Books about Bulgaria

John Howell 31st August 2018

Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Travel guides for Bulgaria Lonely Planet Romania & Bulgaria “Lonely Planet Romania & Bulgaria is your passport to all the most relevant and up-to-date advice on what to see, what to skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Absorb the vibrant landscape by hiking the Carpathians, relax on Bulgaria’s Black …

Books about Portugal

John Howell 31st August 2018

Travel guides for Portugal Books about Portuguese culture Books about politics in Portugal Books about Portuguese history

Books about the UK (England & Wales ONLY)

John Howell 31st August 2018

Books about Spain

John Howell 31st August 2018

Books about Italy

John Howell 31st August 2018

Books about Germany

John Howell 31st August 2018

Insuring your Car in Spain

John Howell 14th August 2018

Insurance for your car is critical not just because the law requires you to have it but because of the devastating consequences of having an accident whilst not insured.

What is available and how do you get it?

Social Security in Spain

John Howell 8th August 2018

Social security arrangements in Spain are extensive and expensive. They are also rather complicated and, very likely, different from those to which you are accustomed. Yet it is well worth getting to grips with them before you need to make use of the services provided.

Tax: the Taxation of Companies in Spain

John Howell 27th July 2018

In Spain, companies are taxes in a variety of ways. Understanding the system – and how it will work best for you – is essential if you want to do business in Spain via a company. This is an area where detailed professional advice is a must but it is still helpful to have a basic understanding of the system before you see your accountant.

A chocolate cake with a slice being taken from it

Tax: the Taxation of Individuals in Spain

John Howell 27th July 2018

Spain has what looks like a relatively simple tax system, particularly if you are not tax-resident in Spain, but it is still important to understand how it works. It also offers lots of opportunities for fine tuning your tax position in order to reduce the taxes you will have to pay in Spain or elsewhere.

A port near marbella: white high-rises near the water

Property Investment in Spain

Manzanares International 27th July 2018

Many people made a lot of money out of investing in property in Spain. Unfortunately, those who invested just before the 2007 crash lost a lot of money. Is now the time to look again at investing in property (real estate) in Spain? What and where should you buy? How should you do it?

Rescuing Failed Property Developments in Spain

Manzanares International 26th July 2018

In the era from 2007 to 2010-ish, there were lots of failed developments in Spain. Whether you were a buyer in one of those developments or you are a fresh investor looking to profit from property development in Spain, it’s worth seeing if any of the disasters can be rescued.

Renting a Property in Spain

John Howell 26th July 2018

We all need somewhere to live. Find out the rules about renting a property in Spain – and how to do it. Whether it is a holiday home, a permanent residence or something that falls between the two, the Spanish system can give you some surprises!

Letting (Renting Out) Your Property in Spain

John Howell 26th July 2018

Whether you are a professional landlord or somebody who lets their home when they are not using it, there is quite a lot to learn about letting property in Spain. It can be very expensive if you get it wrong. This guide looks at the essentials.

Selling a Property (Real Estate) in Spain

Manzanares International 26th July 2018

Selling a property (real estate) in Spain is quite a simple process. Yet there are still things that can catch the unwary. This guide explains what they are and how to avoid them – as well as taking you through the process, step by step.

Property Development in Spain

Manzanares International 26th July 2018

A large part of the economy of Spain is based on construction and property development. In the past, it has proved very profitable. Is it still a great opportunity or is the market over-cooked? Should you get involved? If so, how – and how can you do so safely?

Fractional Ownership & Timeshare in Spain

Manzanares International 26th July 2018

Timeshare and fractional ownership are both concepts that strike fear in many people. In some cases, they should! In other cases, they can be a great way of sharing the use (and the cost) of a holiday home. What are they? How do they work? What are the dangers to look out for?

Buying Newly Built Property (Real Estate) in Spain

Manzanares International 26th July 2018

New property is very popular, especially with investors. What are the special things to look out for when buying a new – previously unoccupied – property in Spain? How do you guard against the risks?

Buying Off-Plan (unfinished) Property (Real Estate) in Spain

Manzanares International 26th July 2018

Many people like the idea of buying property before it has been completed. There are good reasons for doing so. But what about the risks? What are they and how can you control them? This guide looks at those issues.

Coming to Spain to Set Up a Business (Immigration/Visas)

Manzanares International 26th July 2018

If you want to set up a business in Spain there are plenty of opportunities to do so, especially if you are going to create employment in Spain. However, the processes can be quite complex. This guide will hep you make the right choices.

Buying Commercial Property in Spain

Manzanares International 26th July 2018

There are two group of people who buy commercial property. Those who need it for their own use and those who like it as an investment vehicle. Both groups need to make sure they buy the right property.

Debt Collection in Spain

John Howell 25th July 2018

For any business or individual, debt collecting is sometimes a tedious necessity. In Spain, it can be very slow and, all too often, unproductive. You can maximise your chances of success by taking some basic and inexpensive precautions and planning ahead. This guide covers what to do and how to do it.

Three young people around a table - they are board members at a company.

Setting Up a Company in Spain

Manzanares International 25th July 2018

Do you need a company in Spain? If so, which type? What are your options and what are their respective advantages and disadvantages? This guide sets out, briefly and simply, some of the issues concerned.

A lego businessman at his desk, grimacing at the camera

Starting a Business in Spain

Manzanares International 25th July 2018

Starting a business in a new country is exciting and it can be very profitable. It will certainly change your life! However, if you get it wrong it can prove to be a financial disaster and could change your life in all the wrong ways. Getting it right needs a bit of luck but, much more, hard work and thorough preparation. This guide will help you make the most out of this opportunity.

Escritura Publica (Formal contract of sale)

Buying a Property (Real Estate) in Spain

Manzanares International 25th July 2018

Buying a home or other property (real estate) costs a lot of money and so is worrying. It is also something that that has been done, literally, millions of times and can be completely safe. How do you do it? How do you make it safe?

Voting & Politics in Spain

Francine Carrel 24th July 2018

Spanish politics is a complex and fractious subject. You’ll learn more about the average Spaniard’s views by sitting in a bar and chatting than you will from guides like this, but I hope this overview is useful (it might prepare you for the pub conversations).

Matrimonial Regimes in Spain: the Law

John Howell 24th July 2018

Whenever you are married, certain rules govern how your finances are going to be treated. These are the rules in Spain. They may be very different from the rules in your country – and failure to understand them can prove very costly.

Wills for use in Spain

Manzanares International 24th July 2018

Let’s be clear. If you have any assets in Spain – a house, a business, a car, a bank account or pretty much anything else – you should make a Will valid for use in Spain. If you live in Spain this is even more important. This guide tells you how to go about making a Will in Spain.

Employment Law in Spain

Manzanares International 23rd July 2018

Some people work for the same employer, without incident or trouble, for years or decades. Others are not so lucky and encounter difficulties from unsafe working practices to racial or sexual harassment.

This guide gives you initial guidance as to what to do if things go wrong.

Importing Your Car into Spain

Manzanares International 23rd July 2018

Should you import you car into Spain or should you buy one there? If you want to import your car into Spain, how should you do it? How long will it take? What will it cost?

Family Law in Spain

Manzanares International 21st July 2018

Family law is immensely complex because families are immensely complex. It also – together with criminal law – reflects the nature of the historic and cultural basis of a society much more clearly than any other aspect of law. How a society deals with the family is absolutely central to that society’s core values.

Two figurines - a bride and a groom - face away from each other, with angry faces

Getting a Divorce in Spain

Manzanares International 20th July 2018

Divorce is one of the most common risks associated with living in another country. The reason why is subject to some debate but meeting new people, drink, sunshine and the fact that you are not under the immediate eye of your family or neighbours probably all contribute. So, in some cases, do lurking problems that existed before the move. Whatever the reason, lots of people end up seeing a Spanish lawyer about divorce. Fortunately, the system works well.

Inheritance Planning in Spain

Manzanares International 19th July 2018

Nobody wants to face up to the inevitability of death and so most people never do any inheritance planning. That’s a great pity. It could not only save them and their heirs a fortune but it should also greatly reduce the stress when you die. Inheritance planning is one of the most cost-effective things you can do. Whatever your age, do it now!

Inheritance in Spain

Manzanares International 19th July 2018

Nowhere can a bit of forward planning produce such simple and dramatic results as in the area of inheritance. It can save you untold grief and inconvenience – and tens or hundreds of thousands of whatever currency you use to define your wealth. To think about this planning, you need to understand the inheritance rules in your part of Spain.

Dealing with a Death in Spain

Manzanares International 19th July 2018

Every country and culture has its own way of dealing with a death. From the bureaucracy to the ritual and the conventions surrounding bereavement, the process in Spain is likely to be different from what you are used to. Depending upon where you come from, it could be very different indeed.

Hands in handcuffs - hands balled into fists and raised in the air

Criminal Law in Spain

Manzanares International 19th July 2018

Crime and criminal cases in Spain should be of interest to everybody who lives there, however honest you may be. What happens if you are arrested? Will you be locked up before your trial? Will you be entitled to legal representation – and how can you get it? What punishments do you face? This guide seeks to cover these issues.

Powers of Attorney for Use in Spain

Manzanares International 18th July 2018

Powers of Attorney are really useful documents allowing somebody else to do things on your behalf. When should you make one? Who should you appoint? How do you make a Power? What does it cost? How long does it take?

Notaries (Notarios) in Spain

Manzanares International 18th July 2018

Notaries are a crucial part of the legal system in Spain. They validate, witness and store all sorts of important documents. They can even marry or divorce you! What else can they do? How do you find one?

The Legal System in Spain

Manzanares International 18th July 2018

If you are going to live, work or do business in a foreign country one of the most important factors in ensuring a trouble and stress free time is having a good legal system. How does the system in Spain work? Where does it rank when compared to other countries?

Disputes & Court Cases in Spain

Manzanares International 18th July 2018

Disputes occur in any country.

Often they are the result of genuine misunderstandings. Even more often they are the result of badly prepared contracts. Occasionally they are the result of bad faith. Very infrequently they are the result of fraud or other criminal activity.

Defective Products Law in Spain

Manzanares International 18th July 2018

When you buy any product, things can go wrong with it. In Spain, the law deals quite comprehensively with your rights in these circumstances. this guide sets out what you can do in these circumstances.

Contract Law in Spain

Manzanares International 18th July 2018

Contracts – written or verbal, large or small – are pretty much central to large parts of our personal and business lives. How do they work in Spain? How do I know if a contract is legally valid? What happens if things go wrong?

Consumer Protection in Spain

Manzanares International 18th July 2018

What happens when you buy something and it doesn’t work? Or which is dangerous? Or which works for a short time and then breaks? Or which is just a million miles from what was described when you bought it? Or when someone supplies you with a shoddy service?

Spain has a number of ways of helping you.

A black and white picture of a child holding an older adults hand

Child Abduction to Spain

Manzanares International 18th July 2018

There is nothing more frightening or distressing than for your child to be abducted: taken away from you. This guides covers what to do if this happens and if it is the child’s other parent who takes the child.

Useful Contacts & Websites in Spain

Law Overseas 18th July 2018

This page has been replaced partly by our directory feature (see the grey menu bar) and partly by our useful guides and contacts pages for individual regions of Spain.

Transport Links to and within Spain

John Howell 18th July 2018

As one of the world’s major economies and the world’s third largest tourist destination, Spain is well served when it comes to all types of transport.

Marriage in Spain

Manzanares International 18th July 2018

Marriage is still a major part of our culture – and where better to do it than a vibrant country with, generally, good weather. This guides explains who can marry in Spain and the formalities involved.

Sex & Sexuality in Spain

Francine Carrel 18th July 2018

This guide is about sex and sexuality in Spain. It covers issues like the age of consent, and LGBT rights and associations.

Public holidays in Spain

John Howell 18th July 2018

You’ll find a full list of national and regional holidays here. However, don’t forget that each municipality will have two additional public holidays; often celebrating the local saint or an event of local importance. Some notes about the major holidays, mainly for our readers in the East:

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

John Howell 18th July 2018

Cards are issued by your national health insurance provider. How do you obtain a card? You obtain a card by contacting the health insurance institution where you are insured and which is therefore responsible for assuming your healthcare costs. For more information, see this website. Who can benefit from the card? To be eligible for a card, you must be insured by or covered by a …

Healthcare in Spain

Manzanares International 18th July 2018

Click where you see for more information Emergency numbers Call 112 – the general emergency number or 061 for an ambulance Languages spoken: Spanish, English, French and German. The quality of healthcare in Spain Spain has an excellent quality of healthcare. It’s routinely ranked amongst the world’s best. The WHO Healthcare Index put Spain 7th of 191 countries ranked. Of course, if you live in …

Education in Spain

Francine Carrel 18th July 2018

Education in Spain is often very good, but can sometimes leave a lot to be desired. Whether your child receives a good education will be, in the main, down to the school you choose for them. Whether you go down the route of private or state education, there is a good selection of schools available in Spain.

Driving Licences in Spain

Manzanares International 17th July 2018

Almost every adult who wants to live or work in Spain will also want to drive in Spain. They need to understand what type of licence they need in order to do so. This guides explains that – and how to obtain a licence in Spain if you need one.

Driving in Spain

Francine Carrel 17th July 2018

Every year, hundreds of thousands of foreigners drive in Spain. Many worry about it before they do it for the first time. Very few worry the second time. This guide sets out some common-sense preparations and precautions to keep you safe.

Business Issues in Spain

John Howell 17th July 2018

Every country has special issues when it comes to doing business. Spain is no exception. This guide focused on some of the issues that can catch out the unwary.

Doing Business in Spain

Manzanares International 17th July 2018

Doing business in Spain is an enticing prospect. It is a large market (46 million people) and a trillion dollar economy. It has a very large expat population and over 75 million tourists per year, which opens a number of unique opportunities. So how do you do business in Spain?

Drinking & Driving in Spain

Manzanares International 17th July 2018

A couple of decades ago, drinking and driving in Spain was commonplace. Today it is not.

As in many countries, this reflects a change in the public perception of what is acceptable conduct but in Spain it also reflects much more police activity and substantial penalties – including disqualification from driving – for those arrested and convicted.

Learning Spanish – in Spain or ‘back home’

John Howell 17th July 2018

Despite what some expats will tell you, learning Spanish is important if you’re going to be spending a lot of time in Spain. It makes you life much easier and your time in Spain both more productive and more fun.

