The Ultimate Guide to Tenerife
The Ultimate Guide to Tenerife
Tired of scouring the internet for incomplete, incorrect or out of date information about Tenerife?
TENERIFE GURU is your ultimate guide to Tenerife, covering everything you need to know about our amazing island.
Updated: 28 June 2023 Before accepting various legal documents or certificates that originated overseas, most foreign countries will insist on the document first being legalised with an apostille. This is a procedure recognised by most countries worldwide, whereby the authenticity of the document (but not the truth of the contents) is verified by the authorities…
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UPDATES ON APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR EU APPLICANTS FOLLOWING CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC ONLINE RESIDENCIA APPLICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENTS (APPLY HERE) ARE NOW BACK UP AND RUNNING AFTER THE CORONAVIRUS SHUTDOWN. HOWEVER, APPOINTMENT AVAILABILITY IS RUNNING AT REDUCED CAPACITY DUE TO CORONAVIRUS PROTOCOLS AND STAFFING ISSUES. The procedure for applying for residencia is explained further down in this article….
Read More24th May 2022 AMAZING AND RARE OPPORTUNITY Smokers’ Club / Association LICENCE for sale in Tenerife. Granted in September 2019, this was one of the last Canarian licences ever issued in Tenerife. There has since been a strict moratorium on the issue of new licences and the government has indicated no intention to issue any…
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Spend enough time in Tenerife and eventually you are bound to encounter some degree of shoddy service, defective goods or something else that simply isn’t up to standard. In most cases, such problems can be resolved by raising the issue with the business or establishment in question and asking them to put things right. However,…
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Updated: 3 March 2025 Are you a UK National or Passport Holder in Tenerife and wish to apply for, renew or replace a UK Passport without leaving the island? Then you’ve come to the right place! The online procedure is relatively straightforward. Firstly, go to the official passport website HERE…
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Coronavirus / Covid-19 Vaccines in Tenerife – Availability and Rollout Updates below are in date order (most recent first): Explanatory note as to availability of the vaccine Those eligible for free Spanish state healthcare will be automatically contacted by age group by phone or text for their vaccination appointments. As the vaccine is only available…
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How to obtain copies of UK and Irish Birth, Death & Marriage Certificates Online Updated 5th January 2021 We are often asked whether it is possible to obtain official copies of Birth, Death and Marriage certificates from the UK or Ireland remotely online, typically whilst in Tenerife. Fortunately in most cases, the answer is…
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LAST UPDATED: 15th September 2021 CONTENTS: Possession & Consumption Cultivation Selling Other Hemp Products The difference between THC and CBD How to legally obtain Cannabis in Tenerife How do Cannabis Social Clubs Operate? One of the first questions expats and visitors to Tenerife often ask, is whether cannabis is legal in Tenerife. However, the…
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UPDATED 13th November 2020 OBTAINING OR REPLACING A DIGITAL CERTIFICATE IN TENERIFE Contents of this Page Do you NEED a Digital Certificate? Types of Digital Certificate What Administrative Procedures are available using a Digital Certificate? How to Apply for your Digital Certificate How to Renew your Digital Certificate when it Expires In the…
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Looking to test your luck whilst in Tenerife? Then why not head down to your local casino? Tenerife is home to 3 casinos, which are located in Playa de Las Americas, Santa Cruz and Puerto de la Cruz. Each casino offers a variety of games including American roulette, slots, blackjack and poker. Passports or National…
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UK Nationals – Claiming UK Pension & Welfare Benefits in Tenerife Last updated: 18th February 2020 Contents of this page: 1. I’m off to Tenerife – Who should I inform? 2. Can I claim my UK State Pension from Tenerife? 3. What type of UK State Benefits can I claim whilst in Tenerife? An…
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Do you sometimes wonder what the weather is like right now on Mount Teide? Or whether the sun is shining at your favourite beach? Well wonder no more! Check out our gallery of live Tenerife Webcams below and see our beautiful island from a different perspective. N.B. Occasionally a webcam may be down for maintenance…
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Animal lovers living in or visiting Tenerife will be delighted to learn that there are several animal charities and refuge centres in Tenerife, offering shelter primarily to stray, abandoned or neglected dogs and cats. We have listed a few of the better known ones below. If we have omitted any, our apologies, please let us…
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LAST UPDATED: 8th January 2021 The following is a much-reduced and PROVISIONAL list of Romerias in Tenerife for the year 2021. Unsurprisingly, each event is subject to change or cancellation if local Covid-19 restrictions are in place that affect or limit social gatherings. If Covid-19 restrictions are subsequently lifted, then it is likely that several…
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LAST UPDATED: 23rd February 2022 CONTENTS OF THIS PAGE: Introduction to getting married in Tenerife Getting married in Tenerife, Procedures and Documentation 1. Introduction to getting married in Tenerife With it’s perfect year-round climate, stunning views and romantic hideaways, Tenerife is one of the most idyllic destinations on the planet in which to get…
