We know how it feels, because we stood there ourselves
Corablanca grew out of our own move to the Costa Blanca. We thought we had prepared well and still ran into closed counters, forms that existed only in Spanish and appointments that were weeks away. What we had to work out for ourselves back then is what we now do for you.
We have done it ourselves
Every step we handle for you is a step we first had to work out on our own. That is why we know where things go wrong before they do.
We are here
Not a call centre far away. We are on the Costa Blanca, we speak the language and we know our way around the offices.
One point of contact
No calling five parties who all point at each other. You ask us, and we come back to you.
Below you can read why we started this, how things really work here, and what we can and cannot do for you.
Why we started this
Our own move did not go smoothly. Not because anything went irreparably wrong, but because every step turned out to be one you only understand once you have already taken it. You need an NIE to open a bank account, but you apply for that NIE at an office that opens early and whose diary is full weeks ahead. You fill in a form that exists only in Spanish and are then told you were at the wrong counter. Each time that costs you a day. At some point we thought: somebody should take this off people's hands.
Spain works differently, and that is not a complaint
People complain a great deal about Spanish administration and most of the time it is unfair. The staff behind the counter do their job well and are often friendlier than you are used to. It is the system around them that is set up differently. Almost everything runs by appointment, those appointments are released in waves, every province does it slightly differently, and the forms are in Spanish, because this is Spain. Once you know that rhythm you get through it fine. If you do not, you lose weeks to things that turn out to be small.
What we change about that
We know the rhythm. We know when appointments are released and which office you need, we fill in the Spanish forms, and we check your documents before you turn up for your appointment, because one missing copy means starting over here. Where possible we come with you, or we go in your place with a power of attorney. You keep your day free and we hold on to the paperwork.
You do not need to speak Spanish
This is where most people get stuck. At many offices and on many phone lines no English is spoken. Not out of unwillingness; it simply is not needed for the work being done there. We have that conversation for you, in English, Dutch, German, French, Polish or Spanish, and afterwards you hear from us what was said and what the next step is.
What we are not
We are not a law firm, a notary, an estate agent or a government body. We handle procedures and paperwork, and where it is needed we put you at the table with a lawyer, a gestor, an estate agent or a registered insurance intermediary. We would rather say that up front, because firms here do exist that act as though they may do everything themselves.
You can also do this yourself
Everything we do you can arrange yourself, and at several offices you would then only pay the statutory fee. We are not selling access you would not otherwise have. We sell the time, the language and the knowledge of where it goes wrong. If you have patience, speak Spanish and can clear your diary, you do not need us. We would rather say so honestly.
What you can expect from us
One named point of contact, a price agreed in advance and an honest answer about what is and is not possible. We have no influence over how long the police or the town hall take, so we give no guarantee on that. What we do guarantee is that your file is correct before it is submitted, and that you hear from us where you stand instead of having to chase us.
Frequently asked questions about Corablanca
Where exactly are you based?
We work from the Alicante area and help people across the whole Costa Blanca, from Dénia in the north to Torrevieja in the south and the inland towns in between. Our address is at the bottom of every page.
Are you a law firm?
No. We handle procedures and paperwork. For legal advice, deeds and court matters we work with lawyers and gestores who are registered for that, and we put you at the table with them.
Can I speak to you in my own language?
Yes. English, Dutch, German, French, Polish and Spanish.
Do I have to be in Spain to arrange something?
For some steps yes, because you have to appear or sign in person. For many others no: with a power of attorney we can do part of it in your place. We tell you in advance which steps need you there, so you can plan one trip around them.
What does a first conversation cost?
Nothing. An orientation call is free and without obligation. We listen to what you are planning and tell you what it will cost, including when the answer is that you do not need us for it.