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Buying in Spain - Enjoying the Spanish Life |
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Once the purchase and the legal process have been completed you will be free to enjoy all the benefits of Spanish and Mediterean life. Obviously your relationship with Desarrollo doesn't stop at this point. We appreciate that wether you intend to make a permanent move to your new property or just use it for holidays, that there will be many questions that you may need help in answering.
The BasicsWhat's the best things about living in Spain? Hopefully your reasons for purchasing are sound and reflect your desire to enjoy the best climate in Europe. Enjoy the fantastic and relaxed methods of Meditereanean life. Not to mention the friendly locals, great history and a wealth of tradition and culture. Each town and village enjoy fabulous local fiestas and welcome the participation from new residents. Of course it can not be ignored how much further your money can stretch, both in your initial purchase and in general living costs. These are just some of the obvious reasons that people choose to purchase here although for some factors like good investment opportunity and lower crime rates all contribute to a healthier balanced life.
Are there any downsides? Of course there are some aspects of Spanish life that can make it less than easy to fit in immediately. The main concern is the language, which if you wish to be fully accepted, requires some knowledge or willingness to learn. The upside of this is that if you try (even a little basic Spanish) you will be accepted, encouraged and helped in your learning of the language. Another aspect of Spanish life is that lot's of shops close for 2-3 hours in the afternoon. You will also find that the Spanish way of life is a lot more relaxed then in the UK. Once you accept that everything is not the same as it is in your home country and adapt to the ‘no-rush’ way of doing things, it makes life a lot easier. Most issues are easily overcome with a good dose of practice and patience. You may also find that as knowledge of your Spanish property becomes common knowledge, long lost relatives and friends suddenly appear out of the blue but maybe that’s a good thing! Can I take my dog or cat with me? As long as there is proof of all necessary inoculations and relevant microchips, dogs and cats will be allowed into Spain. The next step is to apply for a pet passport that will allow the animals to return to the UK without going into quarantine. Should we learn the language? Although you will find many Spaniards have an impressive command of English, and you will be hard-pressed to find a restaurant that doesn't offer its menu in six different languages, learning some Spanish will transform your experience of moving to Spain. It will make you feel confident about interacting with the locals and becoming part of the community, make friends, find work and enjoy social events with people beyond the expat community. What's more, if you decide to venture inland, away from the English-speaking crowds on the Costas, you may find yourself lost without knowing the essentials in Spanish. If you're planning to work in the Spanish community it is advisable. Otherwise you'll soon be getting by in 'Spanglish' and picking up the useful phrases which add to the quality and fun of life. Spanish is regarded as one of the easier languages to learn and many people get started using a phrase book or basic cassette tape. For the more serious there are dozens of low cost language schools that cater for students of all ages and ability! Below are some options to consider: Language exchanges If you already have a basic grasp of Spanish, doing an 'intercambio' - a free language exchange with a Spanish person who also wants to brush up their English - is a valuable way to improve. You will find adverts in expat magazines or newspapers and on noticeboards in supermarkets and expat bars. Make sure your 'intercambio' partner is of a similar level in English as you are in Spanish so that neither of you finds the experience too frustrating. Spanish courses If you would rather learn more formally, there is a wide choice of Spanish courses on offer at language schools, from intensive courses with a few hours' tuition every day to weekly conversation classes, from individual tuition to groups, beginners to advanced and from general English to specific business courses. Bear in mind that there are also many local language schools in all the major tourist resorts and towns that offer individual classes; group courses with different levels and intensity. There is such competition among language schools that if you shop around you will find very reasonable rates. Expect to pay around 200-250 euros a week for an intensive course of 15-30 hours weekly tuition. The longer the course, the lower the price pro rata. Courses are usually more expensive in summer or if they are business-focused. To find out about local courses, look in the local press and on the internet for adverts. If the idea of being in a classroom again doesn't appeal, there are plenty of qualified Spanish teachers who offer individuals lessons - at your home, in many cases - for about 15-25 euros an hour. Moving to SpainRemoval companies: All carriers specialising in international removals should be efficient, friendly and appropriately insured. It is advisable to choose a company that specialises in moving to Spain. Make sure they have a proven track record and that they will provide references.
Establishing residencyNIE: Anyone who moves to Spain should apply for a NIE - a tax identification number - as soon as they arrive. You can obtain the relevant form from your local Comisaria or Oficina de Extranjeros (see list below) or from a gestor. Then take the completed form and a photocopy, two passport photos and a letter proving why you need residency (eg. a letter from an employer, a copy of your rental contract or mortgage agreement) to the Oficina de Extranjeros. They will give you a return date to pick up your NIE.
