- Great climate – The climate of the popular Costa Blanca has even been recommended by the World Health Organization as one of the best climates in the world and Murcia region has the cleanest air in Europe. The climate of the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol and southern Spain is perfect for retired people who suffer from asthma, arthritis and rheumatism.
- Idyllic lifestyle – Take advantage of the climate and enjoy lazing on the each, sunbathing on your garden or terrace, picking a lemon off your own lemon tree to slice into your gin and tonic, barbecuing every day......you get the idea!
- Beautiful scenery – from gorgeous sandy beaches to spectacular mountains, Spain is a country of contrasts and wonderful scenery.
- Healthy lifestyle – Not only is the climate healthy, but so is the food. Enjoy the benefits of the Mediterranean diet and take on the laid back, relaxed way of life of the Spaniards.
- Low cost of living – Enjoy your retirement in a country where your pension can easily match your cost of living and allow you to eat out, go on holidays and live life to the full.
Those are just a few reasons for considering retiring to and living in Spain, but don't just move to Spain without researching and planning your move. You need to think carefully and consider how to best retire in Spain. Here are some ideas of what to consider when thinking how to best retire in Spain:
- Research – Find as much information as you can about moving to Spain, retiring to Spain and living in Spain. Search the internet, buy a book or two, download reports, watch TV programmes, read magazines and use expat forums to get information from people who have already made the move.
- Budget – Make a budget and plan financially for your move. Figure out the costs of everything – property, fees and taxes, removals, travel, living costs etc. Make sure that you will have enough income from pensions and other sources to pay for your everyday cost of living.
- Rent before you buy – Many people have rushed into buying a property and then regretted it later. Consider renting for a year before buying so that you can be sure that you have chosen the right area and property style for your needs.
- Healthcare – Spain has the seventh best healthcare system in the world and you will want to take advantage of these excellent facilities. Before you move, make sure that you get advice and apply for and fill in any forms and documentation that will enable you to get free healthcare in Spain. If, for some reason, you do not qualify for free healthcare, make sure that you take out private health cover.
- Professional advice – Get tax advice from a tax adviser before you move to Spain, use an abogado when purchasing property, hire a gestor to help you with Spanish bureaucracy and use a tax adviser or accountant to help you with your finances and your tax return.
- Plan for the worst – Consider what you will do if things go wrong, if your partner becomes ill or dies.
These are just some of the issues you should consider before deciding to retire in Spain. If you plan carefully, you will have the retirement you have always dreamed of in the wonderful country of Spain.
