Can anyone tell me how to go about becoming a Spanish resident?

Question

I have bought a house in Spain and want to know the benefits and pitfalls of becoming a resident, if there are tax benefits if I decid e to sell etc

Answer 1

Fly to Spain-Live there

Voila

Answer 2

The residencia has recently been abolished for certain catagories of people so without knowing how old you are, or whether you would be working or retired etc no one here can advise you properly.  Here is an email address of a Spanish lawyer I know personally who could advise you. He speaks English.     [e-mail]  his name is Javi

I have lived in Spain 16 years, and would say contrary to what alot of expats say, the benefits outway the pitfalls. The lain and very important factor being.............if you reside in a particular place and sign on the electoral role then your town will improve as it grows when more residents live there. If like in many expat areas they do not they won't get improvements. i.e the Spanish government thinks that La Marina has 20,000 inhabitants (as per the  official electoral list) but in reality there are 30,000 (10,000 expats living in Spain but not on the list, the Spanish government will only obviously give the town facilities for 20,000 people as they have no way of knowing that the other 10,000 exist.

As for someone saying when you sell your house if being a resident you don't pay the tax......this is incorrect, that has also changed too, Residents and Foreign property owners not resident in Spain both pay tax when selling.

What would you prefer if it was in your UK town and foreigners came to live there using the facilities, wouldn't you want them to intergrate fully and become part of the community.

Answer 3

Hola

Hablo muy mucho espanol?

Answer 4

I am a Spanish resident,and my wife being Spanish it was a long drawn out process.You should have a sponsor that is a Spanish citizen,proof of income,medical ins. and a place to live.You will also have to have a statement from your local police Dept.that you have a clean record.there are no tax benefits,and if you sell your House in Spain it will cost you around 17% of what you get (taxes).We have owned our home in Valencia for many years,and I got my residence because I am on Social Security (medical ) but I also have my own ins. and I am over 65 and retired.I think you can stay here for up to a year before you have to get your visa renewed.I can't think of any benefits of becoming a resident unless you are in the same position as me.

Answer 5

In the short term there are no major pit falls other than those with any other European country, only the difference in terms of local services and health care. In the long term you need to be aware that you may never be able to afford to come to the UK  because of property price inflation. Also, that your UK pension will not be subject to the same increases as with UK residents.

Answer 6

the only reason to apply for residencia is if you want to work if you just going to retire just go no other forms to fill in you are entitled to most thing s under EU treaty.

but you should to be completely safe

Answer 7

As "OLIVO" said The benefits far out weigh the pitfalls.

There is no legal obligation to apply for residence, as a EU citizen you can live and work here for aslong as you like, no visas etc.

i would recomend applying though, if for no other reason than the use of the health system.

Answer 8

It is preferable to become a resident, as it gives you more rights-in effect - the same rights as a spaniard.  When you sell a property, you will not have to pay the 10% tax that a non-resident has to pay. You do have to provide proof of adequate income, pension, or investment, so you are not a drain on the system. But once approved- you are entitled to register with a GP at the local clinic - and you are entitled to everything - operations, check ups, tests, consultations etc.  If you are working for a spanish company and become redundant, or laid off etc, you will be entitled to spanish 'dole'. There are sooooo many things, and it is easy to do , although it does take up to 10 months depending on which region you live in.

Try these websites..

www.spainexpat.com

www.livinginspain.org

www.eyeonspain.com

I wish you well, you will LOVE living here...........I came with my husband , 2 daughters, and a dog, and have been here 19 years, and now have gained 2 sons-in- law, and 3 grandaughters.....who all love it!