Moving | life-in-spain.info

Help And Advice For Moving To Spain

Relocating to an overseas country involves a lot or determination and focus as well as a lot of drive in order to get all of the planning involved in the move taken care of as well as going through with the actual move. Everything needs to be considered and thought through to ensure that the move goes according to plan.

Have you considered your residency in Spain? Where you will work? As well as where your bank account will be and how you will pay for aspects such as tax and insurance? It is highly important that you don’t leave things to the last minute and that you plan through every part of your move to make sure that everything goes according to plan.

Below is a list of examples of some of the things that you should ensure that you do before your move to Spain:

Take a basic Spanish course; learning the national language is essential if you are going to be living in the country, you can’t just rely on English

If possible find a job before moving to Spain, you will then have peace of mind that you have a steady income to make sure you can support your family

Renew your driving license/passport if they are due to expire soon

Move for the right reasons, hot weather may be a major attraction but don’t move for this alone

Be prepared for a slower lifestyle

Purchase boxes and bubble wrap for when you are packing your belongings

Put labels on each box that list the contents of the box

Make sure you have a sufficient amount of cash on you when you arrive in Spain

Notify your bank etc of your new contact details

Check your passport and travel documents before you head out

The above are just a small handful of the things that you need to do when it comes to moving to Spain. One other consideration that you should do when it comes to moving to Spain is taking out travel insurance. This is money well spent as it covers all of your household goods and personal effects, including your motor vehicle. If you have travel insurance and your luggage vanishes or your car is stolen with all of your belongings inside you would be covered for it.

One other aspect that many people don’t think about is forms that you may need in the future. When you really think about it in Spain there won’t be forms available for you to renew your passport; because of this you may want to make a trip to your local post office and collect several forms that are used to renew your passport or to replace it if you lose it. You also need to make sure that before you move to Spain you have a full ten year British Passport that you should make several photocopies of, one of which should be kept in a safe place.

If you are struggling with your move to Spain you should get in touch with a professional advisor or talk to your moving company as they will help you in anyway that they can.

Helen is the web master of Overs International, specialists in all of your Moving to Spain and Shipping to Spain needs.

How to Avoid the Potential Pitfalls When Moving to Spain

There is no doubt that many people plan on either purchasing a holiday home abroad or living abroad permanently at some point in their lives. With so much property development worldwide there are many hotspots and emerging property markets popping up to allure people into investing into their dream holiday home or primary residence.

But there are many things to consider when buying a new home or property investment abroad, all of which will help you to decide whether that purchase is in fact going to be your dream property and not turn into a living nightmare.

Believe me, as someone who emigrated to Spain 3 years ago, I have personally seen and know of a number of people who have made the huge mistake of thinking that the grass is always going to be greener on the other side. In some cases it is and in some cases it definitely is not.

So, you and your family have finally plucked up the courage and have now decided that you have had enough of the Uk or wherever it is that you reside and are now looking for a warmer climate that is safer for the kids and will give you the opportunity to live a healthier outdoor lifestyle.

Spain is a wonderful country for setting up a new life but before you decide to buy a new property there, there are a number of things to consider including the following:-

Real Estate Agents – It is vital that you find a trustworthy real estate agent to work with when looking for your new property for sale in Spain. Try and find one via recommendations as there is nothing quite like a good recommendation from someone who has used an agents services before.

Language – Needless to say, not everyone in the world speaks English. This is something to think about because if you do not make an effort to speak the native tongue of your newly adopted country, you will find it difficult to do the simplest of things such as asking for food in a supermarket, asking directions, speaking to the authorities and of course, speaking to your new neighbours.

When you do not speak the local lingo, life can become very stressful as the most simple of jobs can become very difficult. So take some time to learn the local language before you emigrate and this will help you no end when you arrive and begin to integrate into your new surroundings.

Lawyers – When buying a property in Spain you will need to find a good Abogado(lawyer) to act on your behalf during the buying process of your new property and with helping you with tasks such as registering yourself at the local town hall(Ayuntamiento), getting your residence card or changing your driving licence to a Spanish one.

Make sure that your lawyer speaks good English at least sufficiently enough to explain everything to your clearly. Its vital when purchasing property in Spain that you go over the small print and know exactly where you stand, especially when buying a new home.

Employment – Finding work in Spain can be very difficult if you do not have a firm grasp of the language. Salaries are also a lot less than you would find in say the UK or U.S(unless you are moving to a larger city) so you may want to consider starting your own business.

