Moving to Spain gives you more than just a better lifestyle — it offers a fresh perspective on what really matters.
For many expats, that means not only enjoying their wealth today, but ensuring it’s passed on efficiently to loved ones tomorrow.
Can I Pass On My Investments Tax-Efficiently in Spain?
By Matthew Green
This article is published on: 18th October 2025
18.10.25
But here’s the catch: Spain’s inheritance and gift tax system works very differently from what most expats are used to in their home countries. And without the right planning, your family could end up facing an unnecessary and unexpected tax bill.
Understanding How Inheritance Works in Spain
In Spain, inheritance tax (Impuesto sobre Sucesiones y Donaciones) is paid by the beneficiary, not the estate.
That’s often the first surprise for newcomers — it’s your spouse, children, or other heirs who pay the tax, rather than your estate before distribution.
The amount payable depends on:
- The relationship between the deceased and the beneficiary (spouses and children generally receive the biggest allowances)
- The value of the inheritance
- The region of Spain you live in — because each autonomous community (like Valencia or Madrid) sets its own allowances and reductions
For example, Madrid currently offers one of the most generous regional allowances, with reductions of up to 99% for close family members. Valencia, on the other hand, provides smaller deductions — which can make a significant difference to your family’s eventual tax exposure.
Structuring Your Investments Can Make a Big Difference
The way you hold your assets determines how smoothly — and efficiently — they can be passed on. Investments in a Spanish tax-compliant bond can offer a number of key advantages when planning for succession:
- You retain full control of your investment during your lifetime
- You can name multiple beneficiaries, who inherit directly without the need for probate delays
- The bond’s structure allows for efficient transfer of value — avoiding the administrative complexity that often comes with overseas holdings
- Beneficiaries may receive significant tax advantages, depending on your region of residence
In short, compliant structures help your heirs inherit assets that are clean, locally compliant and immediately accessible, without triggering unnecessary tax consequences.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Many expats unintentionally make things more complicated by:
- Holding UK ISAs, investment accounts, or offshore funds that aren’t recognised under Spanish law
- Keeping property or assets in personal names rather than through efficient vehicles
- Failing to review beneficiary nominations after moving to Spain
These issues can create double taxation risks, delays or even cause assets to fall outside your heirs’ allowances. A simple review of your portfolio through the lens of Spanish succession law can often fix these risks before they become costly.
Peace of Mind for You and Your Family
Effective planning is about more than saving tax — it’s about clarity and peace of mind. Knowing that your wealth will transfer smoothly and efficiently to the people you care about is one of the greatest gifts you can leave behind.
Whether your goal is to ensure your spouse is financially secure, or to pass on assets to your children in the most tax-efficient way possible, a little forward planning today can make all the difference tomorrow.
Final Thought
If you’ve chosen to make Spain your long-term home, your financial plan should reflect that. Local advice can help you align your investments, pensions, and estate planning with Spanish law — so your wealth stays protected across generations.
If you’re an expat living in Valencia, Madrid, or elsewhere in Spain, and you’d like to understand how to structure your assets for efficient inheritance and succession, I can help.
We’ll review your existing arrangements and identify ways to reduce potential inheritance tax exposure, simplify the transfer of assets, and ensure your loved ones are properly protected.
Get in touch for a no-obligation consultation to discuss your personal situation and learn how to build a clear, tax-efficient legacy plan for your family.
The Expat’s Guide to Building Wealth in Spain
By Matthew Green
This article is published on: 16th October 2025
16.10.25
Beware of the traps….
When you move to Spain, the dream is clear: sunshine, a slower pace, and more time to enjoy life. But for many expats, the reality of managing money here soon brings a new challenge — understanding how the Spanish tax system treats your investments.
In the UK or elsewhere, you might have built wealth using ISAs, premium bonds, or investment portfolios with little thought for cross-border implications. But once you become tax resident in Spain, those same structures can start working against you rather than for you.
A New Life, a New Set of Rules
One of the biggest surprises for newcomers to Spain is that Spain taxes your worldwide income and gains — not just what’s earned here. That includes dividends, interest, and even growth within investment funds.
It’s easy to assume that investments left “back home” can be ignored, but in reality, the Spanish tax authorities (Hacienda) expect full reporting of your global assets.
That’s where many expats fall into avoidable tax traps:
– Selling shares or funds that trigger capital gains tax at 19–28%
– Holding money in non-compliant offshore accounts
– Missing annual reporting obligations on overseas assets (Modelo 720/721)
There’s a Smarter, More Efficient Way
Spain offers legitimate, tax-efficient investment options — specifically designed for residents.
