Living in Spain.

Moving to Spain, or maybe purchasing property here? This page provides you with some useful advice and information to make the transition easier.

So, you have taken the plunge and moved to Spain, well done, you are about to change the pace of your lifestyle and fill your senses with a lot of new experiences. However, it matters not, how many times you have been here, or the quality of your Spanish, you will still experience a culture shock at some point in time.

So too, will you experience the differences in Spanish bureaucracy and the Mañana attitude to everything, that is as real today, as it ever was! No matter how cool and relaxed you think you are about everything, the "Spanish way" will still drive you crazy at times, but it's worth it!

Before you come to Spain to live or work, it is advisable to do your homework! One of the most important things to condsider is your insurance, health insurance and life insurance are important! Hospital and funeral costs can be very expensive in Spain, for those not insured, there is no free health service, except for those in current employment!

If you are coming to Spain for a Short time, or just for summer, then take out a travel insurance policy, but if you are staying here, then consider, health and life insurance very carefully!  When taking a  holiday in Spain, if you are from an EU country, you can get free medical treatment in Spain on production of the European Health Card, (EHIC card, for British people), although for holiday-makers, private travel insurance is still highly recommended.

If you are purchasing property in Spain, then, of course, we recommend Home Insurance too! Spanish properties are often not build to quite the Standards of other European countries, property insurance is essential to protect you against those unexpected problems. Home Insurance in Spain can help you find the Correct cover for your property in Spain.

If you intend to work in Spain, then you will require a Spanish NIE number, this is an Identification number that links you with the Spanish social security. To get an NIE number, you must go to the national police station, with a your passport and two copies of your passport, fill in the form and return two weeks later to collect your NIE number.

If you get a job in Spain, your Employer should deduct Spanish national insurance and tax from your wages directly. If you are starting a business, or self employed, the process is a little more complicated, many people choose to hire the help of a "Gestoria" (Spanish solicitor/accountant), to ensure this is delt with correctly.  If you are on the Coast of Spain, or in a location with a large English community, it is often possible to find an English speaking Gestor to help you.

Bear in mind, wages can be considerably lower in Spain, when compared to the UK or Germany for example.

One of the hardest battles you will face when living in Spain, has to be the Language, unless of course you already speak Spanish! Fortunately, there is quite a large English speaking community, (Mostly from the UK), that have made Spain home. Therefore, it is not hard to find English speaking businesses and services, unless you are living "off the beaten track".

If you need to purchase a car in Spain, then you will be required to provide a rental contract, or mortgage papers and a copy of your passport, in order to transfer the vehicle into your name. There is also a fee involved to do this, unlike in many other EU countries, this is based on the value of the vehicle.  All vehicles in Spain must be insured and have undergone an annual road safety test (ITV).. 

More in depth info on Driving in Spain can be found by clicking here.

Moving to Spain, or buying assets here, will require considerable paper-work and long waits at official offices, but it's worth it in the End.  People move to Spain for the Sunshine, Social life and relaxed way of life and of that, it has plenty! 

HOME INSURANCE IN SPAIN

PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT!