Topics of interest between Mexico and Spain
The questions we are asked most, explained with the rule each fact comes from. General information: for your own case, write to us.
Nationality
Spanish nationality granted: 180 days to swear and register
The grant does not make you Spanish: it opens a 180-day window to swear or promise and request registration. Without registration there is no nationality.
Read the article → NationalitySpanish nationality: three mistaken ideas that cost time
Marrying a Spaniard does not grant nationality, it is not applied for at a consulate abroad, and being born in Madrid is not enough. What the Civil Code says.
Read the article → NationalitySpanish nationality for Mexicans: two years of residence, not ten
If you are Mexican by origin, the Civil Code cuts to two years the legal residence needed to apply for Spanish nationality, with no renunciation required.
Read the article →Documents and apostilles
Can you renew a Spanish DNI from abroad? The passport, yes
The Spanish DNI is renewed in person in Spain; the passport, at the consulate. Validity periods, documents required and why they matter before a notary.
Read the article → Documents and apostillesWhere is a Mexican certificate apostilled for use in Spain?
A Mexican Civil Registry certificate is apostilled in the state where the event was registered, not at the SRE or the consulate. What to ask for, in what order.
Read the article →Moving to Spain
How long can you drive in Spain on a Mexican licence?
A Mexican licence is valid in Spain for six months from the day you take up normal residence. Mexico has no exchange agreement: after that, the driving test.
Read the article → Moving to SpainHealth insurance for a study or residence visa in Spain
Study visa or non-lucrative residence: the health insurance required, what the policy must cover, and why the Mexico-Spain agreement is not enough.
Read the article → Moving to SpainRegistering on the padrón in Spain: what it is and what it does not give you
Registering on the municipal padrón is compulsory for everyone living in Spain, but it grants neither legal residence nor automatic public healthcare.
Read the article → Moving to SpainNIE and TIE: why they are not the same and when you need each
The NIE is an identification number; the TIE is the card proving your legal status in Spain. What each one is, when to apply and the usual mistakes.
Read the article →Studies and work
From student to resident with a job in Spain, without going home
With higher education in Spain you can work up to 30 hours a week and, once you graduate, move to residence and work without a visa. Conditions and deadlines.
Read the article → Studies and workHomologation or equivalence of a foreign degree: which one applies
Homologating a degree and obtaining a declaration of equivalence are different procedures with different effects. Which one applies to you, and the time limit.
Read the article →Investment and business
Can a foreigner buy on the Mexican coast? The fideicomiso
In the restricted zone a foreigner cannot hold direct ownership: the purchase is made through a bank trust with a permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Read the article → Investment and businessBuying a home in Spain from abroad: taxes and costs beyond the price
Transfer tax or VAT, stamp duty, notary, Land Registry, NIE and the D-2A declaration: what it actually costs to buy a home in Spain as a non-resident.
Read the article → Investment and businessHow to set up a Spanish limited company from abroad
NIE, name clearance certificate, one-euro capital, apostilled power of attorney or notarial videoconference, and the D-1A declaration: the order of the steps.
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