Moving 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. Most job vacancies here in the Costa del Sol are place in the Sur in English newspaper. You can view their website here: www.surinenglish.com. 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

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