Spanish Legal Terms Explained
A Guide for Foreign Buyers & Residents
Welcome to Your Essential Glossary for Life in Spain
Whether you’re buying a property, applying for residency, dealing with inheritance, or trying to make sense of Spain’s paperwork jungle — this glossary has your back. It breaks down all the key terms you’re likely to come across in plain English, from legal and tax terms to property jargon, visa processes, and more.
Perfect for expats, buyers, and business owners who want to feel confident when reading contracts, talking to notaries, or dealing with official paperwork. Use it as a go-to reference anytime Spain throws complicated terminology your way.
Property & Ownership Terms
1. Nota Simple: Official registry extract detailing ownership and encumbrances.
2. Escritura Pública: Public deed of sale signed before a Notary.
3. Registro de la Propiedad: Official land registry in Spain.
4. Catastro: Cadastral register showing physical details of properties.
5. Valor Catastral: Official value used for calculating taxes.
6. IBI (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles): Annual municipal property tax.
7. Comunidad de Propietarios: Community of owners managing common areas.
8. Cargas: Legal claims against a property (mortgages, debts, etc.).
9. Finca: Plot of land or estate, urban or rural.
10. Propiedad Horizontal: Shared ownership structure for apartments.
11. Vivienda Habitual: Primary residence designation.
12. Segunda Residencia: Secondary or holiday home.
13. Vivienda Nueva: Newly built home, often subject to IVA.
14. Vivienda de Segunda Mano: Resale home, subject to ITP.
15. Plusvalía Municipal: Tax on increase in land value, paid on sale.
16. Referencia Catastral: Unique cadastral ID number for each property.
17. Escritura de Obra Nueva: Declaration of new construction.
18. Declaración de Obra Antigua: Legalisation of old buildings lacking proper permits.
19. Licencia de Primera Ocupación: First Occupation Licence for new builds.
20. Licencia de Segunda Ocupación: Renewal licence for older properties.
21. Certificado de Eficiencia Energética: Mandatory energy performance certificate.
22. Revisión Catastral: Update or reassessment of cadastral value.
23. Certificado de No Infracción Urbanística: Confirms property is legal and compliant.
24. Derecho de Superficie: Surface rights allowing construction on someone else’s land.
25. Tanteo y Retracto: Rights of first refusal or repurchase.
26. Ocupación: Legal or illegal occupation of a property.
27. Copropiedad: Joint ownership.
28. Vivienda Protegida: Government-subsidised housing.
29. Registro de Titularidades Reales: Beneficial ownership registry.
30. División Horizontal: Legal division of a building into separate properties.
31. División Material: Physical split of a property into multiple parts.
32. Agrupación de Fincas: Merging of multiple plots into one.
33. Segregación: Division of one property into multiple legal plots.
34. Servidumbre: Easement or legal right of way over another’s land.
35. Usufructo: Right to use a property without owning it.
36. Nuda Propiedad: Bare ownership, without usufruct.
37. Arrendamiento: Long-term rental agreement.
38. Alquiler Vacacional: Short-term or holiday letting.
39. Licencia Turística: Tourist rental licence.
40. Cédula de Habitabilidad: Certificate of habitability for occupation.
41. Registro de Turismo: Registration of a property for tourism rental.
42. Reforma: Renovation or structural improvement.
43. Obra Menor: Minor construction works requiring a basic licence.
44. Obra Mayor: Major works requiring a full building licence.
45. Proyecto de Obra: Building plans submitted by a technical architect.
46. Tasación Pericial Contradictoria: Counter-valuation in case of tax disputes.
47. Escritura de Extinción de Condominio: Deed terminating shared ownership.
48. Expediente de Dominio: Procedure for registering unregistered property.
49. Vivienda de Protección Oficial (VPO): State-regulated affordable housing.
50. Calificación Urbanística: Official land classification (urban, rural, protected, etc.).
51. Situación Urbanística: Urban planning status of a plot.
52. Planeamiento Urbanístico: Urban planning documents governing land use.
53. Ayuda Rehabilitación: Grants or aid for property restoration.
54. ITE (Inspección Técnica de Edificios): Technical inspection of buildings (usually required after 50 years).
55. Registro de Inquilinos Morosos: Register of defaulting tenants.
56. Registro de Arrendamientos Urbanos: Optional registry for rental agreements.
57. Vivienda Okupada: Squatted or illegally occupied property.
58. Suministros: Utilities (water, electricity, gas).
59. Gastos de Comunidad: Community fees.
60. Cuota de Participación: Share of ownership used to calculate voting rights and fees.
Legal Documentation & Notarial Terms
1. Notario (Notary): A highly qualified legal professional who certifies documents and oversees public transactions in Spain.
2. Escritura Pública: The official notarised deed for transactions such as property sales, wills, and declarations.
3. Acta de Manifestaciones: A sworn declaration before a notary, often used for confirming legal facts.
4. Acta de Notoriedad: A notarial document certifying facts not recorded in public records, such as long-standing ownership.
5. Poder Notarial (Power of Attorney): A legal document allowing someone else to act on your behalf in legal matters.
6. Apostilla de La Haya (Hague Apostille): A form of international document legalisation for use between member states of The Hague Convention.
