The importance of having a funeral plan in Spain

You’ve just got your residency, you’re excited and looking forward to your new life in Spain, so it’s hard to think about the realities of what comes next. Still, the truth is that residency is only the start of your journey, and there are other things you have to put in place once you start…

Driving in Spain – what is IVTM road tax?

If you own any sort of vehicle (van, car, motorcycle etc) that’s going to be driving around on Spanish roads, you’ll need to pay IVTM. What is IVTM? Known in Spain by the catchy title of “Impuesto Sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica”, thankfully shortened to IVTM, it’s the equivalent of the UK’s Road Fund Licence…

What is a swallow?

A swallow, a beautiful migrating bird that spends the winter in one country and summer in another. These are pretty birds, with colourful plumage and are voracious consumers of pesky insects, from moths to mosquitos. “Swallow” is also a term used for people, those who migrate south for a warmer winter and return home with…

Renting a property in Spain – the essentials

Not everyone relocating to Spain owns property from the get-go. Buying and selling property in Spain is a very different experience than the UK for example, and buying in the wrong place can be an expensive mistake. Rent before you buy is good advice we’d give to anyone planning on moving to Spain for the…

Spain’s National holiday – 12th October – La Fiesta Nacional de España

Traditionally referred to as the Día de la Hispanidad, Spain’s National Day is the most important date for most Spanish in the national holiday calendar. Celebrated on 12th October, it has its origins in 1892 as a celebration of the discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus. It is especially important this year, as it’s…