Latest news with #non-EU
Local Spain
15 hours ago
- Business
- Local Spain
Foreigners could avoid Spain's 100% tax by buying new builds
There has been anger and confusion following the Spanish government's decision to move forward with a proposal to tax new non-EU non-resident home buyers 100 percent on the value of Spanish property, an idea first proposed by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in January as a way of limiting "foreign speculation" in the property market. However, after experts have consulted the legal text, it has emerged that there may be a way for some of these foreigners to avoid Spain's 100 percent tax: by buying a new build property. Despite widespread confusion online, the draft text clarifies that the proposal is not to double the property transfer tax (ITP, which is 6 to 11 percent of the property value depending on the region) as many had previously thought or hoped. Rather, the draft bill is that the 100 percent tax would apply to the taxable base of the property (the value of the property, in other words), which would effectively double the price for these buyers. The Local has spoken to property experts and reported on this in detail to avoid doubts, which you can read about here and via the link below. The measure will affect 'second hand' properties in Spain but not new builds directly from developers, something that could price people out while allowing wealthier foreigners to bypass the proposal. The price of new build housing in Spain is 44 percent more than second-hand housing on average and 10 percent more than the high it reached during the property bubble, according to a report by valuation firm Tinsa. The tax is essentially a surcharge that doubles the original price but is not without its loopholes: the tax will not affect non-resident non-EU nationals who buy housing directly from a developer. Nor, although only in some cases, will it affect sales when both seller and purchaser are entrepreneurs or professionals. The distinction is due to VAT rules in Spain. This means that only new builds would be safe from the price doubling as "new properties are subject to VAT, and the Spanish legislator can't easily interfere with that," Mallorca-based lawyer Alejandro Del Campo of DMS Consulting tells The Local. Spain's Register of Tax Advisor Economists (REAF) has presented its first assessment of the proposals, and explains that the new tax does indeed contain a legal loophole. Raquel Jurado, a technician in REAF's research department, told Spanish daily El País that "as VAT cannot be touched, because it is aligned, all sales that are taxed by it will be outside the complementary tax." Similarly, Jurado states that transactions in which the seller is a businessman, entrepreneur or professional should not be affected by the new tax either. "If the property is sold by an entrepreneur who is not a developer, the transaction would be subject to VAT in theory, but exempt in practice. And if it were bought by another businessman, this exemption could be waived in order to pay VAT and thus avoid the supplementary tax," she says. It's worth noting that, despite the alarm caused by the proposed measure, the proposal is exactly that for now: a proposal. It will still need parliamentary approval before it becomes law, something far from certain in the complicated Congressional arithmetic of Spanish politics. Sánchez has in the past been accused of performative politics in terms of property market measures, such as with the decision to axe the golden visa. legal experts who also believe the measure will end up in the courts. "When the time comes when someone who has paid double the value of their property wants to sell, will they find someone to buy it? Will they lose money?" Fernández stated, also stressing that the measure "penalises" investment by non-resident non-EU foreigners.