Cultural Differences in Spain

John Howell 17th July 2018

The cultural differences between various countries are fascinating and, often, surprising. Understanding them is hugely important if you want to survive – and thrive – in a country that is not your own. Recognise them. Understand them. But don’t be frightened by them.

Coming to Spain for Short-Term Work (Immigration/Visas)

Manzanares International 17th July 2018

Many people come to work in Spain on a short-term basis. Sometimes this will be a young person wanting a vacation job. On other occasions it might be a more senior person coming to Spain to carry out a short project.

Coming to Spain for Other Reasons (Immigration/Visas)

Manzanares International 17th July 2018

Our other guides to immigration cover the vast majority of cases where people wish to come and live in Spain. However, the world is always complicated and there are many other circumstances in which people have the right to enter and stay in the country. This guide covers some of them.

Coming to Spain as an Asylum Seeker/Refugee (Immigration/Visas)

Manzanares International 17th July 2018

Spain is home to a reasonably small number of the world’s 68million-plus refugees (2018). But Europe as a whole is in the midst of a refugee crisis, and Spain is not unaffected by it.

Coming to Spain to Join Your Family (Immigration/Visas)

Manzanares International 17th July 2018

This guide looks briefly at what’s involved in joining a close family member in Spain. The rules governing this are quite complex.

Residence by Investment in Spain (Immigration/Golden Visa)

Manzanares International 17th July 2018

One way to get the right to live in Spain is via its “residence by investment” (‘golden visa’) programme. This is, obviously, fairly expensive but if you have the money it can be a simple and cost-effective solution to the visa problem.

Coming to Spain to Work (Immigration/Visas)

Manzanares International 17th July 2018

Well over 10% of Spain’s workforce is made up of foreign nationals – and the number is growing quickly.

Coming to Spain to Retire (Immigration/Visas)

Manzanares International 17th July 2018

Hundreds of foreigners retire to Spain each year. The weather is warm, the food is good and there are already many thriving communities of expats! Even better, it’s really easy to do.

Coming to Spain as a Student (Immigration/Visas)

Manzanares International 17th July 2018

Spanish further (tertiary) education is high-quality and its courses are relatively cheap. Spain has embraced the idea of the international student, so it is fairly easy to study there.

woman looking at the Arc de Triomf in Barcelona

Visas: Coming to Spain as a Tourist

Manzanares International 17th July 2018

Thousands of people visit Spain every year. This isn’t surprising – it is a beautiful region with beautiful climate and a great range of tourist accommodation.

So you’ll be pleased to hear that Spain is very easy to visit!

Countries in the EU

John Howell 17th July 2018

EU policies aim to ensure the free movement of people, goods, services and capital within its internal market. Twenty-two member-countries – plus four that are not members of the EU – have abolished passport controls for movement between those countries. The area covered by these arrangements is known as the Schengen area. Nineteen member-countries have adopted the euro as their currency. …

Immigration, Visas & Residence in Spain

Manzanares International 17th July 2018

This guide gives details of the immigration rules in Spain. It covers immigration for settlement when joining relatives, immigration to work or do business, immigration based on investment in Spain and immigration for retirement. It also covers short-term visits to Spain, whether as tourists or to do business.

Video Tour of the Costa del Sol

John Howell 17th July 2018

This guide gathers together film showing various parts of the Costa del Sol. It is intended to give those who do not know the area a quick impression of what it is like.

Useful Contacts & Websites for the Costa del Sol in Spain

John Howell 5th July 2018

Anybody moving to or doing business in a country will find they need a lot of local contacts and local information. We’ve compiled a few in the Costa del Sol to give you a head start.

Transport links with the Costa del Sol in Spain

John Howell 5th July 2018

Getting to the Costa del Sol Getting to the Costa del Sol by air If you’re flying into the Costa del Sol, chances are you’ll be landing in Malaga International Airport (AGP). The airport is made up of three terminals. It handled over 14million passengers in 2015. You’ll find plenty of places to load up on shopping or feed and water …

Learning Spanish

John Howell 29th June 2018

This guide is about learning Spanish in Spain. Should you do it (spoiler: yes)? How should you do it, and where?

Healthcare in Spain

Manzanares International 29th June 2018

This guide is about healthcare in Spain – the quality of the healthcare available and how to find and access medical treatment.

Health Insurance in Spain

Manzanares International 29th June 2018

A Spanish flag waving in the wind against a blue sky

Spain – Facts & Figures

John Howell 28th June 2018

Spain is a hugely popular destination for both expats and tourists. It has been a world power for over 500 years. Its huge empire has left its mark across the world. More than 400 million people speak Spanish as a native language – a number surpassed only by Mandarin.

Press & Media in Spain

John Howell 28th June 2018

Spain is still well served by media, both in Spanish and in other major languages. find out what’s available

The Internet in Spain

John Howell 28th June 2018

Introduction Spain is fairly well served by internet providers, though service can be patchy outside of urban areas. Shopping around is paramount if you want to get a good deal – many providers offer promotional prices for new customers, or waive installation fees for a limited time. Internet penetration in Spain According to Internet Live Stats, 82.2% of the Spanish population …

The Currency in Spain

Francine Carrel 28th June 2018

The euro in Spain Spain joined the European Union (EU) in 1986. It was one of the first countries to adopt the euro (having previously used the Spanish peseta), in the first wave of 1999. The fixed conversion rate was €1 to 166.386 ESP (Spanish Peseta). From 1999 to 2002, Spain was in a ‘transitional’ status – meaning that both …

Clubs, Associations & Support Groups in Spain

John Howell 28th June 2018

In Spain there are lots of clubs, associations, support groups and sources of information to help foreigners living in the country.

The Climate in Spain

John Howell 27th June 2018

Spain is the most climatically diverse country in Europe and in the world’s top ten. Generally, on the coast, it enjoys warm weather all year round and, inland, hot summers and cold winters, especially at higher altitude.

Accidents in Spain in Public Places or Due to Defective Premises

Manzanares International 27th June 2018

Accidents in public places or caused by dangerous premises are dealt with in a special way in Spain. Is it worth claiming if you have been hurt?

The aftermath of a car crash - a silver car has rear-ended a blue car.

Road Accidents in Spain

Manzanares International 27th June 2018

Accidents on the road are an all-too-frequent occurrence and, even though the rate of accidents has been significantly reduced by increasing safety regulations and by creating stricter rules, there is still a high number of such accidents in Spain. In 2016 there were over 100,000: 9,755 involving hospitalisation and 1,810 fatal.

Italy’s Currency – the Euro

Francine Carrel 27th June 2018

Euro banknotes and coins were introduced to Italy in January 2002. The Banca D’Italia stopped exchanging Italian lira in February 2012.

Dealing with an Accident in Spain

Manzanares International 27th June 2018

Nobody thinks they will suffer an accident but, if you do, you need to act quickly to make sure you are fully compensated and protected.

A workman with an injured knee being treated by a colleague

Accidents at Work in Spain

Manzanares International 27th June 2018

All accidents are bad. Accidents at work are usually surrounded by lots of regulatory and reporting requirements. Spain is no exception. Failure to comply with the rules – or to take action swiftly – can have serious consequences.

Autonomous Communities in Spain

John Howell 27th June 2018

“Autonomous communities” (comunidad autónomas) are the political and administrative regions of Spain into which the whole of Spain is divided. There are 17 of them – plus two “autonomous cities” – Ceuta & Melilla in North Africa.

A winding road over low hills in San Quirico d'Orcia. It is sunset.

