Who Is This Service For?

Enterprising property investors seek to purchase property that is currently used for another purpose – typically as an office or industrial unit – and then change its use to that of residential.

Such changes of use are possible though they are heavily regulated and you will need the assistance of a local architect to navigate the applicable planning laws before making an investment of this type. Investment without seeking such guidance would be extremely dangerous and could easily see an investor lose a great deal of money.

Upon a successful application, the architect may be instructed to draw-up plans for any required modifications and the appointment of local builders and tradesmen to complete the work.

What Does This Service Consist Of?

• Technical advice prior to any change of use application
• Review of local planning regulations
• Visit to site with assessment
• Analysis and professional opinion
• Formal application undertaken on behalf of client
• Planning department’s decision obtained and explained

Who Is This Service For?

Anyone who wishes to sell or rent out a property in Spain must have a valid Energy Certificate. 

This certificate contains information about the orientation, structure, energy and lighting systems of the property and to what extent it conforms to current energy ratings, with an energy classification of A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) 

The Certificate has a validity of 10 years, though if any material changes are made to a property, the Certificate should be updated. This might include changing the windows or the heating system. 

Failure to possess a valid certificate when selling or renting a property will incur a fine of between 300€ - 600€.

What Does This Service Consist Of?

• Initial contact with a technical architect to arrange an appointment for a technical visit to the property
• The technical architect will visit the property and then feed the details of the visit into a state technical database
• The Certificate is issued with an overall Energy rating and recommendations for improvements

Who Is This Service For?

Before proceeding with the acquisition of premises for business or commercial purposes, it is vital to ensure that they are suitable for the activity that you propose, and a legal requirement to obtain a ‘Commercial Activity License’.

Local zoning laws and health and safety regulations regulate what types of commercial activity may take place in particular zones of towns and cities, and also any adjustments or renovations that need to take place before the premises are suitable for the activity proposed.

Once you begin to undertake the commercial activity, you may be inspected at any time and be required to produce a valid licence certificate.

What Does This Service Consist Of?

The process for obtaining the commercial activity licence begins with a Technical Project Report carried-out by a suitably qualified architect or technical architect or engineer. The method of drafting the report will vary according to the commercial activity proposed and the premises in which they take place, but broadly speaking, it involves:

• Discussion with the architect about the business project envisaged by the business owner
• Architect visits the premises
• Architect compiles the report 
• Report submitted to the relevant authorities
• Licence Issued

Who Is This Service For?

Sometimes we find the ideal place to live. The only problem is that there's no property that suits or that is available! In which case, the only option apart from waiting for a suitable property to become available is to build a new home from scratch. This is ideal for those who have a clear idea of what they want, yet are unable to find it among second-hand properties in the area they want to live

What Does This Service Consist Of?

• Initial consultation with an experienced English-speaking Architect to discuss plans and including expert advice on design, use of space, materials and compliance with planning regulations
• Visit to site with assessment
• Drawing-up formal plans
• Visit to site with assessment
• Making formal submission to obtain planning-permission
• Management and co-ordination of the building works including employment of local builders and tradesmen
• Project Certification

Who Is This Service For?

Regardless of the size of your project - be it a simple extension or a multi-property urbanisations, you will need to obtain the requisite planning permission from the local authority in Spain. 

Our lawyers and architects have a wealth of experience in making such applications and are available to assist English-speakers from the beginning through to the successful conclusion of any size project.

What Does This Service Consist Of?

• Initial consultation to discuss plans and including expert advice on use of space, materials and compliance with planning regulations
• Visit to site with assessment
• Drawing-up formal plans
• Making formal application for planning-permission where required

Who Is This Service For?

Anyone purchasing a property of any size is strongly advised to obtain a technical survey on the property. Often those buying property abroad are cash buyers and, as a result, are not required to obtain a survey of the property before purchase. Many don’t bother. We feel that this is a major error, since a survey could save you a huge amount of money in expensive repairs later on, and potentially allow you to renegotiate the property purchase.

Even if buying with a mortgage, any survey required by the bank will only include a valuation as well as any obvious and serious defects that would affect said valuation. Arranging a private survey provides much more information and will provide you with the information you need to be confident about the investment you are making in a foreign country. Quite simply one of the most important investments you can make regarding property!

