Knowledge base
Knowledge base
Practical guides and articles about emigrating to and living in Spain.
Applying for an NIE in Spain: the complete guide
What you need to apply for an NIE number in Spain. From the documents to the appointment at the police station.
Read moreImporting a car to Spain: what you need to know
Bringing your Dutch car to Spain? This is the complete overview of the process, the costs and the pitfalls.
Read moreApplying for residencia as an EU citizen in Spain
As an EU citizen you have the right to live in Spain. But you still need to apply for your residencia. Here's how it works.
Read moreEmpadronamiento in Spain: what is it and how does it work?
How registering with your local town hall in Spain works. Why it's mandatory, which documents you need and how the process works.
Read moreHealth insurance in Spain: your options explained
A comparison of the different health insurance options in Spain. From public healthcare to private insurance.
Read morePaying taxes in Spain as a Dutch national
What you need to know about your tax obligations in Spain. From tax residency to the main taxes.
Read moreBuying a home on the Costa Blanca: a step-by-step plan
A practical step-by-step plan for buying a home on the Costa Blanca. From searching to the handover of keys.
Read moreStarting a business in Spain: autónomo or SL?
The two most common business structures in Spain compared. Which suits your situation best?
Read moreSpanish bank account: what you need
For nearly every daily matter in Spain a local account is required. Minimum requirements, the difference between resident and non-resident, and the most used banks.
Read moreSwitching your driving licence to Spanish: how it works
As an EU citizen you can drive 2 years on your own licence. After that you must convert it. No driving test - but paperwork and a medical.
Read moreDutch AOW and pension while living in Spain
Your AOW and supplementary pension keep coming if you move to Spain. Plenty changes around tax, proof of life and pension fund correspondence.
Read moreEnrolling kids in Spanish school: three types and how to do it
Public school, concertado or international: each with its own price, language and feel. Plus the documents needed and the enrolment deadlines.
Read moreDeregistering from the Netherlands: timing and order
Too early and you have no health insurance. Too late and you pay in two countries. What to do when - a practical order.
Read moreSpanish healthcare: public (Seguridad Social) or private?
Nearly everyone chooses between Seguridad Social, a private policy or a combination. Differences in cover, cost and waiting times.
Read moreThe ITV: Spain's MOT explained
The ITV is stricter than the Dutch APK. What they check, how often, what it costs and how to avoid retests.
Read morePhone and internet: providers and prices
Movistar, Vodafone, Orange or a budget brand. What they cost, where fibre is available, and how to avoid weeks offline.
Read moreWorldwide income statement and proof of life: two annual forms
Two separate obligations many retirees confuse. What each form is, when you get it, and what to do.
Read moreRequesting Dutch tax exemption: avoid double taxation
Get it right once, years without paying twice. How the NL-Spain tax treaty works and how to request exemption on your Dutch income.
Read moreIBI: the Spanish municipal property tax
Everyone who owns a home in Spain receives an annual IBI bill. What it is, how it's calculated, and how to avoid missing it.
Read moreA mortgage in Spain as a non-resident: what's possible?
Spanish banks grant mortgages to foreigners, but on different terms. How much you can borrow, which banks offer it, and what you need.
Read moreThe Spanish notary: what they do and what you should know
For buying a home, a mortgage, a will or setting up a company you go to a notary in Spain. How it differs from the Netherlands and what it costs.
Read moreA Spanish will and inheritance law: why you should arrange it
Do you own property or assets in Spain? Then you'll want a Spanish will. What it costs, how it works, and what heirs have to pay.
Read moreCar insurance in Spain: mandatory cover and what to choose
Third-party liability insurance is required by law. What to choose between third-party, third-party plus or fully comprehensive, which providers, and how to transfer your no-claim bonus from the Netherlands.
Read moreElectricity, water, gas: connecting utilities in Spain
Electricity, water and sometimes gas: how to open a new connection or take over an existing one. Plus the Spanish quirks like the 'contracted power limit'.
Read moreLearning Spanish as an expat: the best ways and what you need
Without Spanish you'll struggle here. What are the best options - Cervantes, intercambios, online apps - and how quickly can you reach a genuinely useful B1 level?
Read moreGroceries, supermarkets and the mobile payment app Bizum
Mercadona, Carrefour, Lidl - what are the differences, when should you never go on a Thursday, and how does Bizum (Spain's Tikkie) work?
Read moreBringing a pet to Spain: what needs arranging?
Bringing a dog, cat or ferret requires a pet passport, a microchip and (for some breeds) timely rabies vaccination. What's the right order and what do you do in Spain?
Read moreA second home in Spain as a non-resident: tax obligations
Do you own a holiday home on the Costa Blanca without living here? Then you're a non-resident. Which taxes you have to pay every year - even if you don't rent it out.
Read moreStep-by-step plan for emigrating to Spain
Complete overview of everything involved: from NIE and residencia to bank account, school and taxes. A timeline for those just starting.
Read moreRegistering with Seguridad Social
Spain's Social Security covers healthcare, pension and benefits. When and how to register, and differences between employees, autonomos and non-workers.
Read morePharmacy and medication in Spain
Many medicines that need a prescription in the Netherlands you can buy over-the-counter here. Differences, copayment and 24-hour pharmacies.
Read moreDentist in Spain: private or insurance-covered
Dentistry largely falls outside Spain's public healthcare for adults. Visit costs, insurance options and well-known chains.
Read moreWorking in Spain as a Dutch or Belgian citizen
As an EU citizen you can work without a permit. What to arrange for employment or self-employment, and how salary and tax work.
Read moreDigiD and MijnOverheid keep working from Spain
Good news: your DigiD still works after emigration. How to handle Dutch tax, pension and official post from Spain.
Read moreWatching Dutch TV and streaming from Spain
NPO, Videoland, Ziggo: how to keep watching Dutch content from Spain, and affordable alternatives.
Read moreSpanish holidays and what closes when
Spain has far more official holidays than the Netherlands. Which are national, which regional, and when everything is closed.
Read moreExploring northern Costa Blanca: towns and atmospheres
Javea, Moraira, Denia, Benitachell, Calpe: each town has its own character. A short guide for those still choosing where to settle.
Read moreModelo 720: foreign assets declaration
Have over €50,000 in assets abroad? You're required to declare it via Modelo 720. What to report, when, and the penalties.
Read moreSolar panels in Spain: payback time and subsidies
Spain has plenty of sun and since 2019 private homes can feed power back to the grid. Costs, returns and available subsidies.
Read moreDisability benefits: Dutch WIA, WAO and WW from Spain
Your Dutch benefit continues when you move to Spain. What changes with WIA, WAO or WW, Spanish healthcare and tax.
Read moreAdvice
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