When we moved to Spain, one of the biggest mistakes we made was assuming that the professional standards and regulations we were familiar with in Ireland and the UK operated in exactly the same way here. In reality, they do not.
In Ireland, and similarly in the UK, professions such as accountants, solicitors, and estate agents are heavily regulated. A person cannot simply decide to call themselves an accountant or a lawyer without obtaining the appropriate qualifications, professional accreditation, and registration with recognised governing bodies. There are clear systems of accountability and oversight, and consumers generally assume that when they engage a professional, they are dealing with someone who is formally trained and legally recognised within that profession.
Spain operates differently, and for many foreigners relocating here, that difference can come as a shock.
When we purchased our first villa in Spain, we were naïve. We arrived with limited Spanish, limited knowledge of the system, and like many immigrants, we instinctively trusted people who spoke our own language. Looking back, that was one of our greatest mistakes.
The Lawyer
The estate agent who sold us the villa recommended a lawyer to handle the legal side of the transaction. At the time, we had absolutely no reason to question the recommendation. In Ireland, a recommendation from a professional would generally imply a level of legitimacy and independence. However, things later began to unravel badly.
We eventually discovered that the “lawyer” handling our affairs was in fact the estate agent’s wife, and she was not a qualified solicitor at all. What surprised us even more was learning that this type of arrangement is not uncommon in Spain.
To be fair, Spain does of course have fully qualified lawyers — known as abogados — who are registered with official bar associations. However, there are also many people working in legal offices or consultancy businesses who are not themselves qualified solicitors but who operate alongside legal firms and carry out large parts of administrative or conveyancing work. For newcomers unfamiliar with the system, the distinction is not always clear.
The problem only becomes obvious when something goes wrong.
When issues arose with our property purchase, the person handling our case simply did not possess the legal knowledge, authority, or professional capability to deal with the complications. Yet fees had still been paid as though we were dealing with a fully qualified legal professional.
That experience taught us our first major lesson:
Lesson 1 – Never assume someone is a qualified lawyer simply because they present themselves as one. Ask questions, verify credentials, and ensure the person handling your affairs is a registered professional.
The Estate Agent
Unfortunately, our difficulties did not end there.
Before we moved into our new villa, the estate agent repeatedly assured us that he would continue to support us after the sale was completed. Once the contracts were signed and the money paid, however, he disappeared entirely. We were left isolated in a foreign country, dealing with builders, unresolved property issues, legal confusion, and endless stress, with no meaningful support from the people who had promised to guide us through the process.
Historically, the Spanish property sector has been far less regulated than many Northern European buyers expect. In some regions of Spain, particularly before more recent reforms, almost anyone could work as a property intermediary without formal qualifications or licensing requirements. Many operated without offices, formal training, or professional oversight.
This has gradually begun to change. Some autonomous regions in Spain have introduced stronger registration requirements and professional standards for estate agents, including training and registration systems. However, regulation is not applied uniformly across the entire country, and standards can still vary considerably depending on the region and the individuals involved.
One aspect of the system that shocked us was the level of commission being paid by developers to agents. In our own purchase, the commission associated with the sale amounted to approximately €35,000. Naturally, when such large commissions are involved, some agents are incentivised to steer buyers toward developments where the financial reward is greatest, rather than where the buyer’s interests are best protected.
Again, there are many honest and professional estate agents in Spain. However, our own experience taught us that blind trust can be dangerous.
Lesson 2 – Never rely solely on the assurances of an estate agent. Conduct your own independent research, seek independent legal advice, and verify everything yourself.
The Accountant
Ironically, the most eye-opening experience for me involved accountants and tax advisors.
After relocating to Spain, we needed someone to help us manage our tax affairs properly. Initially, we asked the same “legal advisor” for guidance, before we realised she was not actually a qualified lawyer. She immediately informed us that she was also an accountant and tax advisor. That alone raised concerns for me.
When I asked several straightforward tax-related questions, the answers were vague and unconvincing, so we politely declined her offer of assistance.
We then began searching for an accountant independently. The first firm we visited appeared disorganised and unprepared from the outset. During the meeting, I asked what the standard rate of income tax was in Spain. The response I received was simply, “It depends.”
Now, of course, tax systems are complex and tax rates vary depending on income levels, residency status, and circumstances. But the conversation immediately gave me the impression that clarity and professionalism were lacking. What concerned me even more was the suggestion that through “creative management” of my affairs, I would effectively pay no tax at all in Spain.
I have absolutely no issue with legitimate tax planning. Everyone is entitled to structure their affairs legally and efficiently. However, there is a significant difference between responsible tax planning and simply avoiding one’s obligations entirely. We politely declined his proposal, despite the offer to “manage” our affairs for a flat annual fee of €1,200.
We encountered several more similar situations before eventually finding what I would call a genuine accountant — a professionally trained, qualified individual with a proper understanding of Spanish taxation and international residency matters.
A Real Accountant
Based in Torrevieja, he proved invaluable to us. Rather than making unrealistic promises, he clearly explained the available options, outlined our legal responsibilities, and advised us properly. He even explained that many foreign residents in Spain simply avoid registering correctly for tax purposes altogether. That was never something we wanted to do.
We chose to regularise our affairs properly, pay what was legally due, and contribute fairly to the country in which we now live. Our accountant arranged everything correctly, has handled our annual tax returns ever since, and charges approximately €100 per year for filing our personal returns professionally and legally.
Yes, we pay tax in Spain. But we pay only what is fair and legally required — no more and no less. To us, that is simply part of living responsibly in the country we now call home.
That experience taught us our final lesson:
Lesson 3 – Never assume someone is a qualified accountant or tax professional simply because they claim to be. Verify qualifications, seek recommendations carefully, and work only with properly trained professionals.
Spain is a beautiful country with wonderful people, a fantastic lifestyle, and many highly competent professionals. This article is not intended to criticise Spain or Spanish people. Rather, it is a reflection of our own personal experiences as foreigners navigating an unfamiliar system.
If there is one thing we have learned, it is this: when relocating abroad, trust must be earned, not assumed.