What Does This Service Consist Of?

• Initial consultation to discuss different surveys available: condition report, building survey or structural survey
• Visit to property and compilation of report
• Delivery of report in your language
• Follow-up discussion as required to answer any additional questions you may have

Who Is This Service For?

Current homeowners and those planning to invest in a second-hand property may wish to extend or upgrade the property. Indeed it is often the case that buyers acquire a property on the basis that they will be able to extend or refurbish the property to make it suitable for their purposes.

Property extensions will in most cases require planning approval and the assistance of a local architect to whom you can convey your plans and obtain expert advice on the viability of those plans.

What Does This Service Consist Of?

• Initial consultation to discuss plans and including expert advice on use of space, materials and compliance with planning regulations
• Visit to site with assessment
• Drawing-up formal plans
• Making formal application for planning-permission where required
• Management of project, engagement of builders and other tradesmen
• Post-project Certification

Who Is This Service For?

Often a property is acquired only to discover that one or a number of elements of the property are legally 'deficient'. Typical examples might be an extension to the property added by a previous owner a or swimming-pool for which appropriate planning permission was never sought.

Normally any such irregularities would be discovered upon legal due-diligence by a conveyancing solicitor. Other types of deficiency range from procedural to technical and may be simple to rectify or rather more complex, depending on the specific problem at hand. 

What Does This Service Consist Of?

• Initial consultation with an experienced English-speaking architect to determine the gravity of the problem and the best solution
• Depending on the recommended solution, the architect will make submissions on your behalf to the relevant local authority board or tribunal or may engage a solicitor if required
• Representation throught the regularisation process, with the new title registered with the appropriate registry

Benefits of this Service

Every year we help thousands of individuals save money on their foreign currency payments for property purchase, emigration, overseas mortgage repayments, etc.

If you make or receive payments in a foreign currency, we could save you a great deal of money and make your currency transfers simple.

We guarantee much better exchange rates than the ‘tourist rates’ you would normally get from your bank and can save you up to 6% on currency transfers typically saving you £5,000 on a £100,000 transfer.

A is for Account:

Open a free account with us - Your account can be opened the very same day and you will be assigned a dedicated account manager.

B is for Better Rates:

Your account manager will keep you informed on currency market movements and get the best exchange rate for you at the time. Once agreed, this rate is then guaranteed for you.

C is for Currency Transfer:

Once you have paid for your currency we will immediately transfer the money to the bank account specified by you, anywhere in the world.

Benefits at a Glance

• Highly competitive exchange rates
• Quick and easy same-day transfers
• Free tailored service with our currency experts
• Dedicated Relationship manager
• Safe & Secure transfers
• Authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority

Who Can Benefit from this Service?

This service is tailored for expats relocating to Spain who want expert assistance in navigating the Spanish property market. 

The real estate market in Spain has evolved a great deal in the last 15 years, because buyers have become more diverse and are no longer simply looking for a sunny retirement home or holiday villa - though these are still the most sought after properties.

As the work-from-home concept has taken root, more and more people from Northern Europe are considering a permanent move to Spain, and its year round sunshine.

So, whether you are looking for a holiday home or a permanent residence, our English-speaking estate agency partners around Spain will help to simplify your transition with their expert knowledge of local market dynamics.

Benefits - Why Choose Our Service

• Personalized Property Search: Tailored options that match your specific needs, preferences, and budget.
• Legal and Financial Guidance: Expert advice on Spanish property laws, tax implications, and financial considerations via Advocate Abroad's lawyers
• Language Support: Overcome language barriers with our multilingual estate agents.
• Local Market Insight: In-depth knowledge of various Spanish regions, ensuring you find the right location.
• Assistance with Paperwork: Help with all necessary documentation, from initial offers to final contracts.
• After-Sale Support: Ongoing assistance with settling in, including utilities setup and local recommendations.

Who Is This Service For?

Are you relocating to Europe and have investments or pensions (401k's/IRA) in the United States?

Many U.S. investors are unaware that their existing financial advisors and institutions often cannot legally continue managing their investments once they relocate to Europe. This can result in forced account closures or hurried transitions, potentially disrupting your long-term financial planning.

