Special Offers -
Moving to Spain -
Living in Spain
-
Working in Spain
-
English schools
Spain
A special thankyou goes to Strong Abogados for their useful
& detailed content on a variety of legal subjects.
www.strongabogados.com
Lawyers specialising in real estate transactions, zoning & construction
law
Moving to Spain - an introduction
The Expat's Guide to Living in Spain - A report on moving to
Spain, the most popular option for the majority of northern Europeans.
Fine properties, excellent food and culture, and with some of Europe's
best islands and beaches, Spain is an extremely worthy consideration
as an expat destination. This information section provides the details
needed when considering Spain as a destination.
Real estate / property in spain,
Employment, Contacts, Legal info & links, Citizenship and much more
information covering all aspects of living and working in Spain
& southern Europe. An Expat's Guide to Living in Spain will answer
your questions, save money and prepare you for a life in Spain.
Moving to Spain
www.escapeartist.com/spain4/spain4.htm
Removals to Spain - UK Removals to Spain moving Spanish house
and home moves door to door service England to Spain removals to
Costa Blanca Alicante Costa del sol Malaga Costa Brava Almeria Fuengirola
www.nicksremovals.co.uk/spain-removals.htm
Relocation Expert - Expert advice on planning your big move.
Relocation Expert contains over 70 articles all written by our team
of experts and we add around 3 new articles each month.
www.relocationexpert.co.uk/home.htm
Art & Culture - Spain: Art & Culture
www.escapeartist.com/spain/links.html
Articles on Living and Investing in Spain
www.escapeartist.com/Articles/Articles_11.html
Banks in Spain - Banks in Spain
www.escapeartist.com/banks28/banks28.htm
Economy & Business - Economy & Business for Spain
www.escapeartist.com/spain/ecoanomy.html
Education Resources for Spain - Education Resources for Spain
www.escapeartist.com/spain/links.html
Embassies & Consulates for Spain - Embassies & Consulates of
Spain
www.embassyworld.com/embassy/spain.htm
Government & Country Information - Spain
www.escapeartist.com/spain/country.html
Hospitals in Spain - Hospitals in Spain
www.escapeartist.com/Offshore_Health_Care/Europe.html
Jobs in Spain - Jobs in Spain
www.escapeartist.com/jobs19/nether.htm
Links, links & more links - Links, links & more links
www.escapeartist.com/spain/links.html
Moving to Spain - Maps of Spain
www.embassyworld.com/maps/Maps_Of_Spain.html
A large number of differing Spain maps, including city maps.
Moving to the Balearic Islands - Moving to the Balearic Islands
www.escapeartist.com/spain2/spain2.htm
Newspapers & Media for Spain - Newspapers & Media for Spain
www.escapeartist.com/media8/media8.htm
Real Estate In Spain
www.escapeartist.com/spain1/spain1.htm
Travel & Tourism for Spain - Travel & Tourism for Spain
www.escapeartist.com/spain/travel.html
Real Estate in Spain
www.escapeartist.com/efam20/buying-in-spain.html
Spain offers infinite variety, magnificent beaches for sun worshippers,
spectacular unspoiled countryside with magnificent vistas and peaceful
mountain landscapes. There are also an abundance of facilities for
sports fans and a vibrant night-life for the jet set. For those
who are comfortable living in cities, there are bustling sophisticated
metropolises. The Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol have the highest
percentage of retired persons in the world, when both Spaniards
and foreigners are included. If you're seeking a second home, which
may be used for long weekends or for lengthier stays, Spain is the
place! Looking for property in Spain
?
Living in Spain
Spain is one of the most attractive options in Europe, indeed
the world. It offers year-round sunshine, one of the lowest costs
of living in Europe, and many cultural and entertainment options.
It's residency requirements are very simple, read on for details
on how to become a Spanish citizen, there's more than just good
weather to look forward to in Spain.
Citizens of Spain's former colonies can apply for a Spanish passport
after only 2 years of residence Ordinarily, you must first be a
resident in Spain for a staggering 10 years before you can be naturalized.
