Relocating To Spain | The Complete Guide

Lanzarote attracts over one million British and Irish tourists every year. And hundreds end up relocating to the island on a permanent basis. Attracted by the quality of life, affordable cost of living and year round sunshine. As well as the lower price of Lanzarote property (1) - as villas with private swimming pools can still be purchased on the island for as little as €250,000.

This figure also seems likely to increase as economic prospects darken back in the UK and more residents become disaffected.

Lanzarote(2) is already home to around 6,000 officially registered British residents - although some estimate that just as many are also living on the island in an unofficial capacity. Virtually all work in the tourist services industry, which dominates the islands economy. With many running their own businesses.

So what steps are required for anyone planning to relocate to Lanzarote?

Visa Requirements

The Canary Islands are part of the EU - which means that any British or Irish citizen can turn up and simply reside and work here without requiring any type of visa or permit and without any restriction on the length of their stay.

Tax Registration

A NIF Number (Numero de Identificacion de Fiscal) - essentially a national insurance number - is the first thing any new arrival needs in order to participate in the islands fiscal system.

Local banks and estate agents on the island all usually have application forms available. And the completed form must then be presented in Arrecife at the main police station. Plus a passport and a passport photocopy. It usually takes around five working days to process an application.

Finding A Business

Many new arrivals plan to open bars or restaurants on the island. But there is a growing market in resell business too. For example, a number of island based estate agents offer a surprisingly wide selection of opportunities - ranging from the familiar bars and restaurants through to other options such as an ice cream factory and shop, online holiday rental businesses and plenty more besides.

A newly formed company called Lanzarote Business Sales also offers a growing portfolio of commercial premises and business opportunities available. Encompassing estate agencies, beauty salons and internet based businesses as well as bricks and mortar premises such as well established live music and karaoke bars.

Finding Somewhere to Live

Many long term island residents advise new arrivals to rent before they buy.

That way, it´s possible to experience life on Lanzarote before making the commitment of buying a property.

Five or six years ago it was relatively tough to find decent long term rental accommodation on the island. Especially if you couldn´t speak Spanish. But now the process is much simpler - as many estate agents offer plenty of good quality rentals located across the island. Whilst a market for private rentals has also evolved.

Despite the weakening pound long term rentals are generally much cheaper here than in the UK. For example, one bedroom apartments start from around €500 per month (about £410) - whilst a family sized house will command a rent of €800 (£650) upwards, depending on location.

Nearly all accommodation comes fully furnished, with the possible exception of electrical equipment, such as TV and DVD player. Monthly bills are still affordable, with the water and electricity companies billing customers every two months and the average charge not exceeding 30-40 euros for each amenity. Telephone lines and ADSL are billed monthly and start at 39 euros, depending on what other services are included in the package.

IRS Spanish Property Search and Acquisition Services

About the IRS

The IRS Directors go into great details when taking a brief idea from the client. They stress on the clients requirements and plan accordingly. They make sure that all the requirements are considered from the beginning. The directors also give valuable advice to the clients. Briefs can be discussed over the phone or even in the comfort of your home.

Orientation and Area Visit

After you have discussed about the type of property suitable for you, an orientation visit is planned. This visit helps you to view the prospective properties in different areas. This helps the property buyer to understand the different benefits the various properties and the area around it has to offers.

Property Inspection and Purchase

After the area and the suitable property have been finalized an inspection trip is planned. This inspection gives a chance to see the property in a more detailed manner. Several days are spent in hunting for the right property in the suitable areas. There are many different agents used. But more emphasis is given to the local agents because they have more knowledge of the properties owned by the Spaniards. Once a suitable property is finalized then the IRS negotiators negotiate with the property owner. The IRS trained negotiators can do this with or without you being present. The trained professionals help you buy the property at a reasonable price and draw an agreement accepted by both the parties. The IRS professionals do a complete background search on the paper work quality of the property. They do not recommend you to pay the amount before the search is done.

Property Due Diligence

Before buying a resale property it is important to check that the paper work of the property is in good order. It is not necessary to employ a lawyer to this. The trained officials can carry out the property background checks. The routine check involves checking the registry of the property at the land registry and other legal checks that are important. If the IRS agent detects a problem, he advices you to seek consultation from a lawyer.

