Have you been considering emigrating to Spain from the UK? If so, there’s a few important things you’ll need to do in preparation, as well as some relevant factors to consider before making the plunge. This article will provide information about some of the key points to remember.
Visa Information
The first thing you’ll need to do is apply for the appropriate Visa to move to Spain, from either the London, Edinburgh, or Manchester Spanish consulates. Once you’ve arrived in Spain, you’ll need to apply for your residence documents. Children will need their own residence documents as well. See information from gov.uk and the Spanish Government website on how to obtain these. Of course, you must also remember to bring your passport wherever you’re going in Spain.
Your close family members can move to Spain with you once your documents are officially in place. Spouses, registered or durable partners, dependent children and grandchildren and dependent parents and grandparents are all included in this. They will also need to apply online before moving, or will have three months to do so after moving to Spain.
Working and Retiring in Spain
You’ll also need the correct Visa for if you’re planning on working in Spain. To obtain this, there’s other important documents you may need to present, including a UK Criminal Record Certificate. Even if you’re working for a UK-based company, there may be an impact on whether you contribute to National Insurance. If you’re wanting to work in a profession that is regulated in Spain, your professional qualifications may need to be recognised.
If you’re wanting to retire in Spain, it’s possible to claim your UK state pension, and a pension if you’ve worked in other EU countries. The International Pension Centre has more information about this.
Buying Property
The Government recommends that you seek legal advice from an independent lawyer specialising in Spanish land law. They’ll be able to provide you with the most accurate information and advice if you’re wanting to buy property in Spain.
There are mortgages available from a range of different banks in Spain, so be sure to do your research to see which is the best option for you. Make sure you fully understand your mortgage agreement before signing it, so that you don’t end up falling behind on your mortgage repayments. There are a number of different things to check before purchasing, which are included on the UK Government’s website. This includes the land registry extract, ensuring there are no outstanding checks or charges on the property, and that the details of the property and land for sale match one another. It’s also worth having the property surveyed by a professional, to check that everything is in order. Once the purchase is complete, it’s important to update the Land Registry and have your name put to the property so that all of your rights are properly protected.
Property owners can join a ‘Community of Owners’, which is a legal entity made of homeowners from the same development. It means that the maintenance of the property is being fairly contributed to all, to avoid the property falling into disrepair or other structural issues arising. This is most applicable to those moving into a block of flats or urbanisation.
The Spanish Land Registry have their own Guide to Buying Property in Spain, so check this for further up-to-date information.
Cost of Living
An significant reason for many to make the move to Spain is the affordable cost of living. It’s more affordable than many of the other Western European countries. New residents can easily make the most of Spain’s impressive nightlife by going out for a hearty meal that won’t break the bank. A more relaxed, informal dinner will cost even less.
It’s possible to travel all around the country at a reasonable price using Spain’s extensive bus and metro routes. It means that if you’re going out there to work, your weekends and holidays will be jam-packed exploring the incredible culture and art that Spain has to offer. As well as the bigger cities such as Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia, there’s so many smaller towns and villages that are thriving with life and are just waiting to be discovered.
Culture and climate
Spain still has a temperate climate like the UK, but the colder seasons will feel mild rather than freezing cold. The average temperature will differ depending on which area of Spain you’re planning to live in, and there’s especially a difference between the coastal and in-land locations. The warmest months are July and August, when it’s hot and dry for most of the country. In December, January and February it’s coldest. There’s a lot more rainfall during these months, especially in the North.
The Spanish culture makes it the ideal location for those wanting a more relaxed working day. Work begins at 10am, with a siesta between 2pm and 4pm every day. The work day finishes at about 8pm. This is perfect for the long summer months, when the temperature is hottest during the day. You can switch off the computer and leave the office, and go for a dip in the pool to cool off.
If you’re seriously considering moving to Spain, the best place for information is the UK and Spanish governments’ websites. This will be the most up-to-date and relevant so that your move is as seamless as possible.
