Moving to Spain

Thanks for your reply...yes, that’s what I was thinking too🙁

It has ruined our plans too. We should have been Torrevieja now for 5 weeks to look at properties. This problem could go on for some time. 

Yes it’s very disappointing to say the least, it would help if our government would do the decent thing and extend the transition period !

Do you think anyone will get/receive their residency this year? Or will we have to wait until this virus is all over and the changes come into force re brex

Personally I have no idea which is why I asked the question as I am still in the Uk. Looks to me like there is little chance for me of getting residency this year and next year will not be treated as eu citizen which I think will make it more difficult.

If anyone knows anything different I would love to know

It is indeed like looking into a crystal ball but here are my thoughts:

Builders etc are back at work already.  They are allowed to work in houses if the owners are not there, they are not allowed yet to enter Apartment blocks.

There are roadworks being carried out and building work is going on.  Masks and gloves are to be used.  If work is carried out by builders when the owners are there they can do so if on the outside of the property i.e. wall/fencing etc.

Builders I personally know are working on properties where the owners are away so work is going on there.

If you are on Autonomo (self-employed) you can work from home.

Children are now able to go out for an hour (I believe could be 1.5 hours) with their parents for exercise, still keeping a safe distance from other people.

Estate Agents are still working from home and dealing with enquiries but of course they are not able, as yet, to take people on viewings.  This may be allowed if keys are held for the property and the viewers drive in a separate vehicle to the Agent.  This is possibly soon or mid May (don't hold me to this as not in writing just yet).

Around summer more and more bars/cafes/restaurants will be open (may be not all at the same time but gradually) then by the winter months things are looking likely to be back to some form of normality.

So my thoughts are May, June and July, bit by bit work areas and bars/cafes/restaurants will start to slowly open up a little at a time. August is Spain's hottest month and Spanish are usually on holiday so as for house moving it is slower as Lawyers, Notary etc not 100% working so slower.  September I feel we will be seeing lots more happening, October/November normality (whatever normal is). 

Of course this is just my thought for today and as we know things could change but that is my feeling at this point in time.

I used www.spanishpropertyteam.com and I know www.housesforfamilies.com are good.  It does not hurt to still be looking and make the most of the Agents at this time to ask questions as this is the time they will be working from home but not have much to do so can answer as many questions as possible.  In speaking with a couple of Agents it seems that there is a list of viewings to take place so if you see something you like get yourself on the list.

To obtain residencia you do not have to own a property you can be renting.

To apply for Residencia you will need;

1. Private Medical cover or S1 (this is the medical cover from the UK if you are retired.

2. Padron - must be current and in date (you do this in the Townhall where you live or rent - it shows you are in the area and the Council get a budget for number of people in the area, so they will be pleased to get more people.  In Algorfa it cost nothing, when in San Miguel des Salinas it cost €1.00.

3. Current passport

4. NIE number (like the National Insurance number).  You can apply for this in the UK.    Consulate General in London:

20 Draycott Place, London SW3 2RZ

Tel: 020 7589 8989

Email: [email protected] 

NIE information:

http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/LONDRES/en/InformacionParaExtranjeros/Pages/NIE.aspx

5. Balance in the bank of approx €7,000 per person (if you are a couple) for a period of 6 months whilst you have been in Spain.

6. If no savings, pay slips, pension payments per month of approx €900 and then extra to pay you rent.

Hope this helps - Gilly

Hello Steven

Don’t give up hope just yet a lot can happen between now and December. I checked Easyjet and Ryanair and found flights on offer to and from the U.K. and Spain starting in May. Things will obviously be much different for us all for many months to come but gradually with safe measures put in place we should get to some form of normality. No reason why the residential applications can’t continue as with other business

Stay positive Stay safe and good luck

The Airlines are taking bookings to get money coming in and will then cancel the flights in due course after which the fight begins when they try and pressure people into accepting future credit vouchers rather than giving cash refunds.

Thankyou Gilly for your detailed reply. I guess my concern is if I can’t get to Spain this year due to restrictions I can’t apply for a residencia this year so am then stuck with being subject to non eu rules next year. I am of the understanding that it is not possible to apply for residence from the U.K. but please correct me if I am wrong.