Those dreaming or contemplating a permanent move to Spain, would certainly want to compare the two tax systems as part of their decision process. There are also tax consequences when owning a property in Spain, whether you live here full time or not and differences between EU citizen and non-EU. Here is a quick outline…
Author: Two retired Canadians in Spain
Newly retired Canadian in Spain for the winter months!
How much does it cost to buy and maintain a house in Spain?
In 2019, we followed our dream and bought a house in the sun to use in the winter months. We never expected to buy such a large property. We have always lived in modest properties and small spaces due to the fact that, in Vancouver, real estate is very expensive. We bought Villa El Gavilan after much…
Cordoba, the sophisticated roman and moorish city
The city of Cordoba has a past with great significance. It was founded in 169 B.C. by the Romans. They chose this site for its strategic location with its highest navigable point of the Guadalquivir River. It became a port city of great importance, used for shipping Spanish olive oil, wine and wheat back to…
Coronavirus in Spain: what is it like?
I waited before writing an article about what it is like in Spain during the coronavirus pandemic. I wanted to have some perspective on the situation first and was hoping that I could write about it in the past tense. Unfortunately, we are going through a severe second wave right now which shows no signs…
Update from Spain: Our third winter in Spain got extended
It has been quite a while since my last blog post. We have been busy but I think that the reason why I did not write sooner stems from the coronavirus events. The pandemic circumstances has made me somewhat numb and unable to formulate clear thoughts. I have been feeling like writing again because I…
Andalucia travel planning tips
We get a lot of requests from friends and blog readers about tips and recommendations when planning a trip to Spain, Andalucia and the Costa del Sol. This is our 3rd winter in Nerja and we have travelled and explored a lot of Spain. Here are a few ideas to get you started on your…
A few tips about getting ready to go away for six months.
We are getting ready to go away for the winter again this year. This will be our 3rd winter in beautiful and sunny Spain and we are getting quite good at getting organized and packing for us and our dog Amy Lou. First of all, if you go to your destination like us, by plane,…
Blog 10 things to do in Spain besides going tapas or visiting la Sagrada familia
I recently watch a You Tube video, Spain Revealed with James Blick. This man is married to a Spanish woman and has regular videos about customs and culture in Spain. Here are his top 10 things to do in Spain beside tapas, paella and la Segrada Familia. I added my own commentary to his tips….
Estate Taxes in Spain
If you acquire a property in Spain as we did, you need to know about inheritance tax. Unlike Canada, there are taxes to pay in Spain on inheritances and they can be quite hefty. The level of tax varies depending on the relationship to the deceased and the region in Spain and it is the…
What’s with the Jamon?
Spaniards like their Ham and for good reasons. Whether it is Serrano or the finer and more expensive Iberico, Spanish hams are delicious. Ham is ubiquitous in Spain. Featured on every menu in bars and restaurants, you will see them hanging from ceilings everywhere as in this small tapas bar in Nerja. It is a…
