Why is that? What does Spain have to offer and why should you consider planning to move and retire in Spain?
There are many reasons why you should consider retiring to Spain:
1. Spain is a beautiful country – it is a diverse country which offers some of the best beaches in Europe, skiing facilities, culture and history, mountains and many national and natural parks.
2. A great climate – The climate of the Costa Blanca region of Spain is one of the healthiest climates in the world, according to the World Health organization, and Murcia has the cleanest air in Europe. The mild, dry winters and year round sunshine of the Costa Blanca, Costa Calida, Costa del Sol and Southern Spain make Spain an ideal retirement destination for those who suffer from asthma, arthritis and rheumatism.
3. Pensions – It is easy to arrange for your pension from your home country to be paid into your Spanish bank account or to transfer money between your home country and Spain.
4. Cost of living – Your pension will go further in Spain than in countries like the UK. Food, drink, utility bills and council charges and taxes are all lower in Spain than in countries like the UK.
Remember to get a pension forecast so that you can budget and research the cost of living in Spain, so that you know your pension will give you enough income. Contact your Department of Work and Pensions to advise them of your move and to sort out an E121 to get free healthcare in Spain.
5. Health care – Spain has the seventh best healthcare system in the world and British pensioners are eligible for free healthcare by using form E121 and registering it with the Spanish authorities. Private health insurance is very economical in Spain, if you want to “top up” your health cover or if you are not eligible for free health cover.
6. Lifestyle – Spaniards are much more relaxed and laid back than people from other nations and you will find this rubbing off on you. It is hard to get angry and stressed in a country where the sun always shines, where there are happy, friendly people and where life is just better. Spain offers a great quality of life and is one of the best places to retire to – you can sunbathe in the winter, enjoy outdoor sports and sit in your garden or barbecue all year round.
7. Access – It is easy to travel within Europe and to the UK from Spain. There are many international airports offering cheap flights and you can be back in the UK in under 3 hours.
8. Property – Moving to Spain offers many retired people the chance to use the equity in their property to buy a house for cash and still have money in the bank to use to make the best of their retirement.
9. International population – Spain has many immigrants especially in the big cities and on the coast. You will easily be able to find an area with other expat immigrants to make friends with and socialise with.
There are so many reasons why you should be planning to move and retire in Spain but, whatever your reason, make sure that you research and plan your move carefully to ensure that it is the best plan for you and your circumstances.
