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If you are considering moving to Andalucia then there are a few things you will need to take into consideration before you decide.
Getting started
Applying for Spanish residency is now very easy as the process has been simplified by removing the need for much of the paperwork once required and hence saving lots of time. That said, we would recommend that new applicants complete the basic procedures such as opening a bank account and obtaining medical cover early in the registration process in order to save a great deal of time and hassle later.
Entry and residency requirements
Holding a residency card is not a legal requirement for all residents but holding one can simplify many of the administration processes you may encounter. For this reason we would recommend anyone who intends to take up residency in Andalucia to obtain a residency card, and it is easier to carry than your passport.
- Temporary residence cards are intended for stays which are longer than three months, but less than one year, in length.
- Ordinary residence cards should be obtained if your stay is intended to be more than one year and must be renewed after five years.
If you wish to apply for a residency card, you should submit your application form to the local Provincial Police Station or the Foreigners Office along with three passport sized photos, your (valid) passport and a copy of the original.
Finance
Using a 'Gestor'
A Gestor can help with all the legal paperwork you will eventually come across during your residency in Andalucia. They are not lawyers as such, but can save new residents, who do not usually speak the language, an enormous amount of stress even though there is nothing to prevent them from doing the work themselves.
The services of a Gestor are not free however and it is not uncommon for them to take a down payment which amounts to the whole, albeit quite reasonable, fee.
Gestorías can be found in the Páginas Amarillas (Yellow Pages).
Bank Accounts
Bank accounts in Andalucia can be opened by anyone subject to certain conditions and restrications.
Non-residents: can open a bank account by presenting their non-resident certificate, obtained from the local police station, their passport plus a copy and the completed application form.
Residents: UK nationals who have settled in Andalucia can open a bank account by presenting their resident card and the completed application form.
If you do not have a residency card then you can still open a bank account by presenting your passport and NIE number (foreigner ID number) which can be obtained from the local police station or the Spanish consulate in the UK.
Taxation
Britain has an agreement with Spain which ensures people don't pay tax on their income in both countries. Advice should be sought with regards to taxation as it is a complex issue and can end up costly if you get things wrong.
All residents, pensioners or otherwise, are liable to pay tax on any income they earn, or from property they own, in Spain. This includes wealth and capital gains taxes, any inheritance tax and local taxes.
Education
Children aged between the ages of 6 - 16 are legally required to attend school if their parents are resident in Andalucia. The British consulate can provide details of schools in Andalucia which offer English type education most of which are members of the National Association of British Schools in Spain.