Accompaniment at Completion

It is important for the IRS professional to be present at the end of the deal. It is frequently seen that problems tend to occur when closing a deal. There are last minute hitches that need sorting out. A bilingual officer will be present at the end of the deal to act as an interpreter. It is also a legal requirement to have an official who knows both the English and Spanish languages. The IRS officials make sure that the owner is paid the right amount. There are some unsuspecting British purchasers who fall prey to the owner and end up paying more amount than required. The IRS professionals fight hard so that this does not happen and ensure that their client gets the best deal.
Completion Compliance

After the deal is closed the IRS professionals ensure that the client has a copy of all the title deeds and they are now in compliance with taxes due and other charges.

IRS Spanish property services

IRS means Integrated Relocation Spain. The Directors of the IRS consider the clients information in all aspects from the beginning. The requirements of the clients is considered and a personal profile of the property buyer is created to search the areas and the properties which are to be sold in the suggested areas. Although, such briefs can be created over the phone, it is more comfortable to perform it in the comfort of the house.

Area orientation

There is a time period that is reserved for discussions of property types and areas. Then, an orientation visit is planned. During this, the client permits the client the chance to browse the relevant properties in the various areas. Due to this the property buyer would consider investment potential lifestyles in a broader context that the estate agent. Sometimes it may happen, that a subsequent Inspection trip would be unnecessary.

Property Inspection or Purchase trip

First of all the area and property type are selected. Then, a detailed inspection trip of the property is planned. Many days are reserved for viewing the properties in the accepted areas. Contact is established with the several Spanish local agents as they have access to properties that have a Spanish owner. The IRS trained negotiator normally discusses the property purchases along with the relocator. The advantage of this method is that there are cost savings and an optimum agreement. IRS does not advice the payment of the deposit till the paperwork of the background checks is complete.

Property Due Diligence

In case of a resale property, if the owner has the paperwork in correct order, it is not required to use the services of any lawyer for the entire transaction process. The IRS officers are told to execute due diligence and check the property background. The routine checks comprise of checks for title, mortgages and charges. It is also checked whether there is a correct registration of the land registry and town hall. The council plans for the area, discussions with neighbors and clearing any discrepancies with the related bodies is executed. The council tax payments, building permit approvals, property description discrepancies and physical measurement for size are also considered. If IRS discovers a problem, at this juncture it is advised to contact a particular lawyer. Due to this procedure the expenditure is minimized. On the other hand, if any client desires to employ the services of a lawyer right from the beginning, then he is introduced to a lawyer. The charges and services of the lawyer is examined before introduction.

Accompaniment at completion

The representative of the buyer like the IRS must be available in person at the completion. There may be last minute hitches which result in clearing up the satisfaction of the buyer. At such a juncture, the lawyers focus on overcoming abnormalities or mini problems so that the job is completed. IRS arranges for a bilingual officer who prioritizes the interests of the relocator and functions as an interpreter. As per Spanish law, the presence of such a bilingual person is a requirement. IRS also helps to organize completion monies and ascertain that the correct people are paid the right quantity of money. The unsuspecting British buyers are unknowingly burdened with all the expenses. The IRS fights hard to confirm that such a thing does not occur.

Lessons of relocating to Spain

Lesson 1

Those who are planning to relocate to Spain for the entire year are advised to select a new property. In the main reception room, there should be wood or tiled floors instead of marble. The house should have cold and hot air conditioning and under floor heating. Another option is to purchase a very old Finca or Cortijo that has stone floors and walls about a meter thick.

Lesson 2

A family that lived in Neuva Andalucia used the swimming pool only for four months. From November to December, there was a fault in the setting of the heating device of the pool. This caused a €600 electricity bill. It was shocking that the regular electricity bills were more than €100. So, it is advised to live in an urbanization that has padel courts, tennis and communal pools.

Lesson 3

In case of “gastos domesticos” or the routine home bills, the mode of paying them may cause a shock to the new residents. In Spain, the electricity bill can be paid over the counter before 10 am and that too only on Thursday and Tuesday after the 10th of every month. For such a problem to be overcome, one should follow direct debits or “pago domiciliado.”