One of the most effective is the Spanish tax-compliant investment bond.
Here’s why so many expats in Valencia and Madrid are switching to these structures:
- Your money still grows through diversified investments (funds, equities, etc.)
- Growth inside the bond is tax-deferred — you only pay tax when you withdraw
- Withdrawals are treated proportionally, so only a small part is taxable
- No annual reporting required on the underlying investments
- It simplifies wealth management — one structure, one report, all compliant with Spanish law
For example, if your investment grows 5% in a year and you take a small withdrawal, only a fraction of that amount is taxable — not the full sum. Compare that to a General Investment Account, where every sale or fund switch could trigger tax immediately.
Building Wealth the Right Way
The goal isn’t just to save tax — it’s to grow wealth sustainably, with peace of mind.
By using compliant structures, you can:
- Avoid unnecessary annual tax drag on your investments
- Allow your capital to compound over time
- Keep your financial reporting simple and transparent
And when it comes to retirement planning or accessing your UK pension, having your investments structured correctly in Spain makes a world of difference to how much you actually keep.
Making It Work for You
Every expat’s situation is unique — from how income is generated, to where assets are held, to whether a move is permanent or temporary.
That’s why getting regulated local advice matters.
The Spanish system can be generous when you plan properly – but unforgiving if you don’t.
So before you make any investment or draw from your pension, take a moment to review your setup. The right structure today can save you thousands over the years ahead, and keep your finances aligned with the lifestyle you came here to enjoy.
Final Thought
Spain rewards those who plan ahead. By taking time to structure your wealth intelligently, you can enjoy the Mediterranean life — without letting unnecessary taxes eat into your returns.
Call to Action
If you’re living in Valencia, Madrid, or elsewhere in Spain and would like to review your investments or pension arrangements, I can help you explore the most tax-efficient and compliant options available for residents.
Whether you’re recently arrived or have been here for years, a short conversation can often reveal ways to improve returns and reduce tax exposure — all within the Spanish system.
Get in touch for a no-obligation consultation to see how you can make your money work smarter in Spain.
Spectrum IFA begins Employee Ownership for a Sustainable Future
By Spectrum IFA
This article is published on: 14th October 2025
14.10.25
Empowering People, Ensuring Continuity, and Deepening Commitment to Clients
At The Spectrum IFA Group, our success has always relied on our people, their expertise, dedication, and a shared belief in doing what is best for our clients. As a firm founded on trust, transparency and building long-term relationships, we recognise that sustainable growth depends not only on sound financial advice but also a solid grounding in joint ownership and responsibility.
Since its inception, Spectrum has aspired to share company ownership with its advisers and staff. Establishing a clear succession plan is essential, not only to ensure business continuity but also to provide long-term security for our advisers, employees, and most importantly, our clients.
Today, Spectrum’s advisers and staff collectively hold over 15% of the company’s share capital. This initiative reflects our belief that those who contribute daily to looking after our clients’ interests should also participate in the company’s growth. In 2026, Spectrum plans to increase employee and adviser equity participation to approximately 30%. Our longer-term intention is for advisers and employees to own 48% of the business, with the remaining 52% retained by the founders.
This approach demonstrates our commitment to creating a resilient, people-focused organisation where everyone has a vested interest in delivering exceptional advice and service. By aligning ownership with those who directly support our clients, we are securing our longevity whilst embedding the long-term continuity of relationships that help define our unrivalled service standards.
At Spectrum, we view this as more than simply an exercise in restructuring company ownership – it reflects of our core values. We are building an organisation that empowers people, rewards dedication, and safeguards the future security of our clients, advisers, and employees alike. Together, we are shaping a stronger, more sustainable Spectrum team for generations to come.
Modelo 720 Spanish Tax Form
By Jett Parker-Holland
This article is published on: 13th October 2025
13.10.25
When people move to Spain, they often expect challenges around property or residency, but one of the biggest surprises comes from the tax office. After settling in, most people become accustomed to the Spanish tax system; however, one common pitfall that British expats encounter is the requirement for a single tax reporting form, known as Modelo 720.
Importantly, this is not a tax bill; it is a declaration, but failing to address it correctly can still result in hefty penalties and unnecessary stress.
