Living in Spain - moving to your new Spanish home
Spain has a magical air surrounding it that continues to attract holidaymakers and emigrants alike. However, many people go about buying Spanish property without thinking things through with regards to living in Spain. Spain may be fantastic but there are things you need to know in order to make the most of your new Spanish home.
Living in Spain - finding work and unemployment
After buying a Spanish home you are determined to start a new life in Spain. What else do you need to know about living in Spain?
There is legislation and documentation that anyone buying Spanish property needs to know about. This is equally true whether you plan on living in your new Spanish home or never intend to stay in the country.
If you need to work to support yourself and your new life in Spain then you should try to find employment before you travel. Finding work in Spain can be difficult and where you want to buy a Spanish home may not be where jobs are to be found.
You do not have any automatic right to benefit payments from the state when first start living in Spain. Making social security contributions will protect you should you become unemployed whilst in Spain.
Living in Spain - education, health and pensions
If you are moving with children then the question of schooling is one which largely determines their ability to enjoy life in Spain. You should learn as much as you can about education in Spain before committing to buying Spanish property.
The Spanish health care system is one of the best in the world. Information about entitlements, cover etc can be found here. These are things you should endeavour to find out before moving to your new Spanish home, particularly if you have any special medical requirements.
Make the most of your twilight years in your Spanish home. Be wary not to follow the mistakes made by some retirees buying Spanish property; where their pensions have been eaten up by tax. Let retiring in Spain be your gift to yourself for all those years of hard work.
Living in Spain - moving your belongings to Spain, moving in and getting connected
You have brought the perfect home for living in Spain. You are looking forward to retirement, your new job or starting that new business. What else do you need to know about moving to Spain? How to get you and your belongings there is a start! Whether you hire a van and drive to Spain or hire a removal van, donīt forget the rest of your family; moving your pets to Spain takes some careful planning.
Access to water, gas and electricity is essential for everyday living in Spain! Utilities in Spain operate slightly differently to the UK. Before buying Spanish property you should know a little about the procedure for getting your Spanish home connected. It is always best to get utilities sorted out as soon after buying your Spanish home as possible, and not when you arrive at the dead of night!
Once you move in there will be other finance and practicalities to consider; opening a bank account, registering at the local health centre and meeting other ex-pats at the nearest bodega!
Life in Spain - business and tax
A large number of ex-pats heading out for a new life in Spain do so hoping to start their own business. Many foreigners are buying Spanish property and businesses but, as with anywhere, buying a business in Spain is something you should think carefully about before committing to.
Unfortunately, the magic of living in Spain does not extend to being a financial oasis where tax does not exist! Anyone looking at buying Spanish property should familiarise themselves with Spainīs tax legislation to protect themselves and their Spanish home.
