Go Back  British Expats > Living & Moving Abroad > Europe > Spain
Reload this Page >

Living and working in Spain

Wikiposts

Living and working in Spain

Thread Tools
 
Old Apr 18th 2019 | 8:52 pm
  #1  
Thread Starter
Just Joined
 
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 4
Stevie_Valentine is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Living and working in Spain

Hi I'm in the process of a divorce from my partner and will walk away with an ok'ish lump sum of £150k. I have been a home maker for the last 12yrs so I have toyed with the idea of moving to Spain, as I love the sunshine Mediterranean culture. I'm not trained or skilled and am happy to clean, wait tables, bar work, dog walk or house/pet sit, as I will have enough to buy a property outright and have a bit saved by. Is this realistic to work to cover food and bills? Also what about winter will work suddenly dry up in the costas? I did gcse Spanish but will obviously brush up before I move.

Is Estepona a nice area? I have seen some nice options close to the beach there, would renting 1 of the bedrooms on a B&B basis work? I'm not expecting to live like royalty just enough to pay food and bills but have enough time to enjoy the beaches and climate.

Also so what other taxes can I expect to pay on a property and how much off can I expect to offer on a property?
 
Old Apr 18th 2019 | 9:06 pm
  #2  
Lost in BE Cyberspace
 
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,255
Moses2013 has a reputation beyond reputeMoses2013 has a reputation beyond reputeMoses2013 has a reputation beyond reputeMoses2013 has a reputation beyond reputeMoses2013 has a reputation beyond reputeMoses2013 has a reputation beyond reputeMoses2013 has a reputation beyond reputeMoses2013 has a reputation beyond reputeMoses2013 has a reputation beyond reputeMoses2013 has a reputation beyond reputeMoses2013 has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Living and working in Spain

Originally Posted by Stevie_Valentine
Hi I'm in the process of a divorce from my partner and will walk away with an ok'ish lump sum of £150k. I have been a home maker for the last 12yrs so I have toyed with the idea of moving to Spain, as I love the sunshine Mediterranean culture. I'm not trained or skilled and am happy to clean, wait tables, bar work, dog walk or house/pet sit, as I will have enough to buy a property outright and have a bit saved by. Is this realistic to work to cover food and bills? Also what about winter will work suddenly dry up in the costas? I did gcse Spanish but will obviously brush up before I move.

Is Estepona a nice area? I have seen some nice options close to the beach there, would renting 1 of the bedrooms on a B&B basis work? I'm not expecting to live like royalty just enough to pay food and bills but have enough time to enjoy the beaches and climate.

Also so what other taxes can I expect to pay on a property and how much off can I expect to offer on a property?
I suppose a lot will depend on other factors. For example age and do you have enough pension contributions? 150K is certainly a good amount but if you are 40 and can only find work now and then, will it last until retirement and what then? Even owning a property outright still means you have to pay taxes, although Estepona seems to have reduced IBI payments.
 
Old Apr 18th 2019 | 9:29 pm
  #3  
tebo53's Avatar
BE Forum Addict
 
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,260
From: Benidorm, the most relaxing place in Spain.
tebo53 has a reputation beyond reputetebo53 has a reputation beyond reputetebo53 has a reputation beyond reputetebo53 has a reputation beyond reputetebo53 has a reputation beyond reputetebo53 has a reputation beyond reputetebo53 has a reputation beyond reputetebo53 has a reputation beyond reputetebo53 has a reputation beyond reputetebo53 has a reputation beyond reputetebo53 has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Living and working in Spain

Originally Posted by Stevie_Valentine
Hi I'm in the process of a divorce from my partner and will walk away with an ok'ish lump sum of £150k. I have been a home maker for the last 12yrs so I have toyed with the idea of moving to Spain, as I love the sunshine Mediterranean culture. I'm not trained or skilled and am happy to clean, wait tables, bar work, dog walk or house/pet sit, as I will have enough to buy a property outright and have a bit saved by. Is this realistic to work to cover food and bills? Also what about winter will work suddenly dry up in the costas? I did gcse Spanish but will obviously brush up before I move.

Is Estepona a nice area? I have seen some nice options close to the beach there, would renting 1 of the bedrooms on a B&B basis work? I'm not expecting to live like royalty just enough to pay food and bills but have enough time to enjoy the beaches and climate.

Also so what other taxes can I expect to pay on a property and how much off can I expect to offer on a property?
you need to look into the requirements needed to reside in Spain such as health care and income etc
You will need to obtain an NIE number etc and have full private health care. A Spanish bank account with at least 3 months of income going directly into it and being enough to satisfy the authorities you will not be a burden on the state.
You will need to sign on the residents register within 90 days of living in Spain and meet all the requirements.
There are hundreds of people looking for jobs you have mentioned and if you're lucky enough to find bar work etc it will hardly pay enough. Have a long holiday in your chosen area and do the rounds calling in places to see if anything is available .
 