The Modelo 720 is an annual information return that Spanish tax residents must file if they hold certain assets abroad worth more than €50,000 in any of three categories: bank accounts, investments, and property. Once filed, it does not need to be submitted again unless your foreign-held assets increase by more than €20,000, or your wealth in another category exceeds the €50,000 threshold. It aims to give the Spanish tax authorities a clear picture of your worldwide wealth.
Importantly, the form itself does not create a tax liability, but it can leave you open to scrutiny, which is where the risk lies. Failure to declare or even minor errors can lead to fines, backdated tax assessments, and interest charges. Once you’re on Hacienda’s radar, future scrutiny tends to increase, which is a headache nobody wants when settling into life in Spain.
Many expats worry that the cash and investments they have held in the UK may pose a potential issue with the Modelo 720, and that failing to declare in previous years may prevent them from doing so now. The good news is that by structuring your finances in advance, you can avoid this problem altogether. Certain Spanish-compliant investment bonds are not classed as foreign assets for Modelo 720 purposes, meaning you don’t need to declare them. For those anxious about declaring, this can be a great opportunity to structure your wealth so that it does not need to be declared, thereby avoiding ongoing scrutiny.
Beyond avoiding declaration, a bond allows for tax-deferred growth within the bond, meaning that your wealth can continue to collect interest and benefit from favourable tax treatment on withdrawals. Spanish-compliant bonds are not just about avoiding taxes or declarations; they are about ensuring compliance with Spanish regulations. For many of my clients, transferring assets into a compliant bond is the single most significant step they take to streamline their financial life in Spain.
Modelo 720 may seem like a minor formality, but mishandling it can turn into an expensive problem. By structuring your wealth effectively, you can reduce the risk of fines while also gaining ongoing tax efficiency and estate planning benefits. If you are already living in Spain or planning a move, now is a good time to review your arrangements.
A Spanish-compliant product is (almost) a prerequisite for an expat investor in Spain; it is the cleanest way to stay on the right side of Hacienda while keeping your money working hard for you.
As a Chartered Wealth Manager with a master’s degree in Investment Management, I specialise in helping British expats in Spain manage pensions, investments, and tax-efficient structures. With years of experience advising across both the UK and Spain, I focus on making cross-border finances simple, compliant, and effective for the long term.
If you would like a confidential review of your situation or would like to explore your options, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Proper planning today can save you a great deal of time, money, and stress tomorrow.
Smart investing for expats in Spain
By Chris Burke
This article is published on: 13th October 2025
13.10.25
Regular saving & investing for Expats in Spain: A New Way to Build Your Future Wealth
For many of my clients here in Catalonia and across Spain, their wealth is locked away in their home/property. It’s a comforting form of security, however most people understand the need to make their surplus money and savings work for them —as the years are passing and the need to plan for future expenses and retirement are becoming ever more important.
But here’s the challenge:
If you live in Spain, your options for tax-efficient long-term saving are extremely limited — unlike in the UK, where private pensions allow contributions of up to £60,000 per year with valuable tax relief.
So, what can you do if:
- You don’t have a large lump sum to invest right now, but
- You do have a monthly disposable amount that you could commit toward your financial future?
Until recently, the answer wasn’t encouraging. Most products available locally offered poor returns, high fees, and were designed to benefit the banks or institutions more than the investor.
That’s changed.
Today, we have a cost-efficient investment strategy that allows our clients to start with a modest initial amount and then add to it monthly — a plan that truly works in your favour.
Here’s why it’s such a powerful approach and can increase your wealth allowing your money to pay for future life goals:
1. Compounding Growth: Your Money ‘Making’ Money
When you invest regularly, your returns begin to generate returns — that’s the magic of compound interest.
For example:
- Initial investment: €50,000
- Monthly contribution: €1,000
- Average annual return: 6%
Timeframe: 10 years
At the end of that period, your total balance could exceed €254,850.
The rule of 72 is a handy guide here: divide 72 by your annual return (72 ÷ 6 = 12 years), and you’ll see how long it takes to double your money. The longer you invest, the more powerful compounding becomes.
2. Smoothing Out Market Volatility (Dollar/Euro-Cost Averaging)
By investing a fixed amount every month, you buy more when prices are low and fewer when they’re high — automatically reducing your risk.
This strategy, known as dollar/euro-cost averaging, helps take the emotion out of investing and smooths out short-term market swings.
Over time, it leads to a lower average cost per unit and more stable growth.
3. Time in the Market Beats Timing the Market
Even professional investors can’t consistently predict when to buy or sell.
What matters most is staying invested — because missing just a few of the market’s best days can dramatically impact your long-term returns.
