Education

Starting a new life in southern Spain with your family is a fantastic opportunity for everyone. Your kids will get to spend more time outdoors, enjoying the region’s spectacular climate and excellent facilities. And though they may prefer to be on the beach, you can rest assured that they’ll be educated in a great system, and, regardless of their age, become fluent in Spanish.
Education is obligatory for all children aged 6-16 if the parents are legally resident in Spain, and is free from pre-school to 18 years. However as pre-school is not obligatory, not all children can gain a place. The availability of places depends on the area of Spain and demand for them
International Schools. Schools in Spain are increasingly considered to be of a better standard than many other European countries (including the UK) with fewer discipline problems. Here’s a quick guide to the options and how they work.

International schools

The most popular choice for expats, with several in the area to choose from.
Some teach exclusively in English, others in English and Spanish.
Most are members of the National Association of British Schools in Spain, which organises periodic inspections by British inspectors, in collaboration with the British Council.
British schools usually follow the UK curriculum and offer GCSEs and A and A/S levels. Many also now offer the internationally recognised Baccalaureate diploma as an alternative to A levels.
Class sizes are small and the atmosphere is relaxed.
All international schools are fee paying. Fees vary from school to school.
For a full list of schools go to www.nabss.org/index.html

Spanish schools

Spanish state education is open to all EU citizens and is free from pre-school to 18.
You’ll be expected to pay for books, stationery and extra-curricular activities.
Villages and suburbs have their own nursery and primary schools, but secondary schools have a larger catchment area.
The catchment area is all-important – if you’re set on a particular school, make sure you look for a home in the right area.
Around 30% of Spain’s school children go to a private school. These are fee paying and offer a lower student/teacher ratio than state schools.

The process

Registering for a Spanish state school can be a complicated process, bear in mind that the majority of people you will need to speak to will not speak any English, that includes the school staff, so take an interpreter with you.
Firstly you will have to locate the Culture House in your area; there you will be able to collect the registration form. Make sure you take with you yours and the children’s passports and proof of address such as a rental contract. When you have completed the form you will have to take it to your local Town Hall, there is a small fee for registering the children.
You will be told to return to the Town Hall, probably the next day to collect your now stamped forms. Take these back to the Culture House where they will give you a list of your local schools. You have to apply for a place at the school, speak to other English parents first to get a feel of how the schools run, what language tuition they offer, how the teachers interact with foreign children.
When you go to the school, take with you:
Copy of birth certificate for the child
Copy of passport for the child
Copy of parents passports
2 passport photographs
Filled in application form
The school will then give you a list of the required text books and equipment that you will need to purchase for your child. The books will cost around 150 euros per child.

 

The Spanish education system

Pre-school age 1-6

A good way to integrate your children into the community. There are state nurseries and private nurseries, some run by expats.
Compulsory education age 6-14

Pupils complete their basic general education (Educacion General Basica or EGB). At the end of this they’ll receive a school leaving certificate which determines what they move onto next. Unlike UK schools, if children fail their end of year exams in both primary or secondary schools, they risk having to repeat the entire academic year – a definite motivator!

 

Technical school age 14-16

Less academic pupils go on to a vocational school. The first year is compulsory and covers general career teaching. The second year is optional and allows students to specialise in a particular subject and go on work placements.
High school age 14-18

More academic pupils go on to a secondary school to study for their Baccalaureate diploma.
University

Most universities in the UK recognise the Baccalaureate diploma as well as A levels. Applicants for Spanish universities are expected to complete the Selectividad entrance exam in their final year at high school.
In Spain it’s usual for students to go to the nearest university and live at home. There are several good universities in the area, including Malaga, Cordoba, Granada and Seville.
When it comes to grants, it’s a familiar story – you’re very unlikely to get one. So whether they’re at university in Spain or in the UK, it will be quite an investment.

Useful contacts
National Association of British Schools in Spain
www.nabss.org

Healthcare in Spain

The good news if you’re planning to buy a property in Spain is that its healthcare is among the best in Europe. The excellent state SALUD system is one of the best in Europe, far outperforming Britain’s NHS, and is complemented by a first-class private sector available through Spanish and international medical insurance companies.

Eligibility for state healthcare

UK & European non-resident visitors
If you’re below retirement age and on a short visit to Spain from the UK, EU or some non-EU European countries, you’re entitled to free or reduced cost emergency medical treatment. This will be equivalent to the treatment Spanish nationals receive, though it may vary from what is offered in your country of residence.
Before you are treated you’ll need to produce a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC, known in Spain as a Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea) which has replaced the former E111 form, and several other healthcare forms.
You should note that this only covers you for medical emergencies within the state sector and does not include repatriation due to illness, the so it’s not an alternative to private insurance.
The EHIC card is available and valid in all European Community countries, as well as Switzerland and the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway).
Apply for the EHIC card in your country of residence prior to departure. In the UK, EHIC forms are available free of charge from post offices and travel agents. For further information or to download an application, log on to: www.dh.gov.uk/travellers

EU (&EEA) visiting pensioners

If you’re a pensioner resident in the EU or European Economic Area (see above) you’re entitled to receive, subject to certain criteria, the same free or low-cost state emergency medical treatment as Spanish pensioners, provided that you are in possession of an E121 form, issued in your country of residence.
In the UK, the E121 can be obtained from The Department for Work and Pensions. Contact them on 0191 218 7777 or visit:
www.dwp.gov.uk
You’ll need a separate E121 form per person, which must be shown to the doctor or hospital before receiving treatment. It does not entitle you to non-urgent medical or dental treatment, or repatriation, and is no substitute for private health insurance.
Non-European visitors

In a life-threatening emergency Spanish state hospitals are required to provide vital primary care treatment irrespective of the patient’s ability to pay. Non-European visitors should always be covered by appropriate medical insurance – usually private – and in many cases will not be able to obtain the necessary visa without proof that such cover exists.

Residents of Spain

If you are resident in Spain, you’ll have to pay monthly Social Security (Seguridad Social) contributions to qualify for state healthcare. If you are an employee, part of the cost will be borne by your employer and the state. If you are self-employed, you will be responsible for making the payments yourself (the same applies to those neither working or yet of pensionable age).

Hospitals in southern Spain

Southern Spain has several major hospitals serving the state and private sector. Many doctors and nurses are fluent in English and there are volunteer translators on hand to help.
You'll find a list of hospitals below.

Doctor's surgeries and clinics

There are state-operated medical centres (ambulatorios) in every town and village, offering a wide range of medical services. Unfortunately, these GPs tend to speak only Spanish and are often booked up for days in advance.
You may prefer to visit one of the many private GPs, family practitioners and paediatricians in the area. Many allow you to drop in without an appointment, with some open 24 hours a day.

Dentists

There’s a vast network of private dental clinics in the area, but very few state dental practices.
Pharmacies

Chemists or pharmacies are called farmacia in Spanish and they usually have a green or red cross outside. They’re open Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 1.30pm and 4.30 to 8.00pm. Details of the nearest 24-hour pharmacy (farmacia de guardia) will be displayed on all pharmacy doors.
Non-prescription drugs are only sold in pharmacies in Spain, you won’t find them in supermarkets or elsewhere.

FAQ´s

How do I register with a doctor?
UK nationals working in Spain should be affiliated to the Spanish Social Security system and are covered by Spanish National Health care for which the employer will deduct social security contribution's from the employee's pay packet, usually on a monthly basis. Proof of such payments are shown on the pay slip.
A social security number card should be obtained from the local Tesorería de Seguridad Social . This should then be presented at the local medical centre (ambulatorio) along with the correct form, which will entitle the card holder to receive a medical card (tarjeta sanitaria) for ordinary health treatment.
People of independent means are not normally entitled to state healthcare here in Spain and will have to pay privately, although there are differences between regions. For further information, those interested should contact their nearest Consulate.

