Moving to Spain - Reboot for 2014!

If Moving to Spain is your idea of Quality of Life welcome! Spain came up 17th on the International Living list of the Best Places to Live back in 2010- only 17th? But who doesn't love Spain or at least the idea of living in Spain? Today Spain is even more attractive particularly for expats. Real Estate is at an all time low as is the cost of living and yet the Spanish people remain some of the most friendliest and hospitable in the world. For 2014 I.L. upgraded Spain to 5th spot for the best place to retire. 

We recently visited Spain and it's now top of our list for places we're seriously thinking of moving. Check out the great checklist below courtesy of SpainExpat for.....

How to move to Spain

If you're seriously considering a Move to Spain then there are quite a few things to take care of before you go like: learning at least a bit of Spanish; obtaining a visa; gaining residency; health insurance; opening a new bank account; and finding Property in Spain. I discovered a convenient checklist of 'Things to do before Moving to Spain' on SpainExpat.com and summarized it below:

Click Here!

SpainExpat suggested Things to do before moving to Spain:

1. Print this check-list for your move to Spain.
2. Take at least a 'Basic Spanish' language course - anyone who has moved to Spain will tell you this!
3. If you aren't retiring to Spain then you will need a job. Unless of course you're in a position to retire. With Spain's ultra low cost of living and Real Estate bargains you may find early retirement in Spain a real possibility. It's a good idea to have employment locked down before you move to Spain.
4. Maybe you're considering opening your own business in Spain. Be sure to find an English speaking lawyer in Spain and get as much done by email and phone before you move.
5. Apply for your Spanish Visa. This needs to be done in your home country before you go. Look up the nearest Spanish Consulate and get the ball rolling - it may take some time.
6. Do you plan on making this a permanent move to Spain? If so you may need to change your residency. This can also have some tax advantages particularly if you are Canadian.
7. Check into health care. What are the costs health costs and how will you pay? Make sure you have this set up before you change your current residency or cancel any insurance coverage you now have in place.
8. If you are not sure whether this will be permanent plan on sharing residency between home and Spain.  Keep some ties and in particular keep a bank account and credit card in your home. Find a bank that offers special accounts and perks for travellers and international residents. Many have low fee plans for example when it comes to taking money out in a foreign country.
9. Make certain your drivers license or passport are up to date. If they are getting old then renew them now before you go.
10. Remember living in Spain means most things will come with Spanish instructions. Computers and cell phones will have different, Spanish language keys etc. You may want to consider buying items like this at home before you move to Spain. Trust me, learning how to use a Spanish keyboard and settings can be very frustrating and time consuming. On another note make certain any electronics you buy at home will work in Spain.
11. If you are buying Property in Spain and need to move household items be sure to make your flights and arrival dates convenient for being there when your furniture arrives.
12. Will you be moving a car too (not recommended) or buying one once you settle in? If so you want to be familiar with the Spain Car Hire Agencies in particularly ones that offer long term car rental rates.  Also check into public transit. In Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia this is a great way to get around.
13. Is Fido moving to Spain too? You may be surprised what it takes to move a pet out of your country and into a new one. Allow time to get all the required paperwork done.
    
14. Go to your local post-office and arrange for your mail to be redirected to your new home for at least 6 months.You may even want to consider keeping a permanent post box at home and have your mail forwarded indefinitely.

Retirement Options - Spain

Retirement Options

You've worked the majority of your life and now you're retired. As part of your Retirement Plan you may very be thinking it's time to start anew - to experience life again as though you were in your youth - to  have fun - to learn and to relax. Many retirees feel that a big change is in order and are considering the move to another country. Their desire to to truly start fresh  in a new environment where they are surrounded by all things different and new - a different culture - different opportunities to learn but at a slower pace with peace and tranquility. Europe offers all of these qualities and one country in particular conjures up the image of an ideal retirement - Spain.

It's no surprise that many retirees opt for the romance and culture of Europe and Spain. The lifestyle activities are almost limitless. With a rich history and colourful culture anyone will surely be please with a Spanish Expat existence. Old cathedrals and palaces make one feel like they are stuck in time and that  these ancient structures are still alive. Spain has been described as "Heaven on Earth" especially for people who love to study history and ancient civilizations.

Moving to Spain

Spain has been one of the most frequented countries in Europe for many many years, not only as a tourist destination but as a retirement 'Hot Spot'. In fact Spain is still considered to be a top tourist magnet and an ideal retirement location for those who want to move here. It's certainly not a surprise as Spain has some of the best beaches in Europe and is known as one of the best places to quality of life and living. Spain offers relaxation and comfort to those who decide to retire there. All of this said its important to think over some things before you relocate here for good.

Spanish Retirement and Social Security

The most vital consideration of all is your pension. Knowing where you stand financially not only in terms of savings but also in regards to your ongoing sources of income, aka your pension, will determine whether or not your Spanish retirement plan will continue or you whether you need to forget Spain and look elsewhere. As in most life decisions most things or at least majority of them will depend upon your income. Whether it's the house of your choice or just your daily expenses it will all come down to asking yourself what you can really afford. It obviously makes things a lot easier if you have a nice chunk of  savings in your bank account as this will help with major purchases and to supplement your pension.

Health in Spain

Another key consideration to think about is how you will handle future problems like homesickness and your health - or if your health fails in some way. No one can deny that as we age in retirement we become more prone to illness and injury. It can strike at anytime. The location where you will be living is something that you need to consider seriously. Accessibility is key and proximity to a hospital and the best healthcare services is important. Even being close to a market and pharmacy takes on a level of importance in retirement. If you are hurt or sick you don't want it to be difficult finding and buying everything you need. Your priority is having any medical needs cared for quickly and easily.

Getting a Spanish Visa

Having a proper residency visa is also an important issue to consider. If you happen to be from a European country already then you do not need to apply for a Resident Visa. As a member of the EU you can move any place within the EU freely. On the other hand if you are from somewhere outside of Europe then you will be required to obtain for a Resident Visa.  Be prepared and allow time to get everything in order and for the lengthy approval process. You will be asked to present numerous documents that will prove you are qualified to become a resident of Spain without becoming a burden on the government or the Spanish people.