Gestoría

A professional office that handles administrative and tax paperwork on behalf of the client. In purchases with a mortgage it almost always appears: the bank appoints a gestoría to settle the taxes and register the deed, withholding a provision of funds whose surplus is returned afterwards. For the foreign buyer it is an especially useful figure beyond the signing: it obtains the NIE, changes the utilities into the new name, sets up direct debits for IBI and community fees, and files form 210 each year for the non-resident's imputed income. It should not be confused with a lawyer, who gives legal advice and reviews contracts, nor with the notary, who provides public faith: the gestoría executes procedures. Its fees are unregulated, so ask for a quote.