Yes, most hotels will provide either a free wifi or paid wifi, but the paid options can be quite costly and if for example you get free wifi from the hotel, this means if you go out and about and need wifi access, then you are tied to the hotels wifi network. This is not really suitable for most internet dependent people.

Wifi Access in Marbella and Surrounding Areas

There is though an English speaking company in Marbella that provides good, multiple wifi hotspots across most parts of the Costa del Sol. They are called Mercury Internet and they have over the last couple of years put in a serious infrastructure network of wifi hotspots across the coast between Malaga and Estepona.

Click here to see a coverage maps of their wifi hotspot network.

Affordable and Flexible Wifi Hotspots

Packages range from 1 hour, 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month and 3 months. Of course they do have longer term contracts available if you are staying longer but the short term prices are very reasonable. Their speeds are decent for general internet use but most importantly you are not tied to a specific hotspot, you can freely roam the coast using the wifi hotspot.

How about Short Term 3G Contracts and not wifi?

As most readers will know, I was one of the first to get the ipad on the launch day in Spain and had a terrible time even getting the standard 3G contract through Vodafone in Spain. I ended up bastardising one of my spare sim cards into the shape of a micro sim card and activating a totally different non ipad 3g tariff.

So, the result is that I dont even think its possible to get a short term 3G contract during a short term stay in Spain. I believe the minimum term for any 3g contract (ipad and non ipad) is 18 months.

If you are here for a short term, the a paid wifi service like the one Mercury offers is perfect and disposable.

Early filing ensures demands by HM Revenue, Customs Revenue and Customs are correct. There is no longer any advantage in delaying filing to the latest possible deadline in order to shorten the enquiry window because it is now 12 months from the date tax return is submitted, whenever that is.

If you do need to file a UK Tax Return, remember they must be filed electronically by 31st January 2011 to avoid penalties. Those who live in Marbella or any other region of Costa del Sol and Spain, please contact any of its offices in Madrid, Marbella and Sotogrande.

CCG are internationally qualified accountants, tax experts, lawyers, HR and payroll specialists, working throughout Spain for both businesses and private individuals.

For more information and free consultation, please call on +34 952 765 899.

In July 2009, Mayoress Angeles Muñoz had endorsed the final draft of the plan excluding some illegal properties. Earlier, the Junta de Andalucía and the Marbella Town Hall had their reservation on declaring certain properties illegal. However, the town hall was agreed on some issues in an effort not to hold back further development in Marbella.

Although the new plan was largely accepted by all, some still believe that it was a gross clanger to declare certain already developed properties ‘illegal’. Marbella Mayor Angeles was criticised by the Junta for her earlier assertion of brining all illegal build properties to the permissible state. Out of a total estimation of 18,000 properties, 16,500 units have been approved.

All chaos goes back to the rule of Independent Liberal Group (GIL) which sold illegal land and building license, creating a lot of problem to the later authority to deal with. As those properties were constructed on illegal land, banks didn’t want to give mortgage when the owners moved to sell their properties.

The over 15 year deadlock was also a roadblock in the development of Marbella amidst shady real estate developments and corruption sleazy politics. Any possible solution to this property crisis was also troubled by the two different political parties ruled at two different places. Junta Andalucía is run by PSOE and Marbella is running by the PP.

Well, even after the approval of the new plan, the confrontation between Town Hall and Junta revolves around certain properties that couldn’t be legalised through the new compensation scheme. As per the new town planning map, near about 1500 houses don’t satisfy the current civil planning and hence invite demolition, while around 500 homes – those are inhabited – are now in the high degrees of disagreement.

In case of those 16,500 legalised property, the developers have been ordered to donate land for public welfare causes. However, those 500 homes which are not protected by the plan are now under court’s consideration although it is highly unlikely for any positive result in favour of the owner.

The Town Hall will try its best to bring those properties under the legal belt in talks with the Andalucía Government but it could be a long process. Irrespective of the present status, owners of those marked properties have a right to appeal in the court on the basis of license granted by the Marbella Town Hall in the past.

Nevertheless, the Marbella PGOU is a welcome step in the overall development of the southern Spanish resort town. Unlike the earlier proposal of general legalisation, this will ease the overall town planning in terms of improved road connection and infrastructure development in areas which are yet to be touched. At least now, there won’t be such delusion in the development process in the legalised areas.

From obtaining your Spanish national identification number, buying property, doing business, and fulfilling tax to a whole gamut of financial obligations, a Spanish lawyer or Abogado can better channel the required things. You can easily hire a licensed English-speaking Spanish lawyer for some of the following matters.

Real Estate: Whether you plan to buy a new Spanish property or wish to sell an apartment in Marbella, a solicitor is a must who can direct you about the entire procedure. Dealing with a large sum of money and complicated legal formalities can really be confusing to many and hence an independent Spanish lawyer can better protect your interest.

If you are buying a property, a lawyer will assist you checking the details of the property, land registry issues, and taxes to be paid in terms of VAT, Transfer Tax, etc. In case of selling a property, a lawyer helps you fulfil tax obligations like Plusvalia and before setting for a deal. A solicitor acting on your behalf makes all documentation right and presents it in front of the Public Notari.

You can seek professional advice for your investment in Marbella property market and dealing tenancy issues while renting your apartment of villa. Besides, many Marbella based Spanish lawyers also offers help in mortgage negotiation, making it easier in obtaining good interest rate according to your personal needs and property valuation.

Legal: From preparing NIE number, obtaining immigration and work permits, to making Spanish Wills and disposing usual court or business matters, in all cases you need legal assistance. Professional legal advisors in Marbella and surrounding areas give you all details in order to facilitate the process.

For instance you want to make a declaration or future disposal of your property; here a lawyer assists you in documenting your wishes for your property inheritance which will be governed as per your wishes and the rules of the land. Similarly, if you want to set up a business in Marbella, a solicitor introduces you with the Spanish rules and regulation. The legal advisor also guides you in developing the business structure, taking into consideration the law and taxation details.

This apart, there are legal services for car accidents, insurance claims, consumer disputes, property disputes, legal proceedings in a court, etc. If you are non-resident and don’t understand Spanish language, an English-speaking solicitors will support you in protecting your rights.

There are a whole lot of personal needs such as marriage, divorce, in-migration, property disputes, travel hindrance, Spanish social security claim, etc. those need a lawyer’s assistance. In case you are on a trail for traffic rule violation or any other, you have the only option in asking the lawyer for better guidance in submitting your defence in court.

Tax: Solicitors in Marbella also help you in calculating your tax return and advise you to pay taxes on time to avoid late payments and fines. As nobody wants to deal with tax affairs and its intricacies, an abogado in Spain design and sets your tax return structure, keeping in mind your finance and tax liabilities.

Whether it is for your individual income tax, corporate income tax or tax payment during sale of a property as Capital Gain Tax (applicable for non-residents), among others, also need legal assistance to be dealt with promptly.

Marbella being one of the sought after tourist destinations and second home to many foreigners, there are many private law firms established in the coastal zone and the city centre to extend service to the ever growing expat community and the locals alike. Fees of abogados depend on particular cases and the time involved; however, you can always find someone on hourly bills or on flat fees.

The project will include different course of action for better cooperation and participation of international community for the economic and urban development of Marbella. With the approval of Marbella PGOU Urban Plan, the town hall is encouraging investors to see Marbella as one of the key business points along the Costa del Sol.

Describing the international community as an “an enriching factor”, the City Council stresses that “Marbella Open City” is a mechanisms for achieving a bright future and in this sense, it is essential to further collaboration with different nationalities who are living in the city.

Moreover, Marbella mayoress Angeles Munoz closed the trading of NASDAQ in New York City and this was a part of institutional promotion, where Munoz had emphasised on the economic potential of Marbella on the New York Stock Exchange.

In addition, as per a Govt report, in the first quarter of this year the number of homes that have sold in Marbella and the subsequent payment of capital gains has been most significant since 2006. It is certainly a sign of recovering economy which is vital to regain the trust of investors.

Even the Annual Entrepreneur Assembly Marbella, to be held on April 14^th (at El Palacio de Congresos), is also a part of government initiative to integrate both local and international business by various means for the expansion of growth prospective of the town. All in all, “Marbella Open City” symbolizes an open market with numerous business possibilities to look for.

This certainly holds significance in the promotion of tourism and investment in the region, and as an immediate effect, Delta Airlines will commence direct flights in May between JFK and the local airport in Malaga, Spain.

“We met with NYC & Co, the promotional arm of New York City; the CEO of the NYC Chamber of Commerce; other business leaders, and media outlets such as the WSJ, The New York Times, and leading travel publications. Over the next few months we look forward to seeing the results of these meetings,” said Laura.

“I am very thankful for the contributions from many of my friends in the US for helping by introducing me to their contacts and provide suggestions to our itinerary. Furthermore, I hope the success of this trip proves that members of the foreign community can make a valuable contribution to our city.”

“The trip to New York was so successful; there may be plans to promote economic development and tourism for Marbella in other regions…,” she added further.

The highlight of the recent trip was the closing of NASDAQ. You can view the photos from the event:
http://www.nasdaq.com/marketsite/marketsite-events-detail.aspx?fn=201003-close03242010.txt) and the video (http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=108520502500243&ref=ss).

With the aim of bringing together the international business sector about an integration project in cooperation with the Center Tourist Initiative (ILC) in Marbella, the project seeks to expand the growth prospective of the town and its surroundings.

Explaining the prospective of such new initiatives, Councillor for Tourism, Jose Luis Hernandez stressed on the significance of local and international business incorporation by involving both foreign business community and residents of the town.

Recalling the fact of 137 nationalities living in Marbella, he emphasized on a joint action that has certainly the potential to achieve maximum integration and then the overall growth of Spanish business. “This must be integrated to become a rich resource, not an element of division,” he further added.

It is also outlined that the initiative will comprise representatives and business groups on various domestic and international organisations which include the British Chambers of Commerce, German-American Club, Dutch Business Club, in addition to individual entrepreneurs.

The “Think Tank Advisory Group” has already become operational and the first appointment will take place on April 14 at the Trade Fair and Congress (Palacio de Ferias y Congresos) with the convening of the First Annual International Business Association of Marbella.

The advisory group also works on other actions and activities to achieve its objectives. Among them are the proposal to hold a trade show for Spanish and foreign entrepreneurs with an aim to look for companies with a complementary profile to develop joint business projects.

Besides, it is also expected to initiate networking and socialising activities during the golf tournaments with cooperation from various clubs in Marbella, which will allow the City Council to have a permanent and direct business contact. Moreover, specialised language classes, which are highly demanded by foreign businessmen, and an advisory service on public grants and applicable to businesses are also in the card to be espoused in the initial phase.