General
You have found your dream place and your second home in Spain is a fact. Now it is time to enjoy la buena vida without a care in the world! But what else do you need to think about? Here we give you an overview of a number of important matters, so that you are optimally prepared.
Are you considering renting out your home regularly? Good choice! In high season, an average apartment can fetch up to €900 per week. Platforms like Airbnb make this easy, but beware: in many cases you need a rental license. The exact rules vary per region. Read our blog for more information: CLICK HERE
Once you have signed the notarial deed of sale and are officially the owner, you can apply for a rental license. But be careful:
✅ Does your home belong to an association of co-owners? Then check whether holiday rentals are prohibited.
✅ You need civil liability insurance.
✅ A certificate of conformity is often mandatory.
Do you want to outsource the rental completely? We are happy to help you!
Taking your car to Spain?
Are you often in Spain and do you want to use your own car there? Then you can officially import your Belgian or Dutch car. As soon as you drive more than 182 days a year in Spain, you are obliged to have a Spanish number plate.
How to register your car in Spain?
🔹 Register your car with the Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico.
🔹 Have your car inspected by the Inspección Técnica de Vehículos (ITV).
🔹 Insure and register your car in Spain.
🔹 Screw on your Spanish number plate and you’re ready to drive!
Would you rather outsource this? Sublicasa can arrange this process for you. Download our free brochure ‘Importing a car in Spain’ now.
Health insurance: how are you insured in Spain?
With a European Health Insurance Card (available free of charge from your health insurance fund) you can go to Spanish public hospitals. Your Belgian health insurance fund will then cover the necessary medical costs.
Do you also want to be reimbursed for non-urgent care in Spain? Then you need Spanish health insurance. Without this insurance, you often have to return to Belgium or the Netherlands for further care after the first medical assistance.
Are you considering moving to Spain permanently? Then contact your health insurance fund in advance to prevent an interruption in your insurance.
What fixed costs and taxes are involved?
Just like in Belgium, in Spain you pay for:
💧 Water, electricity and/or gas, and internet.
🏠 Syndic costs, if your home is part of a co-ownership.
🔥 Building insurance for damage due to fire, flooding, etc.
In addition, the Spanish tax authorities charge the following taxes:
📌 Municipal tax (IBI or SUMA) – payable annually.
📌 Waste collection (‘basura’) – a local fee.
📌 Non-resident tax – calculated on the cadastral value.
📌 Rental tax – if you rent out the home.
Depending on the region and your home, these costs amount to an average of €1,500 – €2,500 per year.
You do not have to pay extra tax for your property in Spain, but you do have to declare it to the tax authorities. This can affect your cadastral income (KI) and tax scale (progression reservation).
Want to make your home even more comfortable and sustainable?
Maybe you will discover over time that you want to make some adjustments. Think of:
🌿 Installing a pergola or fly screens.
☀️ Installing solar panels or a heat pump for a more sustainable home.
🍽️ An outdoor kitchen, so that you can enjoy the Spanish climate even more.
🛋️ Need furniture, air conditioning or other furnishings?
In addition, by 2030, there will be a renovation obligation in Spain: homes must meet certain ecological standards.
Do you want advice or hire reliable professionals? We have the right address for you, with a good price-quality ratio.
Any questions?
Do you have any questions after reading this article or would you like more details on a specific topic? Please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to help you, so that you can enjoy your second home in Spain without any worries!