The Climate of Italy

Francine Carrel 27th June 2018

If you’re hoping to live or work in Italy, look closely at the climate in the city you’re considering – and, if possible, visit at different times of year. A warm, sunny spring can turn fast into an unpleasantly hot summer. Winters are generally bearable across the country, but some places come with risks of storms.

A tower on the Reichstag with a German flag flying against the sunset

Germany – Facts & Figures

Francine Carrel 27th June 2018

Germany is one of the big players in the European Union. It’s often referred to as the EU’s de facto leader, or the economic powerhouse of the union. It’s got the biggest population, the largest GDP, and the most exported and imported goods in the EU.

Contributor Information – Lyubov Jones

Law Overseas 26th June 2018

Lyubov is a member of the Sofia Bar, a registered European lawyer and Russian attorney at law.

Bulgarian Orthodox cathedral lit up for Easter night

Public Holidays in Bulgaria

Francine Carrel 26th June 2018

Bulgaria is an Orthodox Catholic country, but it doesn’t celebrate the swathe of Saints’ days that some other Catholic countries (e.g. Spain) do. As well as the major Christian holidays, Bulgaria focuses on its own history, culture and military talent.

Small pile of Bulgarian money - notes and coins

Bulgaria’s Currency – the Bulgarian lev

Francine Carrel 26th June 2018

The Bulgarian lev (which comes from the Bulgarian word for ‘lion’) was first introduced in 1881, and has since gone through several incarnations.

A Bulgarian flag on a mast, waving in the wind, against a blue sky

Bulgaria – Facts & Figures

Francine Carrel 25th June 2018

Bulgaria does not have a large percentage of foreign-born residents – in fact, it’s one of the lowest in the EU. Those expats who have found their way to Bulgaria, though, have choices to suit most lifestyles.

Throwback Thursday – Interviewing an Irish Expat in Spain

John Howell 14th June 2018

This interview, with retired headmaster and experienced expat Gerry O’Brien, did not go as planned.

Dealing with the Administration in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 12th June 2018

Dealing with the administration in any new country is tough. Turkey is better than some, and worse than others.

It’s probably worth remembering during the more trying moments that you will experience that there will probably be some Turk in your country at that very moment having exactly the same difficulties with your administration.

Trusts in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 11th June 2018

As in many countries, Trusts can be a very useful tool when managing your affairs in Turkey. They’re useful for both foreigners and native Turks. They are especially useful when managing your inheritance but they have other applications too.

Inheritance Planning in Turkey

Burak Orkun 11th June 2018

Inheritance planning (sometimes known as ‘estate planning’) is a concept that does not have a universally agreed definition. Here, the two terms are used interchangeably. It is different from, but related to, general financial planning.

Financial & Investment Planning in Turkey

Burak Orkun 11th June 2018

For the purposes of this guide, the terms ‘financial planning’ and ‘investment planning’ are used interchangeably.

Investment Opportunities in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 11th June 2018

Nowhere on this website is our oft-repeated disclaimer more important than in this guide. When thinking about your investment plans, everything depends upon your personal circumstances. There is, most definitely, no ‘right’ answer: no ‘one size fits all’.

Dealing with an Inheritance in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 11th June 2018

Inheritance and dealing with an inheritance are topics where you will find that a little bit of forward planning can save you a great deal of money.

Making a Will in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 11th June 2018

Making a Will is one of the most important things that you need to do, especially if you own any property in Turkey. It can save you a huge amount of money. It costs very little. It gives you peace of mind. It is easy.

Fractional Ownership & Timeshare in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 11th June 2018

There are many things that we use infrequently: a holiday home, a boat, a luxury car or a 4×4. Even expensive jewellery.
For some people, the thought of sharing the use of those things is something totally unacceptable. Read no further.

Others can see a compelling logic in sharing the use of expensive items:

Letting (Renting Out) Property in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 11th June 2018

It’s possible to make a good profit by letting (renting out) a property in Turkey. Just make sure you’re aware of the issues. As always, we recommend seeking advice from your lawyer and accountant before going ahead with any big plans!

Renting a House in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 11th June 2018

Many people coming to Turkey decide to rent a property here. There are several reasons. They may just prefer renting property. They may be sent to Turkey for a fairly short time in connection with their work and find that renting a property in Turkey is more cost-effective than buying. They may decide to rent for a year whilst they look for a property to buy. They may decide to put their cash into a business rather than into a property in which to live.

Selling a Property in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 11th June 2018

The process of selling a property in Turkey is much more straightforward than the process of buying a property in Turkey. So much so that most Turks would simply choose an estate agent and then, with the agent, look after the rest themselves.

Property Development in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 11th June 2018

Property development is the process of building new property: homes, hotels, factories etc. It can either be the development of land into buildings – in which case it can either be previously undeveloped land (green field sites) or land that has previously been used for some other purpose – or it can be the re-development of existing buildings

Building or Altering a House in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 11th June 2018

To build or alter a house in Turkey, as in any country, there are various requirements that must be satisfied. Many people ignore these regulations, but we strongly recommend you are not one of them!

Mortgages for Foreigners in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 11th June 2018

In the past, many foreign buyers of property in Turkey used to take a mortgage from a bank in Turkey to help with the cost of the purchase.
As you will see, the position has now become more complicated, but it is still possible to obtain mortgage finance in Turkey.

A shiny, modern bar with spirits lined up behind it

Buying Commercial Property in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 11th June 2018

Buying commercial property can be a little more complicated than buying residential property.

Commercial property is, in essence, anything that is not residential or agricultural. The definition includes shops, bars, restaurants, hotels, warehouses, car parks and the like.

Two tradesmen in the frame of a building under construction

Buying an Off-Plan Property in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 11th June 2018

An off-plan property is a property that you agree to buy before it is fully constructed. You might be buying when no work at all has been done: when it is a mere concept or architect’s drawing. Alternatively, you could be buying when the building works are partly completed.

Buying a New Property in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 11th June 2018

Many people prefer to buy and own new houses and other property. There are a number of reasons:

Buying a Property in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 11th June 2018

A property is always an expensive item, so you do not wish to risk losing your money. This is true whether the house in Turkey or elsewhere.

Accidents in Public Places (or Due to Defective Premises) in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 8th June 2018

Many people are injured each year as a result of defective premises in Turkey. Some of the injuries can be extremely serious: even life-changing. Others can be less dramatic but still cause you significant pain and financial loss. For example:

Accidents at Work in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 8th June 2018

The number of workplace accidents is increasing quite rapidly in Turkey. In 2017, over 2000 people were killed and 200,000 injured.

Road Accidents in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 8th June 2018

Accidents on the road are a sadly common phenomenon, particularly in Turkey where the combination of badly-maintained roads and a tendency to ignore for the traffic laws leads to a higher-than-average rate of collisions.

Upside-down, burnt-out car. It has been in a bad accident.

Dealing with an Accident in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 8th June 2018

Unfortunately, accidents happen. When they do you need not only to take the correct action but also to do so swiftly.

This guide focuses on road accidents, but many of the principles apply to accidents of all kinds.

Defective Products in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 8th June 2018

In Turkey, defective products are dealt with under the general law and, in particular, under the Code of Obligations and the Consumer Code.

However, there are some issues regarding claims arising out of defective products which are worth grouping together and it is those issues that form the substance of this guide.

Consumer Protection in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 8th June 2018

Most countries have laws intended to protect the consumer. Turkey is no exception. The need for consumer protection arises because of the usual imbalance between the power of the trader and the power of the consumer.

Contracts in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 8th June 2018

Most countries in the world use one of two basic systems when it comes to contracts: the Continental European (Roman Law/Napoleonic Law) system or the Anglo-American system. The system in Turkey is modelled on the Continental European system but has been updated and (in some respects) simplified.

Powers of Attorney in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 8th June 2018

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that authorises another person to do something such as signing a document, opening a bank account, or attending a meeting on your behalf and with your full (or, at least, some limited but defined) authority.

The contents of a Power vary a lot depending upon what it is to be used for. However, the process of making one is always the same.

Mediation & Arbitration in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 8th June 2018

Mediation and arbitration are both alternatives to going to court if you have a dispute. They’re intended to be much cheaper alternatives. They are different from each other and it’s important to understand the differences if you’re thinking of using either service.

Notaries in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 8th June 2018

Notaries play an important role within the Turkish legal system. This will be of no surprise if you come from a mainland European country but quite surprising if you’re used only to systems in places such as the US and the UK: the so-called Anglo-Saxon legal tradition.

Lawyers in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 8th June 2018

The main source of professional legal help available in Turkey is the lawyer (avukat). There are about 95,000 practising lawyers in Turkey. About 90% are generalists, covering most or all aspects of the law. All of them are professionally qualified and regulated by the Union of Turkish Bar Associations (Türkiye Barolar Birliği or TBB).

The Police in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 8th June 2018

In Turkey, there are several different types of police officers.
Each performs a different task and each has different powers.

A statue of Lady Justice - blindfolded, scales in one hand and sword in the other

The Turkish Legal System

Başak Yıldız Orkun 8th June 2018

Turkey has a very effective legal system: sometimes slow, but fully functioning.

Unlike in some countries, you do not need to ‘buy’ the judges, but you do have to be diligent and pursue your case to make sure things happen without any unnecessary delay.

Recent changes following the 2016 ‘coup’ have not helped either its efficiency or credibility.

Tax Inspections in Turkey

Burak Orkun 8th June 2018

The Tax Department has the legal right to inspect any person’s or any company’s tax affairs at any time.

Taxes on Companies in Turkey

Burak Orkun 8th June 2018

Some businesses operate as sole traders. These businesses are not taxed separately as businesses (but do have to account for VAT). The profits that they make are simply treated as the income of the sole trader.

These are seldom used by foreigners.

Double Taxation Treaties in/with Turkey

Burak Orkun 8th June 2018

Most countries recognise that it is essentially unfair to tax people twice on the same piece of income, capital gain, inheritance etc.

Taxes on Individuals in Turkey (income tax, capital gains tax, property tax etc.)

Burak Orkun 8th June 2018

Turkey has, as all countries do, a whole set of taxes you need to bear in mind when budgeting – from income tax to property tax to VAT.

Taxes in Turkey

Burak Orkun 8th June 2018

Turkey is a low-to-mid-tax regime.
Tax levels, for individuals and companies, are lower than in many countries.

A handshake between two people, with a third person smiling

Selling a Business in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 8th June 2018

Once you have built a successful business it will (hopefully) build up in value and can later be sold.

Taking Over (Buying) a Business in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 8th June 2018

Many people consider taking over an existing business rather than starting their own, new one. There are advantages to doing this but there can also be significant risk.

Starting a Business in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 8th June 2018

Turkey is very welcoming when it comes to people wanting to set up new businesses. They realise that new business boosts the economy and creates local employment – and they also recognise that, for historical reasons, Turkey lacks some of the skills required by innovative businesses in the 21st Century.

Doing Business in Turkey – From Outside the Country

Başak Yıldız Orkun 8th June 2018

Turkey permits foreigners and foreign businesses of any nationality to do business in Turkey. This is true whether they are selling goods or providing services.

Working for Yourself (Self Employment) in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 8th June 2018

It is often difficult for a foreigner to find legal employment in Turkey and so the obvious question arises as to whether, if you can’t work for somebody else, you can set up your own business and work for yourself.

Working Illegally in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 8th June 2018

Working illegally in Turkey is, as we have said in many of our guides, widespread. As we have also said, it is dangerous as well.

Teaching English in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 8th June 2018

There is a constant demand for people to teach English in Turkey. There is also some demand for people to teach other foreign languages such as French, Spanish, Russian, or Chinese – but the bulk of the demand is for people who can teach English.

Working Within the Expat Community in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 8th June 2018

Working within the expat community is a tempting option for foreigners arriving in Turkey. It is, in many ways, simpler and more straight-forward than finding a job with a local employer. However, it does have its downsides…

Employment Law in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 8th June 2018

A knowledge of employment law will make your life much easier, whether you’re an employer or an employee. Every country’s employment law is different and the employment law in Turkey contains many unusual features.

Finding Work (Getting a Job) in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 8th June 2018

There are a number of ways of finding a job in Turkey – bearing in mind, of course, the need for you to obtain a work permit.

Working for Others (Employment) in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 8th June 2018

Finding a job in Turkey can be difficult. In most cases, Turkey doesn’t need foreign nationals to fill a labour shortage.

Moving Back Home from Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 8th June 2018

There may, for various reasons, come a time when you decide that you want to leave Turkey and return ‘home’. This is something that worries many people thinking of settling in the country but it is, in fact, a rare thing to happen.

Dealing with a Death in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 8th June 2018

Dealing with the death of a loved one is always distressing. It can also be stressful, time consuming and expensive. The stress, time factor, and expense are often worsened by distance, language, and differences in procedure.

Receiving Your Pension in Turkey

Burak Orkun 8th June 2018

When you live in Turkey there are no restrictions upon receiving any pension to which you are entitled in another country. It is, in essence, treated just like any other income – although it is sometimes taxed at a lower rate. The policy on this changes often.

Religion in Turkey

John Howell 8th June 2018

Religion in Turkey is as old as Turkey itself – which is very old. Islam is still a massively important part of Turkish culture, even though increasing numbers of Turks (and, in particular, of younger Turks living in the western part of the country) are becoming more secular and less strict in their observance of religion. At the same time, many in the centre and east of the country are becoming more religious and conservative.

Sex & Sexuality in Turkey

John Howell 8th June 2018

As befits an old country right in the centre of the old Mediterranean civilisation, Turkey is pretty much on the centre-ground of gender politics.

Drink & Drugs in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 7th June 2018

Turkey is rather schizophrenic when it comes to its attitude to alcohol and drugs. As a substantial wine producer it is, perhaps, not surprising that social attitudes to the consumption of alcohol are very relaxed. As an Islamic country, it is perhaps equally unsurprising that their attitudes towards drunken behaviour are unaccepting and uncompromising.

Healthcare in Turkey

John Howell 7th June 2018

Healthcare is right at the top of people’s concerns when moving to – or even visiting – a new country. Will it be of a good standard? How do I access it? What will it cost? Will the doctor – and the nurses and other health workers – speak my language?

Education in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 6th June 2018

Your children will have a great time living in Turkey. Because of the climate and the freedom that children still enjoy in a country largely free of crime, they will probably lead a far more active and outdoor life than they would have done in your own country.

Driving in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 6th June 2018

Driving in Turkey is pretty simple – especially if you come from a country where they drive on the right-hand side of the road. Simple, but not unexciting.