News18
20 hours ago
- Business
- News18
Amid Halt On US Student Visa Interviews, Here Are 5 Countries That Offer Easier Processes
Last Updated: Here are five countries which welcome international students with quicker visa approvals, and post-graduation work opportunities. Student visa applicants have encountered a setback as US embassies have canceled interviews, due to the Trump administration's preparation of a new process that includes social media profile screening. However, there are some countries which have simplified visa processes for students. Here are five countries which welcome international students with quicker visa approvals, and post-graduation work opportunities: Germany Germany is a top choice among international students as the country's public universities often waive tuition fees thus making it an affordable choice. The student visa process too is streamlined. Applicants must show proof of financial means, usually around €11,904 per academic year, to support themselves. After receiving an acceptance letter from a German institution, obtaining the visa is relatively seamless. Students will need to provide some documentation including admission confirmation, health insurance, and evidence of funds. Besides, Germany also allows students to work part-time and offers an 18-month post-graduation window to find employment. Ireland To obtain an Ireland student visa from India, you need to apply for a 'D Study visa". This visa is specifically for students who wish to study in Ireland for more than 90 days. The process involves completing an online application through AVATS, submitting required documents, paying the visa fee, and potentially undergoing biometrics. The process is quicker in Ireland with most applications being processed within four to eight weeks. Furthermore, students can work part-time while studying, and postgraduate students get two-years to find employment. France offers a surprisingly straightforward student visa process for non-EU applicants. Once admitted into an academic programme, the next steps involve submitting an application, showing financial support, and providing health insurance documentation. Visas are usually processed within 15 to 30 days. Students in France can work part-time and may stay for up to a year after graduation to search for employment. Netherlands The Netherlands has streamlined its student visa process, with most of it handled digitally. Once admitted to a university, the institution usually manages much of the visa paperwork, significantly simplifying things for students. International students are allowed to work part-time, and after graduation, they can apply for the Orientation Year Visa, that is, a one-year period to find employment or start a business. English is widely spoken making it an easy place to study and settle. Norway Norway offers a transparent and accommodating visa process. Public universities generally don't charge tuition, including for international students, making it a financially appealing option despite the higher cost of living. To get a student visa, students will need proof of admission, accommodation, and sufficient funds. Students are permitted to work part-time and can stay after graduation if they secure relevant employment. First Published: May 29, 2025, 13:03 IST
Metro
a day ago
- Metro
Your favourite French holiday spots that aren't Paris, Cannes or Nice
Head off the beaten path this summer to one of our lesser-known French favourites (Picture: Getty Images) From glamorous beaches, to beautiful cities and the world's best restaurants, France has it all. It's no surprise then, that the European favourite is the most visited country in the world, and the second most popular for British travellers. Coming in second after Spain, latest figures show an estimated 9.2 million Brits flock to France every year. However, the country is feeling the effects of overtourism. In October 2024, Rachida Dati, France's culture minister, suggested placing a surcharge on tickets to popular attractions for non-EU nationals, including the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, and the Musée d'Orsay. And in 2022, the Calanques National Park near Marseilles, which is known for its picturesque beauty, introduced a policy limiting visitor numbers to 400 per day at Sugiton Cove to allow the flora and fauna in the area to recover. So, there's never been a better time to venture off the beaten track. There's no gate keeping at Metro, and we're all about sharing 'hidden gem' locations that deserve their time to shine. Sign up to The Getaway newsletter Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. With that in mind, we asked Metro readers to share their favourite French holiday spots that the typical hotspots like Paris, Cannes or Nice. Pyrénées-Orientales is a unique blend of French and Catalan culture (Picture: Getty Images) Metro readers have their say First up, Kimberley Beaumont couldn't give enough praise to Pyrénées-Orientales. Sitting on the Mediterranean coast, the French Department straddles the south of France and the northeast of Spain. Kimberley loves this part of the country because it gives her the best of both worlds. From beautiful beaches, forest-covered mountains, amazing wine, and French Catalan culture, it has the added bonus of Spain being 'right on your doorstep.' Plus, if you're