Our dual-regulated advisory service ensures continuous, compliant management of your U.S.-based investments while living in Europe. 

Designed for individuals with $300,000+ in U.S. assets, we provide seamless cross-border investment management that maintains your access to U.S. markets while adhering to both U.S. and European regulations.

Don't wait until you're forced to make a rushed decision. Secure your investment management future with our approved partner firms.

What Does This Service Consist Of?

• Initial discussion to determine your financial objectives
• Compile an initial financial check 
• Ensure compliance with Financial Regulatory Authorities in both the US and the EU
• Ongoing support and wealth management

Who Is This Service For?

Are you relocating to the EU with existing UK pensions or investment accounts?

Do you have a defined contribution scheme, defined benefit pension, hybrid schemes, or offshore pensions from locations like the Isle of Man and Jersey, as well as Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs).

Many UK pension holders don't realize that managing their pensions after relocating to the EU can become extremely complex, with potential restrictions on accessing and managing their investments.

Our specialized cross-border pension management service ensures your UK pension assets remain accessible and properly managed while living in the EU, with full regulatory compliance on both sides.

We specialize in helping clients consolidate and optimize their UK pension arrangements through regulated International SIPP solutions, providing greater investment flexibility and removing currency exchange risk.

What Does This Service Consist Of?

• Comprehensive review of your existing UK pensions, including assistance in locating and consolidating multiple pension schemes
• Detailed analysis of your current pension arrangements and recommendations for optimization through International SIPP transfers where beneficial
• Expert guidance on cross-border pension regulations and compliance requirements between the UK and your EU country of residence
• Implementation of currency risk management strategies to protect your pension value
• Access to a broader range of international investment opportunities through regulated pension structures
• Ongoing pension management and advisory support tailored to your new EU resident status

Don't let your UK pensions become a source of complexity after your relocation. Our specialized service ensures seamless management of your pension assets while providing enhanced investment flexibility and protection against currency fluctuations.

What Does This Service Consist Of?

Introducing Our Dental Insurance Policy: 
Smile with Confidence

Kids Go Free: 
Children under 14 are covered at no cost when an adult is insured.

Unique Coverage in the Market: 
In the event of an accident resulting in the loss or fracture of more than 3 dental pieces, we provide up to 6,000 euros for you to choose the dentist of your preference, both within and outside our dental network.

Extensive Network: 
Access care through our network of 1,469 contracted dental clinics and 2,713 professionals.

Comprehensive Care: 
Enjoy over 57 free dental procedures and treatments to safeguard your smile, including dental cleanings, X-rays, extractions, and more.

Exclusive Discounts: 
Receive up to a 40% discount on all other treatments compared to market prices.

Specialized Medical Expertise: 
Benefit from the widest range of specialized medical consultations available in the market.

24/7 Second Medical Opinion: 
Gain peace of mind with access to a second medical opinion within 24 hours for serious illnesses.

Access to DKV Club Salud y Bienestar: 
Unlock exclusive discounts and benefits through our health and wellness club.

Choose our dental insurance policy for comprehensive coverage, exceptional benefits, and the assurance of a healthy, radiant smile for you and your family.

What Does This Service Consist Of?

We understand the unique needs of expats living in Spain. That's why we offer more than just insurance – we provide tailored health coverage designed to give you peace of mind and clarity, no matter where life takes you.

Personalized Assistance: Request a quote today and our dedicated team will guide you through all the details, ensuring you have a clear understanding of your coverage, including any exemptions, limits, or optional deductibles.

Expat-Friendly Services: Our policies are crafted with the international resident in mind, offering English-speaking support teams, documentation, and consultants to ensure you feel confident and informed, even in a foreign country.

Flexible Options: Whether you're starting a new chapter in Spain or already established here, our health insurance plans are adaptable to your needs, providing comprehensive coverage for individuals of all ages, including expats over 75.

Extensive Network: Gain access to a vast network of over 51,000 medical professionals and 1,000 centers, renowned for their expertise and commitment to excellence in healthcare.

