Bilbao

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Public Administration

Sections

1. Finance-Related Public Administration in Bilbao

a. Taxation (Impuestos)

In Spain, taxes are managed at the national, regional, and local levels. In Bilbao, the local government (Bilbao City Council or Ayuntamiento de Bilbao) handles municipal taxes. Key taxes include:

  • Property Tax (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles - IBI):

    • What it is: A tax on property ownership.
    • Who pays it: Property owners in Bilbao.
    • Cost: Varies based on the cadastral value of the property. Typically ranges from 0.4% to 1.1% of the property value.
    • How to pay: Payments can be made online via the Bilbao City Council website, at local banks, or in person at the municipal offices.
    • Procedure: Property owners are automatically registered for IBI when they purchase property. If you’re renting, this tax is the landlord’s responsibility.

  • Vehicle Tax (Impuesto sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica - IVTM):

    • What it is: A tax for vehicle owners.
    • Who pays it: Anyone who owns a vehicle registered in Bilbao.
    • Cost: Depends on the type and power of the vehicle. For example, a small car may cost around €60–€150 annually.
    • How to pay: Payments can be made online, at banks, or at the municipal offices.
    • Procedure: Vehicle owners are automatically registered for this tax when they register their vehicle in Bilbao.

  • Garbage Collection Tax (Tasa de Basuras):

    • What it is: A fee for waste management services.
    • Who pays it: Property owners or tenants (depending on rental agreements).
    • Cost: Around €50–€100 annually, depending on the property size and location.
    • How to pay: Included in utility bills or paid directly to the city council.

b. Opening a Bank Account

Opening a bank account is essential for managing finances in Bilbao. Most banks in Spain require the following:

  • Documents Required:

    • Passport or National ID (for EU citizens).
    • NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) for non-EU residents.
    • Proof of address (e.g., rental contract or utility bill).
    • Proof of employment or student status (if applicable).

  • Procedure:

    1. Visit a local branch of a bank (e.g., BBVA, Santander, CaixaBank, or Kutxabank, which is based in the Basque Country).
    2. Submit the required documents.
    3. Sign the necessary forms to open the account.

  • Costs:

    • Many banks offer free accounts (cuentas sin comisiones) for residents, but some may charge maintenance fees (around €15–€30 per quarter).
    • ATM withdrawals are free at your bank’s ATMs but may incur fees at other banks.

c. Social Security (Seguridad Social)

If you are working or studying in Bilbao, you will need to register with the Spanish Social Security system. This is essential for accessing healthcare, unemployment benefits, and pensions.

  • Documents Required:

    • Passport or ID.
    • NIE.
    • Employment contract (if applicable).
    • Proof of address.

  • Procedure:

    1. Visit the local Social Security office (Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social).
    2. Fill out the application form (Form TA.1).
    3. Submit the required documents.

  • Costs: Contributions are deducted directly from your salary (if employed). Self-employed individuals (autónomos) pay a monthly fee, starting at around €230.

2. Local Services in Bilbao

a. Empadronamiento (Registering Your Address)

The empadronamiento is the municipal register of residents. It is essential for accessing local services, enrolling in schools, and applying for residency permits.

  • Documents Required:

    • Passport or ID.
    • NIE (if applicable).
    • Proof of address (e.g., rental contract or utility bill).

  • Procedure:

    1. Visit the Bilbao City Council (Ayuntamiento de Bilbao) or a local district office (Oficina de Distrito).
    2. Fill out the registration form.
    3. Submit the required documents.
    4. You will receive a certificate of registration (certificado de empadronamiento).

  • Cost: Free.

b. Healthcare Services

Bilbao has an excellent public healthcare system, managed by the Basque Health Service (Osakidetza).

  • How to Access:

    • Register with the Social Security system to obtain a health card (Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual).
    • Visit your local health center (centro de salud) to register and choose a primary care doctor.

  • Cost: Public healthcare is free for residents. Non-residents may need private insurance.

c. Public Transportation

Bilbao has an efficient public transportation system, including the metro, buses, and trams.

  • Bilbao Bizkaia Card:

    • A rechargeable card for public transport.
    • Cost: €3 for the card, plus the cost of travel (e.g., €1.35 per metro trip with discounts for frequent users).

  • Procedure:

    • Purchase the card at metro stations or authorized kiosks.
    • Recharge it at machines or online.

d. Waste Management and Recycling

Bilbao has a robust waste management system, with separate bins for organic waste, plastics, paper, and glass.

  • How to Use:

    • Follow the color-coded bins: green for glass, yellow for plastics, blue for paper, and brown for organic waste.
    • Large items can be taken to recycling centers (puntos limpios).

  • Cost: Included in the garbage collection tax.

3. Local Considerations

  • Language: While Spanish is widely spoken, Basque (Euskara) is also an official language. Many public documents and services are available in both languages. Learning basic Basque phrases can be helpful and appreciated by locals.
  • Customer Service Hours: Public offices typically operate from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Some offices may require appointments (cita previa), which can be booked online or by phone.
  • Digital Services: The Bilbao City Council offers many online services through its website (www.bilbao.eus), including tax payments, appointment bookings, and document requests.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Bilbao is proud of its Basque heritage. Respect for local traditions, language, and customs is highly valued.

Summary Table

| Service | Cost | Procedure | Local Considerations | |------------------------------|---------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------| | Property Tax (IBI) | 0.4%–1.1% of property value | Automatic registration upon property purchase. | Paid annually; check deadlines. | | Vehicle Tax (IVTM) | €60–€150 annually | Automatic registration upon vehicle registration. | Depends on vehicle type and power. | | Empadronamiento | Free | Visit the city council with required documents. | Essential for accessing local services. | | Healthcare | Free (public system) | Register with Social Security and local health center. | Private insurance may be needed for non-residents. | | Public Transport Card | €3 for the card | Purchase and recharge at metro stations or kiosks. | Discounts for frequent users. |

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate Bilbao’s public administration and local services. Let me know if you need further assistance!