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COVID UPDATE 29th July 2021: At the time of writing, Tenerife has been placed in ‘Level 4’ Covid status, which introduces a much-hated requirement to produce a Covid Health Certificate (Double-vaccinated / Negative test within 72 hours / proof of recovery antibodies etc) in order to sit in the indoor sections of bars/restaurants or to…
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UPDATED: 3 March 2025 SPANISH TAXES This is perhaps the topic that creates the most confusion and misinformation among expats. In the article below, we aim to provide a basic explanation of the main taxes that resident and non-resident visitors or expats are likely to come across in Spain. Income Tax (Resident & Non-Resident) Inheritance…
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WASTE DISPOSAL AND RECYCLING IN TENERIFE UPDATED: 29th February 2024 CONTENTS: 1. Domestic Rubbish Bag Collections 2. Domestic Recycling 3. Collection of Large Items 4. Local Waste Processing Centres (Puntos Limpios) 5. List of acceptable items together with permitted quantities 6. List of Prohibited or Restricted Items In recent years, Tenerife has made great strides…
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HOW TO OBTAIN OR REPLACE BUTANE GAS BOTTLES (BOMBONAS) UPDATED: 7th June 2023 CONTENTS: 1. About Gas Bottles 2. Procedure for obtaining your first Gas Bottle(s) – a) New Build Properties b) Existing Properties 3. Unofficial Methods of Obtaining a Gas Bottle 4. Staying Safe with your Gas Bottle 1. About Gas Bottles This is…
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SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION IN TENERIFE UPDATED: 29th February 2024 CONTENTS: 1. State School or Private School 2. Stages of Schooling In Tenerife 3. School Hours 4. School Terms 5. British Schools in Tenerife 6. Other Considerations 7. University Education in Tenerife 8. Home-Schooling Are you thinking of moving to Tenerife but are concerned about your…
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Tenerife Solicitors are the first and only firm of English Solicitors & Spanish Abogados registered and authorised to practice in the Canary Islands. They can assist with a wide variety of legal issues from their offices in San Eugenio, Tenerife and in Bromley, England. As they hold practising certificates to operate in both countries, advice…
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BREXIT IN TENERIFE – LAST UPDATED: 1st May 2023 TOPICS COVERED BELOW INCLUDE: Residency Rights Driving Licences Medical Care RESIDENCY RIGHTS Good news! The European Union and the United Kingdom government announced on 24th December 2020 that a Trade Deal has finally been agreed between the UK and EU. Spanish government has now confirmed its…
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The following article covers those looking for both Tourist and Residential rentals: A: RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES (Long lets of 3 months minimum duration or longer) Renting, as opposed to buying, is by far the most popular (and safe) way for new arrivals to test out island life and decide if it is for them before taking…
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UPDATED: 8th January 2021 Please note that certain events (e.g. Romerias) in Tenerife may be subject to change or cancellation in 2021 due to possible ongoing Covid-19 restrictions. Fortunately for those who work in Tenerife, the island enjoys substantially more public holidays and time off than most other countries. Public holidays in Spain are known…
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Correos is the national postal service (the equivalent of Royal Mail in the UK). Their website can be found here: CORREOS.ES What in theory should be a straightforward and efficient service sometimes suffers from apathy and a lack of customer service, which typically blights any business that has a monopoly. Delivery times can be like…
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This is such a fast-moving area that it is almost impossible to provide continuously updated information. Landline Phone Lines Movistar (formerly known as Telefonica) sadly still holds an effective monopoly on the landline, ADSL and fibre-optic infrastructure. There are now resellers (e.g. Orange or Direct Telecom) offering landline and ADSL packages at typically better rates…
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The following is a light-hearted tongue-in-cheek look at alleged stereotypical driving habits in Tenerife and is purely intended as humour. Tenerife Guru does not endorse or recommend any of the driving habits or actions referred to below, most of which are illegal and likely to result in heavy penalties or even jail time! Perplexed by…
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LAST UPDATED: 14th July 2021 Driving in Tenerife, Everything you need to know. Safety, rules of the road, car rental, insurance, fines etc BREXIT UPDATE NOTE: UK Driving Licence holders can continue to use their licence to drive in Spain (in a rental vehicle or in their own vehicle) for up to 6 months per…
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LAST UPDATED 15th December 2022 According to official figures, over 35% of marriages among British partners are destined to end in divorce and that figure appears to be rising year on year. Although there are no precise figures available for divorces amongst UK expats, it is anticipated that the number may be even higher. Whilst…
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UK and IRISH CITIZENS Unfortunately, Irish citizens residing permanently outside Ireland currently do not have the right to participate in Irish elections. However, a referendum is proposed for 2018 to decide whether to grant the vote to some or all of the Irish diaspora living outside Ireland. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO. A UK citizen…