Comprehensive Care: From routine check-ups and primary care services to specialized treatments such as radiology, chemotherapy, and physiotherapy, our policy covers a wide range of medical needs to keep you healthy and thriving.

Hospital Support: Enjoy peace of mind knowing that our policy includes comprehensive hospital services, including surgical interventions, ICU stays, childbirth assistance, and comfortable accommodations for you and your loved ones.

Medical Hotlines: Access round-the-clock medical support with our specialized telephone lines, including 24-hour doctor consultations and expert guidance on women's health, pregnancy, and psychological well-being.

Global Assistance: Travel confidently with our worldwide emergency assistance services, providing generous coverage limits and support wherever your adventures may take you.

Dental Benefits: Take care of your oral health with coverage for dental consultations, cleanings, and diagnosis, plus discounts on additional services to keep your smile shining bright.

Lifelong Security: Rest assured with our lifelong policy guarantee following the third renewal, offering continuity and stability in your healthcare coverage as you navigate life in Spain.

Please note that certain services may have minimum waiting periods before they become available, ensuring fairness and sustainability for all policyholders.

Choose our health insurance policy tailored for expats in Spain and embark on your journey with confidence, knowing your health and well-being are in trusted hands.

Benefits - Why Choose Our Service

Introducing DKV EcoHome, the first eco-friendly home insurance. Not only does it safeguard and nurture your home, but it also alerts you to weather phenomena predicted by the State Meteorological Agency. Receive an SMS notification 24 hours prior to the event if your home's postal code may be affected.

Our Range of Home Insurance Options include the following:

• Fire Coverage: Ideal for meeting basic legal requirements for mortgage purposes.
• Basic Plan: Protects against essential risks at a competitive price.
• Comprehensive Coverage: A wide array of protections for your home.
• Plus Plan: State-of-the-art insurance offering extensive guarantees and coverage limits.

Our policies cover the insured and their family against risks to their home and its contents, as well as damages to third parties. Enjoy up to a 10% no-claims bonus and coverage for the civil liability of adult children living in the insured property.

Whether it's a traditional residence or a luxurious villa, we've got you covered.

Experience peace of mind with our life insurance policy, ensuring that in the event of your passing from any cause, your family will continue to have income to sustain their quality of life and will receive support every step of the way.

With DKV Vida insurance, you have the flexibility to choose your payment frequency - whether monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually - and the predetermined compensation in the event of a terminal illness.

In the unfortunate event of your passing, beneficiaries can request an advance of funds for funeral expenses and settlement of inheritance and gift tax.

We provide psychological assistance services for you in case of disability or serious illness and for your family members in case of your passing.

But that's not all. Our policy includes additional differentiating coverages at no extra cost:

• Legal advice and telephonic legal assistance for everyday life inquiries.
• Online will service with guidance from a lawyer and coverage of notary fees.
• Medical advice through specialized helplines on topics such as pregnancy, pediatrics, women's health, nutrition, and more.
• Second medical opinion for serious illnesses.
• Access to DKV Club Salud y Bienestar, offering discounted medical and health services exclusively for our clients.

Choose our life insurance policy for comprehensive protection and support for you and your loved ones.

What Does This Service Consist Of?

Are you an expatriate residing in Spain, seeking comprehensive protection and peace of mind? Look no further! Our premier insurance service offers a seamless solution for foreign residents, ensuring a hassle-free journey back to your homeland in times of need.

Imagine having all the necessary procedures and expenses for repatriation meticulously taken care of, including arrangements for your companion, all at no additional cost to you. That's right - we've got you covered!

Furthermore, we understand the importance of family, which is why children under 4 years old travel absolutely free with our service.

And that's just the beginning. With our innovative online will service, you can conveniently plan and update your will annually, ensuring your affairs are always in order.

Concerned about your digital footprint? Worry not! Our exclusive digital erasure feature ensures a seamless disappearance of your online presence, protecting your privacy and legacy.

Travel with confidence knowing that in case of a medical emergency, we've got your back with coverage of up to 18,000 euros in medical expenses. Plus, we extend your travel stay to a generous 90 days, giving you the flexibility to explore and enjoy your time abroad.