Refugees are granted citizenship after only five years residence.
And citizens of some of Spain's former colonies can apply for a
Spanish passport after a period of only two years of residence.
As there is no shortage of citizenships available from the former
Spanish colonies, this can prove an easy path into the EU. Former
Spanish colonies include most of Central and South America, except
Brazil, which was a colony of Portugal. It is worth noting also
that those of Spanish Jewish descent can also apply for a Spanish
passport after two years of residence. Purchasing a home is not
a requirement for obtaining citizenship. And with or without citizenship
you'll likely have the legal right to work, though you may have
to prove six months of residence.
To become a citizen, you will be expected to become a reasonable
Spanish speaker and to maintain a real presence in the country.
However, during your period of residence, which will be between
2 and 10 years depending on which category you fall under, your
travel will be totally unrestricted. No one will count the days
you are away, and, because you will be living in the EU, your movements
through member countries will be entirely painless.
Working in Spain
If you're a permanent resident of Spain, you'll be taxed on your
worldwide income at rates in excess of 50 %. Income is established
by authorities based upon your home, car, and lifestyle. It's not
surprising that many wealthy Spanish passport holders establish
legal residence in tax havens.
Spain has tax treaties with many non-EU countries, including the
US and Switzerland. These treaties tend to allow individuals to
pay taxes in the country where the rate is lower. Wealthy foreigners
are therefore advised to consider Spain as a fine place to spend
some leisure time but not as a place to live tax-free after acquiring
a passport.
Taxation on income and capital gains for nonresidents extends from
20 percent to 50 percent. Tax laws effective since 1992 state that
individuals will be considered resident if they stay in the country
for longer than 183 days annually or if their main center of professional
or business activities for economic interest is in Spain. If your
spouse or dependents remain resident, you will be considered a resident
unless you can prove you were a resident for more than 183 days
in another country. Temporary absences will be included in the authorities'
calculations.
Income obtained by nonresidents is deemed to be earned on the date
it became claimable or when it was effectively collected. Unless
you have a permanent establishment, you must appoint a fiscal representative
in Spain and notify the tax authorities. Nonresidents that own only
one holiday home need not worry about this requirement. Tax-haven
corporations that own villas are charged with a special tax of 5
percent of each villa's value per year.
Despite these tax implications, a Spanish passport is a very good
one to hold. A Spaniard can travel visa free to a dozen more places
than an American can. In addition, Spain has a superb relationship
with its former colonies in the same way the UK does with the Commonwealth.
And remember, Spain does not tax its nonresident citizens.
Annual taxes - Once you've bought a home, annual rates and property
taxes aren't overwhelming. The municipal tax, payable at the local
town hall, is currently 0.7% of the value of a property Annual rates
are typically as follows: village houses, approximately 8,000 pts;
($52) per annum; two-bedroom apartments, 25,000 pts ($164) and three-bedroom
villas, 37,500 pts ($246).
Residency requirements
EU nationals can remain in Spain without a residency permit for
six months, non-EU nationals for three months. Basic requirements
for obtaining a permit are the following: four passport photos,
a residency visa from the Spanish Consulate in your home country,
proof of income or pension, the form El 11 endorsed by Spanish health
authorities or proof of private medical insurance, a certificate
that you are registered with your own consulate in Spain, an escritura
or a rental contract. The fee is 935 pts ($6.15).
Step-by-step buying in Spain
Most property agents will guide
you through the tangled web of red tape. Note that legal transactions,
fees, purchase taxes, and local taxes will increase the initial
price by between 8% and 10%. Completion of the entire purchase process
normally takes between four and six weeks.
A property buyer also needs to open a Spanish bank account and obtain
a fiscal identity number.
It's vital to ensure that all previous taxes and utility bills have
been paid and that there are no debts outstanding against a
Spanish property - you'll be
liable for them. Records may be checked against a property register
in the local town hall. If your agency doesn't have its own legal
department, you can undertake a search yourself or engage a notary
to act on your behalf.
If you haven't engaged a notary to conduct a search before parting
with your holiday deposit, you will certainly require one to set
up a contract and draw up the title deeds. A non-refundable 10%
deposit is normally paid then, on exchange of the initial private
contract. Notary expenses are officially controlled, and the minimum
fee is 15,000 pts ($198) for transactions below 1 million pts ($6,578).
During the ensuing 30-day period and prior to the signing of the
public deed (the escritura), have a lawyer check the contract. His
duties also include taking the title deed and receipt of all taxes
paid to the tax office. The fee for inserting the property in your
name in the official register is charged when full payment has been
made.
Taxes are equal to 7% of the value of the property plus 0.5% for
a legal-proceeding fee if you buy through a real estate agency.
Otherwise, you must pay a 6% property-transfer fee.
Although it's impossible to give exact figures for additional costs,
this is what you can expect to pay in fees and taxes on an 18 million
pts ($118,421) home:
Transmission taxes and
Sundry expenses: 1,466,350 pts ($9,647)
Notary fees: 111,737 pts ($735)
Lawyer fees: 40,600 pts ($267)
Property Register- 54,691 pts ($359)
-------------------------------------------------------
1,673,378 pts ($11,009)
-------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------
Since Spain is Europe's primary
vacation destination, you can expect a massive inflow of new
holidaymakers, new time-share purchasers, new real estate investors,
from the UK, Ireland, Germany, the Low Countries, France, and Scandinavia.
These folks are desperate for sun, sea, and sand, and perhaps a
bit of exotica. So there should be a pickup in tourist numbers and
their willingness to spend. We think Spain is due to boom because
of European integration, and advise getting your stake there before
it happens.
Land development
www.escapeartist.com/San_Cristobal/Land_Development.html
Finding & Using An Offshore Stock Broker
www.escapeartist.com/efam/40/Offshore_Brokerage.html
How To Disappear In Six Easy Lessons
www.escapeartist.com/efam31/Cartagena.html
Read The Best Of International Living Magazine
www.escapeartist.com/International_Living/International_Living.html
Free Articles From International Living!
www.spainexpat.com
Visas in Spain - If you're an EU citizen, you don't need a visa;
you already have the right to residency. You'll probably find it
useful, though, to apply for a NIE. If you're a non-EU citizen,
and you want to stay in Spain for more than 30 days, you need a
visa. If you want to live in Spain, the process is this: First get
a visa from the Spanish Embassy or Consulate closest to your home.
When you arrive in Spain, you work on getting residency. After you
get that, you can begin work on getting citizenship. Getting residency
in Spain allows you to live anywhere in the EC. Likewise, getting
residency somewhere else in the EC gives you a right to residency
in Spain. That means that if your goal is residency in Spain and
you have relatives or ancestors in some other country in the EC,
then the easiest way may be to first apply for residency in that
other country. The various visas you can obtain are described in
these.
Spanish Consulate of New York
www.spainconsul-ny.org
Student Visas
www.spainconsul-ny.org/!consula.doi/!visastu.htm
Tourist and Business Visas
www.spainconsul-ny.org/!consula.doi/!visatou.htm
Residence Visas
www.spainconsul-ny.org/!consula.doi/!visares.htm
Briefly, in order to get a residence visa: If you're married or
related to a Spanish citizen, you apply for the Visa de Reagrupacion
Familiar . If you're retired, you apply for the Visa de Jubilados.
Note: on arrival in Spain, you may be asked to get medical insurance,
so you're not a drain on the Spanish public medical system. This
may not be the easiest request for an older person. If you can't
prolong the health insurance you had in your country of origin then
try some of the companies listed in Health Care. The point is to
convince them that you are insured, whether you are or not. If you're
wealthy, apply for visas #4 or #5. If you're a Mormon, apply for
visa #6. If none of the above, then it gets tougher. You can come
for three months, then try to find a company to sponsor you, or
you might try to get residence in another EU country first (do you
have an Irish grandmother?). Or if you just love Spain but hate
bureaucracies, you can probably live here illegally many years without
difficulties, as long as you keep a low profile. Once you have the
residence visa in your passport, you have three months after arrival
in Spain to go to the nearest Oficina de Extranjeros:
www.mir.es/extranje/extdonde.htm
Below are the following documents you will need to bring, based
on the experiences of others (we haven't found any official listing).
