jchilton
English expat in Spain
Forum posts
54
About me
English
Speaks Spanish, Catal谩n, French, Portuguese
Registration: 02 December 2023
Thinking of installing Solar panels, read on! by neilfrost38
Do you intend installing Solar panels in the Malaga region of Spain?I would like to share our experience with you.We bought our house in 2024 and decided to install solar panels, therefore help the plant and receive a reasonable financial return. ...
Hello Neil. My contract doesn't carry over the balance, but Endesa do have a few other options which might - I just haven't checked (experience has taught me not to switch telephone/electric/insurance companies for a small saving if I'm quite happy ... Read More
Thinking of installing Solar panels, read on! by neilfrost38
Do you intend installing Solar panels in the Malaga region of Spain?I would like to share our experience with you.We bought our house in 2024 and decided to install solar panels, therefore help the plant and receive a reasonable financial return. ...
@neilfrost38 Just to show the flipside of the co铆n, I have so far had a good experience with my solar panels installed in 2021, despite the installetion company going bust shortly after without providing the necessary pre installation energy ... Read More
How to become an Expat in Spain by ronatyu9744
Good day to you all I live in England and work as a full time Forensic Project worker. I will be moving to Spain, hopefully within the next 2 years and I would love to find out the best way to move forward. I will be opening an English speaking ...
The best way to enjoy life and work in Spain is not to consider yourself an "expat". We are guests in this country and local acceptance must be earned by respect, a willingness to integrate, an active interest in the language and culture and a lot ... Read More
Non resident blocked bank account by 113gl54al
I have been a non resident for 20 years- now with digital info requirements my Sabadell account has been blockedAll i want it for is to pay my house utility bills - how do others do this?I have been told I need a bank with a spanish IBAN to pay my ...
ALL financial institutions, whether a licenced Bank or money transfer entity, require certain personal info to comply with anti-money laundering laws or your account may be blocked. My brother used Wise: scarce human customer support and no refund ... Read More
Non resident blocked bank account by 113gl54al
I have been a non resident for 20 years- now with digital info requirements my Sabadell account has been blockedAll i want it for is to pay my house utility bills - how do others do this?I have been told I need a bank with a spanish IBAN to pay my ...
@113gl54al I would ask Sabadell what information/documents are required to unblock your account Read More
Request for advice on how I can move to Spain by Saidat
Hello dear members,My name is Aynura. I am living in Azerbaijan. I have finished a PhD program in Spain in May. My field of investigation was Organizational Communication. When starting my education in the University in Palma, I had a student ...
Your NIE number is a tax id which stays with you forever. I think what you need is the TIE which is a residence/work permit for Spain. There is info on the govt. Extranjeria website or from a lawyer/gestor铆a but check with your prospective ... Read More
Hello everyone, I'm planning to move to Mallorca by wholebeing77
Hello,I live in NYC and am planning a move to Majorca in the next 1.5- 2 years (con mis gatos). Happy to have found this site, as I've already found some potential good info here regarding shipping personal effects from the US to Spain. I am not ...
Congrats on your decisi贸n to move to Mallorca! It is a beautiful island of many contrasts - mountains, beaches, interior villages, bustle ir tranquility, whatever your mood takes you. But I found the best way to enjoy life here to the full is ... Read More
Volunteering by juliemariemeehan
I am in Santiago de Compostela through Christmas and would like to volunteer at soup kitchen on Christmas Day. Does anyone know if they exist in Spain or similar?thank you.julia
Google the delegation in your area then search for the section on the website that says "voluntariado" Read More
Volunteering by juliemariemeehan
I am in Santiago de Compostela through Christmas and would like to volunteer at soup kitchen on Christmas Day. Does anyone know if they exist in Spain or similar?thank you.julia
Contact Caritas or Cruz Roja Read More
Property abroad and stamp duty. by gianniboni58
First question: Being a UK resident as a tenant, if I buy a property in Spain do I have to pay Stamp Duty in the UK?Second question: If I am a resident and owner of a property in the UK, and I would like to buy a house in Spain do I have to pay ...
1) No2) NoYou pay stamp duty in the country where the house you are buying is Read More
TIE, Banking and Large Purchases by jfranknichols
We are working on determining the most cost-effective way to meet the residency requirements in Spain. Our plan is to live full-time in an RV, but it seems that this does not qualify for a TIE (residency permit).I wanted to get everyone鈥檚 ...
I was under the impression that if you live in a camper van you cannot register on the padr贸n, which is necessary to obtain a resident's permit (as well as many other things) Read More
A good bank account for a self-employed person? by jobethsteel
HelloCan anyone recommend a good bank account for a self-employed person in Spain? I have researched this but would love some feedback from actual customers.I'm starting a counselling business in Madrid (online and walk and talk therapy), so it's ...
Banca March is a solid, serious family owned bank of nearly 100yrs. standing, renowned for personalised expert care of business professionals.. Read More
Schools in Alicante Private vs Concertado vs Public by gonzopr1
Hello,We are planning in moving to Alicante and I am curious to find out what your recommendations are for school choice. My son is 13 so I guess he will be attending 3rd E.S.O. or 2nd. I was looking into Colegio Don Bosco but is a concertado and ...
I don't know Alicante but am curious why you have not considered a State school in your area. My sons had an excellent education in the very small local village school then moved to a brand new instituto for ESO in a nearby village. The eldest now ... Read More
Why did you move abroad by heidifishercheshire
Hi there as the title suggests I鈥檇 like to know why people decided to move abroad and leave the UK. I鈥檝e lived in a few different countries myself but have been back in the UK for the past 7 years. It鈥檚 been a tough few years, but ...
I was a sort of political refugee, leaving Thatcher's UK when I was 22 because I didn't want to be another 1 in 10 (unemployment rate at the time) I've just retired after 42 yrs permanent work all over Spain and agree with all the positive comments ... Read More
Moving from Spain to Ireland to naturalise?? by Spanospan
I've been resident in Spain since 2020 (before Brexit), currently at a crossroads whether to move to Ireland to regain EU citizenship again or stay in Spain and eventually become Spanish (in 2031 i'm assuming). Just wondering what to do as I ...
My son obtained Spanish citizenship and it was quite straightforward because he fulfilled the requirement of being resident 10yrs uninterrupted. This is required of all except for certain South American and some other countries, where it is much ... Read More
Buying a house in Spain by GuestPoster8490
This weekend my cousin from Denmark is going to Spain to look at houses for sale. Can anyone please give a list of what to look out for? What kinds of questions to ask the seller/realtor? She'll be looking in the Alicante area, something near (ish) ...
Catastro = municipal land survey which values and registers property for local tax purposes, i.e. calculation of IBI Read More
Electrical supplier question by gyoung5718
Wonder if anyone can help clarify electrical supply to property in Spain.Since purschased terrace house Central M谩laga (approximately 14months ago) have had electricity supply organised by Spanish solicitors we used to purchase ...
@gyoung5718HelloIn theory all you need to do is contact the electricity provider. They need name of previous owner, your name, address, email, phone and NIE, bank details, a recent electricity bill, CUPS number of installation and - in some cases- ... Read More
Agencia Tributaria nightmare by MarMac
Hi,I used to live in Spain but moved back to the UK 7 years ago. I didn't know about completing a modelo to say that I had moved. As far as I was concerned, I had paid all my taxes, was no longer working and earning in Spain and didn't need to ...
The Bolet铆n Oficial del Estado (BOE) is just the official government newsletter which publishes a list of new laws, decrees and amendments that have been passed by the govt Read More
New members of the Spain forum, introduce yourselves here - 2024 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Spain forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your expat ...
I'd advise go with a local - bring along a translator friend if needed Read More
Navigating administrative procedures in Spain by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Navigating through the administration in Spain can be quite a challenge. With the variety of procedures, their complexity, and the local specifics, many factors need to be considered. Here are some questions worth ...
I was advised to use a gestor铆a to apply for my Spanish state pension but decided to try on my own. They already have all your work and seg.social contributions details so all I needed was to book an appointment and take the downloaded ... Read More
Certificado de ciudano by korinne27
Encore moiEst ce que le certificat de ciudano et le certicado de Empadonamiento sont une seule et m锚me chose ?
Le NIE c'est votre n煤mero d'identification fiscal, necessaire si vous etes resident et pourtant vous payerez les taxes en Espagne. La carte verte c'est votre autorisation de residence en Espagne comme membre d'un pays UE.Por pouvoir vivre ... Read More
Certificado de ciudano by korinne27
Encore moiEst ce que le certificat de ciudano et le certicado de Empadonamiento sont une seule et m锚me chose ?
Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Uni贸n:- Cela certifie que votre r茅sidence en Espagne a 茅t茅 enregistr茅e aupr猫s des forces de l'ordre et des autorit茅s de l'immigration espagnolesCertificado ... Read More
Navigating administrative procedures in Spain by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Navigating through the administration in Spain can be quite a challenge. With the variety of procedures, their complexity, and the local specifics, many factors need to be considered. Here are some questions worth ...
@CherylAdministrative procedures in Spain are not so complex - in fact they are extremely logical with plenty of official online help to guide you, but you have to understand the Spanish language. If you don't, use a gestor铆a or a Spanish ... Read More
Birth in Spain by Ashleighmell15
I am living in Galicia and am currently pregnant, 22 weeks. I am looking for the best place to deliver at a private hospital as I am high risk and feel a private hospital could provide me more personalized care. Does anyone have an recommendations ...
@Ashleighmell15Congratulations!My experience in Spain is if you are booked into a private hospital and serious complications arise with the birth, they transfer you to a public hospital where they tend to have better equipment, more specialised and ... Read More
I have a NIE but no card - just the number... by nicksufc
Hello, So I've searched high and low on the internet and on this forum but have not been able to find the right advice. Hopefully someone here can help. Basically, I was briefly working in Spain a couple of years ago (only for a month in ...
From my experience, these are definitions which might help untangle the mystery:-1) A NIE is purely a tax ID number used for general identification of foreigners. 2) A NIE is not the A4 EU registration certificate, nor the TIE residency card. It is ... Read More
Cultural offerings in Spain by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Expatriation in Spain presents a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture. Let's explore the local cultural scene together through the eyes of expats: practical advice, essential institutions, and different ...
Your mensaje is based on wrong assumptions. I live in Mallorca now but have also lived in Sierra de C谩diz, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Girona, Burgos and M谩laga - all with good experiences. Read More
Cultural offerings in Spain by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Expatriation in Spain presents a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture. Let's explore the local cultural scene together through the eyes of expats: practical advice, essential institutions, and different ...
By putting politics aside I simply meant best to avoid bringing them into discussion here.All my positive experiences living in Spain are true. Perhaps speaking fluent Spanish and Catal谩n, being open-minded and living totally integrated in ... Read More
Cultural offerings in Spain by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Expatriation in Spain presents a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture. Let's explore the local cultural scene together through the eyes of expats: practical advice, essential institutions, and different ...
Politics aside since they are a disaster everywhere, my experience of 42 years in Spain is the complete opposite.A postman who calls my mobile if a parcel has arrived or can't be delivered. Dr. appointment available in 1-3 days and my son can see ... Read More
Cultural offerings in Spain by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Expatriation in Spain presents a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture. Let's explore the local cultural scene together through the eyes of expats: practical advice, essential institutions, and different ...
Politics aside, my experience of living in Spain for 42 years is the complete opposite. A postman who calls my mobile if I'm not in to receive a parcel. Dr. appointment available in 1-3 days. Knowing when your MOT is up, booking a month in advance ... Read More
Solar Panels 鈥� Has anyone broken even on an installation? by joshua51
Hi there. Solar seems really smart in Spain...but I keep seeing adverts about people breaking even in as little as 2-3 years. Has any one genuinely experienced this? Probably a lot to ask but interested to know if anyone has counted up their bills ...
Yes, it would have been great, but overall I'm happy with the savings. My main concern is having a 15 yr guarantee from a defunct company 馃槦BTW, the tax rebate from Hacienda depends on your Aut贸nomous Community, so check first if it's ... Read More
Solar Panels 鈥� Has anyone broken even on an installation? by joshua51
Hi there. Solar seems really smart in Spain...but I keep seeing adverts about people breaking even in as little as 2-3 years. Has any one genuinely experienced this? Probably a lot to ask but interested to know if anyone has counted up their bills ...
@joshua51My solar panel company told me 10yrs to break even. Installation was 鈧�9,000 and I save 鈧�75-鈧�90/mth on electricity bills, so they were about right. On top of that there are petrol savings from electric car being solar charged ... Read More
Moving to Spain solo by Cheryl
Hello everybody, Moving to Spain is a challenge in itself, but even more when you decide to go alone. If this was your case when you arrived, we would like you to share your experience. It might help other people who are also preparing for this ...
