Our Blog
Tips, guides and insights to help you navigate life in Spain with ease.
Becoming an Autonomo in Spain
An Autonomo is the Spanish equivalent of a sole trader or freelancer. To work as an Autonomo in Spain you must register with the Agencia Tributaria (Hacienda) and the Seguridad Social. You pay a monthly social contribution, known as the Cuota de Autonomo, which is now based on your expected income. You also file quarterly tax returns for VAT (IVA) and income tax (IRPF). As a new Autonomo you can benefit from the so-called Tarifa Plana, a heavily reduced starter rate. The system requires discipline and planning but also offers real freedom. This guide helps you through every step.
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NIE Number Fast vs Easy To Spain
So you need to arrange your NIE Number, your Green Card, register as Autónomo, or tackle one of the many other steps that come with moving to Spain. You've done some searching and ended up comparing two very different services: NIE Number Fast and Easy To Spain. On the surface they both promise to help you navigate Spanish bureaucracy. But their approach, their price, and the result they deliver are completely different.
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TGSS and INSS in Spain: what is the difference?
Many people who move to Spain or start working there as self-employed use the terms TGSS and INSS interchangeably. That is understandable, because both institutions fall under the broader framework of the Seguridad Social. Yet they are two completely separate organisations, each with their own responsibilities, powers and desk. In this blog we explain what the abbreviations mean, what each institution actually does, who they are relevant for and when you will deal with which one. Whether you are an employee, self-employed, retired or a newcomer to Spain, this information is essential for understanding Spanish bureaucracy.
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Digital certificate Spain: why you need it
Many people in Spain hear about the digital certificate and keep putting it off. It seems complicated, it is not mandatory and you can get by without it in the beginning. But the longer you live in Spain, the more you notice that life without the certificate becomes increasingly inconvenient. This piece explains why.
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Registering your family in Spain as a resident
Already living in Spain and want to officially register your partner or children? Read everything about Reagrupacion Familiar, the green certificate for your family and the Seguridad Social.
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10 Tips for Moving to Spain from Outside the EU
Moving to Spain from outside the EU is absolutely possible, but the process is more complex than for EU citizens. You need a visa before you arrive, a residency card after you land, and a clear understanding of the rules around healthcare, tax, and driving. This guide covers the 10 most important things to get right, in the right order.
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Empadronamiento Spain
The Padrón Municipal Spain's official municipal address registration, is the first step in almost every bureaucratic process in the country. Without a valid Padrón certificate you won't get far: no Green NIE, no TIE, no driving licence exchange, no access to healthcare.
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Moving to Spain After Brexit
Brexit changed the rules for British citizens moving to Spain. Here's what you now need from the TIE card to health insurance and what no longer applies.
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9 Common NIE Appointment Mistakes in Spain
Turned away at your NIE appointment? You're not alone. These are the 9 mistakes that catch people out and exactly how to avoid each one.
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NIE vs TIE Spain: What's the Difference
NIE number, Green NIE, TIE card they're not the same thing. Here's a plain-English breakdown of what each document is, who needs which, and why having one doesn't replace the other.
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