Q&A

Please Note:
These rules may change at any time so to be sure please ask for up to date information on any subject heading here!


                                                                                      Cars

1. Can I bring my EU registered car to Spain?
If you plan to visit Spain for less than 183 days and you are not a resident you can bring your EU registered car.

If you have owned your car for more than 6 months prior to coming to Spain you can take it to Spain permanently. You need to contact the DVLA in the UK, who will provide you with a certificate of permanent export. You surrender the original Registration Document.

If you are a resident you will need to register the car on Spanish Plates, as legally you are not entitled to drive on foreign plates.

2. I want to import my EU registered car?
This process can involve a lot of time and money, think seriously if it will be worth it. You need to provide a form from the traffic office, resident card or passport and proof of residency – Certificate of Empadronamiento, ITV certificate, original bill or purchase, receipt for payment of local car tax.

3. What do I need to purchase a Spanish car?
You need to meet one of the following, official resident, title deed to a home in Spain in your name, Certificate of Empadronamiento.

If you are a non resident you require one of the following, EU driving license, translation of your driving license, a certificate of equivalense.

4. What are the roads like?
It normally will take you only a few days of being careful to get used to driving on the right hand side, most of the road signs are the same.

Spain is a very large country, with lots of open spaces, excellent motorways and lower traffic densities to other EU countries.

 

Health

1. What is health care like in Spain?
It is not that much different to the UK and is available top all UK citizens. It is considered equal if not better to other EU states.

2. How do I get free health care if I am not retired?
If you are on holiday or spending less than 183 days /year in Spain your European health card will cover you.

If you are a resident, you must pay into the Spanish Social Security system, this covers you and you family, under the same conditions as the Spaniards. If you are retired and in receipt of an EU pension and have a residency card you are also covered.

3. What if I am not covered by European health card or Spanish Health system?
You should obtain Private Health Cover.

4. I am taking early retirement, seeking employment can I get free health cover?
You should obtain form E106, which is based on taxes and National Insurance contributions in the UK over the previous 2 years. This is valid for 1 years. Dependants can also be added to this cover.

  

Purchasing Property

1. What is IBI?
‘Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles’ - annual real estate tax. These receipts show the ‘valor catastral’, assessed value of your property.

2. What will buying a property cost me?
Apart from the purchase price of the house, you should allow for 10% of the purchase price to cover legal expenses (solicitors, property VAT and connection of services). This 10% does not include furnishings. After you buy the property you should inspect the notarial documents in the register, registration within two months of properties at the Cadaster when there is no Cadaster reference number, registration for payment of real estate taxes (contribution) and registration for payment of rubbish collection. 

3. Can a non resident purchase property in Spain?
Yes. Many have and will continue to do so because of the climate and ease of air travel.

4. What do I need to buy a property in Spain?
Apart from the money, you need an identification number.

NIF – numero de identificacion fiscal. A Number applied for by foreigners who do not intend to live permanently in Spain.

NIE – numero de identificacion de extranjeros. This is an identification number and card for foreigners who intend to make Spain their new home.

You will need one of the above numbers to purchase property, cars, boats and to pay taxes and utility bills. It is also required to get a mortgage on your property.

5. Should I use a Solicitor?
Simple answer to this one – would you buy a property in the UK where you speak the
language without using one?
 


School

1. What is the structure of the ‘state school system’ in Spain?
Basic education is compulsory and free from the age of 6 to 16, which is the legal age for starting work. It includes both general and special need education. All students have basic vocational training in Secondary Schools.

Pre school – 3-6 yrs is not compulsory and is usually fee paying.

Primary – 6-12 yrs, Secondary – 12-16yrs.

2. What about qualifications obtained?
Any qualifications are internationally recognised.

3. Where do I get information on the available schooling in my area?
Your local town hall can provide details of local schools.

The Ministry of Education and Science (Ministerio de Educacion y Cienco) provides general information.