A form called Solicitud de Tarjeta en Regimen Comunitario, Passport
and 2 photocopies, 3 passport-sized photos, Medical certificate.
If a member of the family is Spanish (or has residency): your Libro
de Familia, DNI (or Residency Card) of that family member, Empadronamiento,
and medical insurance. If you will be working for someone: a contract
of employment. If you will be self-employed: documents that prove
you fulfil the requirements necessary to undertake that activity.
If you won't be working: documents that prove you have enough money
to live during your time in Spain, plus medical insurance. If you
will be a student: proof of matriculation in an accredited school,
plus the requirements of the previous item. You will then receive
your Resident Card in a few days or many months. (Each Oficina de
Extranjeros processes candidates locally. The time spent both waiting
in line at the office and waiting for your Resident Card can vary
tremendously, depending on where you do it. If you want to get it
done fast, you'll probably find it better to do it in a small town.)
Read this CostaBlancaExpats article
www.costablancaexpats.net/pats/residencia.txt
More Info on residency - ID Numbers in Spain NIE (Número de Identidad
de Extranjero): The immigration service issues this number to you
once you obtain residency (you will find the number on your Resident
Card). This is your identification number in Spain. It is needed
in order to file taxes, establish a business, open a bank account,
and for almost all other forms you fill out. Both EU citizens and
non-EU citizens get issued a NIE. DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad):
This is the ID number for Spanish citizens. The same number is used
for one's driver's license. NIF (Número de Identificación Fiscal):
This is the tax ID number for all individuals. For Spaniards, it's
the DNI plus one letter; for foreigners, it's the same number as
your NIE. Once you have a NIE, you do not need to re-apply for a
NIF; if and when you have to pay taxes, use your NIE number. If
you're a nonresident who has to pay taxes in Spain, you may get
a NIF issued to you without having a NIE. This, of course, does
not mean you get automatic residency in Spain, nor will it make
it any easier to get residency. CIF (Certificado de Identificación
Fiscal): This is the the same as the NIF, but for companies. Social
Security Number: Your employer applies for this number when you
start your first job in Spain. This number then stays with you for
all subsequent jobs. If you are self-employed, you apply yourself
for this number. Marriage/Birth in Spain If the spouses (or spouses-to-be)
are from different countries, once the marriage or birth takes place,
be sure to take the certificate to the expat's consulate, so the
marriage/birth can be registered with that country. If you don't,
you'll regret it eventually. In Spain, the marriage certificate
is called a Libro de Familia.
Also, if you're a Christian-but-not-Catholic foreigner getting married
in a Catholic church in Spain, you may find the paperwork is easier
than it is for your Catholic partner: you won't need to show a Baptism
certificate.
Strong Abogados article and FAQs
www.strongabogados.com
About legal issues regarding marriage and children. If you're planning
to die, then read this Costa Blanca Expats article about Wills and
Inheritance www.costablancaexpats.net/pats/wills.txt
Spanish Citizenship After you have been a resident of Spain for
two to ten years (depending on the circumstances under which you
got your residency), you have the right to apply for citizenship.
Once your application is approved, you swear allegiance to the King
and to the Spanish Constitution. The public body in charge of citizenship
is the Ministerio de Justicia ; the place to apply is the Registro
Civil. You must technically renounce citizenship with your country
of origin (unless you're from Latin America, Portugal, Philippines,
Ecuatorial Guinea, Andorra, or you're a Sephardic Jew). In practice,
countries do not generally exchange this information, so as long
as you don't show both passports at the airport, you won't get in
trouble. Is it worth getting citizenship? The main difference is
you can get a passport and the right to vote, though there are many
minor advantages (EU citizen rates for museums, etc.)
www.spanish-living.com
Spain is situated in south western Europe. It occupies the Iberian
Peninsula and is bathed by the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean
and the Cantabrian Sea. It also includes the Balearic Islands in
the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic and the cities
of Ceuta and Melilla. Its total surface area is 504,788 sq. kms.
