There are significant differences between Spanish and English law, but it’s typically the systems and procedures which cause significant misunderstanding, oversight and legal complications.

Yolanda and Marc are both experienced in ensuring clients avoid any legal pitfalls, including those that relate directly to cross-border legal issues. We are available to advise you with a wide range of legal challenges including, the following:

NIE Numbers (also NIF numbers): NIE numbers are personal, unique and exclusive numbers that is assigned to non-Spanish citizens who, for economic, professional, or social reasons, are engaged in activities related to Spain and require identification in this country. You need an NIE number if you intend, to purchase or transfer a property, open or close a bank account, start a business, work, pay taxes, receive or disclaim an inheritance, or to reside in Spain.

We guide you through the whole process and obtain an NIE number on your behalf without the need for you to travel to Spain.

Wills, probate, inheritance and gifts: the legal status of a Will in Spain and the Spanish probate system are both very different to the UK. We offer a complete probate service relieving you of what can be an onerous task at a time when you have lost someone close to you. Spanish inheritance and gift tax is also extremely complex and varies between Spain’s autonomous regions. We can advise you if you believe Spanish IHT has been overpaid, because the reliefs available were not correctly applied. It comes as a surprise to many British people that Gift Tax can sometimes be payable in Spain by the recipient of the gift.

Buying and selling Property in Spain: whether you are buying a property in Spain as a holiday home, timeshare, investment property or permanently relocating, finding an independent English-speaking Spanish property lawyer to protect your legal interests is essential. We can advise you with all aspects of buying, inheriting, selling, registering and transferring property in Spain and, when necessary, can help you to resolve any timeshare or property disputes. We can also advise you if you are considering taking out a mortgage with a Spanish bank.

Spanish VISA, residency and taxes: an application to become a resident in Spain should be submitted through the Spanish Consulate in the country you currently reside in. We are able to assist both private and corporate clients, with a comprehensive service to ensure a residency application is processed promptly and efficiently. We can also advise you on a range of tax issues specific to Spain including NIE/NIF registration, local property and capital gains tax.

Corporate and employment: the incorporation of a company in Spain is very different to the UK and employee rights are generally far better protected in Spain. We can advise non Spanish individuals and companies on the incorporation process which require additional paperwork and formalities compared to setting up a company as a Spanish citizen. You will need to obtain a foreigner’s identification number (NIE) and register your company with the Spanish Companies House, among other requirements. We are able to assist ex-pats working throughout Spain on employed, self-employed or retainer agreements.

Family law: we give comprehensive and understanding advice on family and divorce cases where there are Anglo-Spanish elements such as different nationalities and or location of assets, different places of residencies or an overseas place of marriage.

We also offer a complete notarial services, certifying and notarising a wide range of legal documents for both individuals and businesses.