It may be valid in the literal sense, but as you are only allowed to use it when you are temporarily away from the UK, if you have registered with the police and been entered on the register of EU foreigners, you will have lost your tourist status so in theory you cannot use it.

And, of course, to sign on the register you will need proof of health cover and they will not accept an EHIC.

Thanks for answering that, yes all of my friends call it the padron and so does the man at the town hall so I have fallen in with them. When my husband died I even had to have an up to date padron form for him in order to deal with things at the notaries office.

Cliff, one thing for you to get your head around is the fact that Spain thrives on paperwork and they love to rubber stamp each piece and do elaborate signatures. Whenever you need to sort anything out make sure that you have everything (including the kitchen sink) with you and that you have copious copies. Patience is needed in abundance to get everything done but once you have things in place you can relax and enjoy your new life.

Rosemary

Personally I would come out for no more than 180 days, take short term rentals in and around your preferred area ( or even further afield ) and see how you get on.

Rentals during the winter months are plentiful.

At the end of that period go back to the UK and sit down and make some decisions.

Also many people outstay the 180 days, but sound advice is not to push your luck too far.