Population
39,887,240 Inhabitants.
Languages Castilian Spanish throughout the country: Catalan, Valencian,
Basque (Euskera) and Galician in those respective Autonomous Communities
Time Zone
Peninsula and Balearic Islands:
GMT + 1 hour (in summer GMT + 2
The Canary Islands:
GMT (in summer GMT +1)
Religion
The Spanish Constitution guarantees religious freedom.
Electricity
220 volts AC
Measurement System
Decimal Metric System
Passports/Visas To enter Spain it is necessary to show a valid passport
or another document adhering to international conventions and reciprocity
criteria that verifies the identity of the traveller. For citizens
of Andorra, Austria, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Switzerland and of those
countries, belonging to the European Economic Community, the presentation
of a national identification document is sufficient. For nationals
of certain countries, and in function of the duration of the visit,
a visa is required. Inc case of doubt, consultation at any Spanish
Consulate is advisable. Travellers arriving by car must have the
so- called "Green Letter" that covers insurance costs in case of
accident, except for citizens of Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Austria
or any EEC nation.
Customs Travellers entering Spain may transport a series of personal
items (such as personal jewellery, cameras, viewfinders, musical
instruments, portable video and sound equipment, athletic gear,
camping articles, etc) without having to pay customs charges. Upon
request, Spanish customs officials will issue receipts to justify
the entry into the country of any item.
For certain articles, such as cigarettes, cigars, perfume, wines
and liquor, maximum limits have been established, with customs fees
required on surpassing quantities.
There is no limit to the amount of Euros (€) tourists may bring
into Spain. Also permitted is the entry of cheques or vouchers issued
against foreign accounts in convertible Euros, as are travellers'
cheques, with no limits. Foreign currency can also be brought into
Spain with no limits, both banknotes and coins, providing they are
of legal issue.
Currency
The Spanish currency is the Euro (€).
Coins and Banknotes
Banknote fractions are € 5,-: € 10,-: € 20,-: € 50,-: € 100,-: €
200,- and € 500,-.
Coins' fractions are € 0,01: € 0,02: € 0,05: € 0,10: € 0,20: € 0,50:
€ 1,- and € 2,-.
Currency Exchange All bank branch offices offer foreign currency
exchange services, as do a considerable number of hotels and many
travel agencies. Most hotels and restaurants and many commercial
establishments also accept the most popular international credit
cards and travellers cheques..
Pets
To bring pets into Spain, visitors must present at customs certificates
of origin and good health in keeping with international norms on
such matters, and signed by officially recognised veterinaries in
the respective country of origin. The date and nature of the vaccines
administered to the animal, especially anti-rabies vaccine, must
appear on the certificate. Many Spanish hotels permit dogs and cats
under specific conditions. The entrance of dogs and cats in restaurants
is usually prohibited, as is the case with many business establishments.
Retiring to Spain
Many thousands of retired couples have successfully made a new life
in Spain, enjoyed some of the happiest years of their lives here
and just wished they'd made the move when they were much younger.
The mild year-round climate, in all but the most northern areas,
an active outdoor lifestyle and the company of like-minded couples
are among the many attractions which induce so many pensioners to
retire to a Spanish property.
Many older people have found that the climate, especially in areas
such as the Costa Blanca, has worked wonders for their health and
improved various ailments such as arthritis, rheumatism and asthma.
But, as usual, I have some words of caution for those of you now
considering retiring to Spain. Without wishing to be always the
voice of doom, I must tell you that for every couple who have made
a success of life here, there seems to be another couple whose dreams
have turned sour.
