GB Abogados

Casa
España
Alicante
GB Abogados

Gascon Bernabeu (GB Abogados) is a firm of solicitors with offices in Alicante, Palma de Mallorca &

Gascón Bernabéu Abogados are a firm of English speaking Spanish solicitors offering a wide scope of services. Our team of experienced solicitors are on hand to provide an efficient and reliable service to meet the needs of international clients. GB Abogados specialise in a number of services that are most relevant to international clients. This expertise includes all manner of property related iss

ues, mortgage settlements, conveyancing , probate and marine law. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your circumstances under no-obligation

MOST POPULAR LEGAL SERVICES

- Conveyancing: GB Abogados provide a dedicated conveyancing service for foreign clients who are buying in Spain. Our English speaking solicitors are well versed in meeting the needs of our international clients.

- Probate: GB Abogados offer a prompt and efficient probate service to foreign nationals with assets in Spain.

- Mortgage Settlements: GB Abogados have assisted many clients in difficulty with their mortgages in Spain.

- Property Transfers: GB Abogados offer clients a stress free property transfer service for properties throughout mainland Spain, the Balearic and Canary Islands.

- Family Law: GB Abogados provide a wide range of services to clients who require help with family related issues in Spain. GASCÓN BERNABÉU ABOGADOS
Alicante - London - Mallorca
[email protected]
+34 965 020 279 // +44 (0)203 3137 1320

11/06/2026

Managing an inheritance in Spain as a US citizen can be a complex legal and administrative process, often requiring travel and coordination with multiple authorities. GB Abogados simplifies Spanish probate for international clients by managing the entire process remotely through a Power of Attorney (POA), eliminating the need to travel to Spain.

The probate process typically includes identifying heirs, appointing a legal representative, compiling an inventory of assets, settling debts and taxes, and distributing the estate according to Spanish succession law.

A key solution for non-resident heirs is the Power of Attorney, which allows a lawyer in Spain to act on the client’s behalf in all necessary legal and administrative procedures. This document can be signed before a local notary in the United States and legally apostilled for use in Spain.

At GB Abogados, we provide comprehensive bilingual support, including drafting and translating the POA, coordinating its ex*****on abroad, and managing all stages of the probate process, from tax compliance to asset distribution and property transactions if required.

We offer a streamlined, fully managed service designed to ensure efficiency, legal compliance, and protection of our clients’ interests across jurisdictions.

Free initial consultations are available for individuals needing assistance with inheritance matters in Spain.

https://www.gbabogados.co.uk/how-to-claim-an-inheritance-in-spain-from-the-us/

10/06/2026

Spain’s exceptional coastline and world-class marinas make it one of the Mediterranean’s most attractive destinations for yacht owners. However, acquiring a yacht berth in Spain differs significantly from purchasing traditional real estate.

In most cases, buyers are not acquiring freehold ownership of the land. Instead, they obtain a preferential right of use linked to the marina’s administrative concession, which is granted for a fixed period by the State.

For this reason, thorough legal due diligence is essential before completing any transaction. Key considerations include:

• The remaining duration of the concession.
• The terms of the assignment agreement and marina regulations.
• Restrictions on transfer, leasing, or third-party use.
• Verification of ownership, debts, liens, or encumbrances.
• Tax implications and ongoing maintenance or community fees.

For international buyers, specialist legal advice is particularly important to ensure the transaction is secure, compliant, and aligned with their broader investment objectives.

At GB Abogados, we assist international clients throughout the acquisition process, conducting comprehensive due diligence, managing transactions remotely through Powers of Attorney, and coordinating with tax professionals to provide a seamless cross-border solution.

https://www.gbabogados.co.uk/buying-yacht-mooring-spain-legal-guide/

08/06/2026

Since the United Kingdom left the European Union, the automatic recognition and enforcement of UK court judgments in Spain under the Brussels I Recast Regulation ceased to apply. As a result, judgment creditors have often had to rely on Spain’s domestic exequatur procedure, which can be time-consuming and procedurally complex.

The entry into force of the 2019 Hague Judgments Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters represents a significant simplification. This treaty provides a uniform legal framework for the circulation and enforcement of judgments between Contracting States, increasing legal certainty and reducing costs in cross-border disputes.

For Spain, and following the UK’s ratification effective from 1 July 2025, the Convention applies to proceedings commenced on or after that date.

The enforcement process in Spain under this regime is more streamlined, as Spanish courts do not review the merits of the foreign judgment. The procedure generally involves:

Verifying that the judgment falls within the scope of the Convention and is eligible for recognition.

Filing an application before the competent Court of First Instance in Spain.

Submitting the required documentation, including a certified copy of the judgment and a sworn Spanish translation.

A limited judicial review based only on narrowly defined grounds for refusal under the Convention.

Enforcement under Spanish procedural law once recognition is granted.

This framework enhances predictability and efficiency in the enforcement of UK judgments in Spain.

GB Abogados provides specialist advice on cross-border enforcement in Spain, assisting clients throughout the recognition and enforcement process of UK court judgments.

https://www.gbabogados.co.uk/uk-judgment-enforcement-spain-hague-convention/

04/06/2026

Purchasing a boat in Spain can be an excellent investment and a gateway to some of Europe’s most attractive cruising destinations. However, a successful acquisition requires careful attention to legal, technical, and administrative matters.

Before completing any purchase, buyers should ensure that a professional survey is carried out, conduct thorough legal due diligence to verify ownership and identify any outstanding charges or liabilities, review the vessel’s tax and VAT status, and negotiate contracts that fully protect their interests.

Additional considerations include securing a berth, managing the vessel’s de-registration where necessary, and selecting the most appropriate flag and registration structure.

For international buyers, professional legal guidance is essential to ensure the transaction is completed efficiently, compliantly, and with complete peace of mind.

At GB Abogados, we assist clients throughout every stage of the boat acquisition process in Spain, helping them navigate legal, fiscal, and registration requirements with confidence.

https://www.gbabogados.co.uk/buying-a-yacht-in-spain/

03/06/2026

Criminal Record Cancellation in Spain: Implications for Your Legal and Professional Future

The existence of a criminal record registered with the Central Registry of Convicts (Registro Central de Penados) of the Ministry of Justice can become a critical obstacle for expats and international professionals in Spain. Maintaining a clean background is frequently an indispensable requirement for securing visas, residency permits, professional licenses, or accessing specific job positions.

Fortunately, the Spanish legal system grants the right to the cancellation of criminal records, a procedure regulated by Article 136 of the Spanish Penal Code. However, to successfully clear a record, three concurrent requirements must be strictly met:

Full Extinction of the Sentence: The imposed penalty must be completely served, whether it was imprisonment, a fine, or community service.

Satisfaction of Civil Liability: Any court-ordered financial compensation or damages must be paid in full, or the liability must be legally declared expired (prescribed).

Completion of the Legal Waiting Period: The applicant must not have committed any new offenses during a specific timeframe established by law, which starts counting from the day after the sentence was extinguished.

The legal waiting period varies depending on the severity of the original sentence:

6 months for minor offenses.

2 years for sentences not exceeding 12 months and reckless crimes.

3 years for less serious sentences spanning 12 months to 3 years.

5 years for sentences spanning 3 to 5 years.

10 years for serious sentences exceeding 5 years.

An Important Administrative Reality: Although Spanish law technically allows for automatic cancellations (de oficio), administrative practices show that these automated systems frequently experience delays or failures. Therefore, the safest and most efficient path is to file an explicit, formal application supported by the necessary court certificates and identification documents. Once submitted, the Administration has a maximum resolution period of three months.

At GB Abogados, as a law firm specialized in managing international legal matters in Spain, we take care of auditing your criminal record status, gathering the required documentation from the relevant courts, and directing the entire administrative process to guarantee your peace of mind and legal certainty.

If you find yourself in this situation or require expert assistance in any other area of Spanish law, we invite you to reach out to our team for an initial, no-obligation consultation.

Contact us today to evaluate your case and secure your legal future in Spain.
https://www.gbabogados.co.uk/cancel-criminal-record-spain-gb-abogados/

01/06/2026

Property buyers and investors in the Valencian Community will benefit from an important tax reduction from 1 June 2026.

The general rate of the Property Transfer Tax (ITP) applicable to resale residential properties will be permanently reduced from 10% to 9% in the provinces of Valencia, Alicante, and Castellón.

This change represents a significant saving for buyers. For example, the purchase of a resale property valued at €300,000 will result in a €3,000 reduction in transfer tax.

Key points to note:

• The new 9% rate applies to properties valued up to €1,000,000.
• Properties purchased for more than €1,000,000 will continue to be taxed at 11%.
• The applicable tax rate is determined by the date the public deed (escritura pública) is signed before the notary.
• Transactions completed before 1 June 2026 remain subject to the previous 10% rate.

This measure further enhances the attractiveness of the Valencian Community as a destination for international property buyers and investors.

At GB Abogados, we assist foreign clients throughout the entire property acquisition process in Spain, providing expert legal and tax advice to ensure a smooth and secure transaction. Our services include due diligence, tax planning, Power of Attorney arrangements, and coordination with banks and notaries.

If you are considering purchasing property in Spain and would like guidance on how this tax change may affect your transaction, please contact our team for a no-obligation consultation.

25/05/2026

Understanding Usufruct and Property Rights in Spanish Civil Law

In Spain’s real estate and estate planning sectors, the concept of Usufruct (Usufructo) is a fundamental legal mechanism. It involves the separation of property rights into two distinct legal interests, a structure that frequently impacts international buyers, investors, and heirs.

The division establishes two distinct legal entities:

The Usufructuary (Usufructuario): Holds the right to use and enjoy the asset (usus and fructus). This individual is entitled to occupy the property or rent it out to retain the resulting yields. Consequently, they are generally responsible for ordinary maintenance costs, utilities, and community fees.