Lesson 4

The quality of schools in Spain is one of the most ideal in the world. However, space is a problem and these are not readily available. The success record of the school is an evidence of the level of the school. The ambience is warm and professional. The management is superb. It must be kept in mind that if you desire to send your children to a good school, there is a necessity of booking early.

Lesson 5

It often happens that the tastes of a person change in life. Due to this the necessities also change. Those who are not sure regarding their choices in life, obviously cannot finalize the precise location of their dream home. Such people ought to wait and rent. In Spain, rental business is becoming more and more competitive. The rented property has traditionally low yields. Thus, it is concluded that a long term rental on a valuable property is much cheaper than buying the property outright. The sole warning is whether the relocator buys for cash or settles on the newer style mortgage products.

It has been identified that those people who select Spain for relocation, fall into one of the three classifications as described below. The retired or semi-retired couple that are on the lookout of a better state in life and wish to offer their family a good vacation chance. The other type of people is the nomad expatriates for whom the work takes them to different corners of the world. These people have experienced an expatriate life in the Middle or Far East for several years and the home base is less important. The third type is of family lifestyle relocation. The breadwinner of the family works either in Spain or overseas and the location of the house has to be decided by quality. Among these groups the typical are petro-chemical engineers and airline pilots.

Relocating to Andalucia

About Andulacia

Andulacia is located in Spain. It is a dream destination for many who want to relocate and spend a relaxed life. Andulacia is top on the list of foreigners. It has a fantastic climate, rich natural beauty, enchanting mountains and beautiful coasts. There are plenty of golf courses and other sports activity that one can choose from. Andulacia has a rich historical past and a culture that has perfectly blended with the modern lifestyle. Spain is a bureaucratic country so you can expect a lot of paper work when moving to this region. It will help if you understand the cultural norms of the country.

Living in Andulacia

As an outsider to Andalucia one may need the same kind of information as any other Spaniard relocating to this region. However, when you are a foreigner you come across many problems. It becomes difficult to understand the new language, culture and the lifestyle of people belonging to that region. It is takes a long time to settle down and blend in. Relocating to Andalucia is itself a big leap. Therefore you should have the exact information when relocating. It will help in understanding the area better. Majority of foreigners relocating to Andulacia want to live on a farm house away from the bustle of the coast. This allows them to experience the rural aspects of the country. Since majority of the people living here are retired, there are only a few clubs to entertain them. When relocating the foreigners usually look for a modern apartment in a community of their origin. But without local knowledge you will spend precious time and money searching for a place to live. This is where the relocating companies come into the picture.

Relocation companies and agents

A good relocation company is the one which knows the exact requirements of their clients. There are relocation companies in Spain and the UK. They help you in relocating from the beginning to end and monitor all your relocating moves. The company co-ordinates all aspects of relocating right from searching for properties to finding the right schools for your children. The companies even go as far as helping you establish your own business or even finding you a job. This helps you immensely as it saves you the worry of dealing with a foreign language and other complications regarding the whole process. They even enroll you for a Spanish language course for your benefit. The relocation companies do all the paperwork on your behalf. Since the paper work is time consuming it will be a wise decision to let the relocation companies handle the whole process. The paper work required for your visas, residential permit and driving license is time consuming. The companies are aware of the Spanish laws so everything is done according to the laws. When relocating you own a lot of personal belongings that have to be transported. The companies overlook the transfer for you. Once you reach your new home they supervise house repairs and important issues like finding good schools for your children.

Relocating to Javea- Costa Blanca

Many foreigners relocate to Spain because of its fantastic climate. Apparently there are many more reasons to relocate to Javea on the Costa Blanca. Relocating is a big leap in itself. Therefore many prefer to relocate to an expatriate community. Javea is a combination European and Spanish cultures. If you have planned to live in an expatriate community and feel at home, then Javea is the perfect place for you.

Activities in Javea

Javea has number of activities that cater to everybody’s needs. There are many clubs and societies for your entertainment. The summer season is the best time to indulge in outdoor activities. If you are the sporting type then you can indulge in sports like netball, football, rugby and tennis. There are various tournaments held for these games. Water sports are a favorite among the people here. You could indulge in water sports like board surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, jet-ski and many more. For less active people there are various clubs such as bridge club, computer clubs and craft clubs. During the summer season volleyball and football tournaments take place on the beach and outdoor weekly cinemas.