What if I am a pensioner can I get Spanish National Health Care?

UK pensioners (anyone receiving an Old Age Pension or a disability pension) who live in Spain will be entitled to receive free medical treatment under the same conditions as Spanish State Pensioners. The UK pays Spain an annual lump sum per pensioner to cover their health costs.
To establish entitlement they must obtain form E121 from the DSS in the UK. To register a UK-issued form E121 they should go to the local INSS office - Oficina del Instituto Nacional de Seguridad Social (the main office in Madrid is c/Padre Damián 4-6, Tel: 91 568 83 00) with their E121, application for a residence card and their passport. The INSS will issue a 'tarjeta de afiliación' and assign the pensioner to an outpatients clinic (ambulatorio) and INSALUD doctor. They must apply for a residence card before they can register their E121. Prescribed medicines are free for pensioners and their dependents.
Those who settle in Spain after early retirement, i.e. before the normal UK pensionable age (60 for women, 65 for men), should consult their local DSS office about their medical cover, possibly under form E106, before travelling.
Ill or deteriorating health is costly, and the Spanish Health services do not cover the wide range of assistance pensioners may be used to in the UK. All EU citizens may expect the same social services as any Spanish citizen under the same conditions, subject to local waiting lists and financial contributions. However, they should bear in mind that such things as meals on wheels, day care centres and nursing homes, which are the responsibility of local, regional and municipal authorities, vary from district to district, may be scarce and welfare staff will not usually speak English.

Can I use and E111?

The E111 form is no longer valid. You will need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to receive necessary healthcare during a visit to an European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to reduced-cost, sometimes free, medical treatment that becomes necessary while you're in a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland this includes Spain.
The EHIC is normally valid for three to five years and covers any medical treatment that becomes necessary during your trip, because of either illness or an accident. The card gives access to state-provided medical treatment only, and you'll be treated on the same basis as an 'insured' person living in the country you're visiting. Remember, this might not cover all the things you'd expect to get free of charge from the NHS in the UK. You may have to make a contribution to the cost of your care.
However the EHIC is not valid if you become a permanent resident in Spain.

 

Useful contacts
Emergencies
Emergencies operator: 112
Police: 092
Medical: 061
Sea Rescue: 900 202 202

 

Finding a Job

Many potential ex-pats are put off by worries about finding a job. With the right support and advice though, you’ll find that starting a new life and career abroad needn’t be a headache.
Forward your CV to an agency as early as possible. Remember things like healthcare – pick up an E111 form. Set up a bank account and, and learn some rudimentary Spanish.
When you do get to Spain, you’ll need to make sure you’re legally employable. That means heading to your local police station as soon as you arrive to apply for an NIE (national identification number). You should take your passport and new address with you.
So once you arrive, what’s the reality of working in Spain? Those looking for an easy ride, take note – Spanish employees work just as hard as their UK counterparts but the environment is a lot less pressured. Many companies operate dress-down policies – smart-casual rather than suits. And if the company works around the siesta you’ll be at work until much later, but you’ll have more time in the middle of the day to relax.
Salaries are generally lower in Spain, on the other hand everything is cheaper than in the UK, you’ll find your money goes a lot further. There are lots of openings in southern Spain with so many people moving into the area from the across the whole of Europe, there are some genuinely exciting career opportunities.

Top tips

Sign up with a reputable employment agency like RecruitSpain.com. Explore the area first – employers look for people with a knowledge of southern Spain. Learn the language – 70 per cent of jobs require you to speak some Spanish. Beware of local situations vacant, often you don’t know who you are applying to. Visit out of season. People who are serious apply for jobs between September and May. When you do find a job, start looking for your new home straight away. Get a national identification number as soon as possible. If you’re relocating before you find a job, make sure you’re financially stable for at least two – three months. Salaries are sometimes quoted net, not gross. Don’t expect your salary to be as high as in the UK, but remember the cost of living is much lower in Spain.

FAQ´s

Can I work in Spain?