7. Escritura de Donación: A deed formalising the donation of an asset, typically real estate, to another party.
8. Escritura de Herencia: The public deed that distributes assets in accordance with a will or intestate succession.
9. Protocolo Notarial: The formal archive where the Notary stores original public deeds.
10. Diligencia Notarial: A notarial annotation or endorsement made to clarify or extend a document.
11. Certificado Notarial: An official notarial certificate used for validating facts or legal status.
12. Escritura de Poder Preventivo: Preventive power of attorney that becomes effective if the grantor becomes incapacitated.
13. Escritura de Capitulaciones Matrimoniales: A notarised marital agreement governing property ownership within a marriage.
14. Escritura de Constitución de Sociedad: The notarised deed used to form a company in Spain.
15. Firma Electrónica Reconocida: Advanced electronic signature recognised under Spanish law for legal documents.
16. Escritura de Subrogación: Notarial deed for mortgage transfer or subrogation.
17. Escritura de Extinción de Condominio: Deed that ends co-ownership of a property.
18. Testamento Abierto: Open will granted before a notary and entered into the official registry.
19. Testamento Cerrado: Closed will written privately but presented to a notary in a sealed envelope.
20. Testamento Ológrafo: Holographic will, handwritten by the testator, legal under certain conditions in Spain.
21. Escritura de Aceptación de Herencia: Deed accepting an inheritance, usually tied to the inheritance tax process.
22. Protocolo Sucesorio: Notarial protocol in inheritance cases where succession planning is registered.
23. Copia Autorizada: Certified copy of a notarised document with legal validity.
24. Escritura de Compraventa: Purchase deed signed by buyer and seller in front of a notary.
25. Escritura de Adjudicación: Award deed used in the context of inheritance or divorce asset division.
26. Acta de Junta: Notarial record of meetings for company or community of owners.
27. Certificado de Últimas Voluntades: Certificate confirming whether a will was registered and with which notary.
28. Inventario de Herencia: Inventory of assets prepared by a notary for inheritance division.
29. Revocación de Poder Notarial: Formal cancellation of a power of attorney.
30. Escritura de Reanudación de Tracto Sucesivo: A special deed used when ownership of a property has not been correctly registered through successive transactions.
Mortgage, Finance & Valuation Terms
1. Hipoteca (Mortgage): A secured loan where the property is used as collateral for repayment.
2. Hipoteca Fija (Fixed-Rate Mortgage): A mortgage with a fixed interest rate for the entire loan period.
3. Hipoteca Variable (Variable-Rate Mortgage): A mortgage with an interest rate that fluctuates based on market conditions.
4. Subrogación Hipotecaria: The transfer of an existing mortgage from one party to another or to a new lender.
5. Novación: A renegotiation or modification of an existing mortgage agreement.
6. Amortización: The process of repaying a loan through regular instalments over time.
7. Euríbor (Euro Interbank Offered Rate): A common index used to calculate variable mortgage rates in Spain.
8. Comisión de Apertura (Opening Fee): A one-time fee charged by lenders to initiate a mortgage.
9. Comisión de Cancelación Anticipada: Penalty for paying off a mortgage early.
10. Comisión de Subrogación: A fee charged for transferring a mortgage to another lender or buyer.
11. TIN (Tipo de Interés Nominal): The nominal interest rate applied to a loan, excluding fees.
12. TAE (Tasa Anual Equivalente): The effective annual interest rate, including fees and compounding effects.
13. Tasación (Appraisal): A valuation performed by a certified surveyor to assess the market value of a property.
14. Valor de Tasación: The value attributed to a property by an official appraisal.
15. Aval (Guarantee): A financial guarantee, often from a third party, used to secure a mortgage or rental.
16. Avalista (Guarantor): The person or entity that provides a financial guarantee on behalf of the borrower.
17. Préstamo Hipotecario: A mortgage loan specifically for financing property acquisition.
18. Escritura de Hipoteca: The notarial deed detailing the terms of the mortgage agreement.
19. Carencia (Grace Period): A period where the borrower only pays interest or nothing at all.
20. Vinculación: Additional products (insurance, credit cards, etc.) required by a bank to approve a mortgage.
21. Riesgo de Interés: The risk associated with fluctuations in interest rates.
22. Financiación: The act of obtaining funds or capital for property purchases or investments.
23. Coste Total del Crédito: The full cost of a loan, including interest, fees, and commissions.
24. Hipoteca Mixta: A hybrid mortgage that begins with a fixed rate and later changes to a variable rate.
25. Ratio de Endeudamiento: The borrower’s debt-to-income ratio used to assess loan eligibility.
26. Capital Pendiente: The outstanding loan amount yet to be paid.
27. Tipo de Revisión: The frequency at which a variable mortgage rate is reviewed and adjusted.
28. Cláusula Suelo (Floor Clause): A minimum interest rate set in some mortgages, limiting the benefit from rate drops.
29. Refinanciación: The process of replacing an existing loan with a new one under different terms.
30. Hipoteca Inversa: A reverse mortgage that allows elderly property owners to receive payments from their equity.
Tax Terms
1. IBI (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles): An annual local property tax based on the cadastral value of the property.
2. ITP (Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales): Property transfer tax applied when buying a resale property.
3. IVA (Impuesto sobre el Valor Añadido): Value-added tax applied to new builds and professional services.
4. AJD (Actos Jurídicos Documentados): Stamp duty applied to notarised documents such as deeds and mortgages.
5. Plusvalía Municipal (IVTNU): A municipal tax on the increase in value of urban land, paid when a property is sold or transferred.
6. Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio (Wealth Tax): An annual tax on net assets above a certain threshold.
7. Impuesto sobre la Renta de No Residentes (IRNR): Income tax applied to non-residents earning income in Spain.
8. Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas (IRPF): Income tax for residents in Spain.
9. Modelo 210: The tax return form used by non-residents to declare rental income or imputed income from Spanish property.
10. Modelo 100: The annual income tax return filed by Spanish residents.
11. Modelo 720: Informational form for declaring assets held abroad over €50,000.
12. Retención del 3%: Withholding tax applied to the sale of property by non-residents, retained by the buyer and paid to the tax authority.
13. Base Imponible: The taxable base used to calculate taxes.
14. Tipo Impositivo: The applicable tax rate.
15. Deducción Fiscal: A reduction in taxable income for specific qualifying expenses.
16. Exención Fiscal: A legal exemption that reduces or eliminates a tax obligation.
17. Obligación Tributaria: A taxpayer’s legal obligation to declare and pay taxes.
18. Deuda Tributaria: The amount of tax owed after applying deductions, reductions, and exemptions.
19. Fecha de Devengo: The date when the tax becomes due.
20. Complementaria: A supplementary tax return filed to correct or add to a previous declaration.
21. Declaración Censal: A tax identification declaration for individuals or businesses registering with the Spanish tax authority.
22. Número de Referencia Catastral: A cadastral reference used for property tax identification.
23. Recargo por Declaración Extemporánea: Surcharge for filing tax returns late.
24. Agencia Tributaria: The Spanish Tax Agency responsible for collecting and managing taxes.
25. Certificado de Estar al Corriente: A certificate showing that a taxpayer is up to date with their tax obligations.
26. Declaración de la Renta: The annual income tax return.
27. Gravamen: General term referring to a tax burden or levy.
28. Rendimiento del Capital Inmobiliario: Income generated from property, such as rental income.
29. Ingreso a Cuenta: A prepayment of tax made on behalf of the taxpayer.
30. Tributo: Generic term for any kind of tax or levy, including duties and contributions.
Inheritance & Probate Terms
1. Testamento (Will): A legal document that outlines a person’s wishes regarding the distribution of their assets after death.
2. Herencia (Inheritance): The process and legal framework of transferring assets from a deceased person to their heirs.
3. Legado (Legacy): A specific asset or item left to a person under the terms of a will.
4. Albacea (Executor): A person designated in a will to manage the estate and ensure the testator’s wishes are carried out.
5. Heredero (Heir): An individual entitled to receive a portion of the estate, with or without a will.
6. Sucesión Testada: Inheritance that follows the instructions left in a valid will.
7. Sucesión Intestada: Inheritance distributed under Spanish law in the absence of a valid will.
8. Declaración de Herederos: A notarial process to legally determine the heirs of a deceased person when there is no will.
9. Escritura de Aceptación de Herencia: The official deed signed before a notary to accept an inheritance.
10. Cuaderno Particional: A detailed legal document dividing the estate among the heirs.
11. Usufructo: The right to use and benefit from a property during one’s lifetime without owning it, commonly granted to spouses.
12. Nuda Propiedad: The ownership of property without the right of use, often held jointly with a usufructuary.
13. Pactos Sucesorios: Agreements made during the lifetime of the testator to predetermine inheritance matters.
14. Reducción por Parentesco: A tax allowance applied based on the familial relationship to the deceased.
15. Reducción por Vivienda Habitual: A reduction in inheritance tax when the main residence is inherited by close relatives.
16. Renuncia a la Herencia: The legal process of rejecting an inheritance.
17. Aceptación Tácita: When an heir accepts the inheritance through actions rather than a formal deed.
18. Aceptación Pura y Simple: Full acceptance of the inheritance and any attached liabilities.
19. Aceptación a Beneficio de Inventario: Acceptance of inheritance limited to the assets available, protecting heirs from debts.
20. Impuesto de Sucesiones y Donaciones (ISD): The tax levied on assets received via inheritance or gift.
21. Certificado de Últimas Voluntades: Official certificate confirming the existence of a will and which notary holds it.
22. Certificado de Defunción: Death certificate required to begin inheritance procedures.
23. Copia Autorizada del Testamento: Notarial copy of the official will.
24. Tramitación de la Herencia: The administrative and legal process of handling an inheritance.
25. Valoración de Bienes: The formal valuation of assets in an inheritance.
26. Fecha de Fallecimiento: The date of death, which determines tax obligations and property values.
27. Bienes Gananciales: Shared marital property that must be dissolved before inheritance can be distributed.
28. Liquidación de Gananciales: The process of dividing jointly owned property upon the death of one spouse.
29. Bienes Privativos: Assets held exclusively by one spouse, typically excluded from marital division.
30. Residencia Habitual del Causante: The usual residence of the deceased, which may impact tax jurisdiction.
31. Jurisdicción Fiscal: The regional tax authority where the inheritance must be processed.
32. Certificado Bancario: A document showing the balance of the deceased’s bank accounts at the time of death.
33. Adjudicación de Herencia: The final allocation of inherited assets to each heir.
34. Plazo de Liquidación del ISD: The legal time limit to declare and pay inheritance tax.
35. Prórroga del Plazo de Liquidación: An official request to extend the inheritance tax deadline.
36. Pago del Impuesto de Sucesiones: The process of calculating and paying inheritance tax.
37. Presentación de la Autoliquidación: Filing a self-assessed tax return for the inheritance.
38. Copropiedad Hereditaria: Co-ownership of inherited assets among multiple heirs.
39. Disputas entre Herederos: Legal conflicts between heirs over the distribution or management of assets.
40. Escritura de Adjudicación y Aceptación: Final notarial deed documenting the acceptance and allocation of the inheritance.
