Moving to Costa blanca

Why Benidorm??? One, if not the poorest city in Spain.

High rents - Valencia or Alicante is cheaper for what you get and your opportunities for year round employment are better.

Your only chance of work in Benidorm would be a 45 degree kitchen in the "tourist season" or a bar earning peanuts and serving drunk Brits or the poorest of poor British pensioners.

You will also have to worry about not being able to stay after March, 2019 as you would not meet the required timeline on being a "resident" before the UK leaves the EU in order to be grandfather claused.

Can you afford private health insurance? Meet the requirements of income or savings?

Hope it works out for you but do not burn your bridges in the UK..

.

RAYBENIDORM...You have a very poor view of Benidorm even though some of the points you put forward are true. What is meant by  "Serving The poorest of the poor british pensioners"?? Nearly all the brit pensioners are extremely well off and live a nice life here in Benidorm. 

You need to check your facts though.....If he came to live here before brexit and made a legal resident before March 2019 he will be able to stay here as long as he likes and after 5 years be made a permanent resident. Rents are no higher here than other parts of Costa Blanca, believe me I've checked them out. I have lived here several years and love it as its very affordable. Oh and btw, healthcare is to be free to all who live here and that decree has been passed.

I agree with you about the availability of jobs here. There are very few jobs and those available wont be on a contract (unless you have something really special to offer and speak fluent Spanish)

If the OP needs any specific help or info about Benidorm I'm happy to get a PM.

Steve 

"Tebo", please could you clarify about health care being free ?  I understood this was for pensioners when starting to claim the "state" (not private or works) pension.  I have heard about the scheme whereby one pays 60 euros a month to qualify for the Spanish health service, but this is only after being here one year during which one would need comprehensive health insurance, best with a Spanish company (if under the UK state retirement age) because paperwork is in Spanish (required).  In Benidorm, to qualify for "residencia" one needs 7,000 euros in a Spanish bank account, and I think they also like you to be able to show 3 months of income around 850 euros per month.  However, it is best to ask the Policia in Benidorm or an agency (best again if Spanish) about this and to help you with the necessary NIE and residencia, as these things can change !  And remember to register yourself (padron) at the local town hall where you live.

Peter192.

https://www.thinkspain.com/news-spain/30639/government-to-make-healthcare-free-and-universal-again-within-six-weeks

Here is a link to outline the healthcare proposals. I understand that the Royal decree has been passed but at the moment I can't find an up to date link.

All the other requirements are as you mention on proof of income etc.

If you are a pensioner and receiving your UK pension you are still entitled to the S1 healthcare cover for yourself and all dependants. 

If you intend moving out here to Spain (and I recommend Benidorm) it would be in your own interests to get registered and be fully legal before March 2019. After 5 years of legal residency you can apply to become a permanent resident which gives you full entitlements as the Spanish nationals receive. 

Check up on the other legalities of residing in Spain ie. Tax residency after 183 days and the dreaded Form 720 for declaring assets. 

Whatever you need to do it will be worth it to live here (in Benidorm) in the relaxing atmosphere and surroundings.

I'm happy to help with any specific questions about Benidorm so please ask.

As a final note: when we came to live here we contacted an English firm of solicitors who sorted everything we needed to gain full legal residency. They did all the form filling and made the appointments. They met us at the police station and other offices and also did all the translation. All we had to do was turn up and sign things...made it so easy. For the 2 of us it came to around €300. This was 4 years ago so might be a little more now. The same firm of solicitors also handle all our tax returns.

Thank you Tebo - much appreciated.  That is good news !

This guy is 39 so no pension, no S1.

"Free Healthcare" are still only proposals and is more to do with all the migrants coming ashore or jumping the fence than able bodied citizens at the moment. Watch the Spanish news ( if you can understand it) for the real facts and not second hand, feel good english reporting. It will happen but has not happened yet and could take awhile...

Yes, you can pay €100 more or less to enter the Spanish system monthly - price depends on the region, but for your age, a zero deductible (required) private policy will be much cheaper.

He is cutting the line pretty close by coming in February to be considered a resident for when the UK leaves the EU and his requirements would be much harder as a non EU member state citizen to gain residence here. He would be just like an American, Canadian or Korean in the requirements needed. Much harder and the Spanish government could say NO or easily revoke his status at anytime.

Again, good luck...

The healthcare proposals have been passed by Royal Decree last week. 

https://www.citizensadvice.org.es/approval-of-universal-healthcare-july-27-2018/

https://www.citizensadvice.org.es/faq/new-universal-healthcare-royal-decree-consequences-convenio-especial/

Thanks for the info can you stay in touch please and what solicitors did you use might do that thanks. Might be coming in November if possible and stay on or February depending.

I am a "professional " have nvq2 catering and hospitality over 20 years experience in this field and I am willing to  work from the bottom and work my way back up. I understand it's not going to be  easy but you got to work at things if you want it benidorm might be a stepping stone at first