If you are a national of a European Economic Area (EEA) or European Union (EU) country, you have the right to work in any other member state, without the need of a work permit. You will also have the same rights as nationals of your destination country in working conditions, pay and social security matters. Not all qualifications are recognised across the EU and EEA, and some professions have employment restrictions. You will be able to check your qualifications against occupation information sheets produced by EU member states, which will allow you to see if your UK qualification is acceptable. Language skills and fluency levels may also be an issue when seeking work.

Can I claim unemployment benefit in Spain?

You may be able to get benefits while living, working or studying a career qualification in Spain, but it's important you tell your UK benefits office if you plan to live permanently or temporarily in another country and they will be able to advise you. Visit www.dwp.gov.uk for more information. If you are registered as unemployed in the UK and have been receiving contribution based Job Seekers allowance and have been for four weeks prior to leaving the country you may be able to claim this for three months in Spain. You should contact your local Job Centre who will be able to supply you with all the necessary information and the relevant forms you need to bring to Spain. The process in Spain is fairly lengthy and you will need to take a Spanish speaker with you to the Spanish employment office, but once completed you will receive your benefit on a monthly basis. Spanish unemployment benefit is not normally available to non Spanish nationals unless you have been paying Spanish social security for more than 6 months then it may be possible.

What kind of work is available?

There is a high level of unemployment in Spain, and it is often difficult for foreigners to find work. There is often temporary and seasonal work available e.g. in bars, mainly in holiday areas. Work can also usually be found as an English Teacher in one of the many language schools, although the better jobs will go to those with a qualification such as TEFL. A good knowledge of Spanish is normally essential for most long-term jobs. The level of wages in Spain is also considerably lower than in the UK, when being told the salary you will earn ask if this is gross or net as some companies only give you the net figure.
Job centres in the UK have details of vacancies throughout the EU, supplied to them through the EURES network, which supports free movement of workers within Europe. As well as UK job centres, EURES can be contacted through Job Centres in Spain (Oficinas de Empleo).

For more information visit http://europa.eu.int/jobs/eures,

Do I need a contract of employment?

Yes you do or you will be working illegally and could be sent home. Many companies will give you a temporary contract that only lasts 3/6/9 months. After these contracts, an employer has to give you a long-term contract in order to keep you on. He cannot therefore continue giving you short-term contracts. In order to work you will need an NIE number, you do not need a residencia. Your employer will apply for a social security number on your behalf or if you intend to be self employed you will be responsible for your social security contributions.

Driving rules and regulations
An EU or British driving licence is valid in Spain. If you’re going to be here for a while, you should register it with the traffic department (Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico) within 6 months. If you become a resident, you’ll need to change your licence at Tráfico in the correspodent province . EU licences need to be stamped for a fee of around 7 euros. British licences must be exchanged for a Spanish licence at a fee of 16 euros. All valid UK driving licences should be accepted in Spain. This includes the older all-green style UK licences (in Northern Ireland older paper style with photographic counterpart) although the EC appreciates that these may be more difficult to understand and that drivers may wish to voluntarily update them before travelling abroad, if time permits. Application form D1 (in Northern Ireland DL1) is available from most Post Offices. Alternatively, older licences may be accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Here’s a summary of the main rules and regulations you should know about:
You’re legally required to carry at all times spare tyres and all the tools needed to change them, two warning triangles (bearing symbol E9 and code 27R03), a spare set of headlight bulbs – as it’s illegal to drive with a broken light – and a reflective jacket.
The Spanish drive on the right and you should give way to vehicles on the left.     
Seat belts must be worn at all times in the front and back.
You must be 18 or over to drive.
Children under 12 cannot sit in the front without a suitable child seat.
Drink-driving laws are stricter than the UK with a much lower allowed alcohol level. If the level of alcohol in the bloodstream is 0.05 per cent or more, severe penalties include fines and withdrawal of visitor's driving licence. Drivers with less than 2 years experience 0.03%.
It’s illegal to use a mobile phone while you’re driving – there’s a 300 euro fine if you’re caught.
Speeding fines are payable on the spot for non-residents. Wheel clamps are also in use.

