What is a gestor in Spain?

You may have come across the word gestor many times, or maybe not. If you know Spain from holidays, chances are you have not heard of it before, but if you have lived in Spain, have real estate there or are planning to go to Spain, To emigrate to Spain? Then we are almost certain that you have come into contact with this beautiful and especially typical Spanish word. We would like to explain to you what a gestor is and what it does, because in the Netherlands we don't really have this and it can be quite confusing for non-Spaniards!

Spanish bureaucracy

A stored is basically just a consultant who acts as an intermediary between you and various Spanish authorities. It is not only something for foreigners in Spain, but the average Spaniard certainly also uses the services of a gestor. Think of filing their income tax, municipal taxes or maybe even their property tax. In some cases you will need a lawyer for certain matters, but the gestor will tell you this straight away. For a Dutch person a gestor may be needed for the same matters, but you can also get help from a gestor with, for example, opening a Spanish bank account.

Why do I need a gestor?

As previously indicated, due to the well-known complicated bureaucratic system in Spain, Spaniards also use a gestor. Think of this for example for applications for permits or for purchases such as buying a house. In fact, you have a gestor for almost everything needed in Spain. 

I don't need a gestor

Now you might think; I don't need that at all and I'll do it myself, but again, don't forget that the bureaucratic system in Spain is simply so complicated that you really need a gestor if you don't want to get into trouble with the government. Yes, in the Netherlands and almost everywhere else in the world you arrange all these things yourself, but in a country like Spain this is simply not possible. Ask many Spaniards how they arrange things and the answer is in almost all cases that they leave it to a gestor.

Where can I find a gestor?

A gestor works from an office called a gestoría. You can find such gestorías all over Spain. These gestors are an essential part of Spanish society, because otherwise you can't arrange anything due to the bureaucratic procedures in Spain.

Dutch language help

A gestor knows how everything works in Spain, knows how the authorities or the government work and can obtain permits or documents much faster on your behalf. This is because they of course know how everything works, but they also know immediately what is needed and what the next step is. As a result, they are often a few steps ahead, which makes everything go faster. You can also hire a Dutch-speaking gestor to make it easier for yourself.

Many gestorías in Spain employ gestors who are either Dutch or speak Dutch. This is of course very useful when there are Dutch people who ask for Dutch-language help. And let's be honest. In the end, it is often a lot nicer when you can be helped in your own language. This way, you not only understand everything better, but there is also much less chance of misunderstandings and everything runs much more smoothly this way.

Do you think you need Dutch-language help? Then first look around and ask for gestorías who can offer you this.

When do I need a gestor?

If you have not yet moved, it is also absolutely advisable to hire a gestor. This way, the gestor can act as your representative in Spain. This way, problems during your absence are solved neatly and adequately and you do not have to travel to Spain for every little thing in the meantime. The documents in Spain are then checked by them and they are also present in the event of a signing. This way, you can outsource the paperwork and you do not actually have to understand Spanish. They often also provide a Dutch translation of your documents. They know exactly what they should do or should not do.

Other specialists

Furthermore, a gestor is of course not a lawyer, but if legal problems arise, they often have good contacts with various lawyers who they can immediately call in for you. This also applies to notaries and accountants.

Examples where you need a gestor:

When applying for your NIE number

A gestor can make sure that you get your NIE number as soon as possible. In Spain, you need this number for almost everything. For example, without a NIE number, you cannot buy a house, but also not a car or furniture.

For advice and declaration to the Spanish tax authorities

A gestor knows exactly how the tax system works in Spain. They can therefore ensure that the declaration and processing of your income and wealth tax will be carried out correctly. They also know exactly which other taxes you have to pay. Think of property tax (IBI), motor vehicle tax and municipal waste charges.

In Insurance, legal assistance and pensions

A gestor can not only provide advice on possible home contents insurance, car insurance or liability insurance, but can also help you apply for these insurances.

For advice on purchases, such as real estate or vehicles

In addition to giving advice, the gestor will also take care of the registers, mortgages and tax settlement. If there are legal problems, the gestor will automatically call in a lawyer.

When arranging your will

A will can not only help and advise you when drawing up your will, but he/she will also ensure that the preparation and drafting are carried out correctly.

When applying for permits or licenses

A gestor can not only apply for permits and licenses for you, but also give you advice. A gestor knows exactly which permits or licenses you will need for what you are approaching him for. It is often extra confusing for us Dutch people, because we are used to the Netherlands and its rules and laws. And of course every country ultimately has its own way of doing things.

When setting up a business

In addition to the fact that you need an accountant, lawyer or notary to set up a company, you also need a gestor in Spain. This person ensures that the necessary permits and licenses are applied for correctly when setting up your company and that they will be received on time. A gestor can also advise you on hiring staff, employment contracts and paying social security contributions in Spain.

Finally

To summarize, a gestor is actually a general consultant in Spain who does your administrative work for you. People often think they don't need a gestor, but when the Spanish themselves can't even get any further in the bureaucratic system of Spain without a gestor, it is absolutely necessary for a foreigner to hire a gestor to arrange your affairs.

Do you have any other questions?

Do you have any other questions regarding your emigration to Spain? For example, do you want to know what else you need to arrange or how the health insurance works in Spain? Then you can always consult the other articles on our website. All these questions and many more are answered here. We hope that you will find these articles useful and we wish you the best of luck!