According to the Spanish Governments statistics, Britons are the largest group of EU foreign residents in Spain. The British expiates accounted for 27% of non-nationals resident in Spain. The most popular destination is Andalucia with 30% of Brits moving there and coming a close second with 28% is the provinces of Alicante and Malaga.
So if you are thinking of relocating to Spain you can be assured you will not be the only Brit in the area.
There is so much to think about when considering relocating to Spain, there are books on the subject which can be very helpful. There are some areas that get overlooked so I thought I would cover them for you here.
For instance:
1 - How do you go about importing you car?
2 - How do I go about bringing my pet?
3 - Legal issues – What is an N.I.E. number and do I need one?
4 - Am I entitled to health care in Spain?___________________________________
1 - How do you go about importing you car?
If you have a holiday home in Spain and spend less than 6 months of the year there then you can bring your car without any formal paperwork. If you are a resident of Spain i.e. spending more than six months of the year in Spain then you must register your car with the local authorities and get hold of Spanish number plates. You will need to send your British Registration Document to the DVLA and obtain a Certificate of Permanent Export (V756). You can download this document from www.direct.gov.uk or just do a Google search of it. This document will need to be presented once in Spain.
You will not need a Spanish driving licence as an EU licence is valid in Spain.
Once your driving around in Spain you must be away that you could get a €60+ fine if you cannot show that you have spare bulbs, first aid kit, 2 red warning triangles, fire extinguisher, spare tyre and tools and reflective waistcoat. Also if you ware spectacles then you should carry a spare pair.
2 - How do I go about bringing my pet?
You are not allowed to bring cats dogs and ferrets under the age of 3 months. All animals need to be identified with either a tattoo or a microchip. If the animals are identified with a non-compatible microchip, the importer must supply the appropriate reading equipment. Certain types of dogs are subject to strict requirements regarding registration and safety. You will need to bring any veterinary certificates which should include the identification of the owner responsible for the animal, the description and origin of the animal, the microchip or tatoo number and information of rabies vaccine.
3. Legal issues – What is an N.I.E. number and do I need one?
NIE stands for ‘Numero Identificacion de Ectranieros’ and it is a number issued by the Spanish authorities to identify foreigners. Spanish residents do not need a NIE as they have an DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad Electrónico).
If you intend on residing in Spain you will need to produce this if you buy a property, buy a car, work as an employee or work self employed, obtain a phone line or contract mobile phone. To get hold of one you will need to go to the nearest police station which has a foreigners department. You will need your passport with a photocopy and 2 passport sized photos. You will then get given a form to fill in which will be in Spanish so you will either need someone whos speaks Spainish with you or a good Spanish dictionary.
4 - Am I entitled to health care in Spain?
Surprisingly health car is Spain is among the best in the world. If you are working in Spain for up to a year you are entitled to treatment as long as you continue to make NI contributions in the UK but you will need to fill out the E128 form.
If you are self employed and setting up home in Spain you should first get your NIE and also visit the tax office (hacienda) for an Alta Fiscal form. Once you have these two documents you need to take them to your nearest social security office where you will receive a social security number card entitling you to full medial cover.
Students are entitled to full healthcare if you’re on a compulsory component of your UK course. You will need an E128 form and this will be valid for up to one year.
If you are pensioners and have moved to Spain you will have full healthcare rights as the Spanish once you have filled out an E121 form. This form needs to be obtained from the UK before you move. The UK pays Spain an annual lump sum per pensioner to cover costs.