A disciplined monthly investment keeps you in the game and lets you capture long-term market growth without the stress of guessing when to act.
4. Builds a Strong Saving Habit
Treat your monthly investment like a bill — a payment to your future self.
This simple mindset creates powerful financial discipline and ensures you’re always moving closer to your goals, even when life gets hectic.
5. Your Money Working Harder — and Smarter
Regular investing means your money is always working for you.
Through dividends, interest, and capital growth, your returns compound over time — accelerating your wealth creation.
6. Protecting Your Wealth Against Inflation
Cash sitting in a bank account is losing value every year due to inflation.
Investing in assets such as stocks, bonds, or diversified funds gives your money a real chance to outpace inflation and grow in real terms.
7. Building Financial Independence
Consistent, long-term investing helps you create assets that generate income and give you freedom.
Whether your goal is a secure retirement, helping your children with education, or achieving financial independence, this strategy is designed to get you there — steadily and confidently.
In Summary
You don’t need a fortune to start — just commitment, consistency, and a smart structure.
Our investment strategy gives you the flexibility to start small, save a sizeable monthly disposable amount, and build meaningful wealth over time — without the high costs or complexity of traditional financial products.
If you’re an expat in Spain ready to make your money work harder for your future, now is the time to act.
Ready to see how this could work for you?
Get in touch for a confidential, no-obligation conversation about building your financial future in Spain – NOTE, a minimum saving amount of €1,000 per month applies.
If you would like to have an initial consultation to explore your personal situation, you can do so here.
Click here to read independent reviews on Chris and his advice.
The Beckham Law advantage
By Chris Burke
This article is published on: 9th October 2025
09.10.25
How expats in Barcelona/Spain can save, invest, reduce future taxes and build wealth smartly
Barcelona/Spain continues to attract top international talent — entrepreneurs, digital professionals, and executives who want to enjoy life in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities while advancing their careers. But moving to Spain comes with financial questions:
How can you structure your income efficiently, save for the future, and make your money work harder for you?
Enter the Beckham Law — a powerful tax regime that, when used strategically, can form the foundation for long-term wealth building.
What Is the Beckham Law?
Originally introduced in 2005 (and famously used by David Beckham during his time at Real Madrid), the Beckham Law — officially known as the Special Expat Tax Regime — allows qualifying foreign workers in Spain to be taxed as non-residents for a period of up to six years.
That means:
- You pay 24% tax on Spanish employment income up to €600,000 (€47% above that).
- Foreign income and gains are exempt — in other words, you’re not taxed in Spain on your worldwide income.
For professionals relocating to Barcelona/Spain, that’s a huge opportunity.
It provides a window of time to optimise your finances, save aggressively, and invest smartly before you transition into the standard Spanish tax system/move elsewhere.
The Challenge: Saving and Investing in Spain
While the Beckham Law provides tax advantages on income, the options for medium/long-term saving and investing in Spain are limited — especially compared to the UK or other countries with flexible private pension systems.
Spanish banks are generally perceived to offer higher-cost products and traditional pension plans have minimal contribution and tax advantages.
So, what can you do if you want to make the most of your time under the Beckham regime and then very importantly make sure you are highly tax efficient for when it ends and you either stay in Spain or leave?
The Opportunity: Strategic International Investing
This is where smart financial planning makes all the difference.
I help clients in Barcelona/Spain build international investment structures that are:
- Tax-efficient under the Beckham regime,
- Flexible, allowing monthly or lump-sum contributions,
- Transparent and low-cost, focused on long-term growth rather than bank fees,
- And fully compliant with Spanish and international regulations.
This approach allows you to save regularly and grow your capital while enjoying the tax benefits available to you during your time in Spain.
How Regular Investing Builds Wealth
You don’t need to start with a fortune — consistency is what counts.
Here’s a simple example of what steady investing can achieve:
- Initial investment: €50,000
- Monthly contribution: €1,000
- Average annual return: 6%
- Duration: 10 years
At the end of that period, you could have over €254,850 — thanks to the power of compound growth. Regular saving smooths out market volatility, creates financial discipline, and puts time on your side.
Why Act Now
The Beckham Law is temporary — and the clock starts ticking the day you qualify.
The earlier you begin saving and investing during your residency, the more you can take advantage of the reduced tax burden and compounding returns.
Once your six-year window closes, your tax position changes — so using that time effectively can make a massive difference to your long-term wealth.