an adventure-seeker, she says the region is a short drive into the Pyrénées for winter skiing. Holiday like a local: 'hidden' French town where UK travellers can fly for just £15 In the height of summer, when the southern French city of Toulouse is mobbed by more than five million tourists, locals quietly slip away to a nearby village called Rabastens. Drenched in sunshine from June to September, with temperatures often reaching 30°C, this charming town is everything you imagine rural France to be: cobblestone streets, dusty pink houses and secluded sandbanks along a flowing river. Read Metro's full report on Rabastens here. For Lynne Sullivan and Jackie Jones, Antibes – an overlooked resort town between Cannes and Nice on the French Riviera – is the place to go. During peak seasons, the town is generally less crowded than its more famous neighbours. However, you still get that luxury feeling synonymous with the region in Antibes. You can marvel at yachts moored at the Port Vauban marina, gaze at grand villas mushrooming along the forested Cap d'Antibes peninsula, and soak up 16th-century history at Fort Carré, a star-shaped fort built in the Renaissance under the orders of Henri II, the King of France. Lynne and Jackie also recommend Juan Les Pins in the commune of Antibes. For those wanting a French Riviera beach experience, they say this is the place to go. Long sandy beaches are lined with seafront promenades that host chic al fresco eateries and boutiques. Your favourite European beaches without the tourists Metro recently asked you, our readers, to share your favourite European beaches that aren't swamped with tourists. One location that made an impression was Soorts-Hossegor. Often referred to as the surf capital of Europe, thanks to its reliable swells and powerful breaks, the French commune is also ideal for nature lovers. From endless golden sand beaches, crystal clear lakes, and verdant forests, spend your time swimming, biking and hiking. Find out our other best beach picks here. Cristiana Anca and Valerie Kerr love Bordeaux, a city in southwestern France, while Paula Allen says: 'Anywhere in Picardy. It's such a beautiful area with so much history.' For Joe James Geoghegan, the hilltop southern town of Carcassonne is a non-negotiable, as Jean Michel Poulain roots for the north, particularly Brittany. He describes the area as 'magic.' Even further north, Lynne spotlights Deauville, a seaside resort town in France's Normandy region. Since the 1800s, it's been an upscale vacay destination, complete with golf courses, grand casinos, a 1920s boardwalk, and a wide, sandy beach. In the town, charming timber buildings juxtapose against sophisticated villas built in the Belle Époque era – a romantic and affluent period of French and European history that preceded the First World War. Deauville is also one of the closest seaside resorts to Paris. The 'Paris of the East' is an underrated gem that costs £40 to fly to Love Paris but looking to city break on a budget? Metro recently heard rumours of a 'Paris of the East,' an underrated city with flights from the UK for just £40. Bucharest has the beautiful buildings, tree-lined boulevards and swish cafes we associate with Paris — at a dramatically cheaper price. Recently ranked 9th in The Times' roundup of '24 of the best affordable city breaks in Europe', Romania's capital and largest city is actively welcoming tourists. Read our guide here. Those who like their holiday towns a little older, specifically dating back to medieval times, Jackie loves Biot. It's a 20-minute drive from Antibes, meaning you could head there for a day trip if you're staying on the coast. Elsewhere, it's all about the city of Aix in the south for Gregory Phua. For Ani Ta, Rouen, Entretat, and Arras are standouts. Along with Christine McFall, she also recommends Honfleur, a medieval and impressionist town in the Normandy region. Turquoise oceans? Rugged coastlines? Stunning sunsets? Head to Entretat (Picture: Getty Images) What to do in Pyrénées-Orientales If you're after a smorgasbord of French and Spanish culture, Pyrénées-Orientales is the place to holiday. Also known as French Catalonia, its capital, Perpignan, is considered the largest Catalan city after Barcelona. While French is the official language, Catalan is also spoken and has a strong presence. It's in Perpignan where you'll find the 13th-century Palace of the Kings of Majorca. Complete with gothic-style architecture, it was once the centre of the Kingdom of Majorca. If you're interested in checking out the King's dining room, majestic banquet halls, royal chambers and galleries, visitors can take guided tours inside the palace. Entry costs €9 (£7.58). On the first Sunday of each month, October to June, under-25s go free. In the south of Pyréneés-Orientales, you'll find Collioure, a medieval fishing town. Landmarks include the Château Royal de Collioure, a royal castle on the beach, which offers dramatic coastal views. Beach lovers, Argelès-sur-Mer is a must-visit spot. Thanks to its position on the Mediterranean coast, send your stresses away with the sea and relax on the stunning stretch of sand. More of an adrenaline junkie? The hike up to the Tour de la Massane will be right up your street. The 13th-century stone watchtower is perched at 800m, meaning you'll get the most spectacular views once you get