Jim's guides - your complete guide to Spain - Announcements

Sadly Jim has retired from our forums and deleted all of his guides, but we are still adding guides and have put them all in one place to make it easy for you to find.

Please note: some of this information may be subject to change, especially with Brexit in mind. Please feel free to reply to any of the topics below and our members can help you with your queries.

Announcements

Brexit and the EU

Broadband Internet, Wifi, Phone and TV

Explanation of all TV services available for expatriates in Spain.

Coach trips

Guide To Companies Offering Coach Trips

Coronavirus discussion

Driving, hiring, buying and owning a car

Flights

Extension of Spanish restrictions on travel from the UK until 30 March 2021

General discussion

General property discussion

Healthcare and medical advice

Holidays

Insurances and wills advice

Jim's Guide - Wills for less than €60

Off topic

Padron, residencia and passport advice

Safety and security information

Taxes

Weather

Guide To Spanish Weather Forecast Websites

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Written by

Alex

Admin

Super helpful member

Posts: 5435

1554 helpful points

Location: Rojales

Joined: 16 Jan 2015

Got computer or phone problems? I can try to help you. Visit NeedHelpWithMyComputer.com

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Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2018 11:36am

Gilly09

Helpful member

Posts: 380

371 helpful points

Location: Rojales

Joined: 23 Jan 2017

Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2018 11:36am

Wow thank you so very much Jim this is so very kind. Gilly

Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2018 3:58pm

jimtaylor

Legendary helpful member

Posts: 5622

8700 helpful points

Location: Mudamiento

Joined: 2 Feb 2017

Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2018 3:58pm

Gilly, it's Alex who has gone to the trouble of compiling and formatting the list, so it's he who should be thanked.

Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2018 4:03pm

Lesleyrose

Helpful member

Posts: 320

257 helpful points

Location: Playa Flamenca

Joined: 7 May 2017

Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2018 4:03pm

Alex wrote on Sat Dec 29, 2018 1:06am:
Sadly Jim has retired from our forums and deleted all of his guides, but we are still adding guides and have put them all in one place to make it easy for you to find.

Please note: some of this information may be subject to change, especially with Brexit in mind. Please feel free to reply to any of the topics below and our members can help you with your queries....

Read more...

...

