Legal advice in Spain

The Property Transfer Tax (Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales, or ITP) is the main tax payable when buying a second-hand property in Spain.

If you are buying a home in Spain, start with one question: when does your notary, lawyer or bank need your NIE?That deadline determines whether an appointment in Spain, a consular application or a representative route is realistic.This guide explains how to choose the route, prepare the file and av

Plusvalia tax is a devolved tax levied by the town hall where your property is located. It taxes the increase in value of the land (hence its Spanish namesake, plusvalia, or increase in value).

Tourist taxes, often called sustainable tourism levies or city taxes in Spain, are now part of the standard cost of a trip.

Concerns about smoking in rental properties are common among landlords – largely due to potential damage and persistent odours. Lawyer José Ramón Zurdo, CEO of Agencia Negociadora del Alquiler, confirms that it is entirely legal to prohibit smoking in a tenancy agreement. However, the clause must be clearly stated and precisely worded – ensuring there is no ambiguity, and it may even apply to specific areas within the property.

Congratulations, you are now the proud owner of a Spanish property! It’s understandably a time to be giddy and excited. But has anyone bothered to tell you about the ongoing maintenance costs and taxes of owning a Spanish property?

Rental agreements are set for a fixed term agreed between landlord and tenant, but situations such as illness may force tenants to leave early. The Urban Leases Law (LAU) does not explicitly recognise illness as force majeure, although this does not mean tenants are entirely unprotected if a serious health condition prevents them from continuing to pay rent. In such cases, it is advisable to speak with the landlord, explain the situation and try to reach a written agreement – while also complying with the notice periods required by law.

After a lifetime of paying taxes simply for owning a home, heirs must also pay taxes when inheriting it – specifically the Inheritance and Gift Tax (ISD). This leads many to ask: is it better to donate a property or leave it in your will? In some autonomous communities, inheritance between direct relatives benefits from significant tax reductions, which can make it more advantageous than donation. However, the best option depends on several factors, including the property’s value, the degree of kinship between the parties, and their individual financial and tax circumstances.

Spain’s lower house of parliament has taken the first formal step towards updating the rules that govern communities of property owners, known in Spain as “juntas de propietarios” or “juntas de vecinos”.On Tuesday, 26 May 2026, the Plenary of Congress voted to start debating a bill to update Spain’s

Buying in Spain can feel deceptively straightforward. You find a place you love, agree on a price, sign a few documents at the notary and pick up the keys.

For decades, the phrase Gibraltar tax haven has shaped political debate and cross-border tax planning in southern Spain.

It’s no secret that Spain faces a huge housing problem, which has only been compounding and aggravated over time, with the laws the government has approved in a continued market interventionism, which is backfiring. Spain’s property and rental prices have reached all-time highs.

Spanish Authorities are working hard to transition the country into the digital era, which includes its administration.

Buying property in Spain is exciting, but it comes with its own legal procedures and potential pitfalls.

A ruling by the High Court of Justice of Catalonia clarifies a common misunderstanding among tourist‑rental owners – it is not enough to declare only occupied days or to deduct all annual expenses without justification. Property owners must report the entire year, distinguishing between periods that generate rental income and those subject to imputed income. The court also stresses that the burden of proof lies with the taxpayer – and that a lack of documentation invalidates any deductions claimed.

Signing a sales contract does not always trigger an immediate tax obligation. In transactions with deferred delivery, where possession is transferred at a later date, the Spanish Directorate General of Taxes has clarified that capital gains are only taxable once the property is effectively handed over – not when the deed is signed. For tax purposes, ownership transfer depends on possession, not the notarial act alone.

When it comes to who can buy property in Spain, there are no restrictions on interested foreigners.

With housing a key concern in Spain, understanding how land becomes a home is essential. Developers, builders, engineers and estate agents form a complex system shaped by deadlines, investment and planning. This guide explains who does what – from developer to builder – the stages of a new build, and the main players in the Spanish property market.

Travelling with a dog or cat always involves more than just packing a suitcase. In addition to the carrier and food, you need to check vaccinations, documentation and your destination country's regulations. From April 2026, these procedures will be more clearly defined throughout the European Union, following the update of the legal framework governing pet travel between member states. From now on, you must have the following documents: a European pet passport, mandatory microchip identification and proof of current rabies vaccination.

Spain offers one of Europe’s most varied landscapes – within a short distance, you can pass from rugged mountains to dense forests, from limestone canyons to river gorges shaped over millennia. This diversity makes the country a paradise for walkers and nature lovers.

For many Irish citizens, relocating to Spain is incredibly appealing.

If you’re moving to Spain with a dog, the process is straightforward — but you must follow EU pet import rules carefully.Dogs entering Spain must:Be microchipped (ISO compliant)Have a valid rabies vaccinationWait 21 days after vaccination before travelTravel with the correct documentation (EU Pet Pa

A recent court ruling in Galicia has confirmed that a homeowners’ association can enforce a ban on pets when that restriction has been properly approved and formally included in the community bylaws.

Working legally in Spain as a foreigner means having the right combination of immigration status, identification numbers and local registrations. The exact steps depend on whether you are an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen or a non-EU national, but many requirements overlap.1.

Spain and the United Kingdom have announced plans to ease short‑term business travel for British professionals, with both governments talking up a new 90‑day work “visa waiver” as part of a broader push to deepen post‑Brexit economic ties.Spain’s short‑stay work visa waiver for UK professionalsWhat