Starting your own business is fairly straight forward and any good solicitor or lawyer can help you with this. You have the option of going autonomo(self employed) or you can start a limited liability company(called an S.L).

You then declare your income and expenditure every month to your accountant or solicitor and pay into the social security in Spain which costs around 220 euros per month and provides you with healthcare for yourself and your family.

Healthcare – If you pay into the social security system in Spain you and your family are entitled to medical care 24 hrs a day. The healthcare in Spain is very good and is on a par with the UK if not better. Its also worth taking out cover with Helicopteros Sanitarias who are like the flying doctors. They will visit you in your home at any time of day and attend to you for just 300 euros per year. They also speak English which is an added bonus for those who haven’t quite grasped the Spanish language.

Summary – Moving to any country including Spain is a huge step, especially when you have a family and young children. Its important that you look at every aspect before you take the plunge as you will be surprised at just how many people end up moving back again within a short space of time.

Saying that, emigrating to Spain for me has been very rewarding and a real journey for myself and my family. The one bit of advice I would give to anyone considering moving to Spain would be this – Rent before buying!!. That way, you can always give yourself a year or so to find out whether Spain is for you. Its also means that you will not tie all your money up in a property and you will also be able to move back fairly quickly without too many constraints.

Removal Companies Claim Hassle Free Moving to Spain

There are a number of causes for which millions of people are relocating to Spain, the second largest country of Western Europe. The place is not only frequently relocated for finding better career opportunities, but also for improving standard of life at economical rates. Apart from these, the place has got the due attention among the people from all part of the Europe and has become one of the sought after spots in Europe for relocation. Moving to Spain is not a hard nut to crack if you booked a packers and movers company in advance through the internet.

Moving to Spain is quiet easy if properly planned. If you want to get rid of tiring from shifting, then it is suggested to get the support of a good removal company, thus the process of relocation is carried out effortlessly and efficiently. In fact, a known removal company is recognized for helping its customers with various relocation related services at rock bottom prices. Of late, with the availability of various mode of transportation that includes Air, Water and Road, moving to Spain consumes less time.

Most of the renowned removal companies provide effective services by moving all the customer’s items safely and securely to the mentioned destination. Apart from the safe transfer of the customer’s goods, they also offer a wide range of services including packaging, detailed inventory, freight handling and the unloading of household items. Keeping in mind countless logistic issues from custom and declaration to unpacking of items, removal companies are confident to take care of client’s requirements– from packing of goods from your place to unload the items at your desired destination. So keeping all these aspect in mind one should carefully select a removal company that can carefully handle all the essential process of moving to Spain.

So, it is pertinent to make an extensive search to find a removal company who will guarantee seamless transfer of goods to your desired destination with safety and security. That is why; think moving to Spain only after booking a reliable removal company through the internet. We provide the best services for removal and packing of goods with no tension for the clients in reasonable prices in right time. You can search best removal companies for shifting through internet. Most of the reliable removal companies also offer storage facility of goods with safety and security.

What You Must Do When Moving To Spain

It’s really no surprise that many people would have an interest in living in Spain. After all, Spain has an amazing climate and year long temperature, which actually is a driving force for people in Northern Europe to move to this region and cozy up to the colorful Spanish culture.

Another reason that people will commonly move to Spain is for work or family related reasons such as a job transfer or whatnot. In this case you’ll have to become knowledgeable about various topics such as work permits as well residency permits. Also, you’ll need to know the language of the land, which obviously is Spanish, so studying for this beforehand would be a bright idea.

Regarding relocation to Spain for job purposes, you can actually make this a much more smooth transition by utilizing the services of one of the many relocation companies. These are companies that offer a staff of multi lingual individuals to assist you in such tasks as finding your home, finding a school for your kids, help with registering vehicles, as well as getting your residency permits. They can also help you extensively in becoming familiar with different aspects of the Spanish culture itself.

If you do have to begin working in Spain, you’ll need to obtain certain permits for this. The different kinds of permits depends on the amount of time you’ll be doing the work, as well as the type of work that you’ll actually be doing.

For those conducting seasonal work, you’ll need a permit known as the Type A Permit. This type of permit is good for 9 months and is usually limited only to certain geographical areas.

A permit that’s given for a longer period of time is the Type B permit, which is actually the initial work permit. These are for specific types of professions as well as specific areas. These are valid for 1 year but can be renewed for two years max.

Now, a C type of permit is good for any type of job. These are region restricted at all and are usually valid for up to three years.

The next type of permit is the Type D permit, which is for those people who are self employed. These also, like the Type B permit are valid for one year but can be made valid for two years at renewal if necessary. These as well can be limited only to certain geographic areas

A permit that’s valid for up to three years, that has no geographic limitation is the E permit.

