What is a gestor?

A gestor is a general purpose consultant who can make your life in Spain much easier. Working in an office known as a gestoría, he or she acts as an intermediary in your relations with the various official bodies. He knows the workings of many council and local government corridors and is usually able to obtain an official permit or document far quicker than you could on your own – even if you were fluent in Spanish.

Every Spanish town has one or more gestors. They are a necessary part of life because Spanish government and council officials are notoriously slow and nit-picking. Bureaucratic procedures are archaically complex and have to be slavishly followed to the letter. However, rather than single-handedly wrestling with these bureaucrats you can sit back and let a gestor do the dragon-slaying for you. A gestor is generally efficiently attentive to his clients and his fees are normally very reasonable.

Non-residents

If you are not resident in Spain, then a gestor will make sure that the bills get paid and that your home is still there and waiting for you when you return.  

The average Spaniard would not consider trying to obtain certain permits and licences without using a gestor. So why try to survive without using a gestor?

Typically, gestors will be able to handle the following matters for you:

·                    Taxes:                         Administration of income and wealth tax for residents and non-residents alike. Payment of local taxes such as rates (IBI), rubbish, and car tax for Spanish vehicles.

·                    Conveyancing:            A gestor can handle all of the legal work and tax payments required for a property purchase or sale.

·                    Wills:                           Your gestor can give you advice on preparing a will for your Spanish property, as well as liaising with the local notary for the signing of the will.

·                    NIE residency:            He can arrange for your national foreigner identification number (NIE) to be issued. You will need this number after buying a local property. A gestor can also help you obtain a residency permit.

·                    Vehicles:                     They can arrange for change of ownership and addresses to be registered, as well as helping with paperwork involved in obtaining a Spanish driving license and importing vehicles.

·                    Insurance:                  Many gestors are insurance agents and can arrange insurance for your house, car, and life.

·                    Permits:                      Your gestor can also arrange for your fishing and hunting licenses to be issued – as well as a gun license.

·                    Business:                    If you decide to set up a business, then a gestor will offer essential advice on preparing employment contracts and paying social security contributions.

In addition to the above you will find your local gestor a source of information and practical advice for resolving the various administrative problems that appear in everyday life.

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