Old Apr 18th 2019 | 10:20 pm
  #4  
snikpoh's Avatar
Retired and loving it!
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,212
From: Ontinyent - Valencia region (campo)
snikpoh has a reputation beyond reputesnikpoh has a reputation beyond reputesnikpoh has a reputation beyond reputesnikpoh has a reputation beyond reputesnikpoh has a reputation beyond reputesnikpoh has a reputation beyond reputesnikpoh has a reputation beyond reputesnikpoh has a reputation beyond reputesnikpoh has a reputation beyond reputesnikpoh has a reputation beyond reputesnikpoh has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Living and working in Spain

Originally Posted by tebo53
you need to look into the requirements needed to reside in Spain such as health care and income etc
You will need to obtain an NIE number etc and have full private health care. A Spanish bank account with at least 3 months of income going directly into it and being enough to satisfy the authorities you will not be a burden on the state.
You will need to sign on the residents register within 90 days of living in Spain and meet all the requirements.
There are hundreds of people looking for jobs you have mentioned and if you're lucky enough to find bar work etc it will hardly pay enough. Have a long holiday in your chosen area and do the rounds calling in places to see if anything is available .
You won't need to show income if you have sufficient savings
 
Old Apr 18th 2019 | 10:40 pm
  #5  
BE Forum Addict
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,669
From: Costa Blanca
spainrico has a reputation beyond reputespainrico has a reputation beyond reputespainrico has a reputation beyond reputespainrico has a reputation beyond reputespainrico has a reputation beyond reputespainrico has a reputation beyond reputespainrico has a reputation beyond reputespainrico has a reputation beyond reputespainrico has a reputation beyond reputespainrico has a reputation beyond reputespainrico has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Living and working in Spain

Making a living is not easy from these 'occupations' and to be legal you would need to have a work contract or to be self-employed means paying contributions for pension, health etc.

More on property here
https://www.pellicerheredia.com/en/real-estate

I think you need to do a lot of research and not burn UK bridges. Good luck.
 
Old Apr 19th 2019 | 12:28 am
  #6  
Thread Starter
Just Joined
 
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 4
Stevie_Valentine is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Re: Living and working in Spain

I'm an EU citizen so moving, living and working in Spain is not an issue. It's just the getting work that concerns me lol.
 
Old Apr 19th 2019 | 12:36 am
  #7  
Lost in BE Cyberspace
 
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,255
Moses2013 has a reputation beyond reputeMoses2013 has a reputation beyond reputeMoses2013 has a reputation beyond reputeMoses2013 has a reputation beyond reputeMoses2013 has a reputation beyond reputeMoses2013 has a reputation beyond reputeMoses2013 has a reputation beyond reputeMoses2013 has a reputation beyond reputeMoses2013 has a reputation beyond reputeMoses2013 has a reputation beyond reputeMoses2013 has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Living and working in Spain

Originally Posted by Stevie_Valentine
I'm an EU citizen so moving, living and working in Spain is not an issue. It's just the getting work that concerns me lol.
It can still be an issue: Within three months of your arrival in Spain, you have to go in person to a Foreigners’ Office (Oficina de Extranjero) or local police station to register and be added to the Central Register of Foreign Nationals. You will need to have a valid passport or ID document and be able to show documentation to prove that you can support yourself (and any dependants), and may also be asked to show evidence that you have private or public healthcare insurance.

As said, the biggest issue will be that money can run out quickly and if you don't have enough pension contributions might end up in pensioner poverty. That's why your age would be important to know.

 
Old Apr 21st 2019 | 1:29 am
  #8  
Forum Regular
 
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 256
cermignano is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Re: Living and working in Spain

Why not buy in UK and go travelling for a long holiday and see if it is for you?
 
Old Apr 21st 2019 | 8:42 am
  #9  
BE Forum Addict
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,163
From: london/gandia
jonboy has a reputation beyond reputejonboy has a reputation beyond reputejonboy has a reputation beyond reputejonboy has a reputation beyond reputejonboy has a reputation beyond reputejonboy has a reputation beyond reputejonboy has a reputation beyond reputejonboy has a reputation beyond reputejonboy has a reputation beyond reputejonboy has a reputation beyond reputejonboy has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Living and working in Spain

Why not just rent in Spain?
 
