Above Board in Spain

16/10/2026

RENEWED YOUR PASSPORT? DON'T THROW YOUR OLD ONE AWAY!

Did you know your expired passport could be an important part of your immigration and residency history in Spain?

Here at Above Board in Spain, we always encourage our clients to keep their previous passports safely, even after receiving a brand-new one.

Many people assume that once a passport expires, it becomes useless. However, when dealing with Spanish immigration, visa applications, residency renewals and legal procedures, your old passport could contain valuable evidence.

🔹 1. PROOF OF YOUR TRAVEL HISTORY

🔹 2. VISA AND RESIDENCY APPLICATIONS

🔹 3. EVIDENCE OF YOUR TIME IN SPAIN

🔹 4. CONTINUITY OF YOUR IMMIGRATION RECORDS

🔹 5. FUTURE LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

Your previous passport may prove useful when dealing with immigration authorities, legal representatives or administrative procedures where historical identification or travel documentation is required.

IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER

An expired passport is not normally valid for international travel, but it may still be valuable as supporting documentation.

Always keep your previous passports somewhere safe, particularly if they contain visas or immigration stamps. If your old passport is returned to you after renewal, don't automatically destroy it.

ABOVE BOARD IN SPAIN – LEGAL • RELOCATION • IMMIGRATION

Because when it comes to Spanish immigration, even your old documents can matter!

13/10/2026

DREAMING OF MOVING TO SPAIN? YOUR QUESTIONS, OUR EXPERTISE!

ASK THE EXPERT – YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO GET PROFESSIONAL ADVICE!

Whether you're a single professional, a couple planning a new chapter, a family looking for a fresh start, or a retiree dreaming of life in the Spanish sunshine, we're here to help!

At Above Board in Spain, we understand that relocating to another country can bring a hundred questions.

Not sure which visa you need?

Wondering if you meet the financial requirements?

Confused about residency, healthcare or the application process?

Already living in Spain but unsure of your next steps?

NOW IS YOUR CHANCE TO ASK!

We're opening up our page to YOUR questions, giving you the opportunity to ask our experienced immigration and relocation expert about making Spain your home.

DROP YOUR QUESTION IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!

No question is too big or too small. General questions are welcome, and for more personal or complex circumstances, our team is available for private consultations.

Above Board in Spain
Professional Guidance • Trusted Experience • Legal Assistance

Your Spanish journey could start with just one question!

12/10/2026

Today is a public holiday across the whole of Spain, we hope you enjoy your day, Normal office hours resume tomorrow!

We would like to say hello to all our new followers who have joined us over the weekend.

New & Returning clients, thankyou for your support.

• NIE
• TIE
• VISAS & RENEWALS
• HEALTHCARE & SIP CARDS
• DRIVING LICENSES
• WILLS
• LEGAL ASSISTANCE
• SWORN TRANSLATIONS

09/10/2026

Please note the office will be closed due to the public holidays here today & Monday.

Have a wonderful long weekend what ever you may be doing.

Many thanks Karen - Above board in Spain.

08/10/2026

07/10/2026

Do You or Someone You Know Have a “New Best Friend”?

We live in a fabulous community here in Benidorm, Spain, surrounded by many wonderful, kind, generous and helpful people. Most offer support simply from the goodness of their hearts.

Sadly, however, not every kind gesture is genuine. Occasionally, someone may have an ulterior motive, even if this is not apparent at first. They may deliberately befriend an older, lonely or vulnerable person to gain their trust and take advantage of them. This often develops into financial abuse.

The person may initially appear thoughtful and trustworthy. They might visit regularly, offer practical help, provide transport. Over time, however, they may begin asking for money or personal information, seeking access to the home, or attempting to control important decisions.

Just Remember If You Live Alone

When inviting someone new into your home - whether it is a caravan, an apartment or simply somewhere you call home - please remain vigilant.

Tell trusted family members or long-standing friends about the new person in your life, especially if you live alone or consider yourself vulnerable. If your family lives overseas or in your home country, regular contact can reassure them that you are coping well physically, emotionally, mentally and financially.

You never owe anyone money, possessions, access to your home or control over your affairs in return for companionship or practical help.

Under no circumstances give out PIN NUMBERS or access to online banking. Ensure passwords and important documents in a safe place at all times.

If something does not feel right, speak privately to someone you trust, even calling in to our office! Keep messages, receipts and financial records, and contact your bank promptly if money or account details may be at risk.
There has been an increase in cases where a so-called "friends" take over property, particularly caravans and mobility vehicles on campsites.

To protect yourself, make sure the site reception knows, while you still have capacity, who your intended beneficiary is even provide them a family or close friends contact numbers in case of emergencies i.e. hospitalization. Where possible, provide formal, witnessed documentation and keep copies in a secure place. Do not rely solely on handwritten letters, as these may be challenged and might not satisfy the legal requirements for transferring ownership. Please ensure your will and the site's ownership records are up to date.
This is something here at Above Board in Spain we can assist with, every step of the way.

There is no shame in trusting someone. Responsibility always lies with the person who abuses that trust.

If you feel you need any advice, please contacts us, our door is always open.

