Reader questions
We do our best to answer our members’ questions. If you have queries about anything to do with Spain please email us at news@thelocal.es
Do I need to get a new TIE residency card if I change address in Spain?
Does a change of address within Spain mean that you’re legally obligated to get a duplicate of your TIE residency card for non-EU citizens? Here’s what the law says.
Can you do your driving test in Spain with an automatic car?
Most non-EU drivers who move to Spain need to resit their driving test in order to be able to get behind the wheel here. But is there an option to do the practical exam with an automatic vehicle in a country where most cars are manual?
EXPLAINED: How to officially give up your Spanish residency
If you're leaving Spain for good or for a long period of time, then you will need to make sure that you deregister before you leave, essentially giving up or renouncing your Spanish residency. Here's how to do it.
What can I legally do about bad odours in my building in Spain?
What happens if your neighbours are causing a serious stench in your apartment building? Perhaps they make very smelly food, have stinky pets or some other foul smell is emanating from their flat. Find out what Spanish law says about it.
FACT CHECK: Is living rent-free at parents' property in Spain taxed?
There have been several rumours circulating online and reports in the Spanish media recently stating that Spain's tax authorities can demand payments from adult children who live rent-free in their parents’ property.
Do I have to pay tax in Spain on the non-lucrative visa?
As the name suggests, Spain's non-lucrative visa or NLV doesn't allow you to work, but that doesn't necessarily mean you're not liable to pay taxes here.
Can you sign over your Spanish property to your children without paying tax?
Is there really a legal way of avoiding inheritance tax by passing your property onto your children while you're still alive? Some lawyers in Spain claim so.
Do I have to pay the estate agent a commission when renting in Spain?
Who has to pay the real estate agent commission (usually equivalent to one month's rent) in Spain: the landlord or the new tenant? And are there exceptions to the rules or underhand tricks agents use to get tenants to cough up more money?
Can I get a low-emissions sticker for my car if I'm visiting Spain?
Planning on driving to Spain for a vacation or own a holiday home here and want to bring your car with you from abroad? Find out how the low emission zones work here for foreign-registered vehicles and if you need an environmental label.
Can you pay taxes in Spain via a foreign bank account?
Many foreigners have tax obligations in Spain but might not have a Spanish bank account to pay them from. Changes by Spain's tax authorities might just make it easier, depending on your circumstances.
Can you use a bar or restaurant’s toilet in Spain if you’re not a customer?
We've all been there, out walking the streets of Spain when we feel the urge to go, but there are no public toilets to be found, so is acceptable to use the bathroom in an establishment without buying anything?
Can you move to Spain if you have a criminal record?
Applying for or renewing residency in Spain can be hampered by having a criminal record, but it's not impossible.
Can my landlord stop me from smoking in my rental in Spain?
Whether or not you can smoke in your flat or even on the balcony depends on several different factors and can in some cases come down to the goodwill of your landlord and neighbours.
Do I need to pay the estate agency if I buy a property in Spain?
If you’re looking to buy a home in Spain then you’ll want to be aware of exactly how much extra you’ll have to pay in fees. There are many fees that are mandatory when you purchase a property, but is paying the realtor one of these?
Do you have to pay for the lift if you live on the ground floor in Spain?
If neighbours in the shared residential building you own in Spain want to install an elevator, do you still have to pay for the costs if your flat is on the ground floor? Here's what Spanish law says.
What will new EES border checks mean for non-EU residents in Europe?
The EU's new Entry & Exit System (EES) of enhanced passport controls will be launched on October 12th, albeit in a phased in approach, but how will it impact non-EU residents legally living in EU/Schengen countries?
How much money in cash can you pay towards a property in Spain?
Spanish law has limits on cash transactions depending on the type and who they're between. This is what you need to know if you want to buy a Spanish property with cash rather than via electronic bank transfer or cheque.
What's the law on dash cams in cars in Spain?
Many drivers in Spain wonder if having a camera in your vehicle is legal. These are some rules you need to follow if you want to do it legally and avoid fines, as well as the grey areas.
Am I allowed to house swap if I'm a tenant in Spain?
House swapping can be a great way to save money when you go on holiday. It allows you to have all the comforts of home and swap with others who have a similar-sized property to you, but can you still do this if you rent?
Do home insurance companies in Spain cover fires?
With the number of wildfires in Spain this summer, it's important to find out what your home insurance will cover in the event it gets damaged in one.
Can I use my deposit to pay my last month of rent in Spain?
If you rent in Spain, a common question that many tenants ask when they leave or come to the end of their contract is if they can use their deposits to pay their last month’s rent instead.
Can a joint bank account help you avoid paying gift tax in Spain?
You’re probably aware that if you give a gift of money to a family member or friend in Spain, they will need to pay gift tax on this. Is there perhaps a way to avoid paying this tax though, if say you share a bank account with your family member?
Do I have to pay a deposit if I'm renting a room in Spain?
Soaring rental costs mean many in Spain are increasingly looking to individual room rentals. But can a landlord demand you pay a deposit?