Spritzer

Hello!
We retired (early) from England to Coquitlam nearly ten years ago and got our Canadian citizenship a few years ago.

We have given it our best shot but just can't get used to the weather which is very wet. This year spring didn't arrive at all and now in July, it is still very rainy and so dull. Also missing the usual things mentioned on here, lack of sense of humour, nightlife, good old British chat and friendliness!

So...we are thinking seriously of moving to Spain, probably somewhere in the Valencia area.

The question is, would it be better to go back home, regain our permanent residency, get a GP, police clearance etc. and start the process of researching a Spanish home from there, or should we go from here in Canada and rent in Spain? I tend to think it might be difficult getting our medical info. and police clearances, tax stuff from the Canadian end if you know what I mean?

Feeling a bit confused at present!

missile

You might be better asking for advice on Canada forum

mikelincs

You certainly do NOT need police clearance as long as you are UK citizens, just think of the huge numbers of crime lords that moved to Spain form the UK.

Spritzer

I'll see if the boss moves it then...thanks

twistedmelon

Couple of things:
Early retirees, not pensioners?
Not looking to make an income in Spain?
Do you hold a UK passport ( as you are Canadian citizens)
I'm not sure if a HRT (habitual residency test) would apply in this case you would need to check with the British consulate as to the ins and outs of repatriation or if that even applies.
Given the outcome of that may make your decision more clearer at this point in time before any other advice.

Spritzer

Thanks for the reply...Yes we are now over 65 so the health aspect is covered with the right documents.

We both get our pensions paid into a UK bank (costs a lot to get it out every month, but I guess that's the same for all expats).

No we will not work in Spain.

Yes we do have British passports.

From what I've gleaned, we would need to have proof that we are in the throes of buying, or have bought a property in Spain if we go straight there. Plus all the usual tax docs and health records.

PS We COULD have been involved in all sorts of crime since arriving here in Canada so the police clearance is needed I've been told.

lynnxa

I THINK that as you are still officially british & getting the UK pension you can just pitch up here in Spain the same as any other british pensioner - no need to be buying, police clearance or anything

Eric S

I had to chuckle when I read this. They miss the "good old British chat and friendliness" and therefore want to move to Spain!



- Eric S.

Spritzer

ForHotspot

I'm in the same position. I moved from UK to Richmond BC thinking that it would be warmer in BC but I don't like the wet weather there & the BC's weather is not far out from UK's weather.

So I'm now in Spain which Is OK if you're prepared for the cold winter for about 5 mths as the house in Spain is not insulated. I'm so used to the radiant heating with warm floors in BC but hopefully I'm prepared for the winter here this year.

If you like growing fruits & vegs, here is definitely better. I prefer Spain but rent the area first to see if you like it & then buy. Properties are a lot cheaper but also a lot smaller than BC.

Luckily though I'm a Canadian citizen I hold a British passport & is a UK pensioner. It is easier to mover over here as a British citizen even with shipping of your household contents over.

Hope this helps.

Domino

must be talking about this forum

mikelincs

If you move to Spain, then get the pensions people to pay your pensions direct into your Spanish account, costs nothing. UK citizens need NO police clearance to move to Spain as you are citizens of the EU.

twistedmelon

Then no need to go to UK first just come straight to Spain.
All the best.

Spritzer

Thanks.....Get it! After reading a bit more here anyway.....

Spritzer

Thanks for that