Immigration & Visa Terms
1. TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero): Foreign Identity Card issued in Spain to non-EU nationals who obtain legal residence.
2. NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero): Foreigner’s Identification Number required for financial and legal activities in Spain.
3. Visado de Residencia: A residence visa allowing non-EU nationals to reside in Spain for more than 90 days.
4. Visado de Estancia: A short-term visa for temporary stays such as tourism, study, or medical treatment.
5. Visado de Reagrupación Familiar: Family reunification visa for relatives of legal residents in Spain.
6. Visado de Trabajo: Work visa for non-EU nationals authorised to work in Spain.
7. Visado de Estudiante: Student visa for those enrolled in a recognised academic or training programme.
8. Visado de Emprendedor: Entrepreneur visa for individuals establishing an innovative business in Spain.
9. Visado de Investigador: Visa for researchers engaging in scientific or academic activities.
10. Visado de Residencia No Lucrativa (NLV): Non-lucrative visa allowing residence without working, typically for retirees or individuals with sufficient income.
11. Visado de Nómada Digital (DNV): Digital Nomad Visa allowing remote workers to live in Spain while working for foreign employers.
12. Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión: Registration certificate for EU citizens residing in Spain more than 90 days.
13. Certificado de Empadronamiento: Municipal registration showing your official address in Spain.
14. Renovación de Residencia: The process of renewing your residence permit or visa status.
15. Arraigo Social: Residency pathway for undocumented immigrants with strong social ties in Spain.
16. Arraigo Laboral: Residency option based on work history in Spain.
17. Arraigo Familiar: Residency option for close relatives of Spanish or legal residents.
18. Modificación de Estancia a Residencia: Changing status from a temporary stay to full residence.
19. Número de Seguridad Social: Social Security Number required for work and healthcare access.
20. Autorización de Residencia y Trabajo: Combined permit allowing residence and work rights.
21. Exención de Visado: Visa exemption for nationals of specific countries for short stays.
22. Reagrupación Comunitaria: Family reunification for relatives of EU citizens.
23. Prórroga de Estancia: Extension of stay beyond original visa terms.
24. Estancia por Estudios: Legal stay for students not requiring a residence visa (less than 180 days).
25. Solicitud de Asilo: Application for asylum or international protection.
26. Residencia Permanente: Permanent residence status granted after five years of legal stay.
27. Residencia de Larga Duración UE: Long-term EU residence allowing rights in other EU states.
28. Nacionalidad Española por Residencia: Spanish citizenship acquired through prolonged legal residence.
29. Oficina de Extranjería: Foreigners’ Office managing visa, residence, and immigration matters.
30. Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones: Government ministry overseeing immigration and residence policies.
Bureaucratic & Administrative Terms
1. Certificado de Empadronamiento: Official certificate proving registration with the local municipality (Padrón).
2. Volante de Empadronamiento: Informal version of the padrón certificate, used for less formal procedures.
3. Ayuntamiento: Town Hall or City Council, responsible for local services and issuing many required certificates.
4. Padrón Municipal: The municipal register where residents must enrol, required for many bureaucratic procedures.
5. Cita Previa: Appointment system used for most administrative offices in Spain.
6. Oficina de Extranjería: Foreigners’ Office where visa and residency applications are processed.
7. Certificado Digital: Digital certificate allowing secure access to government services online.
8. Cl@ve PIN: Digital access system used to log into official Spanish portals like Agencia Tributaria and Seguridad Social.
9. Sistema RED: Online platform for businesses to manage employment and Social Security obligations.
10. Seguridad Social: The Social Security system in Spain that covers healthcare, pensions, and worker protection.
11. Número de la Seguridad Social: The number identifying individuals within the Social Security system.
12. SEPE (Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal): The national employment agency handling jobseekers and unemployment benefits.
13. Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT): Government department that manages driving licences, vehicle registration, and traffic fines.
14. Certificado de Conformidad: Certificate issued to prove a foreign vehicle complies with Spanish technical standards.
15. ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos): Mandatory vehicle inspection for roadworthiness.
16. NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero): Foreigner’s identification number required for all bureaucratic actions.
17. TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero): Foreigner identity card used as legal ID in Spain for non-EU residents.
18. Apostilla de La Haya (Hague Apostille): A form of legalisation for documents used internationally.
19. Traducción Jurada: Official sworn translation by a certified translator, often required for foreign documents.
20. Registro Civil: Civil Registry Office where births, marriages, and deaths are recorded.
21. Libro de Familia: Official family record document used in various administrative processes.
22. Certificado de Nacimiento: Birth certificate, essential for nationality, family reunification, or registration.
23. Certificado de Matrimonio: Marriage certificate issued by the Civil Registry.
24. Certificado de Defunción: Death certificate, often required for inheritance and legal matters.
25. Certificado de Antecedentes Penales: Criminal background check certificate often needed for visa or job applications.
