Moving to Spain in association with
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On arrival in Spain - N.I.E. Number As a foreigner living and/or working in Spain, the first thing you MUST do on arrival is obtain an NIE number. This is a 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 your self, go to the National Police station and collect an application form. HOW TO FILL IN THE N.I.E. APPLICATION FORM 1 DATOS PERSONALES means PERSONAL DETAILS 1er Apellido: Surname 2º Apellido : (second Surname) Write three chiffons instead (---) Nombre : Christian Name (make sure to use same as in passport) Fecha de Nacimiento: Date of birth (use two digits for day and month) Lugar de nacimiento: Place of birth Sexo : Gender “H” for Male (Hombre) and “M” Female (Mujer) . X cross the one applicable Estado Civil: Status. S for single C for married. V for widow and D for divorced País de nacimiento: Country of Birth País de nacionalidad: Current Nationality Nombre del padre: Father´s name Nombre de la madre: Mother´s name Domicilio en España: Address in Spain (if you have one, otherwise leave blank) - Localidad: Town, CP: Postcode, Provincia: Province SECTION 2 Reasons for application: Economic, Professional or Social (Tick professional for work reasons or social for house purchase) 3) DOMICILIO A EFECTOS DE NOTIFICACIONES Leave blank Sign the form at the bottom, under 'firma de solicitante'. Complete the form and take it back to the National Police station, along with a photocopy. You also need to provide your original passport and a photocopy. That's it ! You will then be told to return in approx. 4 weeks time when your number will be ready to collect. You need this number to do anything fiscal in Spain such as open a bank account [this can also be done with your passport number] Social Security How to get a Social Security Number: The process of getting a social security number is now very easy. Simply 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, but its quite easy as the normal questions are asked like, name, address, names of parents etc. 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. Why do you need a Social Security Number?: 1. You need a social security number to work in Spain. I am sure that you are aware that if you are self-employed you have to pay into the social security, but also if you are employed you pay and this should be deducted by your employer before payment. 2. You are entitled to social security benefits, but pro rata to what you have paid in. 3. You also are entitled to medical care i.e. you can sign on with your local doctor. 4. You only have to pay if you are earning money in Spain, i.e. not on any pension from the UK.
Residencias A residencia is a form of permit for those who intend to reside in Spain on a permanent basis. It is NOT compulsory for EU citizens, however, there are advantages. They are issued by the National Police dept. You may wish to employ the services of a gestor for your application. Failing this, visit your nearest police station and collect the application forms. Go to the police station and collect the forms. Complete and return them along with the documents they request and usually you can collect your certificate one month later. Residencia cards are no longer issued as EU courts ruled that they were illegal. Now it is just an A4 piece of paper. You MUST by law carry this with you at all times. Failure to do so can result in a fine on the spot.
SIP Card First of all, you must register with social security (Dirección General de la Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social or TGSS), which has offices throughout Spain, to get a social security number. You’ll need to show your passport or ID card, residency certificate and a completed application form. You’ll also need to have registered your details (address etc.) at your town hall. Once you have registered with the TGSS you’ll be given a social security number and a certificate stating that you’re entitled to medical help. You then take the certificate, passport and NIE number (foreigner’s identity number) along to your local health centre. Click on this map to find the closest one to you. You can then register with a doctor and apply for a health card (tarjeta sanitaria individual or TSI). This will be sent to you in the post, or you will be asked to pick it up personally. The health centre will also be able to arrange for you to get a Sistema de Informacion Poblacional or SIP card. You’ll need to show it every time you visit a clinic, hospital or collect a prescription from a pharmacy.
The legal system in Spain is a complicated one. There is however, no shortage of lawyers. Most speak several languages. How should I look for a lawyer? There are a number of ways where you can find a lawyer to suit your needs. The best way is perhaps by referrals. A friend, acquaintance, your real estate agent or even another lawyer in your own country may be able to refer you to a professional lawyer with the particular expertise in the matter to be addressed. Real estate agents are a good source of information when it comes to hiring a lawyer with expertise and good credentials, specially those specialised in the field of property conveyance. In many law firms, different lawyers specialise in different areas of the law. If this is not the case, a lawyer you have approached may be able to refer you to a colleague with a broader experience or background in a particular field of the law. This also applies to a lawyer with a good command of your language which will no doubt help you feel more confident.
‘Make sure you use an independent solicitor when buying and selling a
property in Spain.’