Speed limits:
120 km/h on motorways
100 km/h on dual carriageways
90 km/h on single carriageways
50 km/h in towns
Drinking and driving:

 

Fuel: Unleaded petrol (95 & 98 octane) available. No leaded petrol. Petrol in a can permitted. Diesel (Gasoleo 'A' or Gas-oil) available NOTE Gasoleo 'B' is heating oil only. LPG is available under the name of "Autogas", but there are only a few sales outlets at present. For locations please see map on website at www.repsolypf.com Credit cards accepted at most filling stations; check with your card issuer for usage in Spain before travel you will also need to produce photo ID when using a credit or debit card.
Lights: The use of full headlights in built-up areas is prohibited; use sidelights or dipped headlights depending on how well lit the roads are. Dipped headlights must be used in tunnels.
Motorcycles: Use of dipped headlights during the day compulsory. Wearing of crash helmets compulsory for riders over motorcycles 125cc and over.
Motor Insurance: Third-party compulsory.
Special features: It compulsory for visitors to equip their vehicles with a set of replacement bulbs, the tools to fit them and a warning triangle (one warning triangle compulsory for foreign registered vehicles; two recommended as, in an accident / breakdown situation, local officials may impose fine if only one produced). The wearing of reflectorised jacket /waistcoat is compulsory if driver and / or passenger(s) exits a vehicle which is immobilised on the carriageway of all motorways and main or busy roads.
Beaware however that Car Hire Companies are not under legal obligation to supply them to persons hiring vehicles, so often don't.
A Bail Bond is no longer a legal requirement and many insurance companies have stopped issuing them.
A driver who wears glasses should carry a spare pair with them. Apparatus with a screen which can distract adriver (such as television, video, DVD equipment) are prohibited. This excludes GPS systems. The use of radar detectors is prohibited.

 

 

Bringing your car
It’s no problem taking your car to Spain, but if you want to keep it here for more than a year you’ll need to officially import it. If you are staying in Spain permanently, you’ll have six months after getting your residence permit to legally import your vehicle. This involves getting Spanish plates and paying a percentage tax on the car’s value. You can arrange this yourself but it really is complicated. You’d be better off hiring a gestor (paperwork administrator) to handle it for you.
You’ll need your vehicle registration document, MOT certificate, insurance papers and driving licence. You’ll also need to apply for a Certificate of Permanent Export (V561) from the DVLA.

FAQ´s

How do I import my car?

The procedures relating to importation are complex. The motoring associations in Britain, and the Real Automóvil Club de España can provide guidance, but the authoritative source of information is the Directorate-General of Customs in Madrid. (Dirección General de Aduanas en Madrid, C/ Guzmán el Bueno 137, 28003 Madrid. Tel. (00 34) 91 553 02 00, Fax. (00 34) 91 553 52 42.)
Residents importing a vehicle must register it with the local authorities and obtain Spanish national plates. They should surrender the British vehicle's Registration Document to the DVLA in the UK and obtain a certificate of permanent export (V561) from them to present in Spain. The will have to pay the Impuesto Especial of 12%, which is based on the car's ready-reckoned value. (Non-residents from outside the EU are exempt from the Impuesto Especial).

How do I get an MOT?
Road worthiness certificates for right-hand drive cars are available from Spanish ITV (MOT) centres. Some adjustments to the vehicle may be needed to comply with EU regulations. An ITV is only valid on a Spanish registered vehicle. Should your MOT expire whilst in Spain you will need to have a pre-booked appointment at an MOT centre in the UK for your return trip.

