Here are my top 10 tips for moving to Spain:
1. Cost of living - Make sure you will have an income to meet the cost of living in Spain – a pension or income from a job or business. Don't assume that finding a job is easy and that you can live on your savings while you look for a job – get employment sorted.
2. Contact the Spanish Consulate in your own country to find out what you need to do to emigrate legally. EU citizens can move freely within the EU but US citizens and those from other countries will need visas and permits. Don't rely on information from websites, check with the Consulate to get up to date information.
3. Travel to Spain at different times of year – Areas which seem tranquil in the Autumn or Winter may become busy with tourists in the Summer. Visit different areas and look at different types and styles of property to narrow down exactly what you want.
4. Choose professionals wisely – A gestor will help you deal with all of the bureaucracy and red tape that Spain is known for. He will help you apply for an NIE number, the Certificado de Registro (Residencia), permits, setting up a business etc.
An abogado (lawyer) will help you with a property purchase. Do not use the abogado recommended by the estate agent or builder, choose your own from recommendation from another expat.
A tax adviser will help you sort out tax issues and will help you file your annual tax return.
5. Job Search in Spain - Use the Internet to search for jobs and property, to research areas and to find out information about what documents you need to move to Spain. Register on expat forums and discussion boards to get advice and tips for moving to Spain.
6. Health cover – Talk to your department of work and pensions in your home country before moving to Spain, to get information on whether you will be covered. Pensioners from the UK should obtain form E121 which will entitle them to free healthcare in Spain.
If you are employed in Spain, you and your family will be covered by your social security payments. If you are self-employed, you should be making social security payments and these will entitle both you and your dependants to free health care. If you are not covered through the social security system or by your home country, you will need to take out private health insurance which is very reasonable in Spain.
7. Don't rush any decisions – Take your time researching and planning your move. It is a good idea to rent in Spain for a while so that you can be sure of your decision and can take your time to find the perfect property and location.
8. Budget – Allow about 10% of the purchase price of your property for fees and taxes and make sure that you are aware of the running costs such as community charges and taxes.
9. Education – Make sure that the area you have chosen offers the right kind of education for your children. Research schools in the area and register your children in a school as soon as you can.
10. Learn Spanish – Use audio CD courses, language websites, books or a tutor to teach you the basics. Living in Spain is so much easier when you can communicate!
If you follow these tips for moving to Spain, your move should go smoothly and your new life should be the dream you wanted.