Servicio de Informacion, Iniviativas y Reclamaciones, C/Alcala, 34, 28014 Madrid (Telephone 0034 917 018 000).

4. Are my children entitled to Education?
Any EU resident is entitled to state education if living in Spain.

5. Will it cost anything?
School books must be purchased by the parent.

6. What are the differences I the Spanish Education system?
Generally failure to achieve set objectives each year may result in re-sitting the year similar to the American system. Uniforms are not generally worn in Spanish State Schools. Homework is generally more demanding than in the UK and is set regularly.

  

Business / Work

1. Do I need special qualifications to start a business?
This varies on the type of business you wish to start. Anyone using or handling food, will need proof you have completed the relevant food hygiene course.

2. What is the NIE?
This is your foreigners tax identity number. It is not a work permit, however when you get your residency card or work permit the number will be the same as your NIE.

3. How do I start a company?
There are many options here, you can work on your own, ‘autonomo’ or ‘cuenta propia’ or you can form a company, its Articles of Assossiation must be signed and registered with a Spanish Notary and the Mercantile Registry.

A single person can form a ‘Sociedad Limitada’ which is a limited company with minimum trading capital in the bank. ‘Sociedad Anonima’ is the equivalent of the British Limited Company (plc).

It is also possible to undertake a legal partnership or make a Spanish Branch company ‘sucursal’ of a parent company existing in the UK.

4. How much tax will I pay?
When you start your business you must notify the authorities you have done so, and from here on you will have to pay Spanish tax and Social Security. The tax depends on the profits of your business except for the NI element which is a fixed amount per person irrespective of turnover or profit. There are some simplified tax scheme for small businesses.

5. Can I work in Spain?
Any member of the EU is allowed to work in any EU country.
 
  


General

1. Is it expensive to live in Spain?
Cost of living can be as much as 30% less than in the UK.

- Electricity - varies according to usage €15 – €60.

- Gas, most areas have bottled gas, approx €11.40 a 12Kg bottle to be refilled. A contract should be signed at point of purchase to buy first bottle. You need a certificate to prove your property is suitable for the use of bottled gas.

- Water – varies according to usage, €2 – €5.

- Car prices are lower along with tax and insurance. Second Hand can be expensive in relation to UK.

- Petrol is approx €1.02per litre. Diesel (Gasoleo) approx. €0.95 per litre.

- Wine costs from €0.70 litre,

- Local brewed beer approx €1 for a glass. €2.20 Grande(pint)

- Spirits vary by retailer, but are generally 1/2 UK price!

2. We are retired and on State Pension, can this be paid into our Spanish bank account?
Yes, it can go directly into your Spanish Bank Account. Contact the pensions department in Newcastle – remember to ask about conversion charges. Also if you are on any form of State / local Authority / Armed Service or Civil Service pension tax is still paid in the UK under a reciprocal agreement with Spain. Although you do not pay tax on these in Spain it actually works out more expensive. 

3. Should we learn the language?
If you plan to work it is advisable, if not essential. It is a relatively easy language to learn and cassettes and books are widely available and fairly cheap. If you are not keen to learn another language there are many places along the Costa’s where there are more English then Spanish. Many town halls are now providing Spanish classes for free or a minimal fee.

4. How do the Spanish treat foreigners that live in Spain?
They are tolerant, family orientated and friendly. If you learn a few Spanish phrases they will welcome you even more.

5. How do I open a Bank Account?
This is very easy. You need to provide your passport, a small deposit and proof of address.

6. What is the worst thing about living in Spain?
Most shops close for 2-3 hours (siesta) in the afternoon. Family and friends want to see you more often!!
 
  


Spanish Will

The Spanish system in general recognises the nationality of the deceased and usually respects the laws of that country. However it does simplify matters if you have a will in the country where the asset is held.

Spanish law is very strict about how a Spanish Citizen can dispose of their estate. The majority goes to the children, with a small proportion being disposed of as the person wishes. It is not possible to make a joint will.

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

 
 

 

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