Glossary
Key terms for emigrating
Agencia Tributaria (Tax Agency)
The Spanish tax agency (Hacienda). Here you file tax returns, register as a taxpayer and handle all fiscal matters. Much can be done online via the website with certificado digital.
Autónomo (Self-Employed)
The Spanish status for self-employed workers. As an autónomo you pay monthly social security contributions (cuota) to the Seguridad Social. New autónomos receive a tarifa plana (reduced rate) in the first year.
Ayuntamiento (Town Hall)
The Spanish town hall/city hall. Here you handle your empadronamiento, apply for permits and pay local taxes like the IBI.
Beckham Law (Special Tax Regime)
A tax-favorable regime for newcomers in Spain. You pay a flat rate of 24% on Spanish income up to €600,000 for 6 years. Ideal for expats with a high salary. Named after footballer David Beckham.
Canje de Permiso (License Exchange)
Exchanging your Dutch driving license for a Spanish one. Mandatory if you live in Spain for more than 2 years. Apply at the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico).
Certificado Digital (Digital Certificate)
An electronic certificate that allows you to handle matters online with the Spanish government: tax returns, Social Security, cadastre, etc. Essential for digitally handling bureaucracy.
Colegio Concertado (Semi-Private School)
A semi-private school in Spain: privately managed but subsidized by the government. Affordable alternative to fully private education with often better facilities than public schools.
Comunidad de Propietarios (Owners Association)
The Spanish Homeowners Association (HOA). If you buy an apartment, you automatically become a member and pay monthly contributions for maintenance of common areas.
Convenio Especial (Special Health Agreement)
An agreement that gives you access to the Spanish public healthcare system for a fee (~€60/month), even if you do not work or contribute to Social Security.
Empadronamiento (Municipal Registration)
The mandatory registration at your municipality (Ayuntamiento). The Empadronamiento proves that you live in a certain municipality and is required for access to healthcare, education and many other services.
Escritura (Property Deed)
The notarial property deed in Spain. The escritura is drawn up by a notary and registered at the Registro de la Propiedad (property registry).
Fianza (Rental Deposit)
The rental deposit when renting a property in Spain. Legally 1 month rent for residential, 2 months for commercial property. Deposited with the IBAVI or equivalent regional body.
GestorÃa (Administrative Agency)
A Spanish administrative agency that helps you with bureaucratic procedures: taxes, permits, vehicle registration, etc. Not cheap, but can save a lot of time and frustration.
Homologación (Diploma Recognition)
The official recognition of foreign diplomas in Spain. Needed if you want to work in Spain with your Dutch diploma in certain professions (education, healthcare, etc.).
IBI (Property Tax)
The Spanish municipal property tax, comparable to the Dutch OZB. Levied annually based on the cadastral value of your property.
IRPF (Personal Income Tax)
The Spanish personal income tax. Rates vary from 19% to 47% depending on your income and autonomous region. You file annually between April and June via the Agencia Tributaria.
ITV (Vehicle Technical Inspection)
The Spanish MOT/vehicle inspection. Mandatory for cars older than 4 years, then every 2 years, and annually for cars older than 10 years.
Modelo 030 (Tax Registration Form)
The form to register with the Spanish tax authority (Agencia Tributaria). This links your NIE to your tax data and address.
NIE (Foreigner Identity Number)
The Spanish identification number for foreigners. Your NIE is required for almost everything: opening a bank account, renting or buying a house, working, and filing taxes. Apply for it as soon as possible at the police station or consulate.
Número de Afiliación (Social Security Number)
Your personal Social Security number. Your employer arranges this if you are employed, or you arrange it yourself as an autónomo. Required for all social security benefits.
Padrón Municipal (Census Register)
The municipal census register. Your proof of registration (certificado de empadronamiento) from the Padrón is one of the most requested documents in Spain.
Residencia (Residence Certificate)
Proof of residence rights as an EU citizen in Spain. After 3 months you must register as a resident with the police. You receive a green A4 certificate with your NIE.
Seguridad Social (Social Security)
The Spanish social security system. Covers healthcare, pensions, unemployment benefits and disability. As an employee or autónomo you are required to contribute.
SNS (National Health System)
The Spanish public healthcare system. If you work and contribute to Social Security, you are entitled to free healthcare. You receive a tarjeta sanitaria (health card) at your local centro de salud.
Tarjeta Sanitaria (Health Card)
The Spanish health card that gives you access to the public healthcare system (SNS). Apply for it at your local centro de salud with your NIE and empadronamiento.