Residence Cards: You need one if: Setting up essential servicesElectricity: Once you buy your new property, check all past bills have been paid, and then sign a contract with the local electricity company to start from the day you move in. Grupo Endesa (tel. 900 737 373) is the biggest in Spain, with various regional offshoots including Sevillana Endesa in Andalucia. You can usually register online or by phone rather than needing to visit a branch. You will need:
Gas: Mains gas is only available in the main cities in Spain. Elsewhere, gas is supplied in canisters (bombonas) which are delivered to your home. They are far more economical than mains gas. The supplier is Repsol (901 100 100). If your property has mains gas, contact the local gas company to switch the gas on, read the meter and provide a supply contract. Gas Natural (tel. 900 760 760) is the main supplier throughout Spain. Endesa (tel. 900 737 373) supplies gas and electricity. You will be billed every two months and - as with electricity bills - the best way to pay is by direct debit through a Spanish bank account. Water Water is controlled by the local municipality and charges can range from 50-300 euros to install water in your home in an urban area or up to 1,500 euros in rural areas. There is usually a quarterly charge for a minimum consumption, even if you don't use any water during the billing period. Check bills each quarter as they can often be inaccurate. To transfer a water contract into your name, go to your local town hall with your passport (or residence card) and previous bills from the former owner. Non-residents will also need to give their foreign address. Installing a telephone This requires dealing with Telefonica, the national phone company which owns all the cabling in Spain. Great patience is required, although they do, at least, have English-speaking staff. Dial 1004 (a free number) and ask for their "servicio inglés". An engineer will install the line within a few days, for which you will be charged 110 euros, usually spread over the next three bills. Line rental costs 30 euros for two months. There are six other phone companies in Spain - including Tele 2 (901 107 366), Uni 2 (902 011 412), Auna (015 or 902 500 060) and Jazztel (1565) - but Telefonica is the only company which offers local calls. If your property already has a phone line, transfer it immediately into your own name and ask Telefonica to read the account on the day you want the account to start, so you don't have to pay for the last owner's calls. HealthcareThe Spanish National Health Service: Spanish hospitals and doctors are of a very high standard and as an EU national you are covered for treatment with the Spanish public health care system. Make sure you have an E111 form (or E121 if you are going to live in Spain for more than three months), available from post offices in Britain or from your Social Security office. Make sure you apply at least three weeks before you come to Spain.
Finding a doctor (for private insurance only): You can choose to join any practice, not necessarily the one nearest your home, and if you are not satisfied with that doctor, you are entitled to change to another practice. You will find lists of practices in the local Yellow Pages (Páginas Amarillas), but it is always advisable to go with a friend's recommendation where possible. You do not usually need to make an appointment. Patients are seen on a first come, first served basis. If you are too ill to get to your doctor's surgery, a doctor will visit you at home at any time of day or night. Health Centres: Local health centres (centros de salud) also have a number of doctors available, for whom you will need to make an appointment. See your local Yellow Pages for addresses. If you need to consult a doctor, take your E111 (and a photocopy) or your medical card if you have one. You do not need to pay for a consultation. Your details will be entered into a computer and the receptionist will determine whether you need to pay for prescriptions or not. Pensioners do not need to. Dentists: You have to pay for dental treatment, unless you have private health insurance that covers dental work. You simply need to make an appointment and take a form of ID with you. Pharmacies: Most medicines are far cheaper in Spain than in England and available over the counter. However, pensioners are entitled to free prescription medicine from pharmacies with a prescription from their doctor. Pharmacies usually open from 9.30am-2pm and from 5-9.30pm Mondays to Fridays and from 9.30am-2pm on Saturdays. In every town and village there is a 24-hour pharmacy or contact number. Social security: EU citizens retiring in Spain are also entitled to benefit from the Spanish social security system. Make sure you get an E121 form from your local social security office in the UK before you leave and that it is stamped and signed. Once in Spain, take this to your local social security office in Spain, along with your passport and your application for residency, and photocopies of all forms. Once the E121 has been accepted, you will receive your social security card within four weeks. Driving in SpainThe roads are much less congested than most of Northern Europe, and because of the weather, driving on wet roads becomes a rarity, rather than the norm. It normally only takes a few days of being careful to get used to driving on the right and most of the road signs are the same. Spain's a big country with lots of open spaces, fantastic motorways and lower traffic densities, particularly away from the main coastal road during August. Touring Inland Spain by car is very popular.