26. Certificado de Empadronamiento Histórico: A record of your residence history within a municipality.
27. Certificado de Concordancia: Certificate linking an old NIE number with a new identity document (e.g., TIE).
28. Delegación del Gobierno: Regional Government Office overseeing residency, immigration, and other administrative matters.
29. Registro Mercantil: Commercial Registry where companies and business-related filings are recorded.
30. Ministerio del Interior: Government ministry responsible for national security, immigration enforcement, and identity documentation.
Business & Commercial Law Terms
1. Autónomo: A self-employed individual in Spain who operates independently and must register for Social Security and tax obligations.
2. Alta en Hacienda: Registration with the Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT) to declare and pay taxes.
3. Alta en la Seguridad Social: Registration for Social Security contributions, mandatory for workers and businesses.
4. CIF (Código de Identificación Fiscal): Company tax ID number used for all official financial activities (now replaced by NIF for most entities).
5. NIF (Número de Identificación Fiscal): Tax identification number for individuals and companies.
6. IAE (Impuesto sobre Actividades Económicas): Business activity tax paid by companies and self-employed workers.
7. Declaración Censal (Modelo 036/037): The form used to declare the start of business activity with the tax agency.
8. Libro de Visitas: Previously required physical logbook for inspections by labour authorities (now often digital or obsolete).
9. Factura: An official invoice issued for business transactions. Must include specific information under Spanish law.
10. Factura Simplificada: A simplified version of an invoice used for small sales under €400.
11. Retención IRPF: Income tax withholding applied to payments to professionals (typically 15% for autónomos).
12. Modelo 130: Quarterly income tax return for self-employed workers under direct estimation.
13. Modelo 303: Quarterly VAT return required of VAT-registered businesses.
14. Modelo 390: Annual VAT summary submitted by all VAT-liable businesses.
15. Modelo 349: Declaration of intra-community operations with businesses in other EU countries.
16. Modelo 347: Annual declaration of transactions over €3,005 with any individual customer or supplier.
17. Asesoría Fiscal: Tax advisor service that helps businesses comply with tax obligations.
18. Gestoría: Administrative agency or professional that helps with business setup, tax filing, and more.
19. Cooperativa: A business owned and operated collectively by its members with shared profits.
20. Sociedad Limitada (SL): A Limited Liability Company — one of the most common company types in Spain.
21. Sociedad Anónima (SA): A Public Limited Company suitable for larger businesses.
22. Autónomo Societario: A self-employed person who is also a director/shareholder in a company.
23. Capital Social: Share capital required to start a company in Spain (e.g., €3,000 for an SL).
24. Escritura de Constitución: Public deed of incorporation for a new business, signed before a notary.
25. Registro Mercantil: Commercial Registry where businesses must register their formation and changes.
26. Objeto Social: The officially declared purpose of a company as written in the bylaws.
27. Domicilio Social: The legal address of a business entity in Spain.
28. Apoderado: A legal representative or power of attorney holder authorised to act on behalf of the business.
29. Junta General: General assembly or shareholders’ meeting required to approve company decisions.
30. Pacto de Socios: Shareholders’ agreement regulating internal relations and ownership responsibilities.
31. B2B / B2C: Terms describing whether a business sells to other businesses or direct to consumers.
32. Autónomo Colaborador: A family member of an autónomo who works in the business and is registered as such.
33. Certificado Digital de Empresa: Digital certificate allowing a business entity to sign and access official portals securely.