Living in Javea

The first few months at Javea or any other foreign place can be daunting. The cultural and linguistic differences make communication difficult. It is advised that you make some English speaking friends who will be a great help to you. The restaurants and bars are frequented by the English community. This will help you to blend in with the crowd. There are various services and amenities similar to those in the UK. Since Spain is bureaucratic country you can expect a lot of paper work. It would be a wise decision to take the help of the relocating companies. These companies overlook all your relocating aspects right from traveling arrangements to finding good schools for your children. There are various private English speaking schools that teach according to the UK curriculum. The expense is cheaper here therefore it won’t matter if you splurge a little more. It is necessary to find a job in Spain unless you are a rich because the cost of living is cheaper here. There are jobs available here. Most of the companies are English so it will not be a problem if you do not know Spanish. But if you know the language it is an extra advantage when you are hunting for jobs. If you decide to start your own business, than it is advised that you first work for a Spanish company. This will help you understand how the Spanish system works. Many companies close within a year. This is not because of bad economy but because of lack of research. When starting a business in a foreign location it is important to understand their markets. There are many successful expatriate businessmen here, but they have achieved this status only after putting long hours in effort research. There is no easy money to be had in Spain. If you want to enjoy a good standard of living in the sun then be ready to work hard.

Relocation to Murcia

Murcia along with being a favorite holiday destination has now emerged to be the most migrated place in Spain. The place is currently a popular choice with the property investors as lots of people are relocating themselves on this beautiful area. With the warm climates, affordable properties and beautiful landscape has made the region a fine place to live.

The place is a mini version of Spain, with hilly areas, picturesque valleys, soothing rivers, sandy beaches and green pastures. The place is quite cheap comparing the other places of Spain. The houses, cost of living and everything is quite affordable and you can save your money in a long way. Moreover the place is laden with unspoiled beaches, calm mountains and beautiful valleys.

Location of the place

The place is located at the south east side of Spain. The main towns of the place are Murcia town, Mar Menor, Cartagena, Lorca, Bullas, Yecla and Jumilla. There is also a pilgrimage center in Caravaca.

Climatic condition

Murcia has one of the perfect climates in the area of Spain. As the place is located near the Mediterranean Sea, Murcia has a semi arid type of climate. The place is most of the time sunny. Out of the 365 days a year, the place is sunny for over 326 days. There is only 30 days of rainfall on the area. The temperature is a bit high in summers and in winters low, especially in the night.

Language spoken

The language that is spoken in the region is mainly Castellano, one of the Spanish languages. The language is the same which is known by the whole world as the Spanish language.

Education

Education is taken as an important consideration in the place. The place has a number of schools, and there are three important universities in the area. The schools are both available in Spanish medium or in English medium. Two of the universities are public universities and the other a private one.

Medical facilities

In the area of the Murcia town, there are about three main public hospitals available. You will also find at least one hospital in the other main towns of the area. There are also heath care centers and both these institute belongs to the Murcian Healthcare Service.

Transportations

There are bus transports, which are provided by the Latbus, operating both in the urban and interurban areas. The tramways operates inn the urban areas mostly. There are currently 4 tramway lines available in Murcia. Murcia has two lines of train services. The train lines are from Cercanias to Aquilas and Alicants.

There are three important airports in Murcia, which are only a few minutes away from each other. The services of the airways are the best in Spain and it has served a million of people with the utmost satisfaction.

Property rates

With all these services and facilities available in Murcia, it has become an ideal spot for relocating one’s location. The prices of the houses on the coastal side and the inland area may vary a lot, but altogether the houses are affordable.

Spanish relocation services

Channel 4, the BBC and the Foreign Office and most of the independents advice people, who are trying to relocate to Spain, to take the assistance of an independent trained advisor and this would be in the best interest of the people.