Announcements
Davebev1's guides: Renting out your property as a holiday let in Spain How to Hire a Car in Spain - A Full Comprehensive Guide Jim's guides - your complete guide to Spain What you need when travelling to Spain from the UK (9 August 2021)
Brexit and the EU
A guide to moving to Spain after December 2020 Brexit update: Entry requirements for tourists to Spain from 1 Jan 2021 Guide to Visas for long-term residency post 31/12/2020 New regulations for family or friends staying with you for holidays Spanish Consulate Update - application and income requirements, post Brexit - confirmation, Non-Lucrative Visa.The effect of Schengen 90/180 and the end of Brexit Transition on 31.12.2000 UK passport validity
Broadband Internet, Wifi, Phone and TV
Explanation of all TV services available for expatriates in Spain.
Coach trips
Guide To Companies Offering Coach Trips
Coronavirus discussion
COVID-19 vaccines if you live in Spain but are not registered for public healthcare Changes to Covid-19 restrictions from 9 May 2021 Coronavirus Restrictions in Spain January 2021 until the 9th May 2021 Covid-19: Mandatory use of face masks for C.Valenciana from 1st February DRAFT Covid-19 restrictions from 10 December to 6 January EU Website Providing Travel Information Expiry of EU Digital Covid Certificate Getting a COVID-19 vaccine as a UK national in Spain How to find the cheapest Covid tests for overseas travel New Covid-19 restrictions for C.Valenciana effective 7 January 2021 New rules for travelling to the UK from 7 Dec 2021 New travel rules in England from 4 October 2021 PCR testing for Spain Permitted reasons to enter Spain after 30 March 2021 Spain to lift restrictions for UK travellers from Monday 24 May 2021 Spain to make facemasks compulsory in outdoor settings again Spanish Government's Strategy on Covid 19 Vaccinations: Advice from Citizens Advice Bureau Spain Travel from the UK to France: British citizens can no longer transit France by road to reach their country of residence in the EU UK Government advises PCR test when travelling to England from Spain and it's islands (4 Aug 2021)UPDATE: How is Spain’s vaccination campaign going?Unvaccinated British teenagers will be allowed into Spain from Monday 14 Feb 2022 with a negative PCR test VACCINE CERTIFICATE / QR CODE EASY TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS VALENCIA AREA What a UK traveller should do if they test positive for Covid-19 in Spain What to do if you are unable to return to the UK before the expiry of your visa/permit or visa-free limit
Driving, hiring, buying and owning a car
A Handy Guide to Hiring a Car - 1) Introduction A Handy Guide to Hiring a Car - 10) Making a Section 75 claim A Handy Guide to Hiring a Car - 11) And Finally...A Handy Guide to Hiring a Car - 2) How to choose a hire company A Handy Guide to Hiring a Car - 3) Collision Damage Waiver A Handy Guide to Hiring a Car - 4) Which website to use?A Handy Guide to Hiring a Car - 5) Protect yourself, pay by credit card A Handy Guide to Hiring a Car - 6) Collecting the vehicle A Handy Guide to Hiring a Car - 7) Checking the Vehicle A Handy Guide to Hiring a Car - 8) Returning the vehicle A Handy Guide to Hiring a Car - 9) Making a CDW claim Car light function EXCHANGING UK DRIVING LICENCES GOV.UK LATEST UPDATE -Extended validity of UK driving licence in Spain until 31 December 2021 Further extension to UK driving licence exchange Geoff's guide - Driving from Calais to Costa Blanca South Guide To Blue Badges In Spain Guide To Environmental Label For Vehicles Guide To Spanish Driving Law REMINDER: Spain introduces new speed limits on roads from 11 May 2021 UK driving licences in Spain: extension to 28 February 2022 UK instead of GB vehicle sticker
Flights
Extension of Spanish restrictions on travel from the UK until 30 March 2021
General discussion
Better warranties for consumers in Spain Consumer protection in Spain EU Covid Passport Finally available to download iPhone iPad Guide To Links For Translation Websites Guide To Spanish Wine Latest rules for Christmas in Spain Non Lucrative Visa Spanish drones 2021 The Best Place to Move to In Spain Thieves on the beach Travel to Spain What are the rules travelling to UK? Lateral flow test
General property discussion
Forest Fires -practical information Is renting your house as a holiday let still a viable option part 6 Is renting your house as a holiday let still a viable option Part 5 Is renting your house as a holiday let still a viable option? Part three –Is renting your house as a holiday let still a viable option? Part 4 Part 2 Is renting your house as a holiday let still a viable option Renting your house as a holiday let still a viable option? Part 1 Tips if you are thinking of buying in Spain Tourist Licence for holiday rental Why Costa Almeria and Where?
Healthcare and medical advice
How to apply for the new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)Register your S1 form in Spain ONLINE Register your S1 form in Spain online Registering an S1 in Spain before Residency UK Government advice on Healthcare for UK nationals living in Spain Working In The Care Sector
Holidays
Changes to travel from 1st February 2022 It is more than just registering for a licence.Spanish Red Days 2021
Insurances and wills advice
Jim's Guide - Wills for less than €60
Off topic
Links to important websites in Spain UK GOV: How to obtain legal aid in Spain
Padron, residencia and passport advice
Becoming resident in Spain post Brexit Complete guide to residency in Spain 2021 Guide to exchanging Residencia for a TIE card (Form EX-23)How to apply for a Non-Lucrative visa (NLV)How to obtain a replacement TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero)Our residencia process The Padron UK Passport validity since Brexit
Safety and security information
Guide To The Spanish Police Forces New rules for electric scooters on Spain's roads
Taxes
Guide to Different Spanish Taxes IBI
Weather
Guide To Spanish Weather Forecast Websites

What a lovely couple you and your wife are ... just going to go through your guide in chunk size pieces

Thank you Jim

Les

Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2018 7:03am

CathW

Posts: 53

13 helpful points

Location: Los Montesinos

Joined: 28 Feb 2017

Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2018 7:03am

Dear Jim and Alex - this is amazingly helpful and I thank you for taking the time to explain all of this so simply and in so much detail. This is VERY much appreciated. Thank you!

Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2018 1:48pm

mal johnson

Helpful member

Posts: 193

130 helpful points

Location: La Marina

Joined: 1 Jul 2016

Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2018 1:48pm

Once again Jim has come to the rescue to keep everyone thinking of settling in Spain up to date with relevant and useful information, although I'm not quite at that stage of life yet, (work getting in the way), I would also like to say a big thank you to him and to Alex for this helpful post.

Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2018 11:47pm

tashnfin

Posts: 44

12 helpful points

Location: Los Altos

Joined: 18 Jul 2018

Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2018 11:47pm

Thank you so much jim and alex

Amazing advice

Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2018 7:04pm

Linda57

Posts: 89

35 helpful points

Location: Orihuela Costa

Joined: 11 Sep 2017

Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2018 7:04pm

Alex wrote on Sat Dec 29, 2018 1:06am:
Sadly Jim has retired from our forums and deleted all of his guides, but we are still adding guides and have put them all in one place to make it easy for you to find.

Please note: some of this information may be subject to change, especially with Brexit in mind. Please feel free to reply to any of the topics below and our members can help you with your queries....

Read more...

...

Announcements
Davebev1's guides: Renting out your property as a holiday let in Spain How to Hire a Car in Spain - A Full Comprehensive Guide Jim's guides - your complete guide to Spain What you need when travelling to Spain from the UK (9 August 2021)
Brexit and the EU
A guide to moving to Spain after December 2020 Brexit update: Entry requirements for tourists to Spain from 1 Jan 2021 Guide to Visas for long-term residency post 31/12/2020 New regulations for family or friends staying with you for holidays Spanish Consulate Update - application and income requirements, post Brexit - confirmation, Non-Lucrative Visa.The effect of Schengen 90/180 and the end of Brexit Transition on 31.12.2000 UK passport validity
Broadband Internet, Wifi, Phone and TV
Explanation of all TV services available for expatriates in Spain.
Coach trips
Guide To Companies Offering Coach Trips
Coronavirus discussion
COVID-19 vaccines if you live in Spain but are not registered for public healthcare Changes to Covid-19 restrictions from 9 May 2021 Coronavirus Restrictions in Spain January 2021 until the 9th May 2021 Covid-19: Mandatory use of face masks for C.Valenciana from 1st February DRAFT Covid-19 restrictions from 10 December to 6 January EU Website Providing Travel Information Expiry of EU Digital Covid Certificate Getting a COVID-19 vaccine as a UK national in Spain How to find the cheapest Covid tests for overseas travel New Covid-19 restrictions for C.Valenciana effective 7 January 2021 New rules for travelling to the UK from 7 Dec 2021 New travel rules in England from 4 October 2021 PCR testing for Spain Permitted reasons to enter Spain after 30 March 2021 Spain to lift restrictions for UK travellers from Monday 24 May 2021 Spain to make facemasks compulsory in outdoor settings again Spanish Government's Strategy on Covid 19 Vaccinations: Advice from Citizens Advice Bureau Spain Travel from the UK to France: British citizens can no longer transit France by road to reach their country of residence in the EU UK Government advises PCR test when travelling to England from Spain and it's islands (4 Aug 2021)UPDATE: How is Spain’s vaccination campaign going?Unvaccinated British teenagers will be allowed into Spain from Monday 14 Feb 2022 with a negative PCR test VACCINE CERTIFICATE / QR CODE EASY TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS VALENCIA AREA What a UK traveller should do if they test positive for Covid-19 in Spain What to do if you are unable to return to the UK before the expiry of your visa/permit or visa-free limit
Driving, hiring, buying and owning a car
A Handy Guide to Hiring a Car - 1) Introduction A Handy Guide to Hiring a Car - 10) Making a Section 75 claim A Handy Guide to Hiring a Car - 11) And Finally...A Handy Guide to Hiring a Car - 2) How to choose a hire company A Handy Guide to Hiring a Car - 3) Collision Damage Waiver A Handy Guide to Hiring a Car - 4) Which website to use?A Handy Guide to Hiring a Car - 5) Protect yourself, pay by credit card A Handy Guide to Hiring a Car - 6) Collecting the vehicle A Handy Guide to Hiring a Car - 7) Checking the Vehicle A Handy Guide to Hiring a Car - 8) Returning the vehicle A Handy Guide to Hiring a Car - 9) Making a CDW claim Car light function EXCHANGING UK DRIVING LICENCES GOV.UK LATEST UPDATE -Extended validity of UK driving licence in Spain until 31 December 2021 Further extension to UK driving licence exchange Geoff's guide - Driving from Calais to Costa Blanca South Guide To Blue Badges In Spain Guide To Environmental Label For Vehicles Guide To Spanish Driving Law REMINDER: Spain introduces new speed limits on roads from 11 May 2021 UK driving licences in Spain: extension to 28 February 2022 UK instead of GB vehicle sticker
Flights
Extension of Spanish restrictions on travel from the UK until 30 March 2021
General discussion
Better warranties for consumers in Spain Consumer protection in Spain EU Covid Passport Finally available to download iPhone iPad Guide To Links For Translation Websites Guide To Spanish Wine Latest rules for Christmas in Spain Non Lucrative Visa Spanish drones 2021 The Best Place to Move to In Spain Thieves on the beach Travel to Spain What are the rules travelling to UK? Lateral flow test
General property discussion
Forest Fires -practical information Is renting your house as a holiday let still a viable option part 6 Is renting your house as a holiday let still a viable option Part 5 Is renting your house as a holiday let still a viable option? Part three –Is renting your house as a holiday let still a viable option? Part 4 Part 2 Is renting your house as a holiday let still a viable option Renting your house as a holiday let still a viable option? Part 1 Tips if you are thinking of buying in Spain Tourist Licence for holiday rental Why Costa Almeria and Where?
Healthcare and medical advice
How to apply for the new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)Register your S1 form in Spain ONLINE Register your S1 form in Spain online Registering an S1 in Spain before Residency UK Government advice on Healthcare for UK nationals living in Spain Working In The Care Sector
Holidays
Changes to travel from 1st February 2022 It is more than just registering for a licence.Spanish Red Days 2021
Insurances and wills advice
Jim's Guide - Wills for less than €60
Off topic
Links to important websites in Spain UK GOV: How to obtain legal aid in Spain
Padron, residencia and passport advice
Becoming resident in Spain post Brexit Complete guide to residency in Spain 2021 Guide to exchanging Residencia for a TIE card (Form EX-23)How to apply for a Non-Lucrative visa (NLV)How to obtain a replacement TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero)Our residencia process The Padron UK Passport validity since Brexit
Safety and security information
Guide To The Spanish Police Forces New rules for electric scooters on Spain's roads
Taxes
Guide to Different Spanish Taxes IBI
Weather
Guide To Spanish Weather Forecast Websites

