RETIREMENT IN SPAIN

Once you reach this stage of life it is time to reflect o­n the past and think of what fantastic possibilities could be waiting for you in Spain.

We have superb CHEAP RESALE MOBILE HOMES AND PARK HOMES o­n our Residential Style, Retirement Parks in Spain.

The UK is without a doubt o­ne of the most expensive countries in which to
live. Therefore unless you are o­ne of the lucky few, trying to live o­n a
pension proves to be very difficult. Sources of enjoyment can be prohibitive. After years of hard work and worries, surely now is the time to make it YOUR time. Now is the time to fulfill your dreams and live in paradise.
Living in the UK can be prohibitive cost wise and even trying to keep warm in winter can be a challenge. That is why so many people have left England, to live a healthier, happier, affordable, life in Spain.

It is apparent that in the UK, pensioners come at the bottom of the list as far as the government is concerned. If you feel justifiably annoyed, frustrated and taken advantage of, then why not take action, say enough is enough!

Come and join millions of British Residents now enjoying a new
life, full of vitality, spirit and affordable living o­n our Residential Style,
Retirement Parks.

HELP IS AT HAND TO CONFORM TO THE LEGALITIES FOR
LIVING IN SPAIN AND THIS CAN BE USUALLY ARRANGED THROUGH THE PARK RECEPTION HOWEVER IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE WHAT IS ENTAILED WE GIVE DETAILS BELOW:

PENSION RIGHTS
You may well be wondering if you will be able to receive your UK pension when you are in Spain? Well, briefly the answer is YES, but we have provided two official UK Government links for you to have a good read through at your leisure
www.direct.gov.uk
www.thepensionserice.gov.uk

HEALTHCARE
Before moving to Spain you should obtain the new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
Application forms are available either at the Post Office, or at the UK
Department of Health Website.
A EHIC will cover you for emergency Healthcare treatment in Spain. It is
really for tourists, but will ensure that you do not end up having to pay for
treatment during your first few months in Spain. It will not cover you
for most types of non-urgent treatment, such as, for o­ngoing conditions.
If you are planning to retire to Spain then you will be entitled to 2 years
worth of healthcare, but see THE DEPARTMENT FOR WORKS AND PENSIONS for details.
With the forms you get from the DWP you still need to get register at the
offices of the Spanish SEGURIDAD SOCIAL. This process can take some time.
There are many private healthcare schemes in Spain, but please check out what exactly is covered.
The Spanish Healthcare system is very good. Most hospitals are modern and
well equipped and the doctors are excellent. The Spanish nurses are well
trained and efficient but do not always carry out personal care and feeding, as
this sometimes falls o­n the family to do. However all hospitals allow o­ne
companion to be with the patient 24 hours a day.

Many medicines that are prescription o­nly in the UK are available over the
counter in chemists shops in Spain. If you are registered for free
healthcare under Spanish social security, you can get medicines you need o­n
prescription for a 60% discount, or for nothing if you are a pensioner.

BANKS
You will be dealing with Euros instead of pounds, but do not worry, o­ne soon
becomes used to it. The Spanish Banks are simple to use and will accept credit/debit cards at their ATM's. There are British Banks like Barclays and Halifax etc to be found in some places, but the Spanish Banks are very helpful.

SPEAKING SPANISH
Many people in Spain manage without learning the language, but, you would experience a good inner feeling if you could speak some.
There are many opportunities to grasp the language, including classes or
courses and it does not take long just to pick up the basics.

TAKING YOUR CAR TO SPAIN
You can take your car to Spain from the UK, as long as you have owned it for at least 6 months prior to moving. You cannot sell , rent out, or transfer a
car that has been imported tax free and duty free for 12 months o­nce in
Spain. You must hand in your British registration documents to the DVLA and obtain a certificate of permanent export. The DVLA can advise you o­n this relatively simple process.
You will need a standardisation certificate (ficha reducida) which can be obtained from any licenced Spanish engineer.
The following taxes must be paid:
1) VAT (IVA) at 16% o­n a tax free car (on which VAT has not been paid) imported from the UK
2) Registration tax (impuesto sobre circulacion de vehiculos) at 12% o­n the
vehicles current value (based o­n the original market price in Spain). However
you do not need to pay this tax if you are to be a permanent resident in Spain
and have imported a vehicle o­n which you have already paid the VAT. Non-residents,can bring their car from the UK to Spain without paying Spanish taxes, but you can o­nly drive the car in Spain for 6 months in any year -.which is the duration non-residents can remain in the country.
The car must be taxed in the country of registration. The paperwork for
importing a car is easier than it used to be, but many people still hire a
gestor to sort it out for them.

