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Moving to Spain?
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It is now estimated that 100 people a day are
leaving the UK to live in another country, 40 of them will be emigrating to
Spain.
Having lived in Spain for over 18 years and brought 2 children up here, I have
been through all the highs and lows and understand how important a decision this
is, not only for you but for your whole family.
Making the decision
Moving to Spain is easier than you think. I remember sitting on the plane when I
came to live here thinking `Oh my God, what am i doing... In reality it is easy
if you have drive, determination and patience. 18 years later and I still cant
believe I am lucky enough to live here and have to pinch myself every morning.
The lifestyle in Spain is much slower than the UK and things take longer to get
done. The hot weather will definitely be one of the biggest attractions but
please don't move for this reason alone. The 320 days a year of sunshine is
lovely but you will need to think about where you will live how you will survive
financially. Well paid, legal, jobs are not easy to find so maybe you are
thinking about starting a business. Read our guide to buying a business in
Spain. Sol Commercials offer a full relocation service to enable a stress free
move to Spain. We can also help you find long term rental accommodation and give
free advice to anyone thinking of buying a home.
Before you leave the UK
You will have to decide which possessions you will take to Spain, which you will
leave in the UK and which items you should sell before you leave. All your
electrical goods will work in Spain, however, your TV will only work if you view
Sky TV and will not work for Spanish TV. Most rental accommodation comes fully
furnished so please check with your new landlord to see if you are able to bring
furniture etc.
Medical insurance: There has been a lot of TV programs highlighting the problems
British people face here in Spain when they fall ill. If you are working and
paying social security you are entitled to free national health medical
treatment. There are no social services in Spain so aftercare is left to the
families of the patient. A new law will be passed in the next year to entitle
all EU nationalities under retirement age to receive free health care but this
is not the case today. If you are retiring early to Spain you must have private
medical cover.
Pensions, life insurance and investments: Members of EU countries have the right
to live in Spain by virtue of their countries’ membership of the EU. If you are
retiring abroad, you can continue to receive your UK State pension. If you are
moving permanently to Spain, you should get yearly increases in your pension.
Contact the Social Security Office to complete the correct forms. Work out your
retirement income by obtaining and completing a form BR19 from the Retirement
Pension Forecasting and Advice Unit (RPFA) on 0044(0) 191 218 7585 and ask for a
state pension forecast. This is available up to four months before you reach the
UK pension age. You should write to The UK Pensions Service informing them that
you are moving to Spain and give them your new address. Their address is
International Pension Centre, Tyne View Park, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE98 1BA
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 218 7777; Fax: +44 (0) 191 218 3836. To check on your
pension rights in Spain we suggest you look at
www.ukinspain.com/english/. This is a UK government website dedicated to
providing information for those re-locating to Spain from the UK.
Making the move
Once you have decided on where in Spain you want to live you will need to decide
on how to get here. You could take the ferry to Calais and drive to Spain, which
takes around 23 hours or the boat to Santander and an 11 hour drive down to the
Costa del Sol. The drive from Santander is best done during the day as there is
very poor lighting on the motorways here in Spain. Remember all your documents:
Driving licences/Car insurance papers Birth/Marriage certificates Passports Bank
books/cheque and credit cards etc., and make several photocopies of all your
documents.
Travel documents
Because Spain is part of the EU, if you live in an EU country, you do not
require a visa to enter the country. You have almost equal rights in Spain as
you do in your own country. Consider taking out travel insurance for your
journey over. Its money well spent if your car is stolen with all your
belongings inside. Ensure all your travel documents are kept on you and never
let your car out of your sight. Petty theft in Spain is rife and horror stories
are printed weekly in the local newspapers. Keep all your documents with you at
all times and photocopies in a separate place.
On arrival in Spain
As a foreigner living and/or working in Spain, the first thing you MUST do on
arrival is obtain your residency certificate. You will need a residency
certificate to get your children into school. Opening a bank account, renting a
property etc., can be done with your passport number. Obtaining your residency
certificate is a simple process which costs nothing. They are issued, on the day,
from your nearest police station. You can pick up a residency certificate from
your nearest national police station. You will need an appointment which can be made at
the same time. The residency certificate has replaced the NIE number.
Social Security - How to get a Social Security Number:
The process of getting a social security number is now very easy.
Simply go to any social security office, with your original passport and copy of
the passport. You will have to fill in a form, which is in Spanish, but its
quite easy as the normal questions are asked like, name, address, names of
parents etc. They issue the number there and then and give you a temporary card.
They send on the plastic card at their leisure. It is not necessary to have a
job, or even a NIE to get a social security number.
Why do you need a Social Security Number?:
You need a social security number to work in Spain. I am sure that you are aware
that if you are self-employed you have to pay into the social security, but also
if you are employed you pay and this should be deducted by your employer before
payment.
You are entitled to social security benefits, but pro rata to what you have paid
in.
You also are entitled to medical care i.e. you can sign on with your local
doctor.
You only have to pay if you are earning money in Spain, i.e. not on any pension
from the UK.
Looking for work
If you have not already found work or intend to work for your self, you will now
need to start job hunting. You may wish to buy a bar or similar business in Spain.
See our guide here.
Becoming a resident
It is not compulsory for EU members to become a resident of Spain but there are
advantages. If you intend to reside full time in Spain it is advisable to obtain residencia, which are issued by the National Police department. Visit your local
police station to obtain an application form.
Really useful Websites:
The British Embassy's website - For information on moving to and living in Spain
- medical cover, employment, education, pets, cars, benefits, getting married
and so much more.
HelpiammovingOverseas.com is a free website giving independent to people
thinking of moving abroad. The site has everything from useful hints and tips,
checklists, advice, packing boxes, links to embassies and customs, useful
contacts as well as a free moving quote service.
Useful addresses in London
Spanish Embassy: 39 Chesham Place, London SW1X 8SB
Cultural Office: Tel 020 7201 5522 fax 020 7259 6487
Press Office: Tel 020 7235 7537 fax 020 7235 2263
Labour Office: 20 Peel Street, London W8 7PD Tel: 0202210098 - email:
spanlabo@globalnet.co.uk
For information on Living in Spain, medical
cover, benefits etc., visit the
British Embassy website.
If you
require a visa or embassy information please
visit:
www.embpage.org.
If you
wish to study in Spain please apply to the
universities direct by
clicking here.
The
British Consulate-General in Madrid is unable to
accept emails related to passport or visas
matters. Please telephone our call centre who
will be able to help you with your enquiry.
CALLING FROM SPAIN: Visa Enquiries tel: 807 429
027 - Passport Enquiries tel: 807 429 026.
CALLING FROM UK: Visa Enquiries tel: 0906 664
8472 - Passport Enquiries tel: 0906 664 1717
(GBP:1.50 per minute) - If your enquiry is not
related to passports or visas, it will be
forwarded to the appropriate department for
reply.
We are looking for people who
have an interest writing content for this website. You could write about the
town or village you live in, or maybe you know about Spanish wine, history,
geography, dancing, festivals
etc? Please drop us a line:
info@town-crier.com.
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