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Spain unclear how it will legally cancel golden visa scheme

Spain's government still isn't sure how it will cancel its golden visa scheme through property investment two months after the announcement, with ministers hoping they can slip the amendment through parliament in an unrelated bill.

Published: 18 June 2024 13:33 CEST
Spain unclear how it will legally cancel golden visa scheme
Spanish Housing Minister Isabel Rodríguez is attempting to legally cancel the property-based golden visa scheme. Photo: AFP/La Moncloa

In April of this year, Spain’s socialist government announced it would be scrapping its property-based golden visa, a scheme that grants non-EU nationals residency in Spain when they buy real estate worth €500,000.

However, it’s finding it difficult how to actually legally approve this move and pass it through parliament.

It’s worth noting that the visa is still available for those who invest €1 million in shares in Spanish companies, or €2 million in government bonds, or who have transferred €1 million to a Spanish bank account, but it will no longer be available for those who want to buy property. 

READ ALSO: When will Spain’s golden visa scheme officially end?

The Spanish government had initially agreed that the cancellation of this visa through property investment would be included in the land law, known as the ‘Ley del Suelo’ in Spanish, but it was withdrawn from the agenda in parliament as it did not have the necessary support to move forward.

The Ley del Suelo regulates the use and valuation of land, establishing a legal framework for urban development that balances both private interests and collective well-being.

Essentially the golden visa was just going to be a small part of regulating this law, but because it was withdrawn in anticipation of another parliamentary defeat for the Socialists, the intention now, according to sources from the Ministry of Housing headed by Isabel Rodríguez, is to ‘slip in’ this amendment to one of the other laws currently being processed in parliament. 

It’s not unusual for Spanish ministers to add an enmienda (amendment) to a bill that has nothing or little to do with the crux of the law being processed.

Only last May, Pedro Sánchez’s party added an amendment which eased the requirements for decrees to be approved to the Gender Parity Law, which focuses more on equal pay and work rights between men and women.

READ ALSO: Chinese investors rush to buy properties before Spain’s golden visa ends

To accelerate the elimination of the property-based golden visa, Rodríguez’s team are now assessing various regulations being processed in parliament, with special attention paid to those that have more guarantees of being approved by opposition MPs.

READ ALSO – Spain’s soon-to-end golden visa: Can I still apply and what if I have it already?

Spain’s golden visa has long been controversial, with many blaming it for adding to the housing crisis. Junior coalition partner Sumar’s spokesperson, Íñigo Errejón said back in May that these visas are a privilege that must be scrapped “immediately”.

He said that they have an inflationary effect on the housing market, adding that other countries such as Ireland, Portugal and Greece have already taken similar measures in order to not become “tourist colonies” or “money laundering” locations.

According to data from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda, between 2016 and January 2024, 10,528 ‘golden visas’ were granted in Spain. This figure rises to 14,576 if those granted between 2013 and 2023 are taken into account.

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PROPERTY

What you should know before hiring a gardener in Spain

If you're lucky enough to have a garden in Spain, but need some help managing it in a hotter climate, you might consider hiring a gardener, but there are several things to be aware of before you do.

Published: 27 June 2024 15:37 CEST
What you should know before hiring a gardener in Spain

Around 65 percent of the population of Spain live in apartments, so don’t often have their own gardens, but if you’re one of the lucky 35 percent who live in a house and do have your own green patch, you may be wondering how to manage it.

If you’re not green-fingered or you don’t have the time for the upkeep of your garden, you could consider hiring a gardener to manage it. Or perhaps you’re new to Spain and you’re not used to the types of plants that grow well here or don’t understand why you can’t get a lush green lawn, then you might need some help. 

READ ALSO: How to get involved with urban gardens in Spain

Gardeners can provide many different services in Spain, from designing gardens and cutting hedges to fertilising plants, cutting down dead trees and even controlling pests.

But before you hire one, there are several things you need to keep in mind and consider.

Check your home insurance

Gardeners are exposed to different dangers during their work. Therefore, it is important that you have adequate insurance in case of any unforeseen event on your property. In this way, both parties will be covered in case of accidents and misfortunes.

This will usually be listed on your original home insurance policy, but if in doubt you should contact your provider to find out what you’re covered for and what you’re not. You should also find out what type of work and health insurance your gardener has too. 

Ask for references

Before hiring a professional gardener, the first thing you should do is ask for references. It’s important that you can trust the person working in your home – even if they’re only in the garden. You also want to find someone reliable, who isn’t going to take advantage of you and keep going around the corner to the local bar for a cerveza (beer), and not able to finish the work on time. It’s not uncommon to find cowboy gardeners who don’t really know what they’re doing or who simply leave a job halfway through because they get a better offer. 

If you can’t get personal recommendations from friends, you can ask around on local online forums or ask gardeners for images of their previous jobs to learn how they work and what they can do. 

READ ALSO: Do I need a permit to put a shed or wooden hut in my garden in Spain?

Check credentials and licences

It’s important to check the credentials and licences of anyone you hire. The credentials will serve as a reference to ensure that they are a qualified professional. For example, do they have their driver’s licence? While this is not essential it may be important if they need to reach you without public transport and bring their own tools. Do you they have their own registered business or are they signed up to the autónomo system because they’re self-employed? While some of these factors may not affect you, others will and you could potentially be paying someone under the table, without them declaring their taxes. 

Define the tasks that need to be carried out

You need to be sure of what you want doing in the garden. It’s no good just telling someone to simply take care of it, you need to lay out the tasks you want carried out. What changes do you want? Will they be in charge of removing pests as well, or just taking care of the watering and planting? How often do you need them and what tools, pesticides or fertilisers will they be using? This will ensure both of you know what’s expected. 

Sign a contract

Most importantly, you need to make a contract for your gardener to sign. This document provides legal support for everything you have agreed upon. From the budget to deadlines, schedules and possible modifications, it should all be set out in writing. Signing a detailed contract is the best way to avoid misunderstandings and arguments. 

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