Taking your own car to Spain: You can take your car to Spain if you have owned it for more than 6 months. The DVLA should be contacted in the UK where you need to apply for a certificate of permanent export. On doing this you will surrender the original registration document. This only applies to non-residents. If you become a resident and wish to use the car then you will need to re-register the car on Spanish plates. If your move is permanent you should apply for a Spanish Driving Licence to replace your old one. Driving licences: You are permitted to drive with a British or EU licence in Spain for up to six months a year, as a non-resident. But you will need to take it to the local provincial traffic department to be stamped and registered. If you intend to spend more than six months a year in Spain - and hence are a resident - you will need to obtain a Spanish licence, with form TASA2.3 from the local provincial traffic department. You must, under Spanish law, carry your driving licence with you at all times. Road tax: All Spanish-registered vehicles must pay road tax. The amount is set by local municipalities and based on the power of your car. It can vary from 20-220 euros per year. You must pay your road tax between March and May. Contact your local town hall to ask when and to collect a payment form. You can pay in person at the town hall (though this usually involves long queues), or better, by post or direct debit. Schooling in SpainThere are English and Spanish schools. With the Spanish schools it seems to be the same as the UK, it depends on where you live as to what school you get allocated. They are used to dealing with foreign pupils. The Spanish state education system is of very good standard and is free of charge. Spain generally works on the internationally recognised baccalaureate (A Level) system. About 80% of expats send their children to state schools in Spain, where the education is free and your child has the chance to integrate fully in Spanish life and to become fluent in the language. The younger the child, the easier it will be for them to integrate in this way.
Foreign Schools: The alternative is to send your child to what are known as 'foreign' schools, of which there are various types, including international schools. British schools teach the British curriculum and prepare pupils for GCSEs, A levels and entrance to British universities. As with private schools in the UK, classes are smaller and the range of subjects and extracurricular options is greater. The possible disadvantage of foreign schools is that pupils learn Spanish as a second language, so they will be no more advanced in the language than if they had studied it back in England (although of course living in Spain should count for something in terms of the other influences they will receive). International Schools: International schools accept a mixture of foreign and Spanish pupils and follow bilingual curriculum in Spanish and English, which prepares teenagers for the internationally-recognised 'bachillerato' qualification. Pupils are then equipped to attend Spanish or English universities. Private Schools: There are also fee-paying Spanish private schools, which teach entirely in Spanish and follow the same curriculum as Spanish state schools. Most private schools in Spain are co-educational, Catholic day schools, although some schools - including some American and British schools - take weekly or term boarders. Fees: There are no fees for state schools. Fees for private schools in Spain vary widely, though they are generally lower than equivalent schools in the UK. Spanish private schools and some international schools which fulfill quotas of foreign and Spanish pupils receive state subsidies. For these schools, fees are around 700 euros a year. Fees at independent foreign schools start at around 4,000 euros a year, rising to 10,000 euros in the most prestigious institutions. For both state and private schools, parents need to buy books, meals and pay for extra-curricular activities such as art and sport and for school trips. These extras amount to around 800 euros a term. You will also need to buy the uniform for private schools. Spanish state schools do not usually have a uniform. Applying for a School: As you would expect, there is high competition for places in private schools so you need to make applications as far in advance as possible. Most international schools have waiting lists. You will need to provide school reports, exam results and other records. Working in SpainAny member of the EU is allowed to work in any EU country. Working in Spain is no problem once you've got your residents permit.
Work Permits: If you're an EU resident, you can work in Spain without a visa or work permit. Once in Spain, you can register with the Spanish national employment office (Instituto Nacional de Empleo - INEM, www.inem.es) to look for work and when offered a job, you will need your employment contract in order to apply for your residence permit. Non-EU nationals must obtain a visa from the Spanish consulate at home before coming to Spain to work, study or live. In Spain, you must then apply for a work permit at the provincial office of the Ministry of Labour (Delegación Provincial del Ministerio de Trabajo) or at your local Foreigners' Office (Oficina de Extranjero). If you already have a job lined up, your employer will most likely deal with the paperwork. Then the provincial labour offices (Direcciones Provinciales de Trabajo, Seguridad Social y Asuntos Sociales) will decide whether to issue the work permit. Renting out your PropertyRenting out the property you own in Spain can be a useful way to finance the purchase and ongoing costs of owning a property. As people grow more disillusioned with the performance of pension schemes, it is also an attractive alternative investment opportunity. Demand for Spanish holiday rental is increasing every year. As well as the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca, Almeria is now attracting significant numbers of holidaymakers looking to rent a property in Spain.
Managing your property: Using 'word of mouth' is the simplest and easiest way to rent out your property. Let friends know that you have a property abroad that you would like to rent and ask them to tell their friends about it. Having people you know in your holiday home may make you feel more comfortable about others staying there. You may consider handing your property over to a holiday company. This may make you good money but be careful to check out their fees before you sign any contracts. Also remember, it's not easy to build a base of returnable clients if you don't have the details of who is staying there. Contracts: Ensure that the terms of your contract and the quality of your tenants meet your requirements. If you deal with a holiday rental company, read the contract very carefully before you sign. Make sure that any damage to your property is made good and the cost does not fall upon you. If you are supplying the tenants then any damage will be down to you, so make sure you receive a deposit. Ensure any rental business is legally registered and that you pay the appropriate taxes and insurance. When you provide linens and other services you qualify as a business and should legally declare a property as tourist letting accommodation. This may seem an unnecessary hassle, but remember that if anything goes wrong you will have a legal footing.
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