Property Pre Purchase Services

There is a matching of locations to the personalities. It is considered whether the requirements and lifestyles of all the party members (including kids above ten years) is matching. There is a presentation of suggested and identified areas. These are discussed and evaluated. An orientation visit is organized and planned. This is for three or four days and the suggested areas are visited and some samples of property that are compatible with the brief are seen. There is a focused property search in the selected area. Further, an inspection visit is held. This takes place within four to five days. In this visit, those areas that match the criteria in the specific areas are introduced and inspected. There is a negotiation of terms and prices for the target properties. Then, comes the preparation of sale or purchase agreement which involves the organizing deposits and negotiating terms. Before a deposit is made there are background checks regarding abnormalities, debts, encumbrances, charges against the property, development proposals, permits, planning, boundaries, location and title. Then, there is an introduction to local solicitors, specialists, tax advisors and surveyors. These have to be pre-qualified, vetted and offering less than market rates. Then the completion monies and arrangements are to be managed. There is accompaniment and translation at completion in the notary’s office. Advice is given regarding the transfer methods and currency purchases.

Property post purchase services

This comprises of title deed administration and administration of property tax compliance. There is a transfer of utilities against the name. The local builders and architects are introduced. Guidance is offered regarding the expected removal costs. Also, the reputable removals companies are introduced.

Retirement help

Many semi-retired or fully retired people consider relocating to Spain. The personnel at IRS have the knowledge regarding the best retirement areas and retirement homes. These personnel also provide recommendations regarding buying Spanish retirement property, the weather, the neighborhood and the process of receiving pension, benefits and health care. Additionally, the IRS offers an estimate of required income, cost of living analysis and budgeting advice. If it is felt necessary, the clients are enabled to meet a fully qualified Financial Services Advisor.

Attaining a new life

The bilingual staff at IRS ascertain that all the help is offered regarding beginning a new life in Spain. There is procurement of identification numbers or obligatory NIE required to purchase goods or for payment of taxes. Registration is done at the town hall. There is help regarding starting Spanish bank accounts. It is advised which type of account has to be started. There is negotiation regarding any cumbersome commissions and terms of the bank. A connection is established with the bank manager. It is confirmed that each bank has minimum one employee who can speak English. There is also advice regarding car importation. The system is described fully regarding the advantages and disadvantages of using your own car.

Visit Relaxed Sleeping for discussion and debate.

Spanish Retirement Services

Detailed planning

When relocating to Spain to spend your retirement you will need retirement services. There are trained relocation professionals who can help you formulate your plans. They take into consideration your choices and advice you on the best retirement plans. Before putting everything into action ensure you have a detailed retirement plan. The professionals pose questions and ask you some in order to ensure that you have made the right decision. They may advice you against the relocation if they do not find it in the best interests of the clients.

Orientation visit

Orientation visit is the first step when you are retiring to Spain. It is important to choose the right area to live in. The professionals will choose the areas that meet the client’s retirement criteria. You could visit the potential areas with your relocation professional and decide on the one that appeals to you. Rental or purchase properties will be visited during this time. But only the most suitable will be chosen. You can then inspect the properties. During this inspection you will come to know the different costs and types of properties. The professionals can give you valuable advice on the right kind of location and the best property. The properties range from normal housing to retirement homes. After you have decided on one you can then negotiate a appropriate price for the property.

Negotiation

This is the most crucial part of the planning. You should take the help of a third party; in this case the professionals will help. Since the relocation professionals are experienced in negotiating you should trust their judgment. They will help price reduction and other financial aspects like the terms and conditions of the offer. Since Spain is a bureaucratic country everything will be put into writing like drafting a written document. This will prevent the vendors in squeezing extra money from you.

Property check

When buying a resale property it is necessary to conduct a cross check. If the owner of the property has good records of the property then help from a lawyer will not be needed. The relocation professionals are trained to do background and diligence checks. The checking is done on all aspects of the property ranging from registration at the land registry to physical measurements of the property. In case there is a problem then the relocation professionals recommend that you consult a lawyer.

Assistance at Completion

It is very important for the relocation professional to be present when you are closing a deal. It often happens that there are last minute hitches when closing a deal. If you have employed a lawyer at your service from the beginning then he could help you to sort out the problem. It is important to find a relocation professional efficient in both Spanish and English languages. This is however a legal requirement because the English may be cheated and lumbered with unknown costs. There are other retirement services that help you in purchasing a car or opening a bank account and all other important issues related to relocating.

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