34. Cl@ve Empresa: Corporate version of the digital ID system for accessing online services.
35. Registro de Marcas: Trademark Registry where businesses can protect their brand name and logo.
36. Dominio .es / .com: Internet domain name registered for your business in Spain.
37. Plan de Viabilidad: Business plan including financial forecasts, used for funding or permits.
38. Licencia de Actividad: Business licence for physical premises, required before opening a shop or office.
39. Licencia de Obra: Permit required for construction or renovation before business activity can commence.
40. Declaración Responsable: Sworn statement used to start certain business activities in place of licences.
41. Prevención de Riesgos Laborales (PRL): Occupational risk prevention compliance for all businesses with employees.
42. Contrato Mercantil: Commercial contract between two businesses or a business and freelancer.
43. Contrato Laboral: Employment contract between a company and a hired worker.
44. Convenio Colectivo: Sector-specific agreement outlining minimum rights and wages for employees.
45. Nómina: Payslip or salary statement issued to employees.
46. Certificado de Ingresos: Document showing declared income, often used for financial applications.
47. Impuesto de Sociedades: Corporate income tax paid by SL and SA companies.
48. Obligaciones Contables: Accounting obligations for businesses, including ledgers and annual accounts.
49. Contabilidad Simplificada: Simplified accounting system available for small companies or autónomos.
50. Deducción Fiscal: Tax deduction allowed for business expenses such as rent, fuel, or office supplies.
51. Autónomos en Módulos: A special tax regime based on estimated income, not actual income (Modelo 131).
52. Recargo de Equivalencia: A special VAT regime applied to retailers with simplified obligations.
53. Emprendedor de Responsabilidad Limitada: Self-employed status protecting primary residence from business debts.
54. Tarifa Plana Autónomos: Reduced Social Security rate for new autónomos for the first 12–24 months.
55. Cese de Actividad: Termination of business activity — requires notification to tax and Social Security authorities.
56. Baja de Autónomo: Formal deregistration of self-employed status.
57. Impago / Mora: Failure to pay invoices or debts on time.
58. Concurso de Acreedores: Insolvency proceedings in Spain.
59. Incapacidad Temporal: Temporary incapacity to work (e.g., sick leave), with potential support for autónomos.
60. Autónomo Digital / Nómada Digital: Self-employed digital workers working remotely in Spain under visa schemes.
Family & Personal Law Terms
1. Matrimonio Civil: Civil marriage performed before a judge, mayor, or legally authorised public official in Spain.
2. Matrimonio Religioso: Religious marriage that can be legally recognised if registered correctly.
3. Pareja de Hecho: Registered domestic partnership recognised under regional laws, often offering legal rights similar to marriage.
4. Capitulaciones Matrimoniales: Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements regulating economic arrangements in marriage.
5. Régimen de Gananciales: Default marital property regime where assets acquired during the marriage are shared equally.
6. Régimen de Separación de Bienes: Marital regime where each spouse maintains separate ownership of assets and debts.
7. Divorcio de Mutuo Acuerdo: Divorce by mutual agreement, typically faster and less costly.
8. Divorcio Contencioso: Contentious divorce requiring court proceedings due to lack of agreement between parties.
9. Custodia Compartida: Joint custody of children shared between parents after separation or divorce.
10. Pensión Compensatoria: Financial compensation awarded to a spouse after divorce due to economic imbalance.
11. Pensión de Alimentos: Child maintenance payment from one parent to the other.
12. Convenio Regulador: Regulatory agreement in divorce cases outlining custody, visitation, support, and asset division.
13. Tutela Legal: Legal guardianship of a minor or incapacitated adult.
14. Incapacitación Judicial: Legal process declaring someone incapable of managing their affairs.
15. Curatela: Court-appointed support for someone who retains limited decision-making capacity.
16. Adopción Nacional: Legal adoption process within Spain.
17. Adopción Internacional: Adoption process involving children from outside Spain, subject to international agreements.
18. Filiación: Legal parent-child relationship, either biological or adoptive.
19. Empadronamiento Familiar: Registering a family unit at a municipal address for census and residency rights.
20. Certificado de Matrimonio: Official marriage certificate issued by the Civil Registry.
21. Certificado de Nacimiento: Birth certificate used to register children and for various legal processes.
22. Certificado de Defunción: Death certificate required for inheritance, pensions, and legal closure.
23. Libro de Familia: Family Record Book, once used to record births, marriages, and deaths (now largely replaced by digital records).
24. Mediación Familiar: Family mediation service offered by some courts or social services to resolve disputes outside of litigation.
25. Nacionalidad Española por Residencia: Pathway to Spanish nationality based on continuous legal residency.
26. Nacionalidad Española por Matrimonio: Acquisition of nationality through marriage to a Spanish citizen after one year of legal residence.
27. Nacionalidad Española por Opción: Nationality granted to children of Spanish nationals born abroad.
28. Nacionalidad Española por Carta de Naturaleza: Spanish citizenship granted under special circumstances by the Spanish Government.
29. Cambio de Nombre y Apellidos: Legal procedure to change one’s name or surnames.
30. Reagrupación Familiar: Right to bring family members to Spain under legal immigration status.
31. Reconocimiento de Filiación: Legal acknowledgment of paternity or maternity outside of marriage.
32. Delegación de Patria Potestad: Voluntary or court-ordered transfer of parental authority in certain cases.
33. Herencia entre Cónyuges: Specific inheritance rules and rights that apply between spouses under Spanish law.
34. Sucesión Legítima: Inheritance where no will exists — assets are distributed according to legal rules of succession.
35. Testamento Mancomunado: A joint will created by two people in a single document. This type of will is prohibited under the Spanish Civil Code, which requires that each person make an individual will. However, it is permitted in some regions with foral law, such as Aragón, Navarra, the Basque Country, and Galicia, where regional rules allow for joint or mutual wills under specific conditions.
36. Derecho de Visitas: Visitation rights granted to the non-custodial parent.
37. Acogida Familiar: A foster care arrangement, either temporary or permanent.
38. Delegación de Guarda y Custodia: Temporary or permanent transfer of custody rights, often used in family court cases.
39. Sucesión Testamentaria: Inheritance that follows the wishes outlined in a valid will.
40. Declaración de Ausencia o Fallecimiento: Court declaration of absence or presumed death in cases where a person has disappeared without trace.
Employment & Labour Law Terms
1. Contrato de Trabajo: Employment contract outlining the terms of a job, whether permanent, temporary, full-time, or part-time.
2. Contrato Indefinido: Open-ended employment contract with no predetermined end date — the most stable form of employment.
3. Contrato Temporal: Fixed-term contract valid for a specific duration or project.
4. Contrato por Obra y Servicio: Contract tied to the completion of a specific task or project (now largely replaced by other models).
5. Contrato a Tiempo Parcial: Part-time employment contract, typically involving fewer hours than full-time.
6. Contrato en Prácticas: Internship contract for recent graduates with specific terms and salary rights.
7. Contrato de Formación y Aprendizaje: Contract combining employment with formal training, often for younger workers.
8. Nómina: Payslip that details salary, tax deductions, social security, and other contributions.
9. Seguridad Social: Spanish social security system that covers pensions, healthcare, unemployment, and disability benefits.
10. Alta en la Seguridad Social: Registration of a worker with the social security system, mandatory before employment begins.
11. Baja Laboral: Medical leave granted due to illness or injury, with compensation handled through social security.
12. Incapacidad Temporal: Temporary inability to work due to medical reasons.
13. Incapacidad Permanente: Long-term or permanent disability classification that may lead to pension entitlement.
14. Despido Objetivo: Dismissal based on objective causes such as economic downturn or company restructuring.
15. Despido Improcedente: Unfair dismissal without legal justification, entitling the employee to compensation.
16. Despido Disciplinario: Dismissal for serious misconduct, such as repeated absences or breach of contract.
17. Finiquito: Final settlement paid upon termination of employment, covering salary, holiday pay, and severance if applicable.
18. Indemnización por Despido: Compensation paid to an employee upon certain types of dismissal, calculated by law.
19. Convenio Colectivo: Collective bargaining agreement that sets employment conditions within a sector or region.
20. Jornada Laboral: Official working hours per day or week, regulated by law and collective agreements.
21. Vacaciones Retribuidas: Paid annual leave entitlement for employees, usually 30 calendar days per year.
22. Permiso Retribuido: Paid leave for personal reasons, such as marriage, birth of a child, or death of a family member.
23. ERE (Expediente de Regulación de Empleo): Workforce restructuring process allowing mass layoffs with government oversight.
24. ERTE (Expediente de Regulación Temporal de Empleo): Temporary furlough mechanism allowing work suspension or reduction with benefits maintained.
25. Autonomía Laboral: The right to organise work independently within the boundaries of law and contract.
26. Trabajador Autónomo: Self-employed individual who must manage their own taxes and social security.
27. Régimen Especial de Trabajadores Autónomos (RETA): Social security scheme for freelancers and sole traders.
28. Cuota de Autónomos: Monthly payment to social security by self-employed workers, mandatory regardless of income.
29. Pluriactividad: Legal status for individuals working both as an employee and a freelancer simultaneously.
30. Mutua Colaboradora con la Seguridad Social: Private entities that collaborate with the government to manage workplace accidents and leave.
Data Protection & Digital Identity Terms
1. RGPD (Reglamento General de Protección de Datos): The Spanish implementation of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), regulating how personal data is collected, processed, and stored.
2. LOPDGDD: Spain’s Organic Law on Data Protection and Digital Rights, which complements and develops GDPR compliance nationally.
3. Agencia Española de Protección de Datos (AEPD): The Spanish Data Protection Authority responsible for enforcing data protection legislation.
4. Delegado de Protección de Datos (DPO): Data Protection Officer – a required figure for certain companies that manage large-scale or sensitive data.
5. Consentimiento Explícito: Clear, affirmative agreement given by a data subject before personal data can be collected or processed.
6. Base Jurídica del Tratamiento: The lawful basis under which data processing is justified (e.g. consent, contract, legal obligation).
7. Derecho al Olvido (Right to Be Forgotten): Right to request erasure of personal data from public or private records.
8. Portabilidad de Datos: The right of individuals to obtain and reuse their personal data across different services.
9. Seguridad de los Datos: Measures required to protect personal data from unauthorised access, alteration, or destruction.
10. Brecha de Seguridad: Data breach incident that must be reported to the AEPD within 72 hours if it affects user rights.
11. Tratamiento de Datos: Any operation performed on personal data, whether automated or manual.
12. Responsable del Tratamiento: The entity or person that determines the purpose and means of data processing.
13. Encargado del Tratamiento: A third-party processor acting under the instruction of the data controller.
14. Datos Sensibles: Special categories of personal data (e.g. health, religion, political opinions) that require higher protection levels.
15. Registro de Actividades del Tratamiento: Internal documentation of all data processing operations, mandatory for many businesses.
16. Evaluación de Impacto de Protección de Datos (EIPD): Risk analysis procedure required for high-risk data processing activities.
17. Videovigilancia: Use of CCTV, which must comply with data protection laws including signage and data minimisation.
18. Cookies: Small data files stored on a user’s device; their use is subject to informed consent regulations.
19. Aviso Legal: Legal notice on websites disclosing ownership, privacy policies, and cookie usage.
20. Política de Privacidad: A document explaining how user data is collected, used, and stored, mandatory for websites and apps.
21. Certificado Digital: Digital certificate issued by Spanish authorities allowing secure access to online services and digital signature use.
22. Cl@ve: Spain’s digital identity system that facilitates secure login to public administration portals.
23. Firma Electrónica: Electronic signature accepted in Spain for signing contracts, filings, and official documents.
24. Prestador de Servicios de Confianza: A certified company authorised to provide digital ID, e-signatures, timestamping, and certificates.
25. Identidad Digital: The overall concept of managing and verifying an individual’s identity in digital interactions, especially for official services.
26. Ciberdelito: Cybercrime involving unauthorised access, fraud, or misuse of personal information.
27. Protección de Datos en el Ámbito Laboral: Rules concerning employee monitoring, biometric systems, or communication surveillance.
28. Cesión de Datos: The act of transferring data to another organisation; may require consent or contractual safeguards.
29. Cloud Compliance: Rules for using cloud storage and services under GDPR, particularly for data hosted outside the EU.