 

MOTOR INSURANCE REGULATIONS

Spanish insurance regulations differ from those in the UK. For example, when a vehicle is declared a write-off in Spain, the insurance company pays only a percentage of the vehicle's current value, even when the policy is 'fully comprehensive'.
EU legislation requires that motorists in member states have full third party insurance. However, there is nothing which regulates what is applicable to third party or comprehensive insurance. This is a matter for member states, whose regulations differ.
It is important to check carefully what cover your policy provides. ASEGURACE may provide guidance, Tel: 902 120 441.
You cannot obtain Spanish insurance for a car not registered in Spain, however there are a number of companies offering insurance to UK registered vehicle that are in Spain.

 

Buying a car in Spain
New cars are cheaper than in the UK, but you won’t get the bargains you find in some EU countries and there isn’t a huge choice. It’s fine to bargain over the price and ask for a few extras to be included. Tax on new cars in Spain is higher than any other EU country, with a registration tax of 12% plus VAT at 16%.

The paperwork
To buy a Spanish registered car you’ll need at least one of following:

Either a residence card or your passport and an NIE (foreigner’s identification number). The title deed to your Spanish home in your name, not a company name. A certificate from the Town Hall showing you are a registered inhabitant of the municipality. A rental contract on a Spanish property for at least one year. You also have a legal requirement to transfer the vehicle into your name as soon as possible after its purchase

RESIDENCY AND TAXATION FAQ´s

Residencia do I need one?

As a UK national, you have the right to live in any European Economic Area (EEA) country. The British Consular now advises that all residents obtain a residence card even if it is not obligatory for them, as it is easier to carry than a passport, and simplifies many of the other administration procedures for new residents.

However, the following information below shows who is legally required to hold a residence card. UK nationals who are Employees, Self-employed, Students. EU national dependants of an EU or Spanish national or pensioners who have worked in Spain and receive their pension from the Spanish Social Security system no longer need to hold a residence card, and can live in Spain with a valid passport. (Dependants who are non-EU nationals still require a residence card.) Pensioners who have retired to Spain, people of independent means and non-EU national dependants of an EU or Spanish national, are still required to apply for a residence card.
They must apply for one of the following two types of card
Temporary residence card: intended stay of more than three months but less than one year. Ordinary residence card: intended stay of more than one year with a maximum validity of five years and renewable.

How do I apply?

If you wish to apply for a residencia you should submit the application form, available from the nearest Oficina de Extranjeros, to the local Provincial Police Station (Comisaría de Policía) or Foreigner's Office (Oficina de Extranjeros). However it is advisable to do this through your legal representative who will be able to manage the process and explain the advantages and disadvantages of becoming a resident.

What is an NIE number?

NIE. is the abbreviation for Número de identidad de extranjero, which in English means an identification number for foreigners. According to Spanish law every foreigner who has financial dealings in Spain has to obtain an NIE for tax purposes, from the Spanish government, regardless of their nationality and whether or not they become resident in Spain. The process itself is relatively simple, but can sometimes be lengthy involving filling in a form, a colour passport photo, a photocopy of your passport and your passport. Your solicitor or Gestor will then obtain your NIE number from the local police station, this can take anything from 1 to 5 weeks. The fee for this can be around 60 euros.

How do I register for Social Security?

The Spanish social security system is much like the British one, in that you pay your contributions every month, and that entitles you to a pension, unemployment benefit, sick pay, maternity pay and the right to receive free healthcare. The amount of pension or benefit you receive depends on the level of contributions you have been paying. You should be a little careful too: some small businesses pay all their staff cash in hand and those staff will not be eligible for Social Security benefits, including health care. Other employers may register you, but claim you are working less than you are, thus saving themselves some money in contributions. In this situation you will still be eligible for health care, but if you become unemployed or have to take sick leave, your benefits will be lower. Obviously you may not have much of a choice as to who you work for, but we would strongly recommend that you do not work cash-in-hand.
If you are self-employed you will have to go to the local Social Security office and fill in all the paper-work yourself. Unless your Spanish is very good, then it is probably advisable to get a gestor (official agent - a bit like a lawyer for menial bureaucracy) to do this for you. The minimum monthly contribution for the self employed in Spain is currently 225EUR per month.
If you have been employed in Spain for 6 months and you lose your job, you will generally be entitled to Spanish unemployment benefit. If you are employed or self-employed, you will also be entitled to sick pay, maternity pay and, when you retire, a pension. All benefits are paid at variable rates depending on the level of your contributions. If you have been paying minimum social security contributions the amount you will receive in benefits is currently around 750 EUR per month. If you are planning to live in Spain long term you should contact the DSS overseas department (above) in order to get your UK NI contributions transferred to the Spanish system.

