Legal services
From the first due diligence check to the final notary signing — and everything in between. Every case guided personally by José Francisco Criado Sánchez, supported by a trusted team.
Due Diligence
Tax Structuring
Inheritance
Rental Licensing
Development
Business Setup
Service 01
Before you sign anything, we conduct a full legal review of the property. This is the most important step in any Spanish property transaction — and the one most often rushed when the lawyer's priority is closing the deal fast, not protecting the buyer.
We check everything that could affect your ownership, your investment value or your ability to use the property as intended.
What's included
Nota simple review — title, ownership and registered charges
Sale representation — from reservation to completion (resales)
Existing mortgage cancellation coordination on sale
Urban planning verification — licences, legal status of all structures
Hidden liabilities — community debts, unpaid utilities, mortgage checks
NIE application and management
Private purchase contract (Contrato de Arras) review and negotiation
Notary coordination and final signing representation
Land Registry inscription after completion


Service 02
Buying property in Spain as a foreign national has significant tax implications — both at the point of purchase and on an ongoing basis. The decisions you make before signing affect your tax position for years to come.
We analyse each client's situation individually and recommend the most efficient legal structure for their specific circumstances.
What's included
Asset deal vs share deal analysis and recommendation
Capital gains tax (CGT) planning on sale, including deductible expense optimisation
3% non-resident withholding tax management on sale
Plusvalía (municipal tax) review and refund claims where applicable
Transfer tax (ITP) and stamp duty (AJD) planning
Non-resident income tax obligations and planning
Beckham Law (Régimen de Impatriados) eligibility assessment
Corporate structure setup for investment purchases
Coordination with tax advisors in your home country
Service 03
Owning property in Spain as a foreign national has inheritance implications that many buyers overlook until it is too late. Spanish succession law differs significantly from common law systems and other European jurisdictions — and without proper planning, your heirs may face unexpected tax bills or legal complications.
Andalusia currently offers significant inheritance tax advantages that, with the right structure in place, can save your beneficiaries a substantial sum.
What's included
Cross-border succession analysis — Spanish vs home country law
Andalusia inheritance tax planning and exemptions
Spanish will drafting for property owners
EU Succession Regulation (Brussels IV) advice
Estate administration for foreign heirs


Service 04
Short-term tourist rentals in both Marbella and Ibiza are regulated. Listing your property on Airbnb or any similar platform without the correct licence exposes you to significant fines and the risk of losing your rental income.
We check the VFT status and local restrictions before you buy — and manage the licence application if you proceed.
What's included
VFT licence eligibility check before purchase
Community of owners rules review
Urban planning classification verification
VFT licence application management — Marbella and Ibiza
Compliance advice for Airbnb and short-term rental platforms
Service 05
We provide legal advisory to developers and promoters operating in the Marbella and Ibiza markets. From land acquisition and planning permissions to off-plan sales contracts and handover, we support every stage of the development process.
What's included
Land acquisition due diligence and planning verification
Building licence management and compliance
Off-plan purchase contract drafting and review
Developer bank guarantee compliance (Ley 57/1968)
First occupation licence and handover coordination


Service 06
Foreign investors who wish to establish a business or investment vehicle in Spain need more than a standard company formation. We provide end-to-end legal support for setting up Spanish corporate structures aligned with your investment and tax objectives.
What's included
Spanish SL (Sociedad Limitada) incorporation
Corporate structure design for property investment
NIE and NIF management for directors and shareholders
Mercantile Registry registration
Shareholder agreements and corporate governance
Ongoing legal compliance and corporate secretarial support
Tell us about your situation and José Francisco will advise you directly. No obligation, no intermediaries.

Independent property law practice, rooted in family legal tradition since 1965.
Marbella · Costa del Sol · Ibiza
Serving international buyers across Spain.
services
Due Diligence
Tax Structuring
Inheritance
Rental Licensing
Business Setup
Real Estate Development
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