I can only speak for Palma de Mallorca and Salamanca, but you can ask your local council or Google it. Read More
Moving to Spain solo by Cheryl
Hello everybody, Moving to Spain is a challenge in itself, but even more when you decide to go alone. If this was your case when you arrived, we would like you to share your experience. It might help other people who are also preparing for this ...
I don't get why you want to live in Spain to meet other expats! There are great mixer interchange groups for foreigners wanting to learn Spanish (and catal谩n) and locals wanting to learn English that might help you meet both and learn to ... Read More
NIE expiration by Nickmead23
Hello everyone,I'm registered as an Italian living in Barcelona since 2017. While taking money out if the ATM, the kiosk indicated my NiE would expire. I have no documentation indicating an expiration date, and there in no date in my blue paper card ...
Your NIE is your foreigner's ID number and remains with you permanently.Your A4 certificate appears to be an EU citizen residence permit which, according to the govt. website, expires if you do not reside in Spain for 6 months of the year (unless ... Read More
Local Spanish School for English kids by soozmottershead
Hi there,We're planning on moving to Marbella next year, my children will be 6 and 4. We have deliberated, and read, about the pros and cons of the different school options. I would like to explore the otpion of sending them to a local spanish ...
Entry to state schools is decided by a points system. This can vary from province to province so talk to the school for more details.To give you an idea, points are allocated according to the following though this list is for guidance only:-1) ... Read More
NIE expiration by Nickmead23
Hello everyone,I'm registered as an Italian living in Barcelona since 2017. While taking money out if the ATM, the kiosk indicated my NiE would expire. I have no documentation indicating an expiration date, and there in no date in my blue paper card ...
I agree. For AML purposes the bank has to verify your docs every 5 yrs. It's not the NIE that has expired but the bank verification. Just take the certificate into your branch. Read More
Relocating to Spain / Schools / Cost of living by ertay58
We are looking at relocating to Spain, will be myself, partner, daughter (6), son (2) and our 2 cats. We will be looking at getting our kids into an international school, but a reasonably priced one. So far our favourite is San Alberto Magno, does ...
International schools are not cheap, and check if their final qualifications are valid to enter the state universities. If you are relocating for good, the Spanish school system is excellent and shouldn't be ruled out as it will help the whole ... Read More
Cost of living in Spain in 2024 by Cheryl
Hello everyone, As every year, we invite you to share your experience regarding the cost of living in Spain, and if possible, in the specific region or city where you live. This will help members who are planning to relocate in Spain. Here are ...
Hello everyone, I live in Mallorca with my disabled adult son. My elder son works abroad but often comes back to work from home. They were both born here and the eldest recently acquired Spanish nationality. I moved to Spain in 1982 to work and ... Read More
British expats in Spain: what do you think about voting from abroad? by Ameerah Arjanee
Hello everyone, I'm a content writer for Expat Magazine. We are looking for testimonies from British expats in Spain about the latest news (concerning voting from outside the UK). What is your opinion about the UK government's decision to allow 3 ...
Too little too late Read More
British expats in Spain: what do you think about voting from abroad? by Ameerah Arjanee
Hello everyone, I'm a content writer for Expat Magazine. We are looking for testimonies from British expats in Spain about the latest news (concerning voting from outside the UK). What is your opinion about the UK government's decision to allow 3 ...
We should have been given the vote earlier in order to have a say in the refer茅ndum as that really affected our lives. For someone like me who has lived and worked 42 years in Spain, a vote in a UK election now is meaningless and I suspect a ... Read More
Documents needed to enroll my daughters in school in Mallorca by Elisa Muna
Good evening,I would like information on how to enroll my daughters in school in Mallorca. If any of you have already done so, can you explain the times and documents needed?Thank you
This will depend on whether you are enrolling in a state, concertado or private school. Plus - in my opinion - it's always best to go in personally and enquire Read More
SCHENGEN VISA OUTSOURCING WITH BLS COMPANY by Eduardopiriz
Good afternoon Expats from the UK,Do UK citizens require a VISA to travel to SPAIN with a tourist VISA? I have been trying to get an appointment with BLS International to travel to SPAIN with a Tourist VISA since November 2023. She is a Thai ...
