dreamer55

I was reading that you need to have proof of income to register as resident in Spain; some sites suggest a minimum of 9k euros pa. I'm hoping to come over with a pension of approx 6k euro pa (at today's low exchange rate) and capital for a rainy day of 25k euro (from which healthcare will be paid). I'll own my house outright and my pension will rise considerably once my state pension kicks in (6 years). I'm confident that I can live on this income (and have done here in the UK for a couple of years) but my question is - will this satisfy the authorities as adequate means? If anyone has already been approved on this sort of income I'd be pleased to hear it. Thanks.

spainrico

As no one else has replied - I went through this process many years ago. I think the current system bases acceptance on income equivalent to a Spanish state pension (which varies by region) but around 650 - 800 euros a month. So you are a bit low but the savings and other factors might get you through. It may all depend on the system on the day. Suggest you get a good gestoria to make the application.

dreamer55

Many thanks for your reply, spainrico.

bobd22

Person that i know that did this never had to prove annual income but had to prove a set amount in the Spanish bank at the time the bank signed the form. I believe it was in the region of 6000/6500 euro. That amount did not have to remain in the bank. I believe big problem is different areas deal with this differently.

Bad Leg

I'm a pensioner and got my Spanish residency in Valencia last year. Surprisingly they only ask for an income of 450 euros a month. If you have proof of pension income, UK healthcare (form S1), and around 2000 euros in a Spanish bank you should be OK.

dreamer55

Very cheering news, thank you both, bobd22 and Bad leg.

tebo53

Hi,

When I was applying for residency the authorities wanted to see a regular income going into a Spanish bank account. I had been forwarded of that before I came to live in Spain so I set up a non-resident account a year before and put regular payments into the account. I told the authorities that it was my monthly pension scheme payment. I was putting €700 per month into the account for a full year along with a lump sum. They accepted the Spanish account statement as acceptable income.

I had to also show proof that I had adequate healthcare.

Steve

dreamer55

That's a good idea, thanks tebo53.

jimbob66

I'm in Spain at the moment and deliberating whether to stay. we are at the start of the residency process and here in Malaga province, for a single person, 650 euros per month is enough provided it's a regular payment proved by documentation. If under 65, you need private insurance, since January this has to be at the top level( without co-payments). That's it really, quite straightforward for a UK cit. But, you will find that despite the Ministry of Interior setting a national rule, the provinces are free to use their own discretion as to self-sufficiency. Every province is different. Some places require regular payments plus lump sum, others want payments into a Spanish bank account for 3 months prior to the application. You really need to decide which part of Spain and then research it locally. Gestors we have found to be less than accurate on certain points but usually relating to non-EU residency applications. The golden rule here is ask, ask and ask again. Expect to be asked to return to the local office dealing with foreigners more than a couple of times and the smaller areas may well not give appointments so take a book! The upside for you is that once you decide where you are going you will satisfy the income rule whatever it is, so just get the healthcare sorted, fill in the ex-18 form and that's pretty much job done.. Gestors here will charge about 40 to 50 euros for doing not a lot in your case. Good luck with it.

dreamer55

Thanks jimbob66. When you say health insurance has to be without co-payments, is that the excess? I was hoping to go for the maximum excess allowed to keep the cost down, but it sounds like that may not be possible.

KieronF

Some authorities will accept a lower monthly income figure if you can prove that you own your property as opposed to paying rent each month.

jimbob66

Get a number of quotes but read everything in them. We for example had a quote from a company called DKV. They gave 4 options, basic to elite. As I only needed it for 4 months' until I hit 65, we were about to go for the basic ( with copayments) but were then advise that the law changed in January ( the quotes were in March!)and for residency, it had to be Elite cover. We also looked at Sanitas ( Bupa related I think) they offer a Mas Salud policy, below Elite cover and with some copayments, so, you pays your money and takes your chance. Worst case scenario, you go for a cheaper option with copayments/excesses, it gets refused when you apply for residency, you just upgrade apparently. We have found that you have to commit to 12 months', no cancellation is possible and for us it is ridiculous. we would pay for private cover that we don't need for 8 months' after my 65th birthday. for you, no such worries. Decide on the place then ask for quotes for that province and keep asking questions. All the best. Oh, if you decide to rent your house in Ireland, give me a shout! lol

dreamer55

Thanks again! Not living in Ireland, but can get Irish passport. like the idea of living in Spain, but if language difficulties seem insurmountable, Ireland is my second choice. Property prices in both countries are great compared to UK!!
(and thanks KeironF - feel more comfortable about my income now).

Loafing Along

Co-payments are offered by several Insurance providers, basically they bring down the cost of the premium by charging a nominal amount for each consultation , for example a visit to a specialist from the Insurer's approved list may carry a €10,- charge.

It is not an "Excess"

aw73

Since it is 9 months on from the last time a figure was quoted ( 650 euros per month) could anyone say if this is still s good figure to be looking at. Also, would it be per person if a couple were to apply, After all, if they are considering your ability to rent etc, then the rent is the same for one or two surely ?

Alan