retirement

Hello Paul, I can’t comment on Formentera, different area, but the rules and requirements for moving to Spain have tightened up considerably since Brexit.

You will need to ensure that your income meets the required minimum now, some 26,000 Eu per annum for a single person, approx.  Healthcare is also now an issue, previously if you possessed an S1 form from Newcastle, issued to those retired with a uk pensión, after a bit of hoop jumping, you would be enrolled into the Spanish healthcare system, paid for effectively by the UK. I believe this may no longer be the case, but you should check. You will also have to apply for a non lucrative visa from the Spanish embassy before your move here. Once here, you need to apply for official residence permit and you will become tax resident in Spain.

There are many properties on the market so don’t do anything in a rush, rent somewhere and take your time. Whatever you do, do NOT use any lawyer (abogado) attached to the estate agent, you should hire an independent, who will then be working on your behalf.

It all seems more complicated than it really is, but since Brexit, UK citizens are now Third country nationals, ie outside the benefits of EU, so are legally treated as such. Despite rumours to the contrary, this is not Spain being difficult to Brits, we voted to leave and Spain is now obliged to apply the rules!

UK state pensioners can still apply for their healthcare through the S1 healthcare scheme. That has not changed. 

But as mentioned, you will also need to meet the income requirements of €26,000 per annum for the first person. You will initally need Private healthcare, paid for a full year, to make the application for a non lucrative visa which, if gained, will give you the opportunity to apply for residency. 

I suggest that you rent for a year here in Spain to make sure you have chosen the right area (and neighbours!!)

Steve 

You have obviously had a very good experience, Rob. However, this does not seem to have been the general result for many people. It is always advisable to take completely independent advice in any legal matter, then there is an assurance of impartiality.

Just to add, the annual income can be topped up by having savings. So if your annual income is €10,000 short of required income then you can still meet the level by showing cash savings of at least that amount.

With regards to the S1, if you have an EU passport is there still a requirement for private healthcare for the first year? 

Also if spouse does not have EU passport do they need the same as you as they can piggy back residency application?

When you apply for residency in Spain, you will need to prove you have full healthcare paid for a full year. The overseas healthcare team in Newcastle UK will only send the application form (for the S1 healthcare) to a Spanish address after you become a legal resident. Bit of a catch 22 situation. 

After being a legal resident for a year you can carry on with the S1 healthcare or join the Convenio especial to be in the full Spanish healthcare system but there is a monthly fee. 

In Spain everyone has to make individual applications for residency and have their own healthcare cover. There might be a company that does family healthcare cover, no doubt someone will give advice. 

Steve 

Exactly! Well said....we have been here for 3 years and still suffering for the mis information given by a solicitor in cahoots with the estate agent......the agent holds your hand and takes you to the solicitor who in turn takes you to their bank......in my opinion its all about each doing the other favours in some way.  We are currently fighting in court for buying a property which has so many illegal problems that we are having a nightmare trying to sell it and move back to England.....wishing we had never retired to this totally corrupt country in the first place....😱

Sorry  to hear of your bad experience, I suppose for every bad experience  that will be balanced by a good experience just read in Olive Press of British person who had to demolish his house ,I cant understand why some compassion cannot be shown by Spanish town halls to people who have bought in good faith but have been duped 

Thank you for the very useful information my company pension will only be about 11000 per year but have plenty of savings plus a big tax free lump sum , selling my house and looking to buy a property for about £60'000 . I am also entitled to an Irish passport which will give me Euro citizen , would this make things easier