LIVING IN SPAIN - YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Q. Can I still receive my pensions or benefit if I live in Spain?
A. Your UK Retirement Pension or other benefits can be paid directly into your bank account at home or abroad. Further details are available from the UK Benefits Agency, and their address is:

The Benefits Agency
Customer Service Unit
Department of Social Security
Pensions & Overseas Benefits Directorate
Room TC109
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE98 1BA
Tel: 08459 154811
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Q. Can I take my dog or cat to Spain?
A. If you intend to take your cat or dog you need to plan ahead. Contact the Pets Helpline (UK) 08702 411710 for advice, especially if you anticipate returning to the UK occasionally. Pets may be taken to Spain, although you will need a health certificate from an authorised vet, issued within 15 days of departure, and a certificate of vaccination against rabies. You will also need a certificate declaring that the animal has been kept in an area free from animal diseases. All these certificates must be stamped and legalised by the Spanish consulate. Your pet must also have a microchip inserted.
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Q. I have children – what are the Spanish schools like?
A. The standard of education in Spain is generally very high, and since entering the EU, it has become simple to transfer between systems with full recognition of qualifications.

Schools and colleges are widely available, and if your children are young it’s recommended that you put them into the local school. State education is free, and most children are quick to pick up the language. Alternatively, they can attend private international schools where they study in English.

Further information about Spanish schools, both state and private, can be obtained from the Spanish Embassy. Most British schools in Spain belong to the National Association of British Schools (NABS) whose members are visited and approved by British School inspectors.
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Q. What is driving in Spain like?
A. It takes a few days to get used to driving on the right. Many of the road signs are the same as in the UK but Spanish 'etiquette' is a little different from the UK. Be prepared for sudden lane changing, late signals and tailgating. Stay calm - you're now in Spain - learn to just shrug your shoulders!!

Apart from coastal roads in high season, there is less congestion than in the UK. The motorways are well maintained and sometimes worthwhile spending a few on the toll.
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Q. Can I drive my UK registered car over there?
A. Spanish residents cannot drive a car on foreign plates. If the car you are driving is left hand drive you can transfer to a Spanish plate. A person wishing to change a right hand drive car can only do so if they are new residents and already own their vehicle. If you are spending less than 183 days in Spain each year then Spanish registration is not vital.
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Q. How do the Spanish treat foreigners who live there?
A. You will undoubtedly find your local hosts to be very tolerant, family orientated and friendly, especially if you make an effort to learn the language.
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Q. Can I get a job there?
A. Anyone from the UK who becomes a resident in Spain and has obtained a NIF number has the right to work in Spain without a permit, providing they have a valid passport. UK nationals are entitled to the same treatment as Spanish citizens in matters of pay, working conditions, vocational training, social security and trade union rights. The single European Act which came into effect on 1st January 1993 created a single market with a more favourable environment for stimulating enterprise, competition and trade and made it easier for EU nationals to work in other EU countries.
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Q. What about healthcare?
A. The healthcare in Spain is extremely efficient and available to all EU residents. The E1-11 form is required and this is easily obtained from your local post office. It explains exactly what cover you are entitled to. In addition, all British citizens of retirement age benefit from free healthcare under the reciprocal arrangements. You can also take out private health insurance at a reasonable cost in Spain or in the UK.
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Q. Can I use my UK electrical appliances in Spain?
A. The electricity supply in most of Spain is 220 volts AC, with a frequency of 50Hz. However, some areas do still have a 110 volt supply. If you are bringing any electrical appliances from the UK, you will need new plugs or adaptors. However, it is probably cheaper, and easier, for you to buy these goods in Spain.
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Q. Can I rent my property out?
A. Most certainly. Discuss this with our associate in Spain who will be able to introduce you to reputable rental agent whilst on your trip or nearer to completion. As in the UK it is normally better to go to the rental agent closest to the property you have purchased. You will also find that some of the major developments offer their own property management service.

Spanish rental agents normally offer a key holding/management service which will cost around £150 per year. They can also find tenants for you and will agree prior to the booking the net amount you will receive after they have deducted all of their charges. They normally also offer a preparation service. That is to say if you have a friend who wants to rent your property from you, they will clean the property, change the sheets and so on, for a fixed fee that they will confirm with you.

But remember you should declare any income to the Inland Revenue that you bring back into the UK. The Inland Revenue will be able to answer any specific questions you may have.

If you have bought your property through Sol Agency we will advertise you rental property on the www.sol-agency.com holiday rental pages free of charge for one year.
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Q. What about annual running costs?
A. As in the UK, this depends on the price of your property and when you buy. As a guideline, annual running costs for an average priced two/three bedroom property will be somewhere between £2,000 and £2,500. This will include water, gas, electricity, local rates, community fees and house and contents insurance.
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Q. As I am buying in euros and the exchange rate fluctuates, how can I protect my capital?
A. If you’re buying a property overseas, one of the main concerns may be the fact that you have to pay for the property in a foreign currency. But with everything that has to be done before you even get to this stage, it’s all too easy to leave your currency exchange to the last minute and hope that the exchange rates fall in your favour. This can put your capital at risk, so it’s wise to plan ahead and take the necessary precautions.

Once you know the price of your home, start to shop around for the best rates by calling the bank or one of the specialist foreign exchange companies. Although banks are traditionally the first port of call, it certainly pays to talk to the commercial foreign exchange companies as they usually offer better rates and sometimes a superior service. In most cases, their dealers will watch the markets for you and keep you informed of any significant changes.

The commercial foreign exchange companies are also able to offer you a number of options for transferring your money:

• Spot Transactions are ideal for anyone who needs their currency straight away as the currency is purchased today at the current rate. However, if you have time to spare before your payments are due, it may be wiser to consider a forward transaction.

• Forward Transactions allow you to secure a rate for up to a year in advance to protect yourself against any movements in the market. A small deposit holds the rate until the balance becomes due when the contract matures.

• Limit Orders allow you to place an order in the market for a desired exchange rate. Your request is entered into the system which triggers an automatic currency purchase once the market hits your specified rate.

Some specialist exchange companies also offer the option of regular pension and mortgage payment transfers at commercial rates
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Q. Can I take my existing furniture out to Spain?
A. The short answer is “yes”. Should you be moving on a permanent basis, you may well want to take some or all of your existing furniture, as well as your personal possessions. After all, you may have spent a long time accumulating what you have and it will make the transition easier. The best option is to use a property removal expert who will ensure all items are packed safely, fully insured whilst in their possession and transported to your new home with a minimum of fuss.
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Q. What about furnishing my property from scratch?
A. Discuss this with our associate company in Spain when you have secured the purchase. They will be able to help you with a furniture 'package' to suit your budget or put you in touch with a reputable local company specialising in this service.

THIS INFORMATION HAS BEEN COMPILED AS A GUIDE ONLY AND SOL AGENCY LTD CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS OR OMISSIONS AS SOME OF THE INFORMATION HAS BEEN OBTAINED FROM THRID PARTIES.
* PROFESSIONAL ADVICE SHOULD ALWAYS BE SOUGHT AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE*