A General Guide to Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”)

John Howell 16th November 2018

What is Alternative Dispute Resolution? Is it right for your problem? What types of ADR exist? How are they used?

A General Guide to Foreign Wills

John Howell 16th November 2018

Do you have assets in another country? If so, do you have a Will for that country? If not, it’s something you should seriously consider. Find out how in this guide.

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

Choosing a Lawyer for International Work

John Howell 30th July 2018

If you need to see a lawyer, you need to see a good lawyer: not just someone who’s going through the motions and racking up fees.

International Wills

John Howell 30th July 2018

This guide deals with international Wills – Wills specifically written to be valid in multiple countries around the world. How do you make one? Where will it be recognised? Are they a good idea?

Powers of Attorney – a Global Guide

John Howell 30th July 2018

Powers of Attorney are much used in international transactions where somebody who would normally have to attend to sign a document finds it inconvenient or impossible to do so.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Child Abduction to Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 10th June 2018

The abduction of a child is every parent’s worst nightmare. Not only is it extremely distressing but it is also going to be difficult to fix the problem, particularly when you may be living many thousands of miles away from the place to which the child has been taken.

Adoption in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 10th June 2018

There are many reasons that parents choose to adopt children. Whatever the reason, the ease and security of the process depends massively on the country. Is it possible to adopt a child in Turkey?

Disputes & Court Cases in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 10th June 2018

Disputes occur in any country.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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%).

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.

Crime & Criminal Cases in Turkey

Başak Yıldız Orkun 10th June 2017

In each country, the criminal system is unique: probably more so than any other part of the law except for family law. In both cases, this is because the law in these areas goes right to the heart of a nation’s values, traditions, and culture.

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.

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?

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!

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 …

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.

* Legal Guide