Type E Permits have no geographic limitation. These are valid for up to three years.

If after a Type C or Type E work permit expires and you still need a permit to work that has no limit on geography then you can file for a permanent work permit, which is for both employed and self employed individuals.

Clinton Maxwell regularly edits newsletters on areas dealing with Spain and living. You might discover his publications on Living in Spain over at http://www.alicante-spain.com .

Storage of Important Assets in Spain during Moving

Because of better job options, way of living a comfortable life style and good atmosphere, today more and more people want to move to Spain. This western European country is the eighth largest economy of the world that is also the major cause of people relocating here. No doubt, this country has increased the interest of the people and has become one of the hottest spots in Europe for moving. When it comes to shift from other country to Spain, the decision of removal and storage of your domestic as well as office goods is quite easy but to complete in reality is somewhat hectic and exhausting.

Storage plan requires proper planning and the support of a good storage company so that the process of relocation is carried out with ease. This is why people seek a good removal and storage company in Spain because it helps people with the comfortable move and store that is quite safe and cheap. Storage and removal companies provide the best possible mode of transportation in order to ship the customer goods and products in the best condition and within the shortest time period and store it carefully. When it comes to find a storage company, it is now extremely simple with the help of the internet.

Storage service provider companies in Spain have a secured and climate controlled storage facility, which is vital for the safe storage of your goods. Apart from it, they provide you clean, damp proof and protection against vermin in their services. Storage of goods is done by professional persons and has facilities to suit your criteria. You can choose different sizes of containers according to your goods. When you shift from one place to another, your goods are fully insured at these storage facilities in Spain against, theft, fire and any kind of loss.

Only you have to register with an online service provider of storage service and fill in the desirable information about what type of goods you want to off load and for how long and how many times do you want to visit them as well as other relevant information. These storage houses pick up your already packed and locked goods from your house and off load at the store house. Apart from it, they also pack your goods on your request and carry them away and drop your goods in your house again when you need them.

Moving to Spain?

If you are thinking of moving to Spain either long term or short term you need to be 100% sure it’s the right move. You need to have drive, determination and patience as it’s not as simple as it seems. Most people when thinking of moving to Spain think of the hot weather and how nice it would be to wake up every morning to glorious sun. Remember that once the attraction wares off will you really be happy living in a hot climate? Sunshine is nice for a few days or weeks but imagine it for most of the year. You may end up wishing to see a cloud which never comes. The lifestyle in Spain is a lot slower to this country and things tend to take a little longer to get done. Living in Spain is not a holiday in any way and you should think really carefully about it.

If you are still convinced that you want to move to Spain then read on. Assuming you have cleared up any mess and tied up loose ends in your own country you are almost ready to move.

Here is a helpful checklist for you to follow before you leave:

Decide which possessions you will take to Spain – which you will leave in the UK – which items you can sell before you leave.

Obtain three estimates for the move from at least three different removal companies.

Buy boxes, labels and bubble wrap. When you pack boxes, list the contents on a label (this will save a lot of time when unpacking).

Ensure you have nothing on loan such as videos, library books and if so, return them.

Arrange moving date and confirm at least twice with the removal company.

Check all the details of your Spanish purchase. Confirm mortgage and lawyers.

Make sure you have some cash (euros) for your journey and arrival in Spain.

Notify authorities, banks, building societies etc of your new contact details.

Make arrangements for your pets travel and arrival.

Check passports, travel tickets and car documents.

Check you have got travel insurance.

There are also a few personal details to take care of like your pensions, tax, life assurance, investments and healthcare.

Remember that members of EU countries such as a UK national, a Dane, a Swede or Norwegian has the right to live in Spain by virtue of their countries’ membership of the European Economic Area.

If you are retiring abroad, you can continue to receive your UK State pension. If you are moving permanently to Spain, you should get yearly increases in your pension. Contact the Social Security Office to complete the correct forms.

Personal circumstances can vary greatly but you may cease to be liable to UK tax if you cut all ties with the UK and become domiciled abroad. However you will technically be a UK resident if you spend a requisite number of days in the UK and will consequently suffer UK tax on your income. Obtain more information on tax and your domicile status from the Inland Revenue’s document called IR20. If you do change you residency cash held offshore may still be liable to tax in Spain depending on local tax rules. Please note that Spain imposes a wealth tax on your world-wide assets. However, as Spain and UK have a double taxation treaty you should be given relief for double taxation. Please remember that if you are proposing to rent out your UK property this will attract a UK income tax charge.

Once you have all the above sorted out you need to decide on how to get there. This will depend on what you are taking with you. If you are having your furniture shipped over then you will just need to worry about yourself and a few personal objects. If you decide to drive, make sure you read the section on driving in Spain. You can catch a car ferry at many English ports and buy a one way or return ticket. It might be important to note that if you bring a caravan over with you, most ferries will not sell you a one way ticket so you must use the channel tunnel. Consider carefully the cost of a crossing to Calais and the additional cost of petrol and tolls as opposed to a crossing to Santander or Bilbao. Driving through France can be a long nightmare and very expensive on tolls.

Flying to Spain is a cheap alternative if all you have are a couple of cases. Cheap flights can be booked over the internet at as little as £50 each! But, consider how you are to get about once you get here. Spain is a big country and a car is a must, even if you just hire a car to collect from the airport. Whichever way you get here, there are several things you must bring with you. Driving licences/Car insurance papers Birth/Marriage certificates Passports Bank books/cheque and credit cards Enough money to get home Important medication Form E111 and remember to make several photocopies of all your documents!

Because Spain is part of the EU, if you live in an EU country, you do not require a visa to enter the country. You have almost equal rights in Spain as you do in your own country. It’s important to make sure you have a full ten year British Passport well before you leave. Make several photocopies of it and make sure you keep at least one copy in a safe place. Losing your original passport in Spain would be a bad move. It would be worth taking out travel insurance for your journey and it will be money well spent if your luggage vanishes or your car is stolen with all your belongings inside. Ensure your children have their own passports. It’s also a good idea to go the post office in England and collect a form for renewal of a passport and a form for replacement of a lost/stolen passport. These are forms you can’t get in Spain. Make sure you have all your birth/marriage certificates with you and again, make sure you have several photocopies of each which you should keep separate from the originals.

Once in Spain the first thing you must do as a foreigner living and/or working in Spain is obtain an NIE number. This is a very important but a very simple process providing you follow the guidelines. You can get a Gestor to apply for you but it will cost you about 100. To do it yourself, go to the National Police station. You will also need a social security number. You will need this if you are intending on working in Spain, if you are entitled to social security benefits or if you are entitled to medical care. To obtain a social security number all you need to do is go to any social security office, with your original passport and copy of the passport. You will have to fill in a form, which is in Spanish so you might need to take someone whos speaks Spanish with you or even better learn the language before you leave. They issue the number there and then and give you a temporary card. They send on the plastic card at their leisure. It is not necessary to have a job, or even a NIE to get a social security number.

Carolyn is the webmaster of Overs International Ltd, specialists in moving to Spain, moving to Portugal and moving to France.

Moving to Spain: Looking for an Optimistic Change in Life

To make one life happening and full of excitement it is important that we adopt few changes in our life. These changes can be related to any matter such as personal or professional. Many people find these changes exciting and love to be a part of it but there are people who deny changes in their life and love to spend their life in the same old manner. The reason behind the changes can also be different for different people. Some people have to adopt changes due to the growth of their profession or business and some have to adopt changes due to some of their personal reason. Whatever be the reason but changes where one has to move from one place to another require careful planning. In this regard moving to Spain has become a good choice due to its warm climate, low cost of living and better employment chances.

Before making the final decision of moving to Spain one should go for a trial holiday trip to Spain and find out its merit and demerit as well as collect all the valuable information related to Spain that will further help to take an informed decision. By spending some quality times at Spain one can find out various facts such as potential residents that can be found in that place, schools and hospitals facility available so that one take proper decision on moving to Spain. Various other facts such as rules and regulation of the country which one has to abide while staying should be clear so that one do not find any difficulty after moving to Spain.

Spain has become the most preferred destination due to various job and business opportunities as its economy is eighth largest in the world and it is still in the process of growing. Decision of moving to Spain is quite a tough one, as one has to do lots of planning before finally moving to Spain. Before moving to Spain one must decide on the profession or business he will get involved into. After deciding of the job the most difficult task left in this process is shifting of one’s entire belonging and possession, which is impossible to carry out without the help of the removal company.

These companies provide comprehensive removal service so that their client is not faced with any kind of inconvenience. It is extremely important that every aspect of moving to Spain should be planned well in advance and one should planned for his every move in order to make sure that everything is carried out according to a set plan. Spain has become a good choice to emigrate due to its warm climate, low cost of living and better employment chances.

life-in-spain.info

Categories

Blogroll

Site Sponsor Req

Recent Posts