Relocating to Spain from South Africa. - Page 2

Thanks Paul. There are 2 dates appearing on the Padron. The one in the block section headed "Fecha de Inscripcion"  and the one in smaller print nearer the bottom, under "expida el presente volante" which is the one that gets updated when you request the latest copy at the Ayuntamiento. Unfortunately, for Customs clearance, they work on the first one. This cannot be changed and reflects the original date on which you register at the Town Hall. In my case, although our residency card has an issue date of 18-01-2021, the date that Customs recognise for the 12 months duty free import allowance of our household effects, is the one in the block on the Padron of 18-10-2019. I am now trying to find out what these import charges are likely to be, so I can decide whether it is worthwhile bringing our posessions. Any ideas ??

Sorry but I think you maybe right to check costs first and decide whether it's worthwhile all the hassle

It could certainly not be worth the hassle of transporting white goods or ordinary household items or furniture. Cherished items, or antiques, or any highly valuable items, yes. But there is virtually nothing which is unobtainable here, of all kinds of finishes, designs and qualities, depending on your personal needs. Spain has some of the best designers anywhere.

Padron only lasts 3 months. We are also from Joburg but arrived in Spain 2019 so did not have a problem.

Good luck

Paul, as a South African who immigrated from SA 20 years ago and then recently moved to Spain, follow Stephanie86's sound advice and only bring valuables across. We could not use much of our UK white goods and ended up discarding most including fridges, dryers TVs etc. Our African wooden furniture of personal value to us were the only surviving items. We also paid a temporary duty (30%) value of items shipped but could claim it back once we had our Padron issued in Spain. Hope this helps.

We only brought our basics from SA .

Cheers 

Joan

Hi 

Good luck with your move. I obtained residency 21st December 2020 and have been living in Spain since apart from a break in March for 2weeks for first covid Jab and 6 weeks mid august to end September for 2jab and to escape the hot weather. Whilst back in London I decided to start the process of selling my London home of 23years and buying a smaller property. The gain in value of the original house is in excess of £400k. I understand if I complete the sale of the property whilst a resident I will be liable to Spanish capital gains tax has anyone experienced this? I'm minded to revoke my residency until I sell all my property in U.K. not a lot only main home and pension pot BTL. Anyone have experience of this situation? 

Hi moving to spain from Uk to spain in feb . What is this padron . Goodness so much to sort 

Hi Locknut. We are in a similar situation, being about to sell our house in South Africa. Have you investigated the option of revoking your residency ?  If you do this to avoid the capital gains issue, what happens when you re-apply ? 

We arrived at our house in Spain at the end of October 2020. We obtained residency on the 18th January 2021 and returned to SA on 26th April to sell our house here. Reading through the first year residency conditions, we cannot seem to get confirmation that the 180 day ruling applies from the 18th January 2021 or from the previous 12 months from today's date. Even if we return before the end of the year, it appears we will not be able to meet this requirement and do not know how we will be penalised. 

We made the mistake of applying for the Padron when we bought our house in 2019. Now, when we apply for Customs exemption on our household effects, the 2019 date is applied by Customs - not the granting of residency date, and we do not qualify ! 

So much to be aware of !!!!

Hi MikeEsp

Yes I checking rules to see if there are any exceptions as it was my home for last 23years so value in London has gone up significantly. I will revoke residency if I am liable to capital gains and return back to U.K. for next year sell house and reapply for residency 2023

You will become resident for tax purposes in Spain if: You spend more than 183 days in Spain in one calendar year. You become liable whether or not you take out a formal residency permit. These days do not have to be consecutive.

Good luck

J