If you dream it - do it. After living permamnently in Spain for the last 56 years I can say that you are on the right track, rent before buying. I live near Fortuna with a not too small expat community. Winters are shiort and mild. My neighbours are Durch and Scottish. 2 spas less than 5 mls. away. You will definetely need a car. The language is a con but we help each other whenever needed. Come and have a look around, best time is November to Februrary., my Dutch neighbour rents out rooms.
Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2021 6:09am
Super helpful member
Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2021 9:04am
Very helpful member
killjoy wrote on Mon Jul 26, 2021 6:09am:
If you dream it - do it. After living permamnently in Spain for the last 56 years I can say that you are on the right track, rent before buying. I live near Fortuna with a not too small expat community. Winters are shiort and mild. My neighbours are Durch and Scottish. 2 spas less than 5 mls. awa...
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...y. You will definetely need a car. The language is a con but we help each other whenever needed. Come and have a look around, best time is November to Februrary., my Dutch neighbour rents out rooms.
Out in mid September, but will be back if Happy with what I see and Hear,So will keep your neighbour in mind when and if I return, Only seriously looking for property this year, but Covid put everybody plans into space
Sligogent wrote on Mon Jul 26, 2021 9:04am:
Out in mid September, but will be back if Happy with what I see and Hear,So will keep your neighbour in mind when and if I return, Only seriously looking for property this year,...
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... but Covid put everybody plans into space
Get all the information you can about applying for residency including any documents you may need translating into Spanish, any background checks they may ask for and income and healthcare requirements.
Best of luck
Steve
Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2021 12:06pm
Very helpful member
tebo53 wrote on Mon Jul 26, 2021 11:18am:
Get all the information you can about applying for residency including any documents you may need translating into Spanish, any background checks they may ask for and income and healthcare requirements.
Best of luck
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Steve
The original poster is Irish, with Irish passport, so is not subject to the rules that 3rd party individuals now are.
janiceroquero wrote on Mon Jul 26, 2021 12:06pm:
The original poster is Irish, with Irish passport, so is not subject to the rules that 3rd party individuals now are.
He still has to apply for residency within 90 day if he intends to live here permanently.
Steve
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Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2021 12:04am
Super helpful member
EU subjects (and that includes Irish) do not need to apply for residency, and as long as they do not have any financial issues or business traffic even don't need a NIE. They are not considered a aliens and share same rights an obligations as any Spanish subject.
killjoy wrote on Wed Jul 28, 2021 12:04am:
EU subjects (and that includes Irish) do not need to apply for residency, and as long as they do not have any financial issues or business traffic even don't need a NIE. They are not considered a aliens and share same rights an obligations as any Spanish subject.
So why is it that when the UK was a full member of the EU that British people were required to apply for residency within the first 90 days of arrival in Spain?
Irish citizens do have to apply for residency if they want to live in Spain permanently.
Steve
Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2021 10:55am
Super helpful member
Find the answers to all the answers to your questions in the applicable Spanish Laws and regulations, widely unkown and misinterpreted.
Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2021 11:09am
Helpful member
Absolutely, go for it. My husband and I moved 6 years ago in our early 60's but have friends who came aged 75+. You will have no problem meeting people. We are involved in two charities and run the SATs animal rescue shop in Gran Alacant. Helping in a charity shop is a great way of making friends and meeting people from many countries. Those already established in Spain are usually very happy to support new arrivals and offer advice about paperwork etc. If you do not already speak Spanish try to learn some, even the most basic thank you, bill please, etc, as the locals really do appreciate it if you make a little effort. Although many Spaniards speak some English, like most people communicating in another language can feel self conscious about many mistakes. Always remember this is Spain, not the UK and accept things as they are, they do have different ways of working and do expect people to follow their rules which I view a positive thing. From a health point of view Spanish NHS brilliant, travel is cheap and unless you live in a tiny village pretty good. Both my husband and I have had procedures that had we been in UK would almost certainly have had to wait many year for, if received at all. Waking up in the sunshine most days of the year has a very positive effect on your mental health and outlook on life. It is so easy whither as a single person or couple to wander down to your local cafe bar and have a coffee at a very reasonable price and find loads of people who are happy to chat and make you welcome. Don't get me wrong, life is not perfect, it never is anywhere, but it is very good. We do miss family and friends although in normal situations we have many visitors and due to cheap off-peak airfares fly back regularly. Hope this helps you decide.
Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2021 6:18pm
Helpful member
Hi.
I am also Irish and am mid 70s. I and my wife go down to the Sth. Costa every year and of Sept to after Paddy's day. No problems. It's nice. We have a car but taxes for me would be higher in Spain. My Laya health insurance won't cover me in Spain. Although we think we can speak Spanish because we can do the shopping it would be a different thing if we were stopped by the cops. How would our Spanish be then?. Also if you are sick, how can you explain to A & E. They don't all speak english. We don't drink so thank God we don't need pubs. I have medical card at home which covers the dentist as well. I must pay for dentist in Spain. European Health Insurance card will cover GP and prescription ( most tablets) not Xarelto 86 euro per month.
My advice. Stay Irish and visit the Costa for the winter. Because we are European our entry or departure dates are not recorded. Also you would have to do a Spanish driving test to get a Spanish license. Stay Irish and European
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