to the top. Culinary-wise, the region is incredibly unique. Expect a combination of French and Catalan influences, with dishes that blend both traditions. Those with a sweet tooth will especially love it, thanks to desserts like crème catalane and Pa d'ou, a type of Catalan flan being popular here. What to do in Bordeaux When you think of Bordeaux, the first thing that probably comes to mind is wine, right? The region is famed for wine-growing, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to try the prestigious products made with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Of course, there are wine-tasting tours available. According to TripAdvisor, the Saint Emilion Wine Tour Tasting Half Day from Bordeaux is one of the best. It boasts five stars, and prices start from £82.29 per person. This tour takes you through the vineyards of UNESCO-listed Saint-Émilion, which are believed to produce some of France's finest wines. You'll explore the stunning French countryside from Bordeaux to medieval Saint-Émilion, sampling locally made wines in the cellars and vineyards along the way. Immerse yourself in the wine culture of Bordeaux (Picture: Getty Images) For the sober-curious among us, there's more to Bordeaux than just booze. Explore historical sites like the Gothic Cathédrale Saint-André, Place de la Bourse, and the Porte Cailhau, or relax on a cruise along the Garonne River. The Canelés cruise and UNESCO route starts from £14.57 per person, and lasts one hour and 15 minutes. This year, the Bordeaux River Festival will take place from June 19 to 22. The four-day celebration combines wine, French culture, cuisine, and the vibrancy of Bordeaux. The festival grounds are free to enter. However, you'll need a Tasting Pass to access wine tastings and other activities. The pass costs €23 (£19.36). What to do in Honfleur Experience a different side to France in Honfleur. It's also much closer to home, located on the estuary where the Seine River meets the English Channel. Visually, the historic Vieux Bassin harbour is a standout feature: colourful half-timbered houses and boats provide an Instagrammable backdrop to your morning coffee (or afternoon Aperol) at one of the many bustling cafes and restaurants. The old harbour was also one of the subjects for the renowned artist Claude Monet. From the harbour, head into the town to find narrow cobbled streets and Saint Catherine's Church, the largest surviving wooden church in France. Dating back 500 years, the building was made with trees brought from the surrounding areas. For the art types, the Eugène Boudin Museum houses pre-impressionist and contemporary paintings by Norman painters who stayed in the town. Entry costs €9 (£7.58). And for the foodies, it's seafood central in Honfleur. TripAdvisor rates L'Escale as the best seafood restaurant in town, and customer testimonials back this up. One user described it as 'one of the best restaurants in Honfleur,' while another dubbed it a 'real restaurant that is not a tourist catch.' For just €30 (£25.25), enjoy the Captain's menu, which features dishes like homemade chef's terrine, Normandy oysters, homemade fish soup, and a seafood platter, to name a few. The establishment is very pretty too: luscious greenery and lilac plants line the entrance, while floor-to-ceiling glass windows give diners a view of the charming old streets. Of course, as you're in the Normandy region, expect a huge focus on Norman dairy products. This includes butter, crème frâiche, and creamy camembert. Finally, make sure to try the famous apple cider or the cider distillate calvados, a French apple brandy. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ Arrow MORE: The 'Venice of Eastern Europe' is a 'youthful' city with £29 flights — and 800 gnomes Arrow MORE: New train to span 745 miles linking five European countries — and tickets are just £40 Arrow MORE: France's 'most prolific paedophile' who abused hundreds of patients jailed
Local Spain
a day ago
- Business
- Local Spain
INTERVIEW: 'Spain's 100% tax on foreign buyers will end up in EU courts'
Spain's Socialist-led government has again made headlines after submitting an official proposal in Congress to tax new non-EU non-resident home buyers 100 percent on the value of the Spanish property, an idea first proposed by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in January as a way of limiting "foreign speculation". What has been confirmed now with the draft bill is that the 100 percent tax would apply to the taxable base of the property (the value of the property), which would effectively double its price for these buyers. The legal text presented by the ruling Socialists clarifies that it would not double the property transfer tax (ITP, which is 6 to 11% of the property value depending on the region) as many had previously thought. Such a levy, one of several aimed at addressing Spain's housing crisis, would still need parliamentary approval before it could become a law. Nevertheless, within Spain's legal, fiscal and property spheres, the reaction is one of alarm. "The draft law is very clear: we are talking 100 percent of the highest rateable value," Spanish real estate expert Mark Stücklin, head of Spanish Property Insight, told The Local. "Let's say that's the transaction price of a villa for €300,000€, in which case the tax would be €300,000, minus the ITP deduction. Crazy!" "My reaction is that this would be so ineffective and counterproductive that the PSOE can't really be serious and it's more about trying to outflank Sumar (the Socialists' hard-left junior coalition partner) on the left, but it's getting harder to tell." According to Mallorca-based lawyer Alejandro Del Campo of DMS Consulting, "a State Tax on property transfers which penalises non-residents makes no sense." Del Campo, who has a large portfolio of foreign clients, has appealed in EU courts against several of the Spanish government's discriminatory measures which target non-residents. "The Court of Justice of the European Union has already condemned Spain for discriminating against non-residents with the Inheritance and Gift Tax," the lawyer told The Local, adding that Spanish authorities have also been forced to eliminate discriminating taxes against non-residents vis-à-vis the Wealth Tax and the Solidarity Tax. It's worth noting that many of the laws targeting non-residents predate Spain's current housing crisis, suggesting that Spanish authorities have a longstanding habit of looking at these citizens as a way of filling public coffers. For Del Campo, the 100 percent tax "would flagrantly violate EU law, specifically Article 63 TFEU, which prohibits any restriction on the free movement of capital not only between Member States but also between Member States and third countries." In his eyes, only new builds would be safe from the price doubling, as "new properties are subject to VAT, and the Spanish legislator can't easily interfere with that". Spain's General Council of Economists (CGE) has also spoken out and said that the new supplementary tax on home purchases by non-EU non-residents is "madness," believing it could end up being resolved in court. CGE met with Spain's Registry of Economists and Tax Advisors (REAF) on Wednesday to discuss the Spanish government's proposed new tax on non-EU non-resident property buyers. The general consensus among these experts is that the problem isn't that wealthy foreigners are buying homes, but rather that there is a shortage of properties in certain areas. They therefore doubt the effectiveness of such a "drastic" tax and warn that there are many areas in Spain with significant foreign populations and that therefore there should be some consensus on the issue. For its part, Spain's Registry of Economists and Tax Advisors (REAF) has called the so-called supertax 'shocking' while highlighting that "it's the first time a tax has been established with a 100% tax rate, which raises questions about its potential confiscatory nature". "When the time comes for someone who paid twice the value of their home to want to sell it, will they find someone to buy it? Will they lose money?," said REAF head Agustín Fernández. He therefore considers that were the 100 percent tax to come into force, the subsequent sale of the property by non-resident would be "unviable", as the levy "penalises" investment by non-EU residents. "We imagine the courts will ultimately rule on the tax's confiscatory nature," Fernández concluded.
Local France
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Local France
PODCAST: What that 'slap' says about the Macrons and French farmers fight the future
Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Genevieve Mansfield and John Lichfield for the latest episode of the Talking France podcast. The team starts this week off with the story making headlines in France and across the world: the viral video that appears to show French President Emmanuel Macron being shoved by his wife, Brigitte. We discuss the reaction to the video, plus other disinformation campaigns that have targeted the French president and his wife. You can find the Talking France podcast on Spotify or Apple, download it here or listen on the link below From recent protests by French farmers and taxi drivers, to a surprising power cut in the south of France which affected the last night of the Cannes Film Festival, the Talking France team also give you the latest on disruption around the country. Advertisement We also discuss how the stereotype that all French people are slim and in good shape may be false, particularly considering the country's rising obesity rates and the government's latest plans to tackle the health issue. And we'll finish this week off with the French cities that suffer most from the 'urban heat island effect' and why you may want to avoid them during a heatwave, plus how some of France's most famous museums and galleries are planning to charge non-EU residents higher fees. Stick around till the end to hear our recommendations for the best exhibits (or expos ) to visit in Paris this summer. EXTRA READING: Eight of the biggest sex scandals that rocked French politics Fire cuts power to 45,000 in French Riviera as sabotage suspected OPINION: Tractor protests expose the hypocrisy of French farming policies How serious is France's obesity problem? MAPS: The top five worst French cities to spend a heatwave in French museums plan to hike prices for non-EU visitors Talking France is a free podcast made possible by the support of paying members of The Local - you can find out more about becoming a member here . You can also help us by leaving a nice review, sharing the podcast on social media, or just telling a friend about us.