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This is a particularly hot topic in Tenerife where the British and Irish are involved and there are many differing views on the issue. It is universally considered prudent (and beneficial) to attempt to learn the language of your adopted country of residence. A failure to understand and communicate can naturally cause all sorts of…
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Unlike in some countries, there are three distinct branches of police force in Spain. 1. Policia Local (Local Police) 2. Policia Nacional (National Police) 3. Guardia Civil (Civil Guard) Each have very distinct roles, but often work the same locations, which can be confusing to outsiders. Perhaps their most common feature is that all of…
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The British and Irish Consulates were previously eager for their respective citizens to register their residence in Tenerife. This not only assisted them with statistical information as to the number of citizens they have to cater for, but it allowed them to provide quicker and easier advice and assistance should a citizen suddenly require consular…
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UPDATED: 23rd February 2022 The British Consulate in Santa Cruz de Tenerife represents the UK government in Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro and can provide support and assistance to UK nationals whilst in the said territories. However, due to ongoing reorganisation and budget cut-backs, the services offered directly by the British Consulate…
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For those of us wishing to pack our bags and relocate to our beautiful island, or perhaps for those ‘swallows’ who spend the winter months here, it would be almost unbearable without being accompanied by our favourite furry friends. In order to travel with your pet, it must be over 3 months old and will…
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As in most countries, it is compulsory to have insurance before driving your vehicle on the roads. In Spain it is a legal requirement to carry a copy of your insurance policy. Carrying a receipt of payment is no longer compulsory, as the police can generally check the validity of your insurance electronically by the…
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UPDATED: 3rd January 2022 There is no doubt that Tenerife loves cars. It was recently estimated that the island is home to 1 out of every 1000 cars on the planet! For an island of just over 2000 square kilometres with an official resident population of approximately 920,000 plus an estimated unregistered population of up…
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UPDATED: 18th January 2021 How do foreigners obtain or register for medical care in Spain? The following rules apply for citizens of the EU and UK Nationals. For other nationalities, different rules apply. VISITORS & TOURISTS Visitors and tourists visiting Tenerife essentially have 3 options for obtaining medical care in Spain. Paying Privately for medical…
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So you are taking the plunge and moving over to Tenerife. However, maybe you aren’t entirely certain that the move will be permanent or that you will settle here. So what do you do with all those years of accumulated belongings (we never call it ‘junk’)? One option is to put your more bulky possessions…
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UPDATED 24th March 2025 (the most recent developments are listed towards the end of the article). Those reading English language newspapers and internet blogs in Tenerife over the past few years may be familiar with articles discussing the law applicable to tourist rentals. However, many people are still confused and unclear about the situation, no…
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There are two distinct categories of rented properties in Tenerife, namely ‘Residential’ and ‘Touristic’, both of which are subject to different laws. ‘Touristic’ lettings are basically defined as stays of less than 3 months, whilst ‘Residential’ lettings basically cover stays of more than 3 months. Owners of Residential status properties are free to rent them…
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A particularly common scam that has been doing the rounds in Tenerife for several years is the Timeshare Reclaim Scam. Numerous clients have historically been mis-sold Timeshare or Holiday Points products. Some have paid money for products they never received or couldn’t use, whilst others have lost their money when the Timeshare Company has closed…
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Whether you are considering the purchase of a resale property, or indeed refurbishing/extending a property you already own, care must be taken to ensure that the works are carried out legally. Failure to do so can lead to fines and even a demolition order in respect of the illegal works. Buyers should also check that…
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LAST EDITED: 6th February 2023 Anyone having spent time in Spain (resident or non-resident) has the right to apply for a certificate detailing their Spanish criminal record file (Certificado de Antecedentes Penales). An example certificate can be viewed HERE: HOW TO APPLY For those living in Tenerife (or Spain in general), you can apply for…
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OBTAINING UK OR IRISH CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECKS WHILST IN TENERIFE Last Updated: 22nd January 2021 In today’s heavily regulated world, more and more employers, adoption agencies and countless other organisations are requesting that applicants disclose their criminal record history. In Tenerife, you can carry out a Spanish criminal record check against your own name….
