Preparation for arrival on the Costa del Sol
Legal, tax and practical support for individuals and companies moving to Spain, buying property or starting a project on the Costa del Sol.
Preparation for arrival
Relocating to Spain, investing in property or starting a new project on the Costa del Sol takes careful preparation. MMR Consultant provides legal, tax and administrative support to make the transition smooth, whether you are buying a home, developing land or dealing with urban planning. Based in Málaga with offices in Marbella, our team includes residency specialists and combines legal knowledge with practical solutions.
Contact us today to speak with an experienced property consultant on the Costa del Sol.

Before you arrive: residence and tax
Your tax position in Spain depends first on residence. Under the Personal Income Tax Act, article 9, you are resident for a calendar year if you spend more than 183 days in Spain, if your main business or economic interests are based here, or, unless you prove otherwise, if your spouse and dependent minor children live here. Residents pay Spanish income tax on their worldwide income. Planning the timing of the move, your income and your assets before you arrive is easier than correcting them afterwards. Our tax services team reviews this with you, and our guide to the Special Expat Tax Regime is in Resources.
Registrations after you arrive
- NIE:the personal identification number for foreigners whose economic, professional or social interests relate to Spain (Royal Decree 557/2011, article 206).
- EU registration certificate:EU citizens staying more than three months must apply to be entered in the Central Register of Foreigners within three months of arrival; the certificate shows their NIE (Royal Decree 240/2007, article 7).
- Padrón:everyone who lives in Spain must register in the municipal register of the town where they usually live (Local Government Act, article 15).
- Social Security:needed before you start work; see Social Security registration.
Real estate legal support
Buying or selling property is one of the biggest steps for individuals and businesses moving to the Costa del Sol. We guide you through every stage:
- Drafting and reviewing purchase and sale contracts
- Negotiating terms with buyers, sellers and developers
- Compliance with Spanish property law and taxation
- Property registration and title checks
- Ongoing legal support while you own the property
We also advise developers and builders, so their projects comply with planning rules while their financial and legal interests are protected.

Urban planning and development
Urban planning law in Spain is complex. Many firms avoid this area; our team has the vocation and experience to work in it. We assist with urban planning agreements with local authorities, partial plans and detailed studies, land classification reports, municipal reports and planning permits, defence in planning disciplinary proceedings, representation in administrative and court procedures, concessions on municipal plots for social projects, and negotiations with city councils.
Practical support
Relocating involves more than legal processes. We also help with opening Spanish bank accounts, registering vehicles, dealing with local authorities and other administrative procedures for individuals and companies.
Opening Spanish bank accounts
Registering vehicles
Coordinating with local authorities
Assisting companies and individuals with administrative procedures
Our goal is to simplify the transition so you can focus on settling into your new life or business venture.
Your trusted real estate advisor on the Costa del Sol
At MMR Consultant, we understand that moving to Spain and investing in property can be both exciting and overwhelming. By working with us, you ensure that every step is handled with professionalism, precision and care. Get in touch with MMR Consultant today and let our experts help you prepare for arrival with confidence.
Related services and guides
Frequently asked questions
When do you become a tax resident in Spain?
You are a Spanish tax resident for a calendar year if you spend more than 183 days in Spain that year, if the main centre of your business or economic interests is in Spain, or, unless you prove otherwise, if your spouse (not legally separated) and dependent minor children live in Spain (Personal Income Tax Act, article 9). Because the test looks at the whole calendar year, the date of your move matters, which is why we review it before you arrive.
A three-step approach to every case
We make complex issues simple.
Tell us about your situation
We listen and identify the areas where we can support you.
A personal, expert analysis
Our team looks at every angle to find the most effective solution.
We carry it out
We put the plan in place so you can focus on what matters most.
Why MMR Consultant
Professional team
Our team is properly prepared to solve each of the individual problems that our clients may have.
Services for foreigners
We have workers who speak several languages including English and Spanish.
Personalized service
Only one person to take care of your particular situation.
Let us work for your peace of mind
You are only one step away from solving the concerns you worry about. Tell us about your case today and take the first step towards legal and financial confidence in Spain.
- Phone+34 951 409 175
- Emailinfo@mmrconsultant.co.uk
- Head officeC/ Pedraza, 12, 1ºB
29601 Marbella