Moving Money & FX in Turkey

Burak Orkun 6th June 2018

Foreign exchange (FX) is one of those boring subjects which it is so easy to overlook when planning your international affairs. Doing so is a major mistake!

Life Insurance (Assurance) in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 6th June 2018

What is the difference between life insurance and life assurance? Basically, they’re almost the same thing: they pay out when you die.

Health Insurance in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 6th June 2018

This guide looks at short-term health insurance in Turkey (travel insurance), as well as health insurance for residents – going over options for state insurance and private insurance. Will I be able to obtain health insurance in Turkey? Fortunately, there are now many more products on the market than there were ten years ago. Just as fortunately, many offer good cover. …

Home & Contents Insurance in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 6th June 2018

Your home in Turkey is a very expensive asset that you should think carefully about insuring. Whilst your contents are not as valuable as your home, they will still cost a lot to replace and so most people will also want to insure these. If you insure them at the same time as you insure your home, the extra cost is often small.

Car Insurance in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 6th June 2018

Every vehicle registered in Turkey or located in Turkey must have insurance complying with Turkish law.

Utilities in Turkey

Burak Orkun 6th June 2018

Utilities: not the most exciting part of a move, but definitely vital. It’s best to learn what to expect before you come to Turkey.

Housing Options in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 6th June 2018

Where you live is one of the largest factors when it comes to how happy you are going to be in Turkey.

There are four main options when it comes to choosing a place to live:

Cultural Differences in Turkey

John Howell 6th June 2018

Moving to or doing business in another country always throws up issues arising from the basic cultural differences between your ‘home’ country and the ‘new’ country. Turkey is no exception.

Business Culture in Turkey

John Howell 6th June 2018

Whatever your reason for doing business in Turkey, you will probably find that there are some big differences in business environment and culture.

Front pages of various Turkish newspapers (Hurriyet, Tercuman, Milliyet, Cumhuriyet)

Local Press and Other Turkish Media

Francine Carrel 6th June 2018

Turkish media is varied and competitive on the surface – but much of the media, across all mediums, is owned by large conglomerates with other business interests. This means that Turkish news media, whilst it does cover stories from different angles, is somewhat restricted in its viewpoints.

Despite this, I would recommend that anybody living, working or doing business in another country makes an effort to consume local media. It is a great way to learn about the culture, as well as current events, and Turkey is no exception!

Public Holidays in Turkey

Francine Carrel 6th June 2018

This guide lists the national public holidays of Turkey, and gives a little background on the meaning and importance of the days.

Turkey is a secular country, but its population is almost entirely Muslim; so it is no surprise that this is reflected in their national holidays.

Turkey’s Currency – the Turkish lira

Francine Carrel 6th June 2018

The lira’s present incarnation replaced the first Turkish lira in 2005, after a period of devastating devaluation.

The Climate in Turkey

Francine Carrel 6th June 2018

So, instead, we’ll take a look at the seven regions of Turkey. Truth be told, even the regions are large enough and varied enough in weather and climate to make it worth your while to check out the average climate in specific cities – but this guide should give you some idea of what you’ll experience. The date below was …

Turkey – Facts & Figures

Francine Carrel 6th June 2018

Turkey welcomes many newcomers. They come to work, to run a business, to retire or just to enjoy a great holiday.

Setting up a Company in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 8th January 2018

Turkey is one of the least complicated places – and one of the quickest – to set up a company.

Marriage in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 14th November 2017

Turkey still has one of the highest rates of marriage in the world: about 7.75 women out of every thousand in the population get married each year. We’re also blessed with a low – but growing – divorce rate (20%).

Shops & Shopping in Turkey

John Howell 1st September 2017

Shopping – love it or hate it, it’s a big part of life. It can be confusing in a new country, but Turkey isn’t complicated.

Four piles of coins next to a simple wooden model of a house

Investing in Property in Turkey

John Howell 11th June 2017

When you’re looking for property in Turkey, the first thing you need to know is what’s available: not the specific houses or apartments but the types of property commonly found. Just as important are the typical prices you will have to pay for any given type of property.

Family Problems (Separation, Divorce & Paternity) in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 10th June 2017

This guide deals with some of the more stressful and upsetting times in a person’s life. As always, though, the more information you have, the better prepared you are for what lies ahead.

Debt & Bankruptcy in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 10th June 2017

In Turkey, debt is no longer treated as seriously as it perhaps was in years gone by.

Learning Turkish – in Turkey or ‘back home’

John Howell 6th June 2017

Learning Turkish is important if you’re going to be spending a lot of time in Turkey.

The good news (if you’re a Westerner): it is written in the (slightly modified) latin alphabet. You won’t have to learn a completely new script.

The bad news: the language may not seem intuitive to most Europeans and Americans. Turkish base words can stand alone – prefixes are not part of the language – but are built in complexity by the addition of suffixes. Words can therefore get very long!

Bringing Your Money to Turkey

Burak Orkun 5th June 2017

When you move to Turkey you will have a major decision to make about what to do with your money.

Obviously, your day-to-day expenses will be in Turkish lira, but it will probably be that all or part of your income will be coming to you in another currency; and it will almost certainly be that your savings and investments will be in another currency.

Bringing Your Pet to Turkey

John Howell 5th June 2017

Many people worry more about how they’re going to take their pet to Turkey than they do about any other aspect of their move.

Fortunately, the rules aren’t complicated and most people don’t experience any major problems when importing a pet into Turkey.

Bringing Your Boat to Turkey

John Howell 5th June 2017

Many expats keep a boat in Turkey. There are several ways in which they can do so.

Bringing Your Car to Turkey

John Howell 5th June 2017

In Turkey, cars and fuel are expensive. The price of a car, both new and second hand, is likely to be much higher than ‘back home’.

It therefore looks an attractive option, especially if you live in Europe, to drive or otherwise import your car to Turkey. An added advantage is that you can take some of your possessions with you. Can this be done?

Bringing Your Possessions to Turkey

John Howell 5th June 2017

When moving – especially when moving to another country – having your personal possessions with you can be comforting. Moreover, it can be less daunting to bring stuff with you than it is to sell or find storage old possessions – and buy everything again!

Social Security (Welfare Benefits) in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 21st May 2017

In order to benefit from the Turkish Social Security System, residents in Turkey must enrol with the Turkish Social Security Fund (Sosyal Guvenlik Kurumu – SGK).