There are many reasons for this. The main one being a failure to
discuss the proposed move in sufficient depth before taking such
a dramatic step. I often talk to retired couples who came to Spain
with different hopes and expectations - and very often it's the
case that the wife was persuaded to make the move against her deepest
feelings and better judgment.
Problems inevitably arise when children are left behind, even if
they're grown up "children", and especially if there are young grandchildren.
Women usually feel the wrench more than men and in many cases the
homesickness is just too overwhelming for the new life in Spain
to be a success.
My advice to you, if you think you may be one such couple (or even
if you're both convinced that moving to Spain is the right thing
to do), is to rent a villa or apartment in your chosen area for
at least a few months before you buy anything.
Get a real feel for the place and the way of life - all year round,
preferably, not just in high season when resort areas are quite
different than in the winter. You may decide that the lifestyle
really doesn't suit you at all, that one or both of you is too homesick
or that you like Spain but you've chosen the wrong area. All good
reasons for dipping a toe in the water before you take the final
plunge.
And consider your own state of health and that of your partner.
No-one likes to think about the possibility of a long term illness,
much less their own mortality. But these are facts which have to
be faced and it's better to do it before you move to a foreign country
and culture.
Additional resources
www.spainforvisitors.com/sections/livingandworking.htm
The Timeshare option - What is Timeshare?
Timeshare is a system by which a group of people share the rights
to a property by buying specific time periods, often in one-week
intervals. The purchase includes a one off purchase fee, plus an
annual property management and maintenance fee. The majority of
timeshares are resort or vacation type properties.
Why timeshare?
Timeshares are usually purchased as a means to providing long term
vacation investment. Usually the cost of purchasing and owning a
good timeshare is less than renting similar accommodation for annual
holidays. Other advantages of owning timeshares include the option
to trade vacations with other timeshare owners. Timeshare exchange
programs also exist to destinations all over the world.
Fixed week or floating week?
The primary advantage of a fixed week timeshare is that you are
guaranteed the same week and unit every year. Where as, having the
option to choose a week in a specified but varying period each year
(the floating system) provides flexibility if preferred. Some timeshare
programs use a rotating week system, in which your week varies year
to year, permitting owners to stay during the most popular season.
Select carefully to ensure you purchase a timeshare plan that suits
your requirements.
How popular are timeshares?
Nearly 85 percent of timeshare owners call themselves either "somewhat"
or "very satisfied" with their timeshare.
If I wish to sell my timeshare, what happens to the deeds?
It 's possible to take care of such transactions yourself, but just
like selling a house, most people don't have the required knowledge
or experience to for all the legal aspects. We recommend using a
professional company for such transactions.
Buying Timeshares
Take your time, do your research, shop around and try to obtain
testimonials where possible before making a timeshare purchase.
You will want to research the potential area and facilities, staying
in the area for a holiday is always recommended if possible. Additionally,
you should consider the financial implications to determine that
your purchase will provide a wise investment.
Selling Timeshares
1 Present a fair offer.
Buyers seek out the best deals, usually a price substantially lower
than the developer's. Older units and units in less desirable weeks
are likely to sell for much less. If you don't receive inquiries,
consider reducing your price.
2 Compare other timeshares on the market.
Check around to see what timeshares similar to yours are being offered
for. Also check with developers to make sure you know current prices.
3 Be patient.
Your timeshare is unlikely to sell overnight. Though frequently
the price decides how quickly timeshares sell.
The article above was adapted from
www.timesharesaver.com,
if timeshare is of interest please visit this excellent resource
for the full story.
You may wish to consider mobile home purchase
as an alternative to timeshare or
property in Spain. This provides all year access or a retirement
home.
If you are looking for a good value new
property in Spain for
less than 100,000 Euros this new Spanish property development is
a must.
Information on the history and development of mobile homes, park
homes and static caravans - The really
cheap holiday property option.
We
also have a portfolio of Spanish properties / property in Spain
The above information consists of extracts from a variety of
resources, these are credited where known with links to original
materials & publications. All title & intellectual rights acknowledged.
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