How We Select
Our editorial methodology
Alicante Expats is an independent editorial directory. We select the 7 best companies in each category using a rigorous, quarterly-reviewed methodology. We do not accept pay-for-placement, referral commissions or advertising that influences rankings.
Selection criteria
1. Verified reputation (40%)
- Google Reviews: minimum 4.3/5 with at least 15 genuine reviews
- Trustpilot / sector-specific platforms: TrustScore, response to complaints
- Expat community feedback: forums (Spain Expat Forum, Alicante Expat Community), Facebook groups, Reddit r/expats
2. English-language service (25%)
- Business MUST have English-speaking staff (verified by phone or in-person test)
- Website available in English (minimum: service descriptions and contact in English)
- Experience serving international clients (British, Irish, German, Dutch, Scandinavian, American)
- Bonus: additional languages (German, Dutch, French, Scandinavian)
3. Professional qualifications & track record (20%)
- Minimum 3 years operating in Alicante province (registered with Registro Mercantil or equivalent)
- Relevant professional certifications (e.g. Colegio de Abogados for lawyers, RICS for surveyors, Google Partner for marketing agencies)
- Verifiable portfolio or case studies with international clients
4. Transparency & pricing (15%)
- Published or request-available pricing — no "contact for quote" without any indication
- Clear terms and conditions, cancellation policies
- No known "expat premium" pricing (we specifically exclude businesses that charge more based on nationality)
Excluded businesses
- Businesses with less than 12 months of operation
- Google rating below 4.0/5 or evidence of fake reviews
- Unresolved consumer complaints (OCU, FACUA, UK Ombudsman)
- No English-speaking capacity
- Known to apply nationality-based surcharges
How to get listed
Apply via the contact form. We apply the same criteria to all applicants. Listing is free for businesses that meet our standards.
Independence
Alicante Expats is editorially independent. Users contact businesses directly. We do not take commissions, referral fees or sell personal data. This independence ensures our recommendations reflect only our editorial methodology.