Spanish Property Purchase Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a Residence Permit, and what is it?

Residence card -Spain's Revised Foreigners' Law, which came into effect March 1st, 2003 has made if easier for EU citizens to apply for a Residence Card. Early enthusiasm for the new law started people saying that no EU Citizen needed a Residence Card, but it simply isn't true. The only persons exempt are those who are living and working in Spain and paying into the Spanish Security system, and those workers who have retired but who are entitled to a Spanish State Pension and have lived in Spain for more than 3 years (Note: Workers must be working 12 months prior to retirement to be considered for the Spanish State Pension). EU pensioners moving to Spain still need a card. Anyone wishing to obtain a resident mortgage instead of a non-resident mortgage, or anyone wishing to exchange their UK driving licence for a Spanish one, would be advised to renew their present card on expiry.

What's the NIE number?  

This is a tax identification number. This number is necessary for practically any transactions in Spain, such as paying your taxes. Your Estate Agent or Lawyer will help you apply for your NIE number. You will need this to purchase your property. We advise you to arrive 4 to 5 days before going to Notary to check that your NIE number has been completed.  

Can I bring my car with me? 

Foreign registration cars. If you own a car with British or German registration, you are only able to keep this registration for a period of 6 months in a calendar year as it is classed as a tourist visiting Spain. This could entail providing your driving licence, registration document and insurance certificate each time you go through a Spanish border. If you want to keep your registration, you will need to garage your car for 6 months in each year.  

Is my Driving Licence valid?

Driving Licence from your home country will be accepted for the first 6 months since entry, but Spanish authorities advise that you either have an International Driving Licence or an official translated version of your licence, which you can get from the Spanish Consulate in your home country.

Both of the above only apply to those persons relocating to Spain.  

Visitors, however, can freely operated using your foreign driving licence with no further problems, so long as visiting is not longer than 6 months in any one calendar year.

Important Note: You plan to arrive in Spain for the last 6 months of the year, then taking advantage of the system and stay for the first 6 months of the following year, thus making a 12 month visit a possibility.  

Do you pay vehicle tax?

You pay your vehicle tax at the local town hall. If you are not paid up to date, you will not be able to sell your car, or trade it in for a new one.  

Can I take my pets with me? 

With the introduction of the new Pet Passport, your pets can travel back and forth to the UK. You need to visit your vet to be advised on all the jabs your animal needs to travel. It will also need to be micro-chipped. Your vet will take you through a step by step guide to ensure your pet is fit to travel. Be aware, this procedure is a minimum of 6 months.

Not all airlines take pets so check before booking with your preferred airline as it is cheaper to travel on the same flight as your pet, than by sending it by Cargo.

Are there schools for my children?

Most areas have a local village school which is a State school, and most cities have an International School.

State schools are non-fee schools (the same as in the UK), but you must have an NIE number for your child to enable them to be accepted. Most of these schools start at 9:00am and finish at 2:00pm, Monday to Friday. Further after school activities are offered, also some schools offer a school dinner, for an extra charge. It is advisable to apply to the school of your choice before the 31st March.

International schools are fee-paying schools. The fees vary, depending on the area. Your Estate Agent can give you the names of the International Schools in the area closest to your property.