Legal Questions To Buying A Home In Spain

Legal Questions

Below are the answers to the most common legal questions most people have regarding buying a property in Spain.

NIE - Numero de Identificacion de Extranjeros

(Numero de Identificacion de Extranjeros) This is your Foreigners Identity Number for tax purposes, and you will need it when purchasing a property or vehicle. The rules and regulations on how and where to apply for this number are continually changing to simplify this process. Nowadays, most banks and Notary offices will not sign for the title deeds to properties without this number, so it is best to obtain it as soon as possible to avoid further delays at the time of completion on your property.

Residency

By law, any foreigner can stay in Spain for up to 90 days at a time. however, if you stay for over 183 days in a year you become a fiscal (for tax purposes) resident, in which case you need to apply for Spanish Residence. Once obtained, this card will become your Spanish ID and you will not need to carry your passport with you.

Padron - Certificado de Empadronamiento

The Certificado de Empadronamiento (Padron) is an official document that serves as proof of address. You will be asked for this when purchasing a vehicle, applying for residence, registering your children at school, etc.

Nurseries and Schools

State education is free, but parents have to buy all textbooks and materials.

Nursery Education:

for children up to 3 years of age.
Hours are usually from 8.00am to 5.30 pm.

Infant Education:

Where facilities are available, children can usually start at the age of 3 (as long as they are fully potty-trained) for a small fee because free full time compulsory education does not start until Primary School.

Primary Education:

for children from the age of 6. This lasts for 6 years.
Hours normally for both Infant and Primary Education are from 9.00 am to 12.30 pm, and 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm. Children can either stay at school or go home during their lunch break. Packed lunches are not allowed in Spanish schools, which means that if your children cannot return home at lunch time they will have to have school meals.

Secondary Education:

This is compulsory for children from 12 to 16 years of age. The school day starts at 8.00 am with either a divided day with 2 hours for lunch, or a continuois day which finishes at 2pm.

Further Education:

at 16 children may leave school, may enrol on practical training courses called Modulos or may go on to a 2 year academic course called Bachillerato, after which they may take a University entrance examination.