Old Apr 28th 2019 | 5:54 am
  #10  
BE Forum Addict
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,195
From: Cartama, Malaga
bfg69bug has a reputation beyond reputebfg69bug has a reputation beyond reputebfg69bug has a reputation beyond reputebfg69bug has a reputation beyond reputebfg69bug has a reputation beyond reputebfg69bug has a reputation beyond reputebfg69bug has a reputation beyond reputebfg69bug has a reputation beyond reputebfg69bug has a reputation beyond reputebfg69bug has a reputation beyond reputebfg69bug has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Living and working in Spain

I would look for a cheaper property, to have alot more left in the bank.

and not drink it all away when you realise that you can get a pint for € 1.50
 
Old Apr 28th 2019 | 7:55 pm
  #11  
BE Forum Addict
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,824
From: Disneylandia
ononno has a reputation beyond reputeononno has a reputation beyond reputeononno has a reputation beyond reputeononno has a reputation beyond reputeononno has a reputation beyond reputeononno has a reputation beyond reputeononno has a reputation beyond reputeononno has a reputation beyond reputeononno has a reputation beyond reputeononno has a reputation beyond reputeononno has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Living and working in Spain

Originally Posted by Stevie_Valentine
I'm an EU citizen so moving, living and working in Spain is not an issue. It's just the getting work that concerns me lol.
We see so many of these sort of posts on ex pat forums, and it brings home how little UK voters, whether remainers or brexiters, know about so called 'free movement' and the processes and documentation required to move to, and live and work in a Club Med country.
I wish the OP the best of luck, and as has been said, do it all legally. At the end of the day it is not all that difficult, just different.
' lluego,
'o nonno.
 
Old May 2nd 2019 | 3:34 am
  #12  
Thread Starter
Just Joined
 
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 4
Stevie_Valentine is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Re: Living and working in Spain

I'm 46, it was just an idea, I have no ties so was exploring options. Looks like I will keep it for another day when finances allow.
 
Old May 2nd 2019 | 6:48 am
  #13  
Lost in BE Cyberspace
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 6,172
bobd22 has a reputation beyond reputebobd22 has a reputation beyond reputebobd22 has a reputation beyond reputebobd22 has a reputation beyond reputebobd22 has a reputation beyond reputebobd22 has a reputation beyond reputebobd22 has a reputation beyond reputebobd22 has a reputation beyond reputebobd22 has a reputation beyond reputebobd22 has a reputation beyond reputebobd22 has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Living and working in Spain

Originally Posted by Stevie_Valentine
I'm 46, it was just an idea, I have no ties so was exploring options. Looks like I will keep it for another day when finances allow.
I think you have done the right thing by enquiring on here and getting some sound advice/information. Your problem given your age is going to be that you need to work to get by. There is still high unemployment in Spain and casual work as you mention is highly sort after by Spaniards who of course have the benefit of speaking Spanish. There are some people who do manage to do just as you have outlined you want to do and they do get by and enjoy their life in Spain but there are also many that fall by the wayside, hence the less than positive replies I'm afraid. The area you mention I do not know I'm afraid so I can't help you with that. Many on here are self sufficient in Spain as they came here to retire with pensions including state pension which currently brings with it free healthcare. I wouldn't say give up on your dream rather make sure you know exactly what you are doing and get to know well the area you would like to settle research work prospects etc best way would be if you can having an extended holiday in the area using it more of a fact finding work exploring opportunity than an holiday. You never know it may lead to something positive if not then better to be forewarned, good luck.
 
Old May 2nd 2019 | 10:27 am
  #14  
Thread Starter
Just Joined
 
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 4
Stevie_Valentine is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Re: Living and working in Spain

Originally Posted by bobd22
I think you have done the right thing by enquiring on here and getting some sound advice/information. Your problem given your age is going to be that you need to work to get by. There is still high unemployment in Spain and casual work as you mention is highly sort after by Spaniards who of course have the benefit of speaking Spanish. There are some people who do manage to do just as you have outlined you want to do and they do get by and enjoy their life in Spain but there are also many that fall by the wayside, hence the less than positive replies I'm afraid. The area you mention I do not know I'm afraid so I can't help you with that. Many on here are self sufficient in Spain as they came here to retire with pensions including state pension which currently brings with it free healthcare. I wouldn't say give up on your dream rather make sure you know exactly what you are doing and get to know well the area you would like to settle research work prospects etc best way would be if you can having an extended holiday in the area using it more of a fact finding work exploring opportunity than an holiday. You never know it may lead to something positive if not then better to be forewarned, good luck.
thank you to everyone who took the time to reply
 
Old May 2nd 2019 | 6:06 pm
  #15  
BE Forum Addict
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,195
From: Cartama, Malaga
bfg69bug has a reputation beyond reputebfg69bug has a reputation beyond reputebfg69bug has a reputation beyond reputebfg69bug has a reputation beyond reputebfg69bug has a reputation beyond reputebfg69bug has a reputation beyond reputebfg69bug has a reputation beyond reputebfg69bug has a reputation beyond reputebfg69bug has a reputation beyond reputebfg69bug has a reputation beyond reputebfg69bug has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Living and working in Spain

Originally Posted by snikpoh
You won't need to show income if you have sufficient savings
in malaga they dