Anybody retired and moved to Spain?

Post by **NorthernBoy** » 11 Jan 2019, 17:20

Okay, so this is not directly related to pensions, but I thought this was as good a place as any to ask.

Me and the other half are hoping to retire at age 55+ (am currently 48) and are considering marking the move to Spain, possibly south costa Blanca area. I am wondering if any posties have moved to Spain and can provide feedback on life in Spain.

For example, how is the cost of living compared to UK, benefits, negatives, is it better to rent or buy a property etc

We are also considering Cyprus as an option, as tax rates look low for retirees and they drive on the left!

Any info from members who have already made the move would be welcome, thanks.

arnold cheshire · Post by **arnold cheshire** » 11 Jan 2019, 19:03

We are leaving the EU so is this possible?

koolishy67 · Post by **koolishy67** » 12 Jan 2019, 06:18

I don't think so your idea is going to possible after brexit.

NWpostie · Post by **NWpostie** » 12 Jan 2019, 09:03

You would eventually need a residencia visa which you need to obtain services from the utility company and council services which is slow and corrupt anyway, its possible just requires a bit of work, if you learn to speak Spanish it can smooth things for you as well as using a local solicitor that specialises in ex pats moving over.

Learning to speak Spanish will help you a lot in making Spanish friends and more likely to help and look out for you. We complain enough about migrant coming over here, not learning English and not integrating.
The Spanish feels the same.

Buena suerte

Tman · Post by **Tman** » 12 Jan 2019, 09:45

koolishy67 wrote:I don't think so your idea is going to possible after brexit.

Someone's been taken in by Project Fear I see..

Post by **NorthernBoy** » 12 Jan 2019, 09:55

koolishy67 wrote:I don't think so your idea is going to possible after brexit.

Post brexit I do not think it will be a problem for retirees to move to Spain at all. They may well raise the minimum income level required so that people are not a burden on the state, but apart from that I can’t see it changing.

British pensioners spend too much money on property and the general economy for them to stop it.

Post by **Fatboyslim** » 12 Jan 2019, 17:00

I know a couple of ex colleagues who have moved to Spain. No problems. Cheaper living than in the UK.

I’ve been trying to talk the missus into buying a place. All to no avail. She would rather rent long term. Does not want all our cash in property.

I personally cannot see any problems post Brexit. There are millions who live over in the UK in similar circumstances. I think some sort of reciprocal agreement will be agreed.

Good luck with the move.

k979aaa · Post by **k979aaa** » 12 Jan 2019, 18:04

Tman wrote:
koolishy67 wrote:I don't think so your idea is going to possible after brexit.

Someone's been taken in by Project Fear I see..

Well if he has as much money as you Tman he will be welcomed in espana no matter what his views are.

k979aaa · Post by **k979aaa** » 12 Jan 2019, 18:14

Fatboyslim wrote:I know a couple of ex colleagues who have moved to Spain. No problems. Cheaper living than in the UK.

I’ve been trying to talk the missus into buying a place. All to no avail. She would rather rent long term. Does not want all our cash in property.

I personally cannot see any problems post Brexit. There are millions who live over in the UK in similar circumstances. I think some sort of reciprocal agreement will be agreed.

Good luck with the move.

Thing is you need to be resident in the UK for 3 years and pay a £65 if your over 16 and £32.50 if under save your pocket money kids! here is a link https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

NWpostie · Post by **NWpostie** » 12 Jan 2019, 19:45

Don't forget Spanish taxes covers your world wide income if you're a resident or lived in Spain for more than 6 months.

All to cover Spanish losses in the 2008 financial crisis, even Spanish citizens have to pay it.

k979aaa · Post by **k979aaa** » 12 Jan 2019, 19:49

NWpostie wrote:Don't forget Spanish taxes covers your world wide income if you're a resident or lived in Spain for more than 6 months.

All to cover Spanish losses in the 2008 financial crisis, even Spanish citizens have to pay it.

Did Cristiano Ronaldo fall foul of that allegedly?

NWpostie · Post by **NWpostie** » 12 Jan 2019, 22:28

k979aaa wrote:
NWpostie wrote:Don't forget Spanish taxes covers your world wide income if you're a resident or lived in Spain for more than 6 months.

All to cover Spanish losses in the 2008 financial crisis, even Spanish citizens have to pay it.
Did Cristiano Ronaldo fall foul of that allegedly?

Yes he did and was a naughty boy to use a shell company to evade it.

Personally punitive tax regime is counter productive as it discourages business from relocating to Spain and high value individuals, instead its the ordinary people that pays as usual.

k979aaa · Post by **k979aaa** » 12 Jan 2019, 22:46

NWpostie wrote:
k979aaa wrote:
NWpostie wrote:Don't forget Spanish taxes covers your world wide income if you're a resident or lived in Spain for more than 6 months.

All to cover Spanish losses in the 2008 financial crisis, even Spanish citizens have to pay it.
Did Cristiano Ronaldo fall foul of that allegedly?
Yes he did and was a naughty boy to use a shell company to evade it.

Personally punitive tax regime is counter productive as it discourages business from relocating to Spain and high value individuals, instead its the ordinary people that pays as usual.

God and all that evasion in tax just to keep two budgerigars in his swimming trunks fed well just goes to show how the other half live by the way anyone seen carlos!

Dagdarn · Post by **Dagdarn** » 31 Jan 2019, 16:02

Fatboyslim wrote:I know a couple of ex colleagues who have moved to Spain. No problems. Cheaper living than in the UK.

I’ve been trying to talk the missus into buying a place. All to no avail. She would rather rent long term. Does not want all our cash in property.

I personally cannot see any problems post Brexit. There are millions who live over in the UK in similar circumstances. I think some sort of reciprocal agreement will be agreed.

Good luck with the move.

I am working in relocation in Turkey where the Aegean coastal areas is one of the preferred destinations for a part of British pensioners, just like Cyprus or Spain. I had the chance to spend some time to talk with them how they came to their final decisions and from what I understand, especially if they are going to buy property, costs are a big deciding factor. When I did some research on web for the Costa Blanca region, I found out that it is actually more economical than most other popular regions in Spain and property prices start from 1300€/square meter which is roughly 1140£ according to this page for listings of apartments in Spain for sale. I know that Cyprus is a bit cheaper but they still advertise in £ which is dearer than euro.

One advantage that Cyprus may have over Spain is that UK has the status of a guarantor over the island along with Turkey and Greece, meaning that your status as a UK citizen will not be affected at all even in the situation of a no-deal Brexit. One thing that is evident though, is if you can afford it, you must rent a place and live in whichever country you fancy for a month to see the cost of living on the ground and check the listings with your own eyes by visiting the locations before moving any household goods or making a definitive investment.

Post by **NorthernBoy** » 01 Feb 2019, 10:21

We are actually considering Cyprus now rather than Spain as a better retirement location. Tax rates are lower and the personal allowance is much higher than in Spain. Although looking at properties there seems to be more choice and better value in Spain.

The advice about renting first is definatley the way to go, we may actually just rent for a year first to see if we like the place. The other half prefers U.K. so she may take some convincing to move for good.