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You’ll need to consider your pensions, tax, life assurance, investments and healthcare arrangements in your new home. Please note 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. 1. Before you leave the UK work out your retirement income by obtaining and completing a form BR19 from the Retirement Pension Forecasting and Advice Unit (RPFA) on 0044(0) 191 218 7585 and ask for a state pension forecast. This is available up to four months before you reach the UK pension age. The forecast you receive subject to your general entitlement will tell you what your pension is at the date received and whether or not you will get more by the time you reach UK pension age. Note that if you have already moved, and are paying local Spanish social security payments, that this forecast will not include your local contributions. 2. You should write to The UK Pensions Service informing them that you are moving to Spain and give them your new address. Their address is International Pension Centre, Tyne View Park, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE98 1BA Telephone: +44 (0) 191 218 7777; Fax: +44 (0) 191 218 3836. Note that the state pension age and entitlements may vary between Spain and the UK. To check on your pension rights in Spain we suggest that as a first step you should look at www.ukinspain.com/english/. This is a UK government website dedicated to providing information for those re-locating to Spain from the UK.
The banking system in Spain is well established and modern. There are many banks and all banking activity is controlled by the Bank of Spain (Banco de España), which has its central office in Madrid and branches in all provincial capitals. Banks are divided into clearing banks and savings banks, and several foreign banks also operate in Spain. There are few banks in Spain that are directly linked to UK banks. Opening a bank account in Spain Both residents and non-residents can open a bank account in Spain. You need to be over 18 and provide proof of identity such as a passport. If you’re a resident you’ll need to provide your residence card details. If you own property in Spain, the bank will probably also require your NIE (número de identificación de extranjeros), which all foreign property owners must have. You can open the account in person or by postal application, although this is probably only advisable as a last resort. Type of Accounts Most people open a current account or a savings account with their bank. A current account in Spain is much the same as that in any country and you’ll be issued with a cheque book and ATM/ debit card. Note that cheques are generally not accepted as a form of payment in shops and businesses. Debit and credit cards are. You receive monthly statements regarding your account. Some banks pay nominal rates of interest on current accounts, although by the time with-holding tax at 25% has been deducted, you sometimes wonder why they bother. Saving Accounts Saving accounts are generally different from current accounts in that they offer interest, although interest rates paid at present are very low (marginally higher than current account rates). With savings accounts you are issued with a cash book where all transactions are recorded. In some banks, you can use the cash book to withdraw money from cash machines. Savings accounts sometimes include the option of a debit card, but you can’t have a cheque book. Investment Accounts Long-term savings accounts and investment accounts are also available, although these generally have restrictions on the amount you can withdraw or penalties for withdrawing funds before time. Interest rates vary, although at present no standard savings accounts in Spain offer a good rate of interest. The best rates are obtained from investment account linked to stocks and shares, although there are associated risks of loosing some or all of your investment.
1. To obtain your UK State pension in Spain you will need to complete a claim form from the Pensions Service. This is also normally available four months before you reach the UK pensionable age. It asks you if you want to claim a UK retirement pension and for details of any periods of residence and state insurance you have in other countries. If you are living in Spain and claim a pension from that country, the UK Pension Service will pass details of your claim to the Spanish authorities who will process you pension in Spain. Personal and company pension schemes can usually be paid anywhere. The experience of others has shown that some company schemes, for example, will pay a pension only to a UK bank. Further, some annuity companies levy charges for each overseas payment, although others do so for free. You may consider transferring your pension fund abroad. This would eliminate the Euro/Sterling exchange rate risk if your fund were maintained in Euros. Please note that all such international transfers must receive the prior approval of the Inland Revenue and specialist advice should be obtained from a pension’s expert. Tax Personal circumstances 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.
Whatever your financial situation, Seagate Wealth Management will respond with reliable and personal financial advice designed to suit your own requirements. We are specialists in Investment and Pension advice so if you are unhappy with current bank interest rates or have a UK pension fund and want to know your options then please call us today on 965 704 338 or email
contact@seagatewealth.es
contact@seagatewealth.es
Money Saving Rates
Infinity International is an independent leading provider of foreign exchange services to private individuals and businesses. Whether you’re buying property overseas, purchasing high value items from abroad or making regular monthly transfers we can save you money. There will be no unwanted surprises when trading with us as there are simply no fees to pay on the foreign exchange services we offer. Quick & Easy Safe & Secure Opening an account is very easy and fast too, it can be done in a just a few minutes. You will be appointed your very own expert Personal Consultant who will spend time understanding your needs and your goals from the outset. They will also be at hand every step of the way to explain the process in jargon free English as well as giving you complete peace of mind that your money is being handled in the safest possible way.