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Ferries operating in and out of Tenerife provide both an important means of transport for residents and businesses as well as a useful and enjoyable way for tourists and visitors to explore the Canary Islands and further afield. Two main companies currently operate ferry routes between the Canary Islands, namely Fred Olsen and Naviera Armas….
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Last updated: 11th October 2021 For a small island, Tenerife boasts a surprising number of cinemas. Whilst popular with residents, there is rarely much demand for cinemas in Tenerife among tourists, who would probably rather spend their time on the beach. However, they provide a good option on one of the rare days the island…
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UPDATED: 28th February 2024 Applying for Probate in Tenerife So a relative or friend has died in Tenerife. But how do you sort out the paperwork and administer their estate? The first step is to obtain the Death Certificate (Certificado de Fallecimiento). This will typically be issued to the next-of-kin promptly following the death where…
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UPDATED: 29th February 2024 Changes were introduced on 17th August 2015, potentially affecting all Spanish Wills previously made by foreigners in Spain. The changes were introduced under a new EU regulation (EU 650/2012) (Click Here for a link to the law) governing succession and probate, which states that if the deceased does not expressly specify…
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UPDATED: 29th February 2024 For foreign residents in Tenerife such as English, Scottish and Irish, it is strongly advisable to prepare a separate Will for each country in which you hold assets. Hence, for those with assets in both Spain and their home country, it is recommended to have two separate Wills, each limited to…
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UPDATED 3rd March 2025 CONTENTS: 1. Births in Spain 2. Deaths in Spain BIRTHS IN SPAIN Every birth that takes place on Spanish soil must by law be registered in Spain. Even if you unexpectedly give birth whilst on holiday in Tenerife, you must report the birth at the local Registro Civil (Civil Registry) for…
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UPDATED: 20th February 2024 Empadronamiento Certificate – Applying at the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) The Empadronamiento Certificate (registering on the electoral/residence roll) is obtained at the local Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) – two words guaranteed to tongue-tie new arrivals to Spain! This document can be obtained AFTER applying for your NIE certificate, but is required BEFORE applying…
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UPDATED 3rd March 2025 OBTAINING RESIDENCIA IN TENERIFE – (UK NATIONALS ONLY) Can UK Nationals still apply for Residencia in Tenerife/Spain? You can still apply, but with the exception of the Digital Nomad Visa, you will first need to apply for and obtain a VISA from the Spanish Consulate in either London, Manchester or Edinburgh…
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UPDATED: 3rd March 2025 As well as an NIE number, you will also need to apply for a numero de Seguridad Social (Social Security number) if you: For EU Nationals, the procedure is relatively straightforward. You will first need to complete Form TA1, which can be downloaded from the official site HERE: There is no…
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LAST UPDATED: 3rd March 2025 CONTENTS: 1. What is an NIE number? The very first official document that every new arrival in Tenerife is going to need is an NIE (Numero de Identificacion Extranjero). New arrivals may end up confused by the difference between DNI, NIE, NIF, CIF, TIE etc. DNI refers to a Spanish…
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So after all the dreaming, planning, soul-searching, scrimping, saving and a few sleepless nights, you have finally taken the plunge and moved your life to Tenerife. Congratulations!
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Visitors to Tenerife often ask foreign expats why they decided to move here. Depending on the person, answers tend to include any combination of the following: One of the best climates on earth with all-year-round beach weather, low rainfall and no extreme weather phenomenon (no hurricanes etc). Stunning scenery and contrasts. Part of the European…
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