I'm looking to move to Spain.?

Question

What things do I need to do to make this all above board for a permanent residency?

Answer 1

A job is a good thing.  And a work visa, so that that's legal, assuming you are not from an EU country, though your two sentences make me think you're probably British, and don't need to worry about the work visa thing.

Also, jobs are hard to come by, these days, so, you might want to figure one out before you make the leap.  Maybe going on a fact-finding trip, first.

Answer 2

You do not say where or whether you will need to work.

If you are thinking on the Costa Lotas in the south where most Brits go a few things you should be aware of.

1. You will need a minimum of €200,000 for a half decent property

2. There are over 500,000 second hand properties for sale in the south, with the property agents taking between 40 and 70% of the selling price in commission.

3. New developments - be very very careful. To be a 'property lawyer' in Spain you need absolutely no qualifications at all, anyone can set up an office and act as such.

4. Most 'property agents' are actually relatives of the builders and do not have your best interests at heart, only their own.

5. If you buy 'off plan' - you become the builder and the builder becomes your sub-contractor, this can lead to a lot of complications under existing Spanish Law..

6. A lot of building developments (and I know of several) have as few as one permanent resident per 100 units and the other units are only occupied for an average of 4 days per year.

7. Whole areas of towns are like ghost towns for most of the year.

8. Theft and burglary from Brtish owned properties is so high the local police do not count them any more. The bars on windows are not an architectural feature, they are a necessity.

9. Definetly take several fact finding tours and speak to local property owners, be careful and take care.

Answer 3

Take "Rugrats" advice (above me),the only other things you`ll need is an NIE number,Residencia from the local town hall and to pay your health insurances weather Bupa or national health tax`s

Spain will drain your money quickly if you`re not on the ball with everything,but if you are than it`s a very nice place to live,Take a fact finding trip,talk to local Brits in the bars and shops and get to know the area and the pitfalls,And remember that Spain won`t bend very much for new comers and it`s up to you to fit in and be very very aware