Expat Services Made Simple
Welcome to EXPATIA, your trusted partner in L'Albir for visas, insurance, vehicle import and last wills and testaments services. We simplify your move and settlement, ensuring a smooth transition to your new life. Let us handle the complexities while you focus on your new adventure.
Book your free online consultation, or visit us at one of our offices:
Consultations by appointment only. Offices in Benidorm and Altea.
EXPATIA SERVICES
VISAS and Residence Permits
For EU Citizens: Starting at 180€
For Non-EU Citizens: Starting at 960€
Personalized immigration and relocation services to help you secure your residence permit and settle comfortably in Spain with ease.
NON-EU CITIZENS
Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV): For retirees or individuals with sufficient passive income or savings who want to reside in Spain without working locally.
Digital Nomad Visa (DNV): For remote employees or freelancers working for non-Spanish companies who want to live in Spain while earning income abroad.
Self-Employed / Lucrative Work Permit (Autónomo): For entrepreneurs and individuals looking to establish their own business or work as an independent contractor in Spain.
Student Visa & Modifications: Assistance with initial study visas, extensions, and switching to a full work or residency permit upon graduation.
EU CITIZENS & FAMILY MEMBERS
EU Registration Certificate (CUE / Certificate of Registration): Registration for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens planning to reside in Spain for longer than 90 days.
EU Family Member Permit (Tarjeta de Familiar de Ciudadano de la Unión): Residence authorization for non-EU spouses, registered partners, or dependents of EU citizens.
Vehicle Import and Drivers License Exchange Services
Driving Licence Exchange: Starting at €180
Vehicle Import: Starting at €695
Complete automotive relocation support to keep you legally on the road in Spain. We manage the entire paperwork process so you can drive stress-free.
Spanish Licence Plate Transfer: End-to-end foreign vehicle importation, customs clearance, ITV inspection coordination, and Spanish plate registration.
Car Insurance Setup: Tailored vehicle insurance policies from top Spanish insurers to get you covered immediately.
Driving Licence Exchange (Canje): Seamless conversion of foreign driving licences into an official Spanish driving licence with the DGT.
General Insurance Solutions
Free Quote & Comparison
Independent insurance brokerage with 6+ years of experience partnering with over 20 top providers in Spain. We compare the market to secure tailor-made coverage with 100% English support.
Visa-Compliant Health Insurance: Spanish residency-approved policies with full coverage, no co-payments, and no waiting periods.
Home & Vehicle: Comprehensive protection for your property, car, or motorcycle.
Life & Funeral (Decesos): Peace-of-mind coverage for life, family protection, and funeral services tailored for expats.
Civil Liability & Business: Comprehensive protection for freelancers (autónomos), commercial properties, and business liabilities.
Wills, Testaments & Cross-Border Inheritance Planning
Starting at 395€
Expert legal and tax advice to structure your Spanish estate efficiently, protect your assets across international jurisdictions, and minimize tax obligations for your heirs.
Cross-Border Tax Optimization: Strategic estate planning to maximize national and regional Spanish tax allowances, reducing or eliminating double taxation between Spain and your home country.
Spanish Wills for Expats: Drafting legally binding Spanish wills aligned with European Succession Regulation (Brussels IV) to ensure your national law governs your assets and overrides automatic forced heirship rules.
Inheritance Tax & Probate Management: Full management of Spanish inheritance proceedings—including NIE preparation, asset valuation, municipal Plusvalía calculations, and filing Form 650.
Frequently Asked Questions
What health insurance do I need to apply for a Spanish visa (Non-Lucrative, Digital Nomad, or Student)?
To qualify for Spanish visas and residence permits, Spanish consulates require a private health insurance policy issued by an authorized Spanish insurer. The policy must offer full comprehensive coverage with zero copayments (sin copago), zero waiting periods (sin carencia), and no coverage limits. Standard international travel insurance or policies with co-pay fees will result in visa rejection. We provide fully certified, consulate-compliant Spanish health insurance policies starting from day one of your application.
How much does it cost to import a car to Spain, and how do I exchange my foreign driving licence?
Vehicle importation costs start from €695 plus taxes, as total registration fees depend on your car’s age, market value, and CO₂ emissions (ranging from 0% for low-emission vehicles up to 14.75% for higher-emitting models). If you qualify for a transfer-of-residence exemption within 6 months of moving, you may be eligible to import your car tax-free. For driving licences, foreign residents must complete a Driving Licence Exchange (Canje de carnet) within legal time limits. Our complete Canje package costs €250 and covers all DGT appointments, document translation, and processing.
Why should I use an independent insurance broker in Spain instead of going directly to a bank or insurer?
As an independent insurance broker with over 6 years of experience, we work with over 20 top Spanish insurance providers to compare the entire market for you—saving you time and money. Buying directly through a single bank or insurer limits your options to their rigid packages. We offer 100% English-speaking support to find tailored, cost-effective policies across Health, Home, Auto, Commercial Business Liability, and Life/Funeral (Deceso) coverage.
Do expats living in Spain need a Spanish Will, and how does inheritance tax work for foreign assets?
Yes, writing a Spanish Will is essential for anyone owning property or assets in Spain. Under European Succession Regulation (Brussels IV), a properly drafted Spanish Will allows you to stipulate that the law of your home country applies to your estate, bypassing strict Spanish forced-heirship rules. Cross-border inheritance tax laws between Spain and your home country can also be complex; strategic estate planning helps maximize local tax allowances and prevents double taxation on international assets for your heirs.
Who qualifies for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, and what are the main tax benefits?
The Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) allows non-EU freelancers and remote employees working for non-Spanish companies to live and work legally in Spain. Applicants must demonstrate a professional relationship with their company/clients for at least 3 months and meet minimum monthly income thresholds. DNV holders can also apply for the Beckham Law tax regime, paying a flat income tax rate of 24% on Spanish-source income instead of progressive rates up to 47%. We assist with document preparation, remote work proof, and full visa submission.
Do I need a NIE number and Certificate of Empadronamiento before applying for visas or importing a vehicle?
Yes. A NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is your official tax identification number in Spain and is required for buying property, importing vehicles, setting up utility contracts, and opening bank accounts. The Empadronamiento (Padrón) is your official town hall registration proving your local residential address. Both documents are essential foundations for almost every immigration, tax, and registration process in Spain. We guide you through acquiring both efficiently.
Is home insurance legally mandatory in Spain, and what coverage do expat property buyers need?
Home insurance (seguro de hogar) is legally mandatory in Spain if you have a Spanish mortgage on the property. Even without a mortgage, comprehensive home insurance is strongly recommended to protect against structural damage, water leaks, theft, and third-party civil liability. Through our brokerage network of 20+ insurers, we provide fully bilingual home insurance policies tailored for primary residences, holiday homes, and rental properties across Spain.