For more information contact our client services teams below: Client Services (SPAIN) +34 966 260 777 Email clientservices@iifx.co.uk
clientservices@iifx.co.uk
Spanish Bancos (banks) and Cajas de Ahorros (savings banks) have branches in all but the smallest villages. Some fo the biggest bank operaitn
in
Spain
currently
include
Barclays,
Solbank,
Sabadell,
Banesto,
Bankinter
and
Unicaja
.
ATM cash machines ( cajeros automaticos ) are now widespread throughout the country in cities, towns and even many villages and you only need a valid card with PIN number to use them; this is probably the most convenient way to get cash when you need it, although you would be wise not to rely on this method exclusively just in case your card gets swallowed up or, indeed, lost or stolen. Money changing machines now feature also in many larger cities and feeding in pounds or dollars will give you instant cash. Banking hours are generally Mon-Fri 8.30am-2pm, with some city branches open Sat 8.30am-1pm (except from June to September when all banks close on Saturday), although times can vary from bank to bank. Outside these times, it’s usually possible to change cash at larger hotels (generally bad rates, low commission) or with travel agents, who may initially grumble but will eventually give a rate with the commission built in – useful for small amounts in a hurry. In tourist areas you’ll also find specialist Casas de Cambio, with more convenient hours (though rates vary), and most branches of El Corte Inglés, a major department store found throughout Spain, have efficient exchange facilities open throughout store hours, offering competitive rates and generally a much lower commission than the banks (though they’re worse for cash).
Where should I exchange my currency? Most people realize that the currency market is constantly fluctuating but still they insist on exchanging money in arrival airports at whatever rate is posted. Deep pockets are more important than a budget if that’s your plan, but most people go to a bank before the trip and exchange money. Banks add a fee for every exchange and they may only post a rate in the morning and one in the afternoon, which means you may not get a real time rate. Credit card companies love to exchange money for you. They add a profit to the exchange rate
and they add a surcharge to every travel purchase, so you don’t know how much your trip costs until you get the statement which means your travel budget is a waste of time. The best way to exchange currency is through a reliable currency trader who watches the market hourly. A professional will give you a real time exchange rate and can help you average your exchanges at the right time while you’re planning the trip. When you average exchanges you know how much the trip will cost before you reach your destination, not after.
The Spanish healthcare system is ranked among the best in the world. Here’s how to sign up to free state healthcare in Spain, or apply for health insurance. If you're living and working in Spain you'll likely have access to Spain's free state healthcare, paid partly by social security payments, which will be
deducted from your wage. Public and private healthcare in Spain Spanish healthcare consists of both private and public healthcare, with some hospitals (hospitales) and healthcare centres (centros de salud) offering both private (privado) and state healthcare services (asistencia sanitaria pública). You don’t need to have private health insurance to get medical treatment in Spain but it usually allows you to get faster treatment for non-emergency procedures. The state health system in Spain State healthcare is free of charge to anyone living and working in Spain, although in some of the Spanish islands you may have to travel to find a state healthcare provider. As an expat, you are entitled to free state healthcare if you are: resident in Spain and work in employment or self-employment and pay social security contributions, resident in Spain and receiving certain state benefits, resident in Spain and recently divorced or separated from a partner registered with social security, a child resident in Spain, a pregnant woman who is resident in Spain, under 26 and studying in Spain, a state pensioner, or staying temporarily in Spain and have an EHIC card. In a serious, life-threatening emergency, call the pan-European number 112 free of charge from any mobile/cell phone or landline. The Spanish word for A&E or ER isurgencias. Other emergency numbers include: 060 for an ambulance (ambulancia) 961 496 199 – emergency dentists 963 600 313 – on duty pharmacy
