FAQs

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

You will find here concise and practical answers to the most common questions about immigration, property law services and taxes in Spain.

FAQs: Table of Contents

Immigration

Most visas require applying from your country of origin, proof of sufficient financial means, and private health insurance.

Processing usually takes between 3 weeks and 3 months, depending on the visa type and the immigration office workload.

It depends on the visa type. For example:

  • Digital Nomad Visa: You can work for foreign clients. If self-employed, no more than 20% of your income can come from Spanish clients.
  • Entrepreneur Visa: Only allows work related to your approved innovative business project.
  • Job Search Visa: Does not permit work directly; you must apply for a separate work permit once you find a job.

Yes. Spouses, stable partners, and children can usually join you. Parents and siblings may be eligible in exceptional or humanitarian cases.

Yes. Family members of working age can work in Spain without needing a separate work permit.

Most visas are valid for 1 or 2 years and are renewable for additional 2-year periods, as long as the requirements are still met.

You can apply for permanent residency after 5 years of continuous legal residence in Spain.

For some visas, such as the Digital Nomad Visa, you may stay outside of Spain for up to 6 months per year.

You can file an appeal or resubmit a corrected application.

Yes. The Digital Nomad Visa offers a special tax regime: a flat 24% tax rate on income up to €600,000/year if the applicant has not been a Spanish resident in the last 5 years.

Property Law

You can obtain a mortgage from a Spanish bank or international lenders. Setup costs are about 4–5% of the borrowed amount.

On the day of completion, when the keys are handed over.

Common costs include council tax (~€400), non-resident tax (~€500), and community fees (if applicable).

Delays over 4 months allow for compensation claims. If bank guarantees exist, payments will be refunded; otherwise, legal action is needed.

New builds include a 10-year guarantee. Resale property surveys are not mandatory unless specifically requested.

Yes, by granting Power of Attorney to a legal representative.

Sellers must pay Municipal Plusvalía Tax and Capital Gains Tax. A 3% retention of the sale price is withheld and paid to the tax office.

The buyer’s solicitor will manage contract transfers. Sellers must provide proof that all bills are paid.

The buyer pays 3% of the purchase price directly to the Spanish tax office.

It can be in your name, jointly, in your children’s names, or through a company. Legal advice is recommended.

Council tax, non-resident tax, and taxes related to income or capital gains from the property.

Spain has treaties with many countries to avoid double taxation. Legal advisors can clarify your specific case.

Yes, even if you don’t rent out the property, an annual non-resident tax declaration is required.

Taxes

Mainly, if you spend over 183 days a year in Spain or if your main economic interest is here.

Yes, especially for non-residents. Our team manages the entire process remotely.

It’s an informative declaration for Spanish tax residents who hold goods and assets abroad.

Yes, all capital gains from crypto transactions must be declared and are subject to tax.

It is strategic planning to legally reduce tax burdens across multiple jurisdictions.

You risk inspections from the Tax Agency with fines, surcharges, and late-payment interest.

Generally around 30 days after signing the purchase deed, depending on the region.

You may face penalties, interest, or even property embargo from your town hall.

It is the tax form used by non-residents to declare income from Spanish properties, rented or not.

Yes. All rental income must be declared by the property owner.

Due to discrepancies in filings, foreign income, or random selection by the Tax Agency.

Within 25 days after six months from the fiscal year’s end (usually July)

Yes, registration as autónomo is required if you live in Spain and earn independently.

No. If you live in Spain over 183 days, you’re a tax resident and must file accordingly.

It offers a flat tax on Spanish income for eligible foreign workers under strict conditions.

Wills and Inheritance

Yes, a Spanish will simplifies the inheritance process for your heirs and avoids potential conflicts with your home country’s will.

Rates vary by region, the value of assets, and relationship to the deceased. Proper planning can significantly reduce your heirs’ tax burden.