Coming to Turkey as an Asylum Seeker/Refugee

Başak Yıldız Orkun 5th May 2017

Introduction Turkey is the world’s largest host country of registered refugees. Almost all of the refugees in the country come from Syria – there are some 2.7million displaced Syrian citizens currently in Turkey. Despite this, expats have, in the main, been largely unaffected by the refugee crisis. Firstly, the overwhelming majority of refugees are in the east of Turkey – …

Coming to Turkey to Join Your Family (Immigration/Visas)

Başak Yıldız Orkun 5th May 2017

Foreigners wishing to join their family in Turkey will need to obtain a Family Residence Permit. See our Guide to Residence Permits in Turkey for information about residence permits. Can I get a Family Residence Permit? Family Residence Permits can be granted to: A foreign spouse (but not an unmarried partner) Foreign children (under 18) Dependent foreign children (typically, disabled) A spouse’s …

Coming to Turkey to Start a Business (Immigration/Visas)

Başak Yıldız Orkun 5th May 2017

Introduction People wishing to come to Turkey on a long-term basis in order to set up or run a business will need to apply for an Independent Working Permit. Independent working permits are very hard to obtain unless you are going to create lots of jobs for local people. Many people thinking of applying for such a visa might find …

Coming to Turkey to Work (Immigration/Visas)

Başak Yıldız Orkun 5th May 2017

Introduction If you’re lucky enough to be skilled in the right field, you might find it relatively simple to get a working permit – if not, and if your heart is still set on it, a professional will be able to give you advice as to proceeding. Just to be clear, this guide does not apply if you merely wish …

Coming to Turkey to Retire (Immigration/Visas)

Başak Yıldız Orkun 5th May 2017

Retiring to Turkey – or simply living there as an ‘economically inactive person’ – is pretty easy. It’s worth talking to an immigration specialist to make sure you’re choosing the right sort of residence permit, and to ensure your application is properly filled in (especially if you aren’t fluent in Turkish).

Coming to Turkey as a Student (Immigration/Visas)

Başak Yıldız Orkun 5th May 2017

Introduction Turkish schools (primary & secondary education) and its colleges and universities (tertiary education) are of high quality and relatively cheap. Most international students come to Turkey from Western China (the Xinjiang Uyghur region, where Turkish is spoken) and other Turkic countries such as Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. There are very few Western students in Turkey specifically for the …

Coming to Turkey as a Tourist (Visas)

Başak Yıldız Orkun 5th May 2017

In 2015, 41million people visited Turkey. In 2016, largely as a result of the combination of the conflict in Syria, political uncertainty in Turkey and terrorist attacks, the number fell to about 31million. Local reports suggest that tourist numbers increased sharply in 2017, mainly because of an influx of tourists from Russia and the former Soviet Union. Video guide to …

Turkish Visas for Highly Skilled People – the “Turquoise Card”

Başak Yıldız Orkun 5th May 2017

This guide looks at Turkey’s brand new “Turquoise Visa”. We will be updating it as more information emerges. Introduction This new Turquoise Visa (turquoise being the national colour of Turkey) was announced on 14 March 2017. Who can get a Turquoise Visa? This visa is for highly skilled people. Highly skilled people means people who are one or more of …

Residence Permits in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 5th May 2017

A person wishing to live in Turkey will, in many cases, need a special visa authorising entry to the country (see our other guides on immigration). However, in other cases, they will merely need a residence permit. Any person who wishes to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days in a 180-day period requires a residence permit. This is …

Immigration & Visas in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 5th May 2017

Immigration into Turkey has changed a lot in recent years. Generally, it’s easier. We have a more settled system with only one department – the Department of Immigration – in charge. Thank goodness. A great deal of information is now available online. All of this is a huge change from only ten years ago!

Choosing a Lawyer in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 18th April 2017

What do you need to consider when looking for legal advice in Turkey? How do you know if a lawyer is qualified? Which lawyers will deal with your specific case?

Politics & Voting in Turkey

Francine Carrel 22nd February 2017

Turkey is a large nation with a complex political structure.

Transport Links to and around Turkey

Francine Carrel 9th February 2017

Getting to Turkey is simple. Getting around Turkey requires a little more thought, but the public transport system is fairly modern and the roads are improving all the time. If you don’t know the language, it is particularly important to plan ahead if you want to use public transport in Turkey. Work out your route from the comfort of your …

A glass of Bulgarian Rakia on a candle-lit dinner table in a restaurant

Drink & Drugs in Bulgaria

Francine Carrel 1st February 2017

Drinking and smoking in Bulgaria is easy. Cigarettes are cheap (though you can’t smoke indoors any more), and local beers, wines and spirits are affordable and pretty tasty.

Religion in Bulgaria

Francine Carrel 30th January 2017

Bulgaria, despite the post-war communists’ oppression of religion, is largely a country of faith. Only an estimated one fifth of the population are atheists.

Interesting Videos About Turkey

Francine Carrel 12th January 2017

This guide is simply a collection of videos that you might find interesting if you’re thinking of spending a lot of time in Turkey.

bars of blue-white light coming down from the ceiling

The Internet in Bulgaria

Francine Carrel 6th January 2017

Depending on where you are in Bulgaria, the internet can be surprisingly speedy or hair-pullingly slow. The popular expat city of Varna, for instance, has notoriously bad internet speeds – whilst little Pazardzhik (with around 70,000 occupants) has the fastest internet speeds in the country.

Zasele, in Bulgaira. High, dark green hills with mist near the summits.

The Climate of Bulgaria

Francine Carrel 5th January 2017

Although Bulgaria is not a huge country (at 110,994 square km), it does straddle several climate zones.

Temperatures depend on where you are – the southwest, by the Mediterranean sea, is mildly subtropical. The plains of the country are temperate. The mountainous regions are much colder (great for skiing).

Opening a Bar in Spain (Andalucia/Costa del Sol) – Video Guide

Manzanares International 21st August 2016

Lots of bars opened by expats fail – but some succeed, and succeed impressively. What makes the difference between a flop and a profitable business?

A rural Spanish restaurant frontage with many flowerpots.

Opening a Restaurant in Spain (Andalucia/Costa del Sol) – Video Guide

Manzanares International 21st August 2016

Many people want to open a restaurant in Spain, and that means there’s a lot of competition for expats who want to take this route.

Why is the law different in different parts of Spain? – Video Guide

Manzanares International 21st August 2016

This is a question that we get asked a lot – for people not used to Spain, the differences in law across the different autonomous regions can be quite confusing!

Religion in Spain

Francine Carrel 20th June 2016

Click where you see for more information Introduction Whilst you might not see much of the Spanish population in church every Sunday, you’ll certainly experience some dramatic examples of religious culture in the form of parades, processions, costumes and rather a lot of days off work. If you’re of a different religion, fear not! Although communities of minority religions may be …

Buying a New Property on the Costa del Sol

John Howell 15th June 2016

For this see our Guide to Buying Off-Plan Property on the Costa del Sol. It describes, in particular, how to buy a new property in the area of Andalusia/Andalucía – which contains the Costa del Sol. See a map here. Please note that certain aspects of the law in Spain vary from one “autonomous community” (comunidad autónoma) to another. For …

Coming to the Costa del Sol to Retire

John Howell 11th June 2016

Visas for retirement Strictly speaking, this is settlement for people who are “not economically active” – i.e. people who are not working or running businesses but living off their investments, pensions and capital. There are no age limits. These visas are fairly easy to obtain. You need to show that you can afford to support yourself (about €26,000 per year …

Doing Business on the Costa del Sol

John Howell 11th June 2016

The scope of this guide This guide offers tips for doing business in Spain. It describes, in particular, how to do business in the area of Andalusia/Andalucía – which contains the Costa del Sol. See a map here. Please note that certain aspects of the law in Spain vary from one “autonomous community” (comunidad autónoma) to another. It does not …

Dealing with an Accident on the Costa del Sol

John Howell 24th May 2016

The scope of this guide This guide is about accidents in Spain and what to do when you have one. It deals only with general accidents. It describes, in particular, how to deal with an accident in the area of Andalusia/Andalucía – which contains the Costa del Sol. See a map here. Please note that certain aspects of the law …