Electricity, gas and water connections and supplies are covered in this section. Immediately after buying or renting a property (unless utilities are included in the rent), you should arrange for the meter to be read, the contract (e.g. electricity, gas or water) to be registered in your name and the service switched on. Make sure all bills have been paid by the previous owner. Although you’re liable only for debt incurred from the day you rent or buy a property and aren’t liable for the previous owner’s outstanding debts, utility companies sometimes cut off a supply because of a previous owner’s debts. Unless you’re certain that all debts have been paid, it’s a good idea to provide your utility companies with a copy of your title deeds or rental contract so that they know when you took over ownership or tenancy of the property. Registering a contract usually entails a visit to the company’s office, although many companies offer the possibility of registering online or by telephone. Note that in order to register for electricity via the internet or telephone you must give some identification as well as the reference number for the electricity supply If you visit the utility company’s office, you must take some identification (passport or residence permit) and the contract and bills paid by the previous owner. The registration procedure for water connection is sometimes via the local town hall. If you’ve purchased a home in Spain, the estate agent may arrange for the utilities to be transferred to your name or go with you to the offices (no charge should be made for this service). If you’re a non-resident owner, you should also give your foreign address in case there are any problems requiring your attention, such as a bank failing to pay the bills. You may need to pay a deposit. Gas in Spain Mains gas is available only in major cities, although with the recent piping of gas from North Africa (Algeria and Libya) it may soon be more widely available. As with electricity, you’re billed every two months and bills include VAT at 16 per cent. Like all utility bills, gas bills can be paid by direct debit from a Spanish bank account. In rural areas, bottled gas is used and costs less than half that of mains gas in most northern European countries. You can have a combined gas hot-water and heating system (providing background heat) installed, which is relatively inexpensive to install and cheap to run. In most areas of Spain, gas bottles (bombonas) are delivered to homes by Repsol Butano, for which a contract is required. You must pay a deposit of around €25 and an exchange 12.5kg bottle costs around €12.50 (the price fluctuates frequently) when delivered to your home or less if purchased directly from a Butano depot. A contract is drawn up only after a safety inspection has been made of the property where the gas appliance is to be used. In some areas, you must exchange your bottles at a local supplier. A bottle used just for cooking lasts an average family around six to eight weeks. If a gas boiler is installed outside, e.g. on a balcony, it must be protected from the wind, otherwise you will continually be re-lighting the pilot light. You must have your gas appliances serviced and inspected at least every five years. If you have a contract with Repsol Butano, they do this for you or it’s done by your local authorised distributor. Some distributors try to sell you a package which includes third party insurance and free parts should they be required, although it isn’t necessary to have this insurance and is a waste of money. Beware of ‘bogus’ gas company representatives calling unannounced to inspect gas appliances. Most are usually legitimate companies, but their charges are extortionate and they will give you a large bill for changing tubing and regulators (which don’t usually need changing), and demand payment in cash on the spot. If you wish you can let them make an inspection and give you an estimate ( presupuesto) for any work that needs doing, but don’t let them do any work or pay any money
Moving to Spain one of the first things you’ll need to do it get connected! Telitec can arrange superfast internet and mobiles connections for the best prices, ensuring you save money straight away and can keep in contact with friends and family back in UK.
For more information on any communication services call Telitec on 965 743 473 or visit our website www.telitec.net We are one of few CNMC licensed wireless operators in the country today and offer a full range of telecoms services and products. Whether residential or business, part-time or full time, novice or IT expert, Telitec will have a service and package to suit you. With full Technical and customer support and a designated account manager you could not be in better hands. Best quality service and products at the very best prices for you. With 5 Ways to Connect, Wireless, ADSL, Naked ADSL, Mobile & 4G. Telitec can get you connecting Full time, part time, big user or small, residential or business we’ve got it covered. Telitec can also save you €, €‚ €’s on your monthly mobile costs! With our pay-as-you-go service from Hits Mobile (Vodafone Network), we offer you the cheapest call rates in Spain from your mobile We have 2 solutions for receiving UK TV in Spain. Either with a Satellite dish or IPTV (via the internet) Now you do not need to miss any of your favourite British TV programmes whilst in Spain.
And for businesses we have a range of services and products that will enhance your clients experience and save you money. Along with referral, agent and partnership schemes to help you generate more business.
