Legalities of Life in Spain

For many, the intricacies of the law are some of the most difficult and time consuming aspects of your move to Spain (and in a post-Brexit world that means it's true even for Brits). Read up on identity cards, social security, visas, consumer rights, amnesty/arraigo social, voting, embassies/consulates, wills, driving, and how to get the help you need.

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Highlights

"Getting a Spanish driver's license can be expensive because you have to take classes. The good news is you can study for and take the test in English.""
- Driving in Spain: Licenses and Regulations

"This, of course, does not mean you get automatic residency in Spain, nor will it make it any easier to get residency.""
- TIE, NIE, DNI, NIF, CIF, Social Security

"The gestor knows his way around the intricacies of Spanish administrative bureaucracy ...."
- Gestor, Gestoria, Asesoria?

"You have decided to tie the knot with your Spanish honey. The first thing you need to do is get all your US paperwork in order. "
- Getting Married in Spain - Non-EU Foreigners Marrying a Spaniard

"You will need to be part of the Social Security system."
- Social Security in Spain

"Firstly, we need to know that the Spanish insurance accident report form is the standard form, folded in two, with a blue outer cover that says ..."
- Spanish Traffic Accident Reports

"This is such a pain in the butt that I won't blame you if you decide to just hire a gestor or asesoria to get the appointment for you."
- Instructions for the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjeros) Application

"...should give you an idea of what to expect or not expect from yours."
- Embassies and Consulates for English Speaking Countries

"A child born in Spain is not automatically a Spanish citizen -  though, with a few rare exceptions, any such child has the right to receive Spanish citizenship."
- Getting Married, Weddings & Giving Birth in Spain

"Whether you are here in Spain legally or not, you should register with your local padrón"
- Empadronamiento: Town Hall Registration in Spain

"It isn't a magic wand, but very often it works like one ...."
- Consumer Complaint Forms / Hojas de Reclamaciones

"Keep in mind that if you can vote in Spain, then you can run for office too!""
- Voting in Spain

"...the process is much simpler if there's a Spanish will.""
- Wills: The Legal Will & Inheritance in Spain


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