Gestor or do it yourself?

What is a gestor?

A gestor is a Spanish administrative agent who helps with regulations, taxes, permits and official decisions. Not a lawyer, but an expert in Spanish bureaucracy. Many expats keep a regular gestor for annual matters such as tax returns and vehicle registration.

When can you do it yourself?

Many standard letters you can handle perfectly well yourself:

• Paying an IBI assessment
• Paying an IVTM bill
• Paying a waste charge
• Paying a DGT fine if you accept it
• Booking an appointment (cita previa) at the town hall

ClaroSpain indicates for every letter whether it looks like a standard matter or needs extra attention.

When is a gestor sensible?

• For a tax return (IRPF or form 210) with a complex situation
• For property transfers (ITP-AJD, plusvalía)
• For inheritance and gifts
• For registering a vehicle or a business
• For complex municipal procedures such as building permits

When do you need a lawyer?

• In court proceedings (contencioso-administrativo)
• In a penalty procedure you want to contest
• In a serious dispute with the authorities
• In criminal matters

How ClaroSpain helps

ClaroSpain assigns a status to every letter:

• Green — likely a standard matter you can handle yourself
• Amber — watch the deadlines and rules; extra care advised
• Red — professional help advised, a gestor or a lawyer

We never pretend a member of staff has personally reviewed your letter when that is not the case. When in doubt we say when human help is wise.