Contact Us: Carretera Moraira a Calpe, 82, Teulada, 03724, Spain Spain Tel : 965743473 UK Tel: 0844 823 6050 Email: sales@telitec.net
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Most of Spain is well covered by both bus and rail networks and for journeys between major towns there’s often little to choose between them in cost or speed. On shorter or less obvious routes buses tend to be quicker and will also normally take you closer to your destination. Spain has improved greatly its rail and its road network ten fold over the last decade including upgrading and the construction of many new motorways which now exist between all the major cities. The Ave is now in operation between the north from Lleida dn Huesca, to Seville stopping at the principal towns and cities between, this is comfortable and fast service which has drastically reduced travelling times around Spain. Add to this an efficient air travel network and there’s no excuse in travelling to all parts of the country if that’s the type of holiday or visit you haver in mind.
ByBus One important point to remember is that all public transport, and the bus service especially, is drastically reduced on Sundays and holidays – it’s best not even to consider travelling to out-of-the-way places on these days. The words to look out for on timetables are diario (daily), laborables (workdays, including Saturday), and domingos y festivos (Sundays and holidays). ByTrain Renfe is the Spanish rail company, and offers services divided into three main areas. Cercanias are local commuter trains in and around the major cities. Regionales are equivalent to buses and run between cities – Regional expres and Delta trains can cover longer distances. Largo recorrido (long-distance) express trains have a number of names in ascending order of speed and luxury, they are known as Diurno, Intercity (IC), Estrella (often just signified by a star *), Talgo, Talgo P(endular), Talgo 200 (T200), and trenhotel. Anything above Intercity can cost upwards of twice as much as standard second class. There is also a growing number of super-high-speed trains from Madrid, such as AVE to Sevilla and EuroMed to Alicante; for those who can afford it, these have cut travelling times dramatically, with Madrid to Sevilla, for exam-
ple, taking 2hr 30min compared with 6-9 hours on the slower trains. For budget travellers however, it can mean switching between regional trains to find an alternative route, and rail staff can be reluctant to work these out for you. However, you can ring the centralized Renfe information and reservation number on 902 240 202 – though you’ll need to speak Spanish – or look on the internet at www.renfe.es (English version available).
When you move to Spain, one of your main concerns if you have children is their education. It might be fine to integrate them into the Spanish education system at primary stage but when it comes to later on and exams, you might prefer to move them into the British system for their GCSE´s and A levels. It is considered healthy for a child to be educated along with children of many other nationalities and this is exactly what happens when they attend an international school. When choosing an international school there are many things to consider, not least of all the costs for school fees and materials as well as the location of the school and the amount of travelling that needs to be done to and from the school. Within ex-patriate areas there are many such schools to choose from. All schools will welcome you on an inspection visit and tour of the school. Most produce a glossy brochure outlining the school facilities and costs etc. The Costa del Sol is particularly lucky to have a good selection of schools. The National Association of British Schools in Spain (NABSS) was founded in 1978 and represents the interests of some 40 schools, dotted around Spain, mainly in the areas where there is a high number of expatriates. The main aim of the association is to protect the interests of the member schools and those of the parents and children. The association uses well qualified staff and up-to-date teaching methods. The schools are also popular with Spanish parents for the quality they offer. Further details can be obtained from the publicity organiser on (0034) 963 90 21 28 or on the web at www.nabss.org
Registering for a state school in Spain When you arrive in Spain you may be looking to register your children into a Spanish state school. This can be a complex process but once you accept the Spanish way of doing things, you should be fine. These instructions were given to us by an English resident who moved to Fuengirola and placed his two children in the local school.
1. The first visit was to the Culture House where a form was collected in order to register the children. Take with you, your passport, the child's passport and proof of where you are living (such as a rental contract). 2. Take your completed form to the Town Hall, Estadistica Office. The fees were 2.10 euros per child. 3. Return to the Town Hall the next day to collect the forms which have now been stamped. 4. Take the forms back to the Culture House where they keep the forms and give you a list of your nearest schools. You apply for a place at your nearest school and when you go to the school it will pay you to take a translator.
When you go to the school, take with you: 1. Copy of birth certificate for the child 2. Copy of passport for the child 3. Copy of parents passports 4. 2 passport photographs Filled in application form The school will then give you a list of the required text books and equipment that you will need to purchase for your child. The
Tourist police in Madrid Call 91 548 85 37
All emergencies Call 112 (no area code needed) Ambulance Call 061 or 112
Tourist police in Barcelona Call 93 290 33 27 Traffic Call 900 123 505
Fire Brigade Call 080 or 112
Consumer information Call 900 775 757
Municipal police Call 092
Immigration information Call 900 150 000
National police Call 091
Power supplies Call 900 248 248