Moving abroad is arguably one of the most exciting, yet most daunting changes you can make in your life.
So, it is vital that you feel in control of the paperwork required, the laws around being an “expat†abroad, and if you are purchasing a property or starting a business, that you can make the process as easy as possible.
EU and EEA citizens and their family members have the right to live, work or study in Spain, and you will need to prepare a number of documents when you make the move, in order to gain healthcare, work or buy property. But to ensure that your transition to Spain is as smooth as possible, Raquel Perez of Perez Legal Group gives 10 pieces of advice to help you move and purchase a property.
10 tips to help you move to Spain
- What is your situation? Are you travelling from EU or EEU or Switzerland? Then you are free to travel, work and study in Spain. If you are from a non-EU country, things are not so straight forward… You need certain requirements and conditions. If you are not sure what you need, contact an expat specialist law firm.
- The vital document you need first, is an NIE number. This is basic ID information for foreigners and you need it for almost any task such as opening a bank account, securing a residence permit and making any legal commitments.
- Documents you provide in Spain must be in Spanish, so you will need all of your information translated.
- Get advice from an expat expert lawyer, who speaks your own language. The most common cause of hassle and concern is not being able to speak Spanish and not knowing the system. The system and process can be overwhelming and there might be extra requirements based on your personal situation, so make sure you secure a legal firm to give you bespoke advice. For more advice, click here
- If you are an EU or EEU citizen you can take advantage of free movement which means that you can work in Spain freely. But you will need a number of documents in place, such as your NIE and Social Security number.
- The buying process is different in Spain, you need to contract the services of a Spanish lawyer who is familiar with the system and what you need in place as an overseas buyer.
- The costs associated with buying property in Spain can range between 10 -15% of the sale price, so make sure you have included this in your budget.
- In the UK, when you buy a property it is usually subject to a conveyance survey. If major issues are found, you may not wish or may not be able to continue with the purchase. If you wish to get a survey ask your lawyer to arrange it with the real estate agent, before putting down a deposit.
- In many cases, when a home is sold in Spain it will include all of the furniture, especially if it was previously used as a holiday home. Ask your solicitor to find out exactly what is included so you can save yourself the cost of shipping furniture overseas.
- If you intend bringing your car over from the UK or another country, you must remember that you only have a few months grace before you must register your car and get Spanish number plates. Your Spanish lawyer will be able to apprise you of the latest legislation.
Raquel Perez, Managing Director of English-speaking Law and Accountancy firm Perez Legal Group has provided expats with professional legal and conveyance services for more than 20 years. Raquel has in depth knowledge and understanding of the legalities and procedures involved in buying and selling a property in Spain.
Download Raquel Perez’s FREE legal guides to help you understand the process of buying and selling property in Spain.