Jim your information is invaluable and your advice is second to none Thank you and Happy New Year to you and your family.

Linda x

Posted: Tue Jan 1, 2019 10:56am

briret

Helpful member

Posts: 173

125 helpful points

Location: Guardamar del Segura

Joined: 20 Feb 2016

Posted: Tue Jan 1, 2019 10:56am

Hi Jim

Absolutely excellent and invaluable

Happy new year

Brian

Posted: Thu Jan 3, 2019 5:53pm

CathW

Posts: 53

13 helpful points

Location: Los Montesinos

Joined: 28 Feb 2017

Posted: Thu Jan 3, 2019 5:53pm

HI Jim and everyone else and happy New Year. I really appreciated all of this information and it was helpful in trying to help us decide which paperwork we needed and how to go about getting it. Our situation is unusual in that we spend our year between the Republic of Ireland and Spain, spending roughtly 6 each in total in each country (2 x 3-months in each). We are both retired UK citizens but I also have an Irish passport. Now we were all set to get the Residentia but I have now received the following advice and I quote:

"By getting Residencia in Spain you are saying that you live in Spain full time. This is why you need a padron for Residencia because your permanent address would be in Spain. Also when the DWP issues an S1 form it can only be sent to a Spanish address and you would be telling them you have left the UK."

This person recommends that we do NOT get the residential as we are not in Spain full time but I was under the impression that it was a legal requirement if in Spain more than 3 months. They also stated that we should apply for the Padron, when again I thought that we should not for the same reason that we are not in Spain permanently. Is anyone able to clarify please?

With many thanks and best wishes

Cath