Coming to the Costa del Sol as a Tourist

John Howell 9th May 2016

Tourist visits to the Costa del Sol Citizens of any nationality can visit Spain as a tourist (meaning somebody who is visiting on a short-term basis and who is not coming to Spain to work). Entry into Spain for stays not exceeding ninety days in any six-month period is subject to the conditions set forth in Regulation (EC) Nº 562/2006 …

Coming to the Costa del Sol for Other Reasons

John Howell 9th May 2016

The scope of this guide This guide deals with the rights of people other than those covered by our other immigration guides (links at the end of this guide) to enter Spain – and therefore the Costa del Sol. Examples of people entitled to come to the Costa del Sol It is extraordinary to think that there are so many …

Coming to the Costa del Sol as a Refugee

John Howell 9th May 2016

The scope of this guide This guide discusses who is entitled to refugee status in Spain and how that status must be claimed. What is a refugee? Spain accepts the definition of a refugee contained in the Geneva Convention: A person who owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular …

Coming to the Costa del Sol to Join your Family

John Howell 9th May 2016

The scope of this guide This guide looks briefly at what’s involved in joining a close family member in Spain. The rules governing this are complex. You can get more information from our long video interview about emigrating to the Costa del Sol from the link on the right. How can you join a family member in Spain? You’ll need …

Coming to the Costa del Sol – Residence by Investment

John Howell 9th May 2016

Residence by Investment Like many similar countries, Spain has a programme of settlement by investment for: Investors who make a significant investment in Spain in the form of: Real estate assets (€500,000) Shares or bank deposits (€1 million) Public debt (€2 million) Business projects in Spain considered to be of general interest to the country An investment visa permits you …

Coming to the Costa del Sol to Work

John Howell 9th May 2016

The scope of this guide This guide covers the visas you’ll need to work in the Costa del Sol. It does not cover the visas you will need to start a business in the Costa del Sol – for this, see our Guide to Coming to the Costa del Sol to Run your Own Business. Short term visits to work …

Coming to the Costa del Sol as a Student

John Howell 9th May 2016

Spain hosts a lot of international students that come to our country for a wide range of educational approaches – from simple Spanish-language courses, to the highest level university degrees. A student visa will last for the duration of the course (whether it’s just a few days, months or up to 1 year). If you continue studying in Spain for …

Cultural Differences on the Costa del Sol

John Howell 26th April 2016

The scope of this guide This guide is about some of the main cultural differences you’re likely to come up against on the Costa del Sol. Expat culture Most of this guide will talk about the Spanish culture on the Costa del Sol, but one has to remember that this Spanish & Andalucian culture is mixed with, and influenced by, …

A beach on Gibraltar, with the mountain in the background

Videos about Gibraltar – Costa del Sol Video Tour

Francine Carrel 2nd March 2016

This strange little island is a British overseas territory on the edge of the Costa del Sol. The locals speak a mixture of Spanish and English; and you’re just as likely to find fish & chips as tapas.

Buildings in La Línea de la Concepción, framed by palm trees

Videos about La Línea de la Concepción – Costa del Sol Video Tour

Francine Carrel 2nd March 2016

La Línea de la Concepción is a town closely linked to Gibraltar – many of its 60,000 residents commute their for work each day. The town itself has a weekly open air market, a bull ring, a museum and an attractive ‘old town’ area.

Videos about Alcaidesa – Costa del Sol Video Tour

Francine Carrel 2nd March 2016

Alcaidesa is an upmarket seaside resort, developed in the early 90s. The development was carefully designed to look like a town (with a good mix of different houses, villas and apartments) rather than an indentikit set of dwellings. The town has two golf courses and three beaches.

Sotogrande marina, lined with palm trees and speed boats

Videos about Sotogrande – Costa del Sol Video Tour

Francine Carrel 2nd March 2016

General guides Sotogrande Lifestyle from the Air High-quality drone footage from Noll & Partners Sotogrande Properties. A short video, but one that gives you a good idea of the area’s aesthetics. Sotogrande Marina Some short clips showcasing the Sotogrande Marina and beaches, from AndaluciaVideo.

A set of high-rise apartment blocks in Manilva

Videos about Manilva – Costa del Sol Video Tour

Francine Carrel 2nd March 2016

This classic white village is becoming increasingly popular with tourists and expats; in fact, the population has almost trebled in the last decade.

Videos about Estepona – Costa del Sol Video Tour

Francine Carrel 2nd March 2016

A fine mix of the new and old, Estepona caters to locals and tourists with equal aplomb.

Sunset over the beach at Cabopino. Purples and oranges.

Videos about Cabopino – Costa del Sol Video Tour

Francine Carrel 2nd March 2016

Cabopino is a quiet marina town between Marbella and Benalmadena. It is flanked by beautiful beaches (including one nudist beach) and is very popular with expats.

San Pedro de Alcántara - the plaza. A fountain surrounded by palm trees and white buildings

Videos about San Pedro de Alcántara – Costa del Sol Video Tour

Francine Carrel 2nd March 2016

San Pedro de Alcántara is quite happy to stay under the radar in comparison to much of the Costa del Sol. It’s a quiet town with no big modern development.

Playa de Nueva Andalucía - the side of a straw umbrella, some beach and calm blue sea

Videos about Nueva Andalucía – Costa del Sol Video Tour

Francine Carrel 2nd March 2016

Nueva Andalucía is particularly popular with sports lovers: it boasts facilities for tennis, paddle tennis and, of course, golf. It’s also home to an international school and one of the Costa del Sol’s two casinos.

Flower pots attached to a white wall in Marbella. A man is repainting the wall.

Videos about Marbella – Costa del Sol Video Tour

Francine Carrel 2nd March 2016

A popular resort town on the Costa del Sol, Marbella is a refuge for expats and tourists alike – and a favourite of the rich and famous. The town is a mix of historical and modern, fringed by a sandy beach.

Santa Maria Golf club - a view of the course looking out to the sea, with palm trees

Videos about Santa María – Costa del Sol Video Tour

Francine Carrel 2nd March 2016

Santa María is a golf & country club right near Marbella. It has over 400 members and boasts excellent facilities and luxury villas.

A row of houses in Sitio de Calahonda, with a view towards the sea

Videos about Sitio De Calahonda – Costa del Sol Video Tour

Francine Carrel 2nd March 2016

Sitio de Calahonda is a large property development, full of expats from the colder parts of Europe.

Malaga bay and city, with very blue sea and sky

Videos about Malaga – Costa del Sol Video Tour

Francine Carrel 2nd March 2016

Known as the ‘capital of the Costa del Sol’, Malaga often outshines its neighbouring towns in culture and history.

A platform at Milan train station, with people walking along. A train is pulling in.

Transport Links to and around Italy

Francine Carrel 29th February 2016

Getting to Italy is pretty easy. It’s a popular tourist destination and a country more and more people are visiting for business.

Italy is well known for a slightly scary driving experience – but many are unaware of its comprehensive public transport system.

Religious statues on a carved stone building in the Vatican

Religion in Italy

Francine Carrel 26th February 2016

Italy is predominantly a Christian country. More specifically, it is a Roman Catholic country (hardly surprisingly, with the Pope sitting right in the middle of it).

Buying a Property in Bulgaria

Lyubov Jones 26th February 2016

Bulgarian property has long been a popular investment – but the law in Bulgaria can make the process confusing for foreigners. Here, two experts take you through the process of buying real estate in Bulgaria.