30. Derecho de Acceso: Right of individuals to access the personal data a company holds on them.
Startup, Freelance & Remote Work Terms
1. Autónomo: A self-employed person or freelancer in Spain, responsible for their own taxes and social security contributions.
2. Alta en Hacienda: The process of registering with the Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT) to declare self-employment or business activity.
3. Modelo 036 / 037: Tax forms used to register or modify business activity with the AEAT.
4. Régimen Especial de Autónomos (RETA): The Social Security scheme for freelancers.
5. Cuota de Autónomos: The monthly Social Security payment freelancers must make, often subject to reductions for new workers.
6. Factura Simplificada: A simplified invoice format for small transactions, commonly used by freelancers.
7. IVA Trimestral: Quarterly VAT returns required of most self-employed professionals.
8. IRPF Retención: The income tax withheld on professional invoices (typically 7% or 15%) submitted by autónomos.
9. Estimación Directa / Objetiva: Methods of determining taxable income – direct estimation is based on actual income and expenses, while objective estimation (módulos) is based on industry averages.
10. Declaración Censal: A mandatory declaration for individuals and businesses to communicate their economic activity to the tax authorities.
11. Certificado Digital de Autónomo: A digital certificate used to file tax and social security forms online.
12. Seguridad Social para Autónomos: All freelancers must register and contribute to Spain’s social security system, covering healthcare and pensions.
13. Base de Cotización: The amount on which social security contributions are calculated. Freelancers can often choose their own base.
14. Mutua Colaboradora: Private insurance provider collaborating with Social Security for contingencies like sick leave or accidents.
15. Tarifa Plana: A reduced social security contribution rate available to new autónomos for their first 12–24 months.
16. Autónomo Colaborador: A family member working with a registered autónomo, under special registration.
17. Autónomo Societario: A freelancer who is also a director or shareholder in a company.
18. Actividad Económica (CNAE): The economic activity code used to classify the type of work done by a self-employed individual.
19. Coworking: Shared office space frequently used by freelancers and startups.
20. Nómada Digital (Digital Nomad): A remote worker who lives in Spain under the special Digital Nomad Visa scheme.
21. Domiciliación Fiscal: The tax address registered for a business or freelancer.
22. Certificado de Actividad: A document showing proof of business activity, sometimes requested by banks or clients.
23. Subvenciones para Autónomos: Financial aid or grants from local or national government to support freelancers.
24. Contabilidad Simplificada: A simplified accounting method available to small businesses and freelancers under a certain threshold.
25. Asesor Fiscal para Autónomos: A tax advisor specialising in freelance or small business compliance.
26. SLU (Sociedad Limitada Unipersonal): A single-member limited company, often used by freelancers seeking liability protection.
27. Hub de Emprendimiento: Entrepreneurship centre or incubator offering support to startups.
28. Aceleradora: A program that offers mentorship, funding, and resources to early-stage startups.
29. Inversor Ángel: An angel investor providing capital to startups in exchange for equity.
30. Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (SL): A common limited liability company structure in Spain, often used by growing freelancers or digital entrepreneurs.
Other Essential Legal Terms
1. Apoderado: A person granted Power of Attorney (Poder Notarial) to act legally on behalf of someone else.
2. Poder Notarial: A legal document authorising another person to represent you in legal or financial matters.
3. Traductor Jurado: A sworn translator certified by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to translate official documents.
4. Legalización: The process of authenticating a foreign public document for use in Spain.
5. Apostilla de La Haya (Hague Apostille): A simplified certification process for international legal documents under the Hague Convention.
6. Documento Público: An official document issued or authorised by a public authority, often notarised.
7. Firma Electrónica: Electronic signature, increasingly used in digital government and legal services.
8. Certificado de Empadronamiento: A document proving registration with the local town hall (Padrón Municipal).
9. Número de Soporte: An identifier on Spanish residence cards or visas used for administrative purposes.
10. Traducción Jurada: A sworn translation of an official document, often needed for immigration, tax, or court use.
11. Registro Civil: The Civil Registry office, where births, marriages, and deaths are registered.
12. Registro Mercantil: The Spanish Commercial Registry for registering companies and legal entities.
13. Registro Central de Penados: The national criminal records registry, sometimes requested for visas or adoption.
14. Certificado de Antecedentes Penales: Certificate of criminal record status, often required for immigration or official procedures.
15. Registro de Últimas Voluntades: The registry of last wills and testaments in Spain.
16. Fe de Vida y Estado: A document certifying a person’s civil status and that they are still alive, required for pensions or legal matters.
17. Declaración Responsable: A legal statement made under one’s own responsibility, used in various administrative procedures.
18. Diligencia: A formal annotation or procedural step within an official document.
19. Archivo Notarial: The notarial archive where past deeds and legal documents are stored.
20. Certificado Registral: A certificate issued by a registry (civil, mercantile, or property) confirming recorded information.
Understanding legal and bureaucratic terminology is essential when living, investing, or doing business in Spain. This glossary has been created by the team at Platinum Legal Spain to support expats, buyers, and business owners navigating Spain’s legal system with clarity and confidence.
Whether you’re buying a home, applying for residency, launching a business, or handling inheritance — this glossary gives you an essential foundation. For personalised legal assistance, always consult a qualified, bar-registered solicitor.
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