Legal advice in Spain

Spain’s national holidays give you plenty of chances to organise your calendar, plan trips and enjoy long weekends.

Illegal occupation, also known as squatting, is one of the biggest fears for any property owner. That's why it's crucial to know the legal status of any property before buying it.

If you’ve found a property on idealista or you’re preparing to buy, reserve, or rent in Spain, the very first document you should secure is your Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE).

Illegal squatting in Spain has taken on a new profile. It is no longer limited to abandoned flats in peripheral neighbourhoods, but now includes villas with swimming pools, holiday homes, and luxury penthouses left vacant for part of the year.

Exploring Spain by car is one of the best ways to discover its sun-drenched beaches, historic towns, and scenic mountain routes. If you hold a UK driving licence, it’s important to understand the rules before you get behind the wheel.

Lawsuits over squatting in Spain broke the trend twice in the second quarter of this year. After a sharp rise in cases during the first months of 2025, the volume of new filings dropped significantly in spring.

A court in Palma has convicted a woman of two offences: illegally occupying a property and installing a 6,000-litre pool on the flat’s terrace, which caused structural damage to the building and put other residents at risk. As a result, the judge ordered the squatter to pay €8,000 in compensation, although the owner estimates the damage to be “in the tens of thousands of euros.”

If you are planning to move to Spain, you should seriously consider becoming a digital nomad.There is no question that the Digital Nomad Visa has become the most sought-after visa in Spain after the demise of the Golden Visa in early 2025.The Digital Nomad Visa (or tax-free visa, as it is

If you’re a foreign national in Spain with a Foreigner Identification Number (NIE by its Spanish acronym) and have recently acquired Spanish citizenship, you may be wondering how to change your NIE to a National Identity Document (or DNI) to update and regularise your administrative status.

If you’re considering moving to Spain for work, you may have come across the term “Beckham Law”. Officially known as the Special Expatriate Tax Regime, this tax scheme allows foreign workers to benefit from a significantly reduced tax rate on their income in Spain.

Lately, there has been a lot of talk and hype in the media regarding a Spanish ruling that opens the way to end tax discrimination against non-residents on filing the annual Non-Resident Imputed Income Tax (NRIIT).

Illegal squatting is no longer limited to homes: private garages have become a new target. An increasing number of owners in major cities are reporting intrusions into their parking spaces, leading to both legal and financial disputes. Although the law provides for penalties and eviction procedures, these processes are often protracted, leaving those affected to resort to temporary solutions.

Spooky October is upon us, and many people are now making plans on where to move next year. Political turmoil is on the rise worldwide, with irresponsible politicians – from both sides of the aisle – fanning the flames of social polarisation in established democracies, with some now on the brin

Traditionally, squatters in Spain have targeted vacant houses or centrally located flats. In recent months, however, the trend appears to have shifted, with a rise in the unlawful occupation of country homes, farmland and even parking spaces.

A family in Girona believed they had finally ended the ordeal of seeing their home occupied. After months of helplessness, they used their own keys to reclaim what was rightfully theirs. But their relief lasted only a few days: a court ordered them to return the property to the squatters, ruling that the repossession had been carried out without judicial authorisation. The case has reignited debate over the legal complexities and perceived absurdities surrounding squatting in Spain.

The Local Police of Almenara (Castellón) have warned residents on social media about a new squatting tactic. Squatters are using deceptive methods to occupy empty homes without immediate detection.Their approach involves adding a padlock and chain or even changing the lock on a vacant property.

Putting up an alarm sign without actually contracting the service can prove very costly. Under the Private Security Law, anyone using the name or logo of a security company without authorisation faces fines of up to €600 per day. Although often used to deter burglars or squatters, this practice amounts to a legal offence for impersonating a company.

Summer brings a rise in demand for air conditioning, but installing units on building façades can clash with neighbourhood rules. While it may seem straightforward, fitting an air conditioner without the homeowners’ association’s consent can create legal issues.

As holiday squatting rises, homeowners are increasingly turning to advanced technology to protect their properties. From smart cameras to smoke-repellent systems, these are the anti-squatter devices gaining popularity in Spanish homes this summer.

Summer is prime time for thieves, with burglaries rising 4.5% in June, July and August. If your home is burgled, you may ask: what does home insurance cover? It’s crucial to understand the difference between burglary and theft, two terms often confused but treated differently by insurers. While both involve loss of belongings, the coverage can vary. We’ll clarify these concepts and answer your key questions about home insurance protection.

If you’re planning to live in Spain for more than 90 days, you will need a TIE card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), which is your foreigner identity card.

Moving house in Spain can be a stressful and time-consuming process. From packing and transporting your belongings to cleaning and settling in, the practicalities of relocating are often just the start.

When you move to Spain, there’s an important checklist of steps to become a fully legal resident.

Tourist taxes, often referred to as sustainable tourism levies or city taxes in Spain, are an increasingly common measure for destinations managing high visitor numbers.

As of 31 July 2025, Spain has officially expanded its parental leave policies, offering more generous support to working families.