Regular readers of our blog will know that about this time of year after I’ve eaten my last mince pie I try and summarise what’s been happening in the legal world in Spain.
Well, from a legal point of view perhaps the most important change has happened. The digital nomad visa came into force from 23rd December 2022. This will make a difference for non EU citizens looking to live and work in Spain. Of course, the non-lucrative visa ‘NLV’ remains an option as does the golden visa which still remains at 500,000 euros despite the inflation throughout the world. Autonomo or self employment and being employed here in Spain also is available.
Speaking of inflation we have noticed an increase in property prices throughout Spain, despite having Brexit well behind us. Of course, you should remain cautious and if possible try and rent before you buy a property in Spain. if you do buy a home in Spain just like for example in the United Kingdom, choose your own independent Spanish lawyer like us, and take advice before you sign or pay anything. There is no law that states that you need a Spanish Solicitor but like in the United Kingdom it is recommended. Always obtain the bar registration number of your lawyer, this is your warranty that they are regulated by the bar association. Remember anyone can open a visa business, or expat advice or consultancy without qualification, regulation or examinations, so do your own due diligence.
Driving licence exchange for holders of UK licences is not yet in force despite rumours that an agreement would be reached prior to the summer holidays, therefore at the time of writing those of you wishing to drive in Spain will have to take a Spanish driving test and a theory test. You can drive for a period of six months after you have obtained Spanish residency. Of course, we have no idea when an agreement will be reached between the English and Spanish authorities, but it looks like an agreement is close, and when one is reached we will publish the details on our Facebook page and our blog www.justlawsolicitors.com/blog
As for the law firm we’ve made some additions to the staff. We have a new Italian lawyer Roberto Franzoso who speaks Italian, German, French and English, and is registered with the Malaga Bar Association we also have Ana Liabina a Russian, English and Spanish-speaking lawyer again properly registered with the Bar Association in Malaga. John Towell our English Barrister continues to head the legal department in addition to managing the UK clients. Belen Batalla, one of our lawyers has had an excellent year and is the go to Lawyer for legal issues here in Spain.
The tax and accounting department based in our Marbella office has gone from strength to strength. We are delighted to have a Spanish qualified tax advisor, Pablo Ferrer; with a law degree and a master’s degree in Spanish tax law, in addition to Alberto Medina; a Spanish qualified accountant. Price Waterhouse Cooper´s and KPMG´s loss is our gain. For those of you thinking of moving to Spain the first question that is asked is how much tax will I pay once I am a Spanish tax resident? As always we can arrange a consultation to let you know.
The breaking last minute news is that the Spanish government announced that it will end the fuel discount for private motorists on 1.1.23. So you’ve a few days to join the queues to fill your tanks.
So if you’re looking for legal advice in Spain our legal team are professionals dully qualified with huge experience in their respective fields of law. Nevertheless we remain a very reasonable law firm in terms of fees.
I myself continue with my role as Danish Consul as well as being the senior lawyer at the firm as well as lecturing at the International University of Andalusia (UNIA). Also thank you to the Danish Chamber of Commerce in Madrid for my award. From everyone at Just Law Solicitors, we wish you a happy New Year in 2023
Marisa Moreno Castillo Lawyer and Danish Consul
Malaga – Fuengirola – Marbella and Online.
Whole Spain covered.
Since 1992
contact@justlawsolicitors.com
www.justlawsolicitors.com
The long awaited Digital Nomad Visa here in Spain in 2023.