Accidents happen, even overseas. That's why we offer emergency dental expense coverage of up to 500 euros, providing you with essential care wherever you are.

But our service goes beyond the practicalities. We offer expert legal advice for your daily life, along with compassionate psychological support during challenging times like mourning and palliative care.

And when it comes to saying goodbye, trust us to handle every detail. Our comprehensive funeral planning service is unique in our sector and ensures your loved ones are supported in making decisions that reflect your values, providing them with peace of mind during a difficult time.

With our service, you're never alone. Our dedicated professionals provide personalized accompaniment, guiding your family every step of the way.

And for that extra peace of mind, upgrade to Serviplus and enjoy dental coverage with up to 47 free treatments, along with additional services at unbeatable prices. As a special bonus, all policyholders receive a complimentary yearly dental cleaning.

Don't leave your future to chance. Choose our insurance service for repatriation and embark on your journey with confidence and security.

Mortgage Service

Whether you are buying a holiday home, permanent residence or even a commercial property in Spain, it can be necessary - and even tax efficient - to arrange financing. 

Unfortunately, for many foreign buyers, this can be problematic due to:

• Dealing with incomprehensible and unending documentation requests,
• Overcoming issues with not having a local credit history or suffering
• At the mercy of the banks who know they are dealing with clients who have greater difficulty to ‘shop around’
• Overcoming the language barrier

This is where our English-speaking mortgage brokers can really make a difference by leveraging established relationships with multiple banks and lenders in Spain to negotiate favourable terms for you and secure competitive interest rates for clients.

The mortgage brokers gather and prepare the necessary documentation, which can be particularly challenging for non-residents unfamiliar with Spain's bureaucratic requirements.

Ultimately, the mortgage brokers goal is to ensure that you get a much better deal, and by reducing the overall cost of repayment of your mortgage substantially, they more than justify their fee. 

Why Translation?

Documents that originate from outside of Spain will need to be translated into Spanish for many different legal and administrative processes before they can be used by local authorities here.

For formal processes, you will need a Sworn or Official Translator in Spain to translate and affix their stamp to the document. An Official Translator is approved by the Spanish Ministry of Justice as having the skill to carry-out this process for any legal proceedings as well as any other process that requires a Sworn Translator.

Examples of documents you are likely to need to get translated include, but are not limited to:

• Birth Certificates
• Death Certificates
• Marriage Certificates
• Criminal Background Checks
• Financial Accounts
• Academic Qualifications
• Deed Poll Name Change
• Company documents (e.g. Articles of Association)
• Lasting Powers of Attorney

Processes That May Require Translation Of Documents

The list is in fact potentially endless and will depend on the particular process that you need to complete in Spain. Below you will find a list of processes and the documents you may need to have translated into Spanish.

Inheritance

For inheritance proceedings it can often be necessary to arrange for translation of an official death certificate if death occurred outside of Spain, unless an International Death Certificate has been issued. Also, if only a non-Spanish Will is in existence, this may well need to be translated also.

Divorce Proceedings

If a couple were married in the UK or other non-Spanish speaking jurisdiction, and they have children born there, it will be necessary to have the marriage certificate as well as the birth certificates of any children born outside Spain translated. Furthermore, any other documentation relating to assets abroad may need to be translated.

Property Purchase

If a mortgage is required in Spain, it may well be necessary to justify your income, and should you be self-employed/business owner, then it may be necessary to have previous year's financial accounts translated to Spanish so that the bank may approve an application.

Immigration

Health insurance covering the duration of your stay in Spain is necessary. The terms and conditions of such insurance are may need to be translated. Also, any economic means (pensions or any other income) by which you might prove that you can afford to stay in the country, will need to be translated.

Enforcement Of A Foreign Court Order Or Judgment

Depending on the nature of the Court Order or Judgment that you have obtained in a foreign country, in order to have it enforced in Spain you may be required to follow the legal proceedings of 'Exequatur' which will require you to produce a translation of the original Court decision, carried-out by a Sworn or Official translator.

Languages We Deal With

Our team of official translators are able to deal with many languages, though most popular would be English, German, French, Dutch and Russian.

Next-day Service

Translations of documents will be returned the next working day, as long as the documents are sent before 2pm.