The Bare Owner (N**o Propietario): Holds the legal title to the property (nuda propiedad) but lacks immediate rights of possession or enjoyment. Their rights remain restricted until the usufruct is legally extinguished. The bare owner is typically liable for ownership-related taxes, such as the Real Estate Tax (IBI).

Economic Valuation for Tax Purposes
Accurately valuing a usufruct is essential for determining the taxable base for Transfer Tax (ITP) or Inheritance and Gift Tax (ISD) in Spain:

Life Usufruct (Usufructo Vitalicio): The valuation depends on the age of the usufructuary at the time of the transaction, calculated using the statutory formula:

Usufruct Value (%)=89−Age of the Usufructuary
This value is legally bound by a maximum cap of 70% and a minimum floor of 10% of the property’s total value.

Temporary Usufruct (Usufructo Temporal): Established for a fixed term, it is valued at 2% of the property's total value for each year of duration, up to a maximum limit of 70%.

Consolidation of Full Ownership (Pleno Dominio)
A bare owner can acquire unrestricted ownership of the property prior to the natural expiration of the usufruct through a process known as consolidation. This requires a formal transmission agreement where the bare owner purchases the usufructuary rights.

To be legally binding against third parties, the transaction must be formalized via a Public Deed before a Spanish Notary and subsequently registered in the corresponding Property Register (Registro de la Propiedad), effectively extinguishing the usufruct charge.

Expert Legal Assistance in Spain

Whether you are navigating cross-border inheritance proceedings or managing complex property transactions in Spain, GB Abogados provides specialized legal and fiscal counsel.

For a free, no-obligation consultation with our legal team, please contact us:

Telephone: +44 (0)203 137 1320

Email: [email protected]

Website: gbabogados.co.uk

20/04/2026

Owning property in Spain remains popular among UK buyers—but the tax side isn’t always as straightforward as it seems.

Even if your property isn’t rented out, you may still need to pay tax. Spain applies *imputed income*, meaning a notional value is taxed annually based on the property’s cadastral value. It’s often a small amount, but it must be declared each year via Modelo 210.

If you rent the property, the system changes. Tax is based on actual income (typically 19% for UK residents), with allowable deductions for expenses. However, returns must be filed quarterly, not annually—something many owners overlook.

Selling the property introduces Capital Gains Tax, and a 3% retention is applied at the point of sale as an advance payment. In some cases, Wealth Tax may also apply for higher-value assets, depending on regional rules.

In practice, the biggest challenge isn’t usually the tax itself—but keeping up with the deadlines and requirements. With increased enforcement in recent years, staying organised and informed is key to avoiding penalties.

With the right guidance, managing Spanish property tax can be straightforward and routine.

GB Solicitors. Making Spanish law simple

https://www.gbabogados.co.uk/non-resident-tax-in-spain/

20/04/2026

Owning property abroad doesn’t always go to plan. Changes in income, rising costs, or rental issues can make mortgage payments in Spain difficult—especially for non-resident owners unfamiliar with the system.

The key is to act early. Spanish banks may offer solutions depending on your circumstances, particularly if you present your situation clearly and realistically. Options can include restructuring the mortgage or negotiating new terms.

In more complex cases, a long-term solution like *dación en pago* may be considered—an agreement where the property is returned to the bank in exchange for cancelling the outstanding debt, avoiding lengthy legal proceedings.

Each situation is different, whether due to unemployment, reduced income, divorce, negative equity, or rental shortfalls. What matters is addressing the issue before it escalates, as early action usually means more flexibility and better outcomes.

With the right legal guidance, even challenging situations can be resolved in a structured and manageable way—helping restore clarity and financial stability.

GB Solicitors. Making Spanish law simple

https://www.gbabogados.co.uk/cant-pay-your-spanish-mortgage-we-can-help/

14/04/2026

If you need to use UK documents in Spain, it is important not to overlook a key requirement: legalisation (apostille).

Spanish authorities do not automatically recognise documents issued in the UK. In most cases, these documents must be legalised by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), which verifies the authenticity of the signature and issues an apostille certificate. This process ensures that the document is valid for use in Spain under the Hague Apostille Convention.

Legalisation is commonly required in situations such as property transactions, inheritance matters, granting Powers of Attorney, and dealing with tax or legal procedures in Spain.

The types of documents involved may include birth, marriage and death certificates, Powers of Attorney, wills, court documents, and corporate records, among others. It is essential that these documents are correctly signed or certified by an authorised UK official, such as a solicitor or notary, before beginning the legalisation process, as errors at this stage can lead to delays or rejection.

At Gascon Bernabeu, we assist UK clients throughout this process, ensuring that documentation is properly prepared and recognised in Spain, helping to avoid unnecessary delays.

We offer free, no-obligation consultations for those who require guidance or further information.

GB Solicitors. Making Spanish law simple.

https://www.gbabogados.co.uk/how-to-legalise-uk-documents-for-use-in-spain/

Dirección

Avenida MaisonnAvenida 41, 3rd Floor
Alicante
03003

Página web

http://www.gbabogados.co.uk/

Notificaciones

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