Your Financial Strategy in Barcelona
If you’re an international professional living or working in Barcelona, your financial situation is unique — and it deserves a tailored plan.
With the right structure in place, you can:
- Enjoy the benefits of the Beckham Law,
- Build investments that grow efficiently,
- Protect your assets,
- And lay the foundation for lasting financial independence.
Tax Efficient strategy
When on the Beckham Law you have almost a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to get financially organised, reduce future taxes and mitigate/eradicate profits on current gains, potentially increase wealth substantially and set yourself up for the rest of your life financially – You just need the right advice, financial partner and strategy to help you do this, someone with years of experience helping clients achieve this.
Ready to make the most of your time under the Beckham regime?
I help expats in Spain take control of their finances — with transparent advice, efficient investment strategies, and a long-term view of wealth creation.
Le Tour de Finance France October 2025
By Spectrum IFA
This article is published on: 8th October 2025
08.10.25
As an expat, do you make the most out of your finances?
Are you an expat living in France, or considering the move? Managing your finances across borders can feel daunting – tax rules, inheritance laws, pensions, investment accounts… there’s a lot to get right. That’s exactly why we’re inviting you to Le Tour de Finance – two dynamic, expert-led seminars designed to guide expats like you through the ins and outs of financial planning in France.
Each event features a panel of financial specialists who will break down complex topics like Assurance Vie, cross-border tax obligations, pensions / QROPS, investment opportunities, estate planning, and more. Whether you’re already in France, or planning to relocate, these sessions will help you safeguard your wealth, optimise your tax strategy, and make confident decisions for the future.
When:
- Chateau Val Joanis, Pertius, 84120 — 21st October 2025
- Chateau de la Begude, Valbonne, 06560 — 22nd October 2025
Two convenient locations, same powerful content. The format combines expert presentations with opportunities to ask questions, network with other expats, and hear real-world insight from people navigating similar paths.
Why attend?
Because doing your financial planning well as an expat isn’t just about avoiding mistakes—it’s about gaining advantages. With the right advice, you can reduce your tax burden, ensure your investments are legal and efficient on both sides of the border, and protect your family’s future.
Space is limited. If you’re serious about making the most of your finances in France, these seminars are not to be missed.
Register today via Le Tour de Finance, and give yourself peace of mind – so your money works as hard as you do.
Taxation & Finance Seminars in Portugal
By Portugal team
This article is published on: 7th October 2025
07.10.25
Mastering Tax and Finance
Join our Essential Insights Seminar
Wednesday 15th October & Thursday 16th October
The seminar presented by the local team from The Spectrum IFA Group with special guests from Rathbones and Utmost Wealth Solutions will cover important areas such as:
- Non Habitual Residence (NHR) and NHR 2.0: latest updates and available options
- End of NHR: planning considerations
- Residency rules: day counting and reporting obligations
- UK Inheritance Tax (IHT): new Long-Term Residence Rules, strategies to reduce exposure, and effective gifting
- Portugal & UK budgets: key updates and implications for expatriates
- Pensions and retirement: recent changes, planning options, and making your income last
- Market insights from Rathbones: current issues in investment and currency markets, and a 2026 and beyond outlook
The session will finish by looking at some case studies and then an open Q&A session, where attendees can ask the panel about specific subjects relevant to their own circumstances.
Wednesday 15th October
10am-12.30pm
Iberostar Collection (Lagos)
Thursday 16th October
10am-12.30pm
Conrad Algarve (Quinta do Lago)
Financial update France October 2025
By Katriona Murray-Platon
This article is published on: 6th October 2025
06.10.25
France has a new prime minister (again), actually – no we don’t – another one gone! However, time is of the essence to ensure that the Finance Law is approved and passed into law by the end of the year. Prior to the government reshuffle, there was a plan to freeze the tax rates at their current level and not adjust them in line with inflation as has been done in the past few years.
There was also a plan to set the 10% abatement on pensions at a maximum of €2000 per pensioner rather than the current maximum of €4399. Whether these measures will be adopted into law by the end of year, only time will tell.
According to a study published by the French National Statistics Body (INSEE, Focus 354), in 2024, 78% of French residents have a Livret A Savings account, compared with 42% who have an assurance vie and 27% that have a property savings plan (PEL/CEL). Only 19% of French residents have a retirement account (PER) and only 16.5% are part of an employer’s savings plan. Clearly the French prefer to keep their investments in assurance vies rather than in share accounts since only 9.8% of French residents have PEAs and only 9.6% have ordinary share accounts (compte titres). With the interest rate for the Livret A now at only 1.7%, this means that a large amount of French savings is not protected from inflation. Since money in an ordinary share account is subject to both tax and social charges, it is more tax efficient to invest in either an assurance vie or a PEA.
