, this type of residence must be applied for from the applicant’s country of origin before entering Spain.

It is essential to identify the correct type of residence permit according to the reason for living in Spain, such as:

• studies
• employment
• investment
• family reunification
• other legal grounds

British citizens after Brexit

British citizens generally need to apply for the relevant visa through the Spanish Consulate in their country of residence, as many visas cannot be processed once already in Spain.

NIE number in Spain

In both residence procedures, an NIE is assigned.

The NIE is required for many legal and financial procedures in Spain, including:

• paying taxes
• buying property
• opening a bank account
• utility contracts
• vehicle registration

It is issued on an A4 certificate and does not, by itself, prove residence status.

Tax NIE in Spain

We also arrange Tax NIE numbers in Spain, which are often necessary not only for tax purposes but also for signing public deeds before a Spanish notary, including:

• property purchases
• inheritance acceptance
• company incorporation
• other notarial acts

This type of NIE can often be obtained on the same day and does not require a prior appointment.

Access to public healthcare in Spain for foreign residents

If you are a foreign resident in Spain, once your legal residence has been approved, you may be entitled to full access to the Spanish public healthcare system, including:

• general medical care
• specialist consultations
• surgery
• hospital treatment

subject to the conditions established by the National Health System.

Experts in public healthcare registration in Spain

We specialise in arranging access to public healthcare for foreign residents in Spain and manage the procedure efficiently and quickly.

Our team is familiar with both the legal rules and the administrative process, allowing us to handle every step so that you can obtain your health card as quickly and easily as possible.

Help for British citizens and other foreign residents

Whether you are a British citizen living in Spain after Brexit or a resident from another country, we can help you register with the Spanish public healthcare system.

We handle the whole process

We take care of the administrative procedure so that you do not have to deal with paperwork or uncertainty.

Property conveyancing in Spain for foreign buyers and sellers

If you are planning to buy or sell a property in Spain, whether as a resident or non-resident, we offer a complete property conveyancing service in Spain to ensure that the transaction is carried out safely from beginning to end.

Our property services in Spain include Legal checks

We verify that the property is free from:

• charges
• debts
• embargoes
• registry issues
• urban planning irregularities

Notary and Land Registry

We ensure that the title deed is signed correctly before the notary and that the property is duly registered in the name of the new owner.

Licences and documentation

We review and obtain all documents necessary to ensure that the new owner will not face future legal or administrative problems.

Taxes and registration

We handle all tax formalities arising from the purchase or sale, including:

• prior calculation of capital gains tax before sale
• tax filing after completion
• Land Registry registration

Representation by Power of Attorney

If the buyer or seller cannot travel to Spain for completion, we can represent them under a power of attorney for:

• signing the title deed
• post-completion procedures
• Land Registry formalities

With extensive experience in Spanish property law for foreign clients, we provide a safe, simple and reliable service.

Wills in Spain: protect your family and avoid future problems

Making a Spanish will is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to make things easier for your heirs.

A will allows you to:

• appoint heirs
• decide how your assets are distributed
• appoint an executor
• choose the applicable law in international successions

A well-prepared will reduces costs, delays and family disputes.

First steps after a death in Spain

After a death, several essential procedures must be carried out in order to begin the inheritance process.

We handle:

• death certificate
• last will certificate
• locating the will
• life insurance certificates

Declaration of heirs in Spain

If there is no will, it is necessary to formally establish who the legal heirs are.

We manage:

• notarial declaration of heirs
• proof of family relationship
• civil status documentation
• procedures for foreign families

Inheritance deed and distribution of the estate

The inheritance deed is the process by which the estate is formally distributed among the heirs.

This includes:

• estate inventory
• valuation of assets
• notarial deed
• transfer of ownership

Inheritance tax filing in Spain

All inheritances in Spain require the filing of inheritance tax returns.

We manage:

• tax calculations
• regional tax reductions
• filing of inheritance tax
• instalment or deferral requests

Inheritance for foreign nationals in Spain

International estates require legal and tax coordination between countries.

We advise on:

• applicable succession law
• international wills
• foreign documents
• apostilles and sworn translations
• tax obligations for non-residents

Sale of inherited property in Spain

Inherited property cannot normally be sold until the inheritance has first been formally accepted and registered.

We assist with:

• regularising pending inheritance matters
• notarial coordination
• taxes prior to sale
• preparation of the property transfer

Pension applications in Spain for residents and foreigners

We manage retirement and pension applications for both Spanish residents and foreign nationals who have worked in Spain or in different countries.

We help with:

• applying for retirement pension
• reviewing contribution periods
• international pension coordination
• filing documents before Social Security

Before applying, we analyse your situation so that you know:

• your estimated pension
• the best retirement date
• possible supplements or complements

Tourist rental licence in Andalusia for holiday homes

If you own a property intended for holiday rental in Andalusia, it must be registered before being marketed.

We manage the full process, including:

• tourist rental licence application
• registration before the Junta de Andalucía
• responsible declaration
• obtaining the registration number
• subsequent tax advice

Avoid penalties and legalise your holiday rental property quickly and safely.

Vehicle registration and driving licence services in Spain

We manage the main traffic and vehicle-related procedures in Spain, especially for foreign clients.

Vehicle registration in Spain

• importation of vehicles
• registration tax
• roadworthiness test and documentation
• Spanish number plates

Transfer of vehicle ownership

• private sale and purchase of vehicles
• traffic authority transfer procedures
• payment of taxes

Driving licence services

• exchange of foreign driving licences
• duplicates in case of loss or theft
• renewals

Digital certificate application and installation in Spain

A digital certificate in Spain allows you to carry out procedures with the Public Administration online.

We assist with:

• application for the digital certificate
• download and installation
• setup on your device
• use for tax and administrative procedures

It is essential for:

• filing taxes online
• checking official notifications
• signing electronic documents

Administrative procedures before Spanish public authorities

We provide support with a wide range of administrative and tax procedures that require professional assistance.

Spanish Tax Agency

We assist with:

• information and replies to tax letters
• tax requirements
• enforced tax collection procedures
• written submissions
• tax regularisation matters

Social Security

We assist with:

• information and replies to official letters
• requirements and notices
• debt claims
• enforcement procedures
• written submissions

Official certificates and documents

• tax residency certificates
• other official certificates

INSS benefits and public aid

• benefit applications
• subsidies and allowances

Contracts and labour matters

• drafting of contracts
• registration and deregistration of domestic employees

Administrative checks

• checking debts with public authorities
• tax and administrative status reviews

We centralise these procedures in order to avoid errors, missed deadlines and unnecessary travel.