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Legal & Tax

Legal & tax guides for Spain

Clear explanations of Spanish property law, taxes, and costs — written for international buyers. NIE numbers, transfer tax, notary fees, annual ownership costs, inheritance tax, and how to avoid the most common legal mistakes.

23 guides

Spanish Residency 2026: TIE Card, Padron and the Step-by-Step Process

13 min

Spanish Residency 2026: TIE Card, Padron and the Step-by-Step Process

Becoming a Spanish resident involves more paperwork than most people expect — but it's manageable if you know the steps. Here's the complete practical guide for EU citizens and UK nationals.

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Spain's Proposed 100% Property Surcharge on Non-EU Buyers: What It Means and Where It Stands

10 min

Spain's Proposed 100% Property Surcharge on Non-EU Buyers: What It Means and Where It Stands

Spain's government proposed a 100% surcharge on property purchases by non-EU, non-resident buyers in early 2025. The measure has stalled in Congress — but it has reshaped the conversation for British and international buyers. Here's what the proposal actually says, its current status, and what buyers should do now.

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EES Entry/Exit System Now Live: What British Property Buyers and Owners Need to Know

9 min

EES Entry/Exit System Now Live: What British Property Buyers and Owners Need to Know

The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) is now operational at Spanish borders. British nationals entering Spain must now provide biometric data at dedicated lanes — and queues at Alicante, Malaga and other airports have extended significantly. Here's what property buyers and owners need to know, and how to minimise disruption.

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Valencia ITP Transfer Tax Drops to 9% in June 2026: Savings for Costa Blanca Buyers

7 min

Valencia ITP Transfer Tax Drops to 9% in June 2026: Savings for Costa Blanca Buyers

The Valencian Community reduced its ITP property transfer tax from 10% to 9% in June 2026. For a €250,000 resale purchase, that's €2,500 in immediate savings. Here's what the change means, who qualifies, and how it affects buyers on the Costa Blanca.

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Spain Ranked #1 Digital Nomad Destination in 2026: What It Means for Remote Workers Buying Property

10 min

Spain Ranked #1 Digital Nomad Destination in 2026: What It Means for Remote Workers Buying Property

Spain has topped the 2026 Digital Nomad Visa Index, beating Portugal and Germany on visa accessibility, tax treatment, cost of living, and lifestyle. For British and Swedish remote workers considering buying on the Costa Blanca, here's what the ranking reflects and what it means for your property decision.

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Spain's Digital Nomad Visa Income Threshold Is Now €2,849/Month — Who Qualifies in 2026?

8 min

Spain's Digital Nomad Visa Income Threshold Is Now €2,849/Month — Who Qualifies in 2026?

Spain updated its Digital Nomad Visa income threshold to €2,849/month in 2026, in line with the revised minimum wage uplift. This guide explains exactly how the threshold is calculated, who qualifies, which income sources count, and what to do if you're slightly below the number.

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Spain's NRU Tourist Rental Registry: What Costa Blanca Property Owners Need to Know in 2026

9 min read

Spain's NRU Tourist Rental Registry: What Costa Blanca Property Owners Need to Know in 2026

Spain's national tourist rental registration system (NRU) requires all holiday rental properties to be registered. For Costa Blanca owners — and buyers considering a rental investment — understanding the NRU system, compliance timeline, and consequences of non-registration is now essential.

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Spain's Ley de Vivienda: What Every Property Investor Needs to Know in 2026

11 min read

Spain's Ley de Vivienda: What Every Property Investor Needs to Know in 2026

Spain's landmark Housing Law (Ley de Vivienda 12/2023) is now fully in force. Most coverage focused on rent caps. What matters for property investors — and what doesn't apply on the Costa Blanca — requires a more precise reading.

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Spain Non-Resident Property Tax (IRNR): The Complete Guide for Foreign Owners in 2026

12 min read

Spain Non-Resident Property Tax (IRNR): The Complete Guide for Foreign Owners in 2026

Every non-resident who owns property in Spain pays annual income tax — even if the property sits empty all year. Here's exactly what you owe, how it's calculated, what you can deduct, and when to file.

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Spanish Inheritance Law: Essential Guide for Foreign Property Owners in 2026

13 min read

Spanish Inheritance Law: Essential Guide for Foreign Property Owners in 2026

Spanish inheritance law is not optional — it applies to your Spanish property regardless of what your UK or Nordic will says. Without proper planning, your heirs could face unexpected tax bills, forced co-ownership with distant relatives, or lengthy legal proceedings. Here's what you need to know.