What to do if I lose my Passport?

If your passport is lost or has been stolen, and you need to travel home immediately, you may obtain an Emergency Passport, valid for a one-way trip only, from the nearest British Consulate. To do this you will need to fill in one LS01 - Lost & Stolen passport form, available from all Consulates, a C1 Passport form, and take with you a Police report (denuncia) and two passport size photographs. If you have any other form of photographic identity, you should also take that.
However, it you have the time to wait for an application to be processed, you may apply for a replacement passport from the British Consulate-General in Madrid, in person or by post. You will need to fill in one LS01 Form, and provide a police report (denuncia), two passport size photographs (one of which must be countersigned by someone of professional standing who has known you for at least two years).

PENSIONS
Can I get my pension paid in Spain?

Those who are entitled may be paid a British State Pension, Widow's Benefit and a War Disablement Pension whilst resident in Spain. Those in receipt of Mobility, Attendance, Disability, and/or Invalid Care Allowance before 1.6.92 may be able to arrange for their continuing payment whilst living in Spain as well. The International Pension Centre will handle all enquiries.

For more information visit www.dwp.gov.uk

To claim a Spanish State Pension you must have contributed to Spanish Social Security for at least 15 years before you are eligible.

Learning the language

If you’re planning to buy a property in Spain, whether it’s a holiday home or a permanent move, you’re probably wondering if you’ll need to speak the language. Not at first since you will be dealing with bilingual professionals to guide you in the first steps.
But what about after the keys are yours?
English is widely spoken in southern Spain, so you should find it easy to get by. But it is worth trying to learn a bit if you can, particularly if you’re going to be working here or setting up a business. Luckily, Spanish is a relatively easy language to pick up.
If you want to learn at home before you get here, you’ll find most local colleges or adult education centres run evening classes. Alternatively, you can sign up with a local language school over here. Private lessons aren’t that expensive in Spain either – ask around or look in the classified ads in the local paper.
Some useful phrases

Good morning Good afternoon/evening Good night Hello Goodbye See you later See you soon Thank you Please How are you? Fine, thank you My name is... What's your name? A cold beer please A white coffee please A glass of red wine please Can I have the bill please? How much does it cost? Where is the nearest bank?

Buenos días Buenas tardes Buenas noches Hola Adiós Hasta luego Hasta pronto Gracias Por favor ¿Cómo estás? Or ¿Qué tal? Bien, gracias Me llamo... ¿Cómo te llamas? Una cerveza fría por favor Un café con leche por favor Una copa de vino tinto por favor La cuenta por favor ¿Cuánto cuesta? ¿Dónde está el banco más cercano?

 

Glossary
SPANISH

Agencia tributaria
Tax office
AJD
Stamp duty
Ambulatorios
State-operated medical centres
Baccalaureate diploma
Internationally recognized diploma taught in Spanish and some International (International Baccalaureate) schools and in most of Europe – equivalent to A levels.
Bancos
Commercial banks
Basura
Charge for rubbish disposal
Bombonas
Bottled gas delivered by Repsol Butano
Café
Coffee
Café con leche
Coffee with milk
Cajas
Savings banks like UK building societies, can also mean box and cashier
Calamares
Squid
Cartilla de seguridad social
Social security card
Casera/o
Look out for this on menus – it means home made
Cercanía
Local commuter trains
Cerveza
Beer
Chiringuito
Beach bar
Comisaría de policía
National police station
Contrato privado de compraventa
Private purchase contract –you’d exchange these with the vendor on the purchase of a resale property
Condiciones resolutorias
Clauses in a private contract that allow you to pull out of a purchase without losing your deposit.
Correo
Post
Correos
Post Office
Cortijo
Andalucian farmhouse
Cuenta de imposición a plazo
Fixed deposit account
Cuenta corriente
Current account
Denuncia
A report you’d make to the police about an incident. A police report.
Educación general básica or EGB
Basic education programme taught in Spanish schools from 6 to 14 years old.
Empresa Individual
A sole trader
Escritura de compraventa
Title Deeds
Estaciόn de autobús
Bus station

