Are you considering jumping on a plane and moving to Spain? Or maybe you have already? Take a look at this list to make sure you have everything in check.
Plan intelligently based on your needs
It is your responsibility for your own welfare when you live abroad. Make sure you have researched residency, healthcare, safety and security, emergency help and support available. In this guide we will cover some of these topics but ensure you deeply research on your own accord.
Choose your area wisely
Although the amount of hours of sun a year seems like good guidance to where you would like to move but there are other factors you must consider. Hospitals are located in bigger cities, you may need to drive, or even, in the case of the islands, fly to access certain medical treatment. Consider public transport, shops and banks when making decisions too.
Not everyone speaks English
Naturally, when you first move you will probably not speak Spanish. Although more and more people do speak English now, there are still many doctors and government officials who do not. For important matters, seek a translator or interpreter.
State healthcare
Like the UK, Spain has public healthcare however to access it you must have the correct documents.
You must register, as well as have a valid passport, a residence card/document and the padron municipal.
Health insurance/ private healthcare
If you have not registered for public healthcare, you may have to go down the private route. Make sure you have good insurance and check for restrictions such as, pre-existing conditions, age limitations and emergency medical evacuation from remote places and islands.
Social services are not the same as the UK
Be prepared for some services to be slightly different. Families are expected to offer care in some situations. Consult the town hall (ayuntamiento) for what services are on offer, and whether you meet the eligibility criteria.
State-funded support- Ley de Dependencia
La Ley de Dependencia is a Spanish law that sets the rules to access support for those who need help doing daily activities. To be considered you must be registered as resident in Spain for at least 5 years including the last 2 years, completed an assessment to determine your level of dependency and applied through your local town hall (‘ayuntamiento’).
This could take up to 2 years.
Care after leaving hospital
You do not get direct access to care after leaving the hospital. You will need to meet certain criteria such as a certain amount of years in the country, and if authorities find someone who can care for you sufficiently in your household they will be expected to do so.
Before 1 January 2021
If you were living in Spain before 1 January 2021, you may be eligible for UK Attendance Allowance.
Tax and pensions
The UK Government has guides on, paying tax abroad, claiming a UK State Pension, avoiding pension payment interruptions by replying to ‘life certificate’ requests and transferring a pension abroad.
You may have to pay Spanish income tax if you earn money from savings, property and public or private pensions.
Power attorney
It’s a good idea to have a lasting power of attorney for more control if anything were to happen while you are in Spain. A UK lasting power of attorney will be recognised as long as you follow certain steps or you can create a Spanish one, known as ‘Poder Notorial’.
Wills
Make a Spanish will to help prevent problems for your family. Consider contacting an English-speaking lawyer in Spain to do this. Your nationality when you die usually determines what inheritance law applies to your estate. You must say clearly in your will whether you want Spanish or UK inheritance law to apply.
Funeral plans
Most Spanish insurance companies offer pre-paid funeral plans. UK funeral plans may not be valid in Spain.
This guide is a summary of the UK government’s list ‘ Planning for later life as a British person in Spain’ for more information and guides access the gov.uk website. If you are searching for insurance we recommend Linea Directa, to consult their services access: https://www.lineadirecta.com/
In our latest programme, Hannah also recommended some great books and guides if you are planning on moving to Spain.