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Spanish Will: Why Every Property Owner Needs One (and How to Get It)

10 min

Spanish Will: Why Every Property Owner Needs One (and How to Get It)

If you own property in Spain and die without a Spanish will, your heirs face months of delays, double legal costs, and international bureaucracy. Here's why a Spanish will is essential and how to get one in an afternoon.

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Spanish Wealth Tax 2026: What Every Costa Blanca Property Owner Must Know

11 min

Spanish Wealth Tax 2026: What Every Costa Blanca Property Owner Must Know

Spain's Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio applies to non-residents owning Spanish property above €700,000. Here's who pays, how it's calculated, and how the Valencian exemption works.

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Power of Attorney in Spain: Buy Property Without Flying Out

10 min

Power of Attorney in Spain: Buy Property Without Flying Out

Most Costa Blanca property purchases involve a power of attorney at some point. Here's exactly how it works, what it covers, and how to grant one safely from the UK or Sweden.

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IBI Property Tax in Spain: The Annual Tax Every Owner Must Know

11 min

IBI Property Tax in Spain: The Annual Tax Every Owner Must Know

IBI is Spain's annual municipal property tax — and every property owner pays it, resident or not. Here's exactly what it is, how it's calculated, and how to pay it without fines.

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Plusvalía Municipal Tax in Spain: What Sellers Must Know

9 min

Plusvalía Municipal Tax in Spain: What Sellers Must Know

The plusvalía municipal is a tax paid by the seller when a Spanish property changes hands. Here's how it's calculated, who pays it, and how to minimise your liability.

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Spanish Inheritance Tax for Non-Residents: What Property Owners Must Know

10 min

Spanish Inheritance Tax for Non-Residents: What Property Owners Must Know

Inheriting a Spanish property can come with a significant tax bill. A 2015 EU ruling changed everything for non-residents — but planning ahead is still essential.

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Spain's Golden Visa Has Ended: What Are the Alternatives in 2026?

9 min

Spain's Golden Visa Has Ended: What Are the Alternatives in 2026?

Spain's property-based Golden Visa programme ended in April 2025. For non-EU buyers seeking residency through investment, here are the alternatives that remain available.

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Valencia Community Cuts Property Transfer Tax to 9%: What Resale Buyers Save

8 min

Valencia Community Cuts Property Transfer Tax to 9%: What Resale Buyers Save

The Valencia Community has reduced ITP — the tax on resale property purchases — from 10% to 9% from June 2026. On a €300,000 property, that's €3,000 back in your pocket.

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Capital Gains Tax in Spain: What You Pay When You Sell Your Costa Blanca Property

13 min

Capital Gains Tax in Spain: What You Pay When You Sell Your Costa Blanca Property

Selling Spanish property? Capital gains tax (CGT) applies to the profit — but the rate, exemptions, and calculation rules are often misunderstood. Here's the complete guide for 2026.

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The 90-Day Rule: What Costa Blanca Property Owners Need to Know in 2026

12 min

The 90-Day Rule: What Costa Blanca Property Owners Need to Know in 2026

The 90/180-day Schengen rule affects British and some other non-EU property owners. Here's exactly what the rule means, who it applies to, and your options for spending more time in Spain.

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Spanish Inheritance Tax for Property Owners on the Costa Blanca (2026 Guide)

13 min read

Spanish Inheritance Tax for Property Owners on the Costa Blanca (2026 Guide)

If you own property in Spain, Spanish inheritance tax applies — regardless of where you live. We explain the rates, the regional exemptions in Valencia, and the key planning steps to protect your estate.

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NIE Number Spain: The Complete Guide for Property Buyers (2026)

10 min read

NIE Number Spain: The Complete Guide for Property Buyers (2026)

Before you can buy property, open a bank account, or sign any contract in Spain, you need an NIE number. Here is exactly how to get one — whether you apply in Spain or from abroad.

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Spanish Property Taxes Explained: What Owners Need to Know

9 min read

Spanish Property Taxes Explained: What Owners Need to Know

A clear breakdown of the taxes you'll pay when buying, owning, and selling property in Spain — IBI, income tax, plusvalía, and more.

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