Question 1

How is the NIE applied for and how long does it take?

Accepted Answer

We prepare the EX-15 form, secure your appointment at the police station in Alicante or Benidorm and accompany you to the appointment. Once your appointment is held, the NIE is usually issued on the spot or within a few days. Total time depends on appointment availability, typically 2-5 weeks. If you live abroad, we can act with a power of attorney.

Question 2

How much does residency cost?

Accepted Answer

Our professional fee for an EU citizen residence registration starts at around €120. The official fee is roughly €12. For non-EU nationals, the cost depends on the type of application (arraigo, family reunification, etc.) and we always provide a fixed written quote after a first consultation. The exact figure is confirmed in writing before we begin.

Question 3

If I'm a non-resident, do I have to declare my Spanish home?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Non-residents who own a property in Spain must file modelo 210 (IRNR) annually, even if the property is not let. If you let it, the income must be declared quarterly. We handle every variation, from imputed-income filings to holiday-let taxation. It's one of our most common services for foreign owners.

Question 4

Can I register as autónomo remotely?

Accepted Answer

Yes, provided you already have a NIE and a digital certificate or Cl@ve PIN. We file the registration with the tax office and Social Security electronically and send you the signed paperwork by email. If you have no digital certificate, we can help you obtain one or carry out the registration in person when you next visit Altea.

Question 5

Can I be served if I don't speak Spanish?

Accepted Answer

Our office operates primarily in Spanish. For other languages we ask you to confirm availability when booking; in many cases we can coordinate through a colleague or have you bring an interpreter. Official documents must always be drafted in Spanish, which is the language required by the Spanish administration.

Question 6

What if Hacienda demands an amount I think is wrong?

Accepted Answer

We act as your representative before the Tax Agency. We study the demand, reply within the legal deadline and, where appropriate, file an appeal (recurso de reposición or económico-administrativa). If the error is on Hacienda's side, the amount is corrected at no cost. If it can be put right, we minimise interest and any penalties.

Question 7

How long does a Spanish estate take to settle?

Accepted Answer

A simple estate with one property and no disputes typically takes 3-6 months from death. You wait 15 working days for the certificate of last wills, prepare the deed of acceptance, file inheritance tax (within 6 months, extendable) and register the change of ownership. Cross-border estates can take longer.

Question 8

Do I need a Spanish will if I already have one in my country?

Accepted Answer

It is not compulsory but strongly recommended. A Spanish will, signed before a notary in Altea, hugely simplifies the distribution of your Spanish assets. Under EU Regulation 650/2012 you can elect that your national law applies. It saves your heirs time and substantial costs in translations and apostilles.

Question 9

Can you transfer a car between private owners?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We handle the transfer at the Alicante Traffic Department: contract, valid ITV, proof of paid taxes and fees. The change of ownership is normally completed in 1-2 weeks. If the vehicle was imported from another EU country, we also handle definitive Spanish registration with modelo 576 where it applies.

Question 10

When must I declare assets abroad (modelo 720)?

Accepted Answer

Spanish tax residents must file modelo 720 when they hold over €50,000 in foreign accounts, securities or property, or when those balances have increased by more than €20,000 over the previous year. Modelo 721 covers crypto. We review your case discreetly and file in time (deadline 31 March).

Question 11

Do I need an appointment to visit the office?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we always ask for an appointment so we can give you proper attention. Call +34 965 84 31 21 or message us on WhatsApp and we'll confirm a slot during our office hours, Monday to Wednesday 08:30 - 14:00. Urgent matters we try to fit in the same day.

Question 12

How does payment work?

Accepted Answer

We agree a written fixed quote before we start. Payment by bank transfer, Bizum or card. For ongoing services (autónomo, company) we issue a monthly invoice. Official government fees (NIE, traffic, inheritance) are paid separately and supported by official receipts.

Frequently asked questions

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