Estanco
Tobacconists
Farmacia
Pharmacy
Farmacia de guardia
24-hour pharmacy
Ficha Tecnica
Card showing the technical details of a car – a requirement for all Spanish registered cars
Finca
An old farmhouse in the countryside – a country property
Gazpacho
A traditional Andalucian chilled soup
Gestor
A business agent. Someone who makes a living out of dealing with bureaucracy and paperwork for you
Guardia Civil
National police wearing green uniforms. They deal with roads, countryside, villages, prisons, borders and the environment.
Hacienda
Spain’s Ministry of Finance
Hecho/a en casa
Look out for this on menus – it means home made
IBI (Impuestos sobre bienes immuebles)
Spanish property tax, like UK council tax
IAE (Impuesto sobre actividades económicas)
Business tax
Impuesto sobre el patrimonio
Wealth tax
IVA (Impuesto sobre el valor añadido)
Value added tax or VAT
Impuesto sobre incremento de patrimonio de la venta de un bien immueble
Capital gains tax

IRPF (Impuesto sobre la renta de las personas fisicas)
Income tax
Impuesto sobre sociedades
Company or corporation tax
Impuesto sobre sucesiones y donaciones
Inheritance and gift tax
Impuestos Vehiculos
Road tax certificate
INSALUD
Spanish state healthcare, the equivalent to our NHS.
Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social (INSS)
Spain’s Social Security office
ITV (Inspecciόn Técnica de Vehiculos)
The Spanish MOT
Libreta de ahorro
Savings book account
Licencia de apertura
Opening license for any business
Ministerio de Education
Spanish Ministry of Education
NIE (Número de identificaciόn de extranjero)
Foreigner’s identification number for tax and financial matters
Notaría
Notary Public.In Spain, a sale is formally completed when the public title deeds of purchase are signed before a notary, basically a local government official.
Oficina Gubernativa de Extranjeros
National foreigner’s Office
Oiga, por favor
Attention, please – use this expression to summon the waiter
Paella
Famous Spanish seafood and rice dish

Permiso de Circulaciόn
Vehicle’s driving permit
Pescadito frito
Typical deep fried fish
P.E.T.S
Pet Travel Scheme
Policía Local
Type of police who wear blue and white uniforms and deal with parking, traffic and local
by-laws.
Policía Nacional
Type of police who wear blue uniforms or plain clothes and deal with crime in cities and major towns. They also deal with administration such as passports, ID cards and residence cards.

Plusvalía
Property tax that’s normally paid by the seller on completion but is occasionally passed on to the purchaser.
Property tax
Like the UK council tax, charged by the town hall to pay for local services
Rastro
Car boot market
Registro de Propiedad
Land Registry
Residencia
Residency - which means you’ve become a Spanish resident
Rioja
Spanish wine from the Rioja region
Selectividad
Entrance exam for Spanish universities
Sociedad Civil
A partnership where several individuals form a business
Sociedad Limitada
A limited company

SUR in English
English language newspaper for the south of Spain – a good place to look for jobs
Tapas
Famous Spanish savoury snacks, usually served in bars with a glass of wine or beer
Tarifa plana
Flat rate Internet connection
Tarjeta de seguridad social
Social security card
Té
Tea
Trafico
Spain’s national traffic department
Trenes de Largo recorrido
Long distance express trains
Trenes Regionale
Intercity trains
Ventas
Traditional Spanish eateries in the more rural or mountainous areas of Andalucía
Vino
Wine