After another hot and dry summer, which has affected ground conditions in many areas, a decree has been published on 6th September 2025, which grants a subsidy to property owners in 11 departments to diagnose and remedy the potential damage of clay soil shrinkage and expansion.
This financial assistance could cover up to 90% of the costs up to a maximum amount of €2 000 for a “vulnerability diagnosis” of the property and up to 80% of the work costs up to a maximum amount of €15,000. Both will be means tested.
This autumn child care benefits (“complement de libre choix du mode de garde” or CMG) are changing. The CMG is a family benefit which covers part of the costs of a child being looked after by a carer (assistante maternelle) or at home by a nanny employed directly by the parents. This benefit is being amended in order to better assist families in certain situations. From 1st September 2025, the amount of this benefit will also change. In particular, single parents can now receive CMG until their child is 12 years old instead of 6 years old previously. From 1st December 2025, for parents with shared custody of their child, each parent can receive CMG under certain conditions. The calculation of the amount of benefits will be done automatically by Urssaf on the Pajemploi website and families will be informed of the new amount of benefits they will receive in the September 2025 declaration.
The Taxe Foncière statements are now available on your online account on the impots.gouv.fr website. You have until 15th October to pay the tax or20th October if you pay online. If you are already paying your taxe foncière monthly and the amount is higher than last year, then you will pay your regular amount on 15th October and the excess on 15th November.
Most people will have noticed an increase in their tax foncière of 1.7% due to the annual revaluation of the rental value which is the basis on which this tax is calculated.
There may also be an additional increase if your local council has voted for one. Other subsidiary taxes such as the tax to manage aquatic areas and the prevention of flooding may also have increased in certain areas. As for the tax for the refuse collection, a table produced by the Environmental and Energy efficiency (Agence de l’environnement et de la mâitrise de l’energy) published in Le Monde newspaper on 25th August showed that more than half of local authorities charge more than what it actually costs them to collect and treat the rubbish. If your tax foncière seems excessively high this year, it may be worth raising this issue with your local council.
If you have any questions on your financial situation in France, or know someone who does, please do get in touch and I would be happy to arrange a free, no obligation, phone or video call.
Driving in Spain as an expat
By Matthew Green
This article is published on: 4th October 2025
04.10.25
What you need to know about licences and rules
If you’re planning to drive in Spain as an expat, there are a few important things to know before hitting the road. From converting your license to understanding local rules, here’s a complete guide to make the process easier.
Can You Drive on Your Current Licence?
- EU/EEA Drivers: You can use your existing licence, but you may need to exchange it after two years of residency.
- Non-EU Drivers: You can usually drive with your foreign license for up to 6 months after becoming a Spanish resident. After that, you must get a Spanish licence.
- UK Drivers Post-Brexit: UK licences are no longer automatically valid beyond 6 months, but there’s a process to exchange without retaking the test (if done within the allowed timeframe).
How to Exchange Your Licence for a Spanish One
You’ll need:
- Valid foreign driving licence
- Proof of residency (padrón certificate)
- Passport/NIE
- Medical check at an authorized center (psicotécnico)
- Passport-size photos
- Application fee (around €28)
Appointments are booked through the DGT website (Spain’s traffic authority).
Driving Rules Expats Should Know
- Speed limits: 120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on secondary roads, 30 km/h in many urban areas.
- Always carry: licence, insurance, car papers, high-vis vest, and warning triangle.
- Using your phone while driving—even on speaker—can result in heavy fines unless hands-free.
- Alcohol limit: 0.5 g/l (lower than in some countries).
Insurance and Car Registration
If you bring your own car from abroad, you’ll need to register it in Spain and pay the relevant taxes. This can be complex—many expats hire a gestor to handle the process.
Plan Ahead for a Smooth Transition
Sorting out your driving documents is just one part of settling in Spain. Managing taxes, pensions, and investments under Spanish rules is another big step—and getting it right early can save you stress and money later.
As a financial planner with The Spectrum IFA Group here in Valencia, I help expats like you plan smart so you can enjoy life without financial worries.
If you’d like a free, no-obligation chat about setting up your finances for life in Spain, feel free to get in touch. It’s all about making sure you can enjoy everything Valencia has to offer—without financial stress.