Retiring in Spain

Mon, Jul 6 2009

The information contained in this section could also be of interest to expatriates who have already relocated, and to long stayers who may be considering retiring to Spain.

Don’t rely on hearsay and anecdotal evidence about living in Spain. For people with access to a computer, log on to the following websites. The British Embassy site is recommended because of its comprehensive information about expatriates living or intending to live in Spain.

The information below is based on the following websites.
www.direct.gov.uk/en/BritonsLivingAbroad/Beforeyougo
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6165955.stm
www.fco.gov/travel
www.britishembassy.gov.uk

Before leaving:

Properly research your destination. Find out about local laws, customs and values. It is essential to learn some Spanish, which will help in communicating with local people, municipal, regional and state authorities.

Estimate how much retirement income and investments you have and allow for inflation and possible future diminishing returns.

If you are buying a property in Spain be very careful and take professional advice. Don’t rely solely on advice from an estate agent.

If you are not of retirement age and not entitled to the Spanish state National Health Service do take out adequate private insurance cover.

Seek advice about migrating overseas from your local Social Security Office, HM Revenue and Customs and the Department of Work and Pensions. Experience has shown that they are very helpful and provide information to ensure a trouble free relocation.

On arrival:

All EU citizens planning to reside in Spain for more than three months are required by law to register in person at a Foreigner’s Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) or at a local National Police Station, and present a valid passport, completing an application form and paying a fee. EU citizens will no longer be issued with a residence card. They will be issued with a certificate stating their name, address, nationality, identity number and date of registration. EU citizens with valid residency cards should take no action until the card expires. On expiry they must also register as applies to EU citizens planning to reside in Spain. Note: See David Searl’s contribution in the Legal Matters section.
Register with the British Consulate in Malaga, this is particularly useful in times of emergency. Registration should be done each year and can be done over the internet.

Make a Spanish will. See a Spanish lawyer (abogado) who will draw up the will according to your wishes. It should cover your Spanish property and investments. See our Fact Sheet for further information

Ensure you are on the municipal census (Padron). If you wish to vote in local and European elections visit the Town hall or Casa de Cultura, or Foreigner’s Advice Department to obtain information about registering on the electoral roll.

About Age Care Association

Age Care Association is a fully registered, non-profit making organisation staffed entirely by volunteers. Our Spanish registration number is 6282 – CIF – G92487602 (Registro de Asociaciones de Andalucia). The majority of our work is helping older British people living in the Province of Malaga, but we do not exclude other nationalities that speak English. We provide welfare information, practical support and two help lines (Telephones: 691761088, and 655903182). The Association also has a hospital and home visiting team. Other volunteers visit people in Care Homes when necessary. As part of our work we have repatriated some individuals to the UK, where there are more caring facilities and access to benefits unavailable in Spain. Some of our volunteers have had careers in nursing, education, psychology and other caring professions and are accustomed to listening in a sympathetic and kind manner. We work closely with the British Consulate, Royal British Legion, and branches of the International Lions.