Karen - Above board In Spain.

05/10/2026

WHO ARE WE?

Above board in Spain , we bring together over 30 years of experience, extensive professional knowledge and recognised qualifications — but what truly sets us apart is the personal understanding behind the service we provide.

Karen — Founder of Above Board in Spain, and the drive and ambition behind everything we do.

Karen has lived on the Costa Blanca for over 35 years, raising her family here and building a life in Spain. Her experience and achievements have also seen her become award-winning, with appearances and features across British television, including the BBC, Channel 4 and Channel 5, as well as coverage in the Daily Mail.

Having made the move to Spain herself, Karen understands first-hand that relocating to another country can sometimes feel daunting and overwhelming. Navigating unfamiliar systems, paperwork and legal requirements can be difficult — and having experienced life in Spain for more than three decades, she understands how valuable the right guidance can be.

That is why Above Board in Spain is more than simply a professional service.

Our door is, and always will be, open to those who need guidance, support and a friendly face along the way.

We specialise in:

• Relocation & Visa Services
• Sworn Translations (Traducción Jurada)
• Wills & Administrative Support
• Healthcare Guidance
• Support & Liaison with Outside Services
• Driving/Motoring

Whether you’re planning your move to Spain, already living here, navigating a visa or residency process, or simply unsure where to turn next, our aim is to make the process clearer and less overwhelming.

Professional. Experienced. Approachable.

Above all, we believe in doing things properly — and doing them Above Board.

ABOVE BOARD IN SPAIN
Here to help, support and guide you through life in Spain.

04/10/2026

Just a reminder we are much more than relocation and visas.

• NIE
• TIE
• OFFICIAL APPOINTMENTS
• VISA ( ALL TYPES & RENEWALS )
• SWORN TRANSLATION
• HEALTH CARE
• SIP CARDS
• SOCIAL SERVICES
• LEGAL ASSISTANCE
• DRIVING LICENCE
• RESEDENCIA
• WILLS

Public office opening times

Monday - Friday 10am-3pm.

Appointments available if necessary outside of these hours.

Have a lovely Sunday.

Karen - Above Board In Spain

02/10/2026

WHEN SHOULD YOU CANCEL YOUR PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE IN SPAIN?

Knowing when and how to correctly cancel your private health insurance is something we have helped clients with time and time again.

One of the most important things to understand is that simply cancelling your direct debit or standing order does not automatically cancel your insurance policy. Ignoring or stopping payments can potentially leave the policy active and may result in outstanding payments being pursued.

When cancelling private health insurance, you should formally notify your insurance provider and follow the cancellation procedure set out within your policy.

Your provider WILL require written notification by email or another specified method, together with identification such as a copy of your passport documentation.

We recommend keeping copies of all correspondence, including confirmation that your cancellation has been received and accepted.

Why do people cancel their private healthcare?

For many residents, the time may come when they become eligible for access to the Spanish public healthcare system and no longer require private insurance for their circumstances.

However, if your private health insurance forms part of the requirements of your visa or residency status, it is extremely important to check that you are genuinely eligible to cancel it before doing so.

DO NOT LEAVE IT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE

Check the cancellation terms and notice period contained within your individual policy well before renewal. Where possible, begin checking the requirements 6–8 weeks before your renewal date so you have enough time to complete the process correctly.

Every insurer and policy can have different cancellation requirements and deadlines, so always check the terms applicable to your own cover.

At Above Board in Spain, we understand that Spanish administration, healthcare and residency requirements can sometimes feel complicated.

If you are unsure what you need to do or would like assistance understanding the process, we are always here to help.

Karen - Above Board in Spain
Legal • Relocation • Immigration

01/10/2026

IMPORTANT INFORMATION PLEASE READ!

YOU ARE NOT ALONE — SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE

Following the tragic events earlier this week, in which a 33-year-old woman sadly lost her life, we feel it is important to remind our community that help and support are available.

Domestic violence and abuse can affect women and men, and it does not always leave visible injuries.

Abuse can be physical, emotional, psychological, controlling or financial. Living with intimidation, isolation, coercion or control can have an enormous impact on a person’s life and wellbeing.

Living abroad can sometimes make an already difficult situation feel even more isolating. You may feel trapped, unsure of your rights, worried about language barriers, or simply not know where to turn.

Please know that you do not have to face it alone.

At Above Board in Spain, our office door is open.

We work closely with outside support services and have strong connections with social services and legal professionals who can help provide appropriate support and guidance.

If you need advice, help accessing services, or simply somewhere you feel able to speak openly, you can come and talk to us.

You will not be judged.

Your privacy and confidentiality will always be treated with the utmost importance.

We can also help you make contact with appropriate organisations, charities and professional services depending on your circumstances.

🇪🇸 HELP IN SPAIN

016 — Information, advice and support relating to violence against women. Assistance is available in multiple languages.

112 — Emergency services. If you or somebody else is in immediate danger, call 112.

062 — Guardia Civil.

Please look out for one another.

Sometimes reaching out is the hardest part. Our door is open.

Please never suffer in silence.

Above Board in Spain
Legal • Relocation • Immigration • Support