Guest Author - Rachel L Webb

What is a gestor?

A gestor is a well-trained individual who can make your life in Spain much easier. The office is known as a gestoría, and the gestor acts as an intermediary between you and the various official bodies, of which there are many.

They know the workings of the council and local government departments and are usually able to obtain official documents far quicker than you – even if you are fluent in Spanish.

Every Spanish town has gestors, they are a necessity even to the Spanish because the Spanish government procedures are incredibly and laboriously complex., and there are no short cuts. Except of course by using a gestor and let them do the leg work and the queuing for you.

Gestor’s are normally efficient but it’s as well to have one recommended to you. Their charges are pretty reasonable considering the awful government systems they have to contend with.

Basically gestors have spent years learning the system and are the officially recognised helpers for the citizens. Most Spanish have a gestor even if they don’t run a business. If you want an official letter written or your rates putting into your name this is your man/woman.

Gestors have professional qualifications, but they are not lawyers, tax advisers or solicitors. In the more popular ex-pat areas there are many English speaking gestors, where I live for example they are none that speak good English.

Gestors will be able to handle the following matters for you:

Taxes - From paying your car tax and re-registering your vehicle to being self-employed.

Conveyancing - Help with your property purchase and write up a contact for the sale.

Wills- Advice you on preparing a will for your Spanish property, and liase with the local notary to sign the will.

NIE number - Arrange your (NIE) national foreigner identification number to be issued. This is the number you need to buy a property. A gestor can also help you obtain a residency permit, although this is not now obligatory.

Insurance- Arrange insurance for your house, car, and life.

Permits- Arrange your fishing, hunting and gun license.

Business - If you decide to set up a business, then a gestor will help with employment contracts and paying social security contributions.

Payment of Bills –They can arrange payment of bills and taxes for you.

If you need advise on more specialised tax issues it would be better to see either a lawyer or tax adviser.