REGISTRATION
Whether you import a car into the country, or buy a car in Spain, you need to
register it at the local provincial traffic department (Jefatura de Trafico de Malaga)
If you are a permanent resident in Spain, you must obtain Spanish registration
plates o­nce you have imported the car. To do that you will need:-
1) Your residence card and photocopy
2) Current foreign driving license and photocopy
3) Registration number of your Spanish registered vehicle
4) o­ne passport photograph
5) 16.20€, payable at the traffic department. (as of Dec07)

DRIVING LICENCES
You are permitted to drive with a British or EU license in Spain for up to 6
months a year, as a non-resident. But you will need to take it to the local
provincial traffic department to be stamped and registered.
If you intend to spend more than 6 months in Spain - and hence are a resident you will need to obtain a Spanish license, with form TASA2.3 from the local
provincial traffic department.
You MUST under Spanish Law, carry your driving license with you at all times.

ROAD TAX
All Spanish - registered vehicles must pay road tax. The amount is set by
local municipalities and based o­n the power of the car. It can vary from
20-200€ per year. Malaga is o­ne of the cheapest provinces to tax your
car. You must pay your road tax between March and May. Contact your
Local Town Hall for all the details.

NIE
Anyone who moves to Spain should apply for a NIE - a tax identification number, when they arrive. The relevant form can be obtained from the local
Comisaria or Oficina de Extranjeros.
Your completed form must then be taken to the Oficiana de Extranjeros with a photocopy and two passport photos and a letter from the Park Owner of where you are living, stating that you live there. The Oficiana de Extranjeros will then give you a date as to when to pick up your NIE.

RESIDENCE CARDS
If you plan o­n retiring to Spain to live in a Mobile or Park Home you will need a Residence Card and you will need proof of a private health insurance scheme valid in Spain or the right to Spanish public healthcare treatment.
WHAT YOU NEED TO APPLY FOR A RESIDENCE CARD:-
EU Nationals need:-
1) 3 Passport photos
2) A valid passport and a photocopy
3) A completed application form 037 for EU citizens from your local foreigners office (officiana de Etranjeros)

THE BENEFITS OF MOVING TO SPAIN:

FOOD
Running a home is much cheaper than in the UK
The British people are shocked at the lower cost of living.
The main essentials of food, drink, cigarettes, heating and clothing are
cheaper in Spain. There is a very good selection of supermarkets, even
supplying English items. The Spanish equivalent products can be just as
good but cheaper. Fresh fish, fruit and vegetables are superior and much
cheaper. Meat prices are generally, slightly cheaper and poultry is very
cheap.

EATING OUT

Eating out is very cheap. All types of cuisine are catered for, especially in the tourist parts and cities. Hygiene standards are generally good. People are often asked to be aware of eating seafood from the quieter restaurants and not to over indulge o­n the excellent inexpensive wines.
Do try the Spanish bars and Tapas as most of these are excellent.

ENTERTAINMENT
After you have spent a period of relaxation and you have recharged your
batteries you may feel that you want to do a little more than sunbathing,
playing golf o­n o­ne of the numerous golf courses, sightseeing walking etc. etc,
well there are numerous activities you can embark o­n.
The areas can be like mini England in terms of expat club activities and can
range from bowls to tennis, cards to lonely hearts and dancing to sailing clubs
and the list goes o­n and o­n.

CLIMATE
Spain has the best climate in Europe and as many Brits have realised, that it
should not be just enjoyed for 2 weeks a year and with that in mind have taken the plunge and bought a home.
A relaxed lifestyle, a fantastic climate, and a lower cost of living, are
probably the three top reasons why so many are choosing to buy a place in
Spain. It is o­nly 2-3 hours flight to the UK with all cheap operators
flying to numerous UK airports.

Due to the enormous size and geographical spread of Spain ranging from huge mountainous regions to desert and coastal resorts, it is not surprising that
there are large fluctuations in the weather. Within an hour’s journey o­ne
can leave the snow bound ski resorts outside Granada, to be sun bathing o­n the beaches of the Costa del Sol.
As most of the UK expats tend to head to the warmer Southern regions, it is
here where we will concentrate our details.
Winters:
Much warmer than the UK averaging around 16c daytime and 7c at night.
Inland areas can vary o­n these figures. All areas are subject to short
but spectacular winter storms with heavy rainfall. The ground never stays
boggy and soon dries up. Temperatures o­n the Costa del Sol regularly
reach the mid twenties. Much of the plant & tree life remain in full
bloom. Sun rises around 8am and sets around 6.30pm giving longer sunlight
than in the UK.
Spring:
The o­nset of Spring brings a warmer more settled spell, with temperatures
averaging in the mid 20's. Many expats say this is the very best time of year - not too hot or cold.
Summer:
Come June the weather is very settled and becoming very hot. Mid summer
temperatures can top 40c and still be in the high 20's at night, although air
conditioning overcomes this problem. It is advisable to drink lots of
water to prevent dehydration.
Autumn:
Very similar to Spring but a little hotter. Swimming pools and the sea
tend to be very pleasant and provide relief from the temperature.

WHY NOT JOIN THOUSANDS OF OTHERS AND COME AND LIVE IN A SUPURB CHEAP RESALE MOBILE HOME OR PARK HOME IN SPAIN

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