Yes, it is possible to open a Spanish bank account from abroad. However, the requirements and procedures may vary depending on the bank and the type of account you want to open.
Some banks may require you to physically visit a branch in Spain to open an account, while others may allow you to open an account online or via mail. Additionally, you may need to provide certain documents, such as identification, proof of address, and proof of income. This is important because while they might allow you to open your bank account with a passport number you might need to have a Spanish phone number in place to receive any security code details.
It’s best to check with the specific bank you’re interested in to determine their requirements and procedures for opening an account from abroad. Some popular Spanish banks that allow non-residents to open accounts include BBVA, Santander, and CaixaBank.
A NIE is a tax ID not an Identity Number…
The NIE is a commonly used term for the green card issued to EU passport holders. If you are an EU/EEA citizen and would like to stay longer than 90 days in Spain, then you will have to register with the authorities to get a NIE “residence card”. The correct legal term to call it is “Certificado de Registro EU” -EU residency certificate aka NIE green card. This is a green paper card that cannot be laminated. It contains your name, date of birth and location of birth, address in Spain and date of application. NIE stands for Número de Identificación de Extranjero (identification number for foreigners) and is for everyone who isn’t a Spanish citizen. The NIE is always one letter followed by 7 numbers, and then another letter- e.g. X-7654567-C. It’s a number that identifies you as a foreigner in Spain. This number is required for any legal and financial work in filing taxes, buying property, establishing a business, opening a bank account, and for almost all other forms you fill out. You need a NIE to make any kind of transaction or payment that might involve the Spanish Tax Offic
In sum, all foreigners need a NIE number, regardless of their nationality. Then, if you want be a resident, non-EU nationals can get a document called TIE, while EU-nationals should get a “Certificado de Registro de la EU”.
No, this is counterproductive and we definitely do not recommend you do that.
While we do not recommend starting your home finding from abroad it is possible to do so.
What are some of the problems you might encounter if you choose to proceed this way?
Well, first not all real estate agencies/owners accept remote contract signing, additionally most owners want to meet the tenant before handing over the keys to their property. Furthermore, viewing a property online will not give you the feeling of what it is like in reality, (images might not be true to the final product, could be lots of noise coming from the street, you don’t get the feel for the neighborhood…). In sum, we never recommend starting to find your home from abroad.
Gated communities are not common at all in Spain. Spain is generally considered a safe country to visit and live in. It has a relatively low crime rate compared to other countries, and violent crime is relatively rare. However, pickpocketing and theft are the most common crimes in Spain and as with any country, it’s always a good idea to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
No, as your Relocation provider we do not take in charge any payments for your housing deposits, agency fees, or rent.
No, as your Relocation provider our name will not appear in any rental contract. The rental contract should be done in your or your company’s name, depending on who is renting the property.
For legal reasons, the rental contract always needs to be redacted in Spanish therefore it is not common to receive an English version of it. The English version would not have any validity in the eyes of the law, but you can ask owner/real estate agency if they can provide it to you.
No, in Spain it is very unusual for utilities to be included in the rent. This is an additional cost that you need to take into account. However, if you are signing a temporary contract they might be included within the final rent.
When renting a property in Spain there are several expenses you need to count on:
· Up to 3 months’ security deposit (can be up to 7 months depending to owner).
· Contract fee (around 200€)
· Normally from 1 month rent to 10% of the annual rent + 21% VAT for the agency fee.
· Current months’ rent.
· ITP (Tax payment exempt for long term rental)
Yes, there are houses with gardens in Spanish cities, that being said, they are typically more common in suburban areas or on the outskirts of the city.
In many Spanish cities, especially in the historic city centers, the buildings tend to be tall and close together, with little space for private gardens. Barcelona and Madrid center for example do not usually have gardens within the properties. However, in newer developments on the outskirts of cities, it is more common to find houses with gardens or front lawns.
It’s worth noting that the availability and size of gardens in Spanish cities can vary depending on the location and the specific property, so it’s always a good idea to do some research before making any assumptions about what kind of housing is available in a given area.
The Spanish school system is organized into several stages of education, with children generally beginning schooling at the age of 3 and continuing through to university or vocational training.