A UK citizen planning to spend more than 90 days in Spain (in a 180 day period) requires a visa.However a Thai national resident in UK is not a UK citizen and should therefore contact the Spanish Consulate/Embassy in the country of their citizenship Read More
Exchanging Irish Drivers License for Spanish one by Conor55
Hello,Can anybody advise me on requirements to change my Irish license for Spanish drivers license? For some context, I have Irish / US citizenship and currently live in US. I am planning to move to Spain for 5 to 6 months a year and will have a car ...
@Conor55Spanish driving licences have to be renewed every 10 years, or every 5years if you are over 65 or have health issues. You will be required to have a medical test each time you have to renew (dexterity, eyesight, hearing, blood pressure and ... Read More
Exchanging Irish Drivers License for Spanish one by Conor55
Hello,Can anybody advise me on requirements to change my Irish license for Spanish drivers license? For some context, I have Irish / US citizenship and currently live in US. I am planning to move to Spain for 5 to 6 months a year and will have a car ...
@Conor55EU licences are valid in Spain and can also be surrendered in exchange for a Spanish licence Read More
Spain website for TIE appointments broken by chasleslieb
Trying to get an appointment to pickup our TIE in Gij贸n but the site is broken and I cannot find a link to report its malfunction so someone can fix it...or at least they are aware of it.Anyone have a link to report the malfunctioning ...
@chaslesliebThis is very common in all autonomous regions. They close off appointment availability when all slots in a certain period are filled so you just have to be patient till the next slots appear.Also do not try to enter the website to make 2 ... Read More
Payment methods in Spain by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Once you聮re settled in Spain, you will need to make some basic purchases, like groceries or pay bills. Hence, it is essential to know the payment methods available in your host country. Which are the most common payment methods ...
Once you are officially resident you cannot just choose between your Non-Resident account and a new resident account. Banks periodically send lists of their Non-Resident customers to the Police authorities to check residence status as Non-Resident ... Read More
Blocked Bank Account by GuestPoster256
Hi all, I hope everyone is well. This is my first time posting on a forum for help with these matters. I'm normally pretty stubborn about these things - trying to do things myself, trying to do things properly and legally, etc - however, ...
@JohncarThe bank is required by law to establish your account as Resident or Non-Resident for fiscal and due diligence purposes.A NIE number alone does not prove Spanish residency. A residence permit from the Police does. Read More
Best bank account without DNI by peterashwell1992
Hello, I am living in Spain as a "residente", so I need a bank account. Some friends recommended me to open an account in Sabadell or in Santander, but I can't without Spanish ID (DNI). Reading online I found this article that recommends Revolut and ...
@whatsthestorymateNIF means fiscal identification number and is held by Spanish nationals and companies.NIE means foreigner's identification number and is required to buy or sell property, amongst other taxable transactions. A resident's permit, ... Read More
Payment methods in Spain by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Once you聮re settled in Spain, you will need to make some basic purchases, like groceries or pay bills. Hence, it is essential to know the payment methods available in your host country. Which are the most common payment methods ...
@getinthepoolBeware, not a registered bank in UK so - amongst other issues - there is no pushback fraud reimbursement, automated money laundering controls mean accounts can be blocked for weeks and abuse of workforce is under investigation. Read More
Payment methods in Spain by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Once you聮re settled in Spain, you will need to make some basic purchases, like groceries or pay bills. Hence, it is essential to know the payment methods available in your host country. Which are the most common payment methods ...
@GuestPoster134Spanish banks are not fundamentally nationalized, not like some UK banks. If you want a solvent bank, Banca March is the most solvent in Europe.Spain is a beautiful place to live - don't slag it off so much if you want to make it ... Read More
Payment methods in Spain by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Once you聮re settled in Spain, you will need to make some basic purchases, like groceries or pay bills. Hence, it is essential to know the payment methods available in your host country. Which are the most common payment methods ...
@nowretiredIt's called anti-money laundering laws/ due diligencie and everyone including the Spanish have to suck It up coz it's the LAW Read More
Payment methods in Spain by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Once you聮re settled in Spain, you will need to make some basic purchases, like groceries or pay bills. Hence, it is essential to know the payment methods available in your host country. Which are the most common payment methods ...
@GuestPoster134Spanish banks are not all virtually nationalized, but privately owned, something British banks cannot boast.It seems you may find It difficult adjusting to Spain if you distrust the country so. Read More