The main stages of education in the Spanish school system:
1. Infantil (Early Childhood Education): This stage is optional and is intended for children between the ages of 3-5.
2. Primaria (Primary Education): This stage is compulsory and lasts for 6 years, from the ages of 6 to 12.
3.Secundaria (Secondary Education): This stage is also compulsory and lasts for 4 years, from the ages of 12 to 16. During this stage, students follow a core curriculum that includes subjects such as language and literature, mathematics, science, social studies, and physical education. They also have the option to choose electives in areas such as technology, art, music, or a second foreign language.
4. Bachillerato (Upper Secondary Education): This stage is not compulsory and lasts for 2 years, from the ages of 16 to 18. It is divided into two academic streams, one focused on humanities and social sciences and the other on science and technology. Students take a range of subjects in their chosen stream and must pass a final exam in order to graduate.
Overall, the Spanish school system emphasizes academic rigor.
There are several different types of schools in Spain, each with its own characteristics, curriculum, and target audience.
Here are some of the most common types of schools in Spain:
1. Escuela Pública (Public School): These schools are funded by the government and offer free education to students. They follow the national curriculum and are generally open to all students, regardless of their socio-economic background.
2. Escuela Privada (Private School): These schools are not funded by the government and require tuition fees to be paid by the students’ families. They can offer a wider range of educational programs and services than public schools, and they often have smaller class sizes and more individualized attention.
3. Escuela Concertada (Concerted School): These schools are partially funded by the government and partially funded by private entities. They offer the same curriculum as public schools but may have more autonomy in terms of the organization and management of the school.
4. Colegio Bilingüe (Bilingual School): These schools offer instruction in both Spanish and another language, often English. They may follow the national curriculum or an international curriculum, and they may be public or private schools.
5. Colegio Internacional (International School): These schools follow an international curriculum and are designed for students from a variety of nationalities. They may offer instruction in multiple languages, and they may have a more diverse student body than other schools in Spain.
6. Escuela Especial (Special School): These schools are designed for students with special educational needs, such as students with disabilities or learning difficulties. They offer specialized support and resources to help these students achieve their educational goals.
It’s not necessary but it is recommended, specially to integrate easier within the local community.
The Spanish people are generally open and welcoming to visitors and expats. They are known for their hospitality, warmth, and friendliness towards foreigners. Spanish people often enjoy sharing their culture and customs with visitors and are happy to help with any questions or concerns.
While English is not the official language in Spain, many Spaniards do speak English, particularly in the larger cities and tourist areas. However, it is still a good idea to learn some basic Spanish phrases and vocabulary to communicate with locals and better integrate into Spanish life.
Integrating into Spanish life can be a wonderful experience, as the country offers a rich culture, history, and lifestyle. However, as with any country, it can take some effort to adjust and fully integrate into the local community. Learning the language and customs, making an effort to meet people, and participating in local activities can all help with the integration process.
Overall, while it may take some time and effort to fully integrate into Spanish life, the welcoming nature of the Spanish people and the rich culture and lifestyle make it a worthwhile experience.
If you are planning to live and work in Spain you need Public Healthcare in order to be compliant and be able to take a sick leave if needed.
You are allowed to drive your XYZ car with a XYZ license in Spain for tourist purposes but that is all, then it completely depends on your country of origin. Depending on where you are from, you might be allowed to drive in Spain or not and/or be eligible for a driver’s license exchange or not. Should you be unsure contact us and we will help you.
Yes, public transport in Spain is generally reliable and safe. Spain has a well-developed network of public transportation, including buses, trains, subways, and trams, which connect cities and towns across the country.
In larger cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, the public transportation system is particularly extensive, with multiple subway lines, bus routes, and train connections. These systems are generally punctual and efficient, with frequent services and affordable fares.
Safety is also a priority on public transportation in Spain. Security personnel are often present on trains and subway stations, and video surveillance is commonly used to monitor passengers and prevent crime. However, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas and during rush hour.
If you don’t find your answer to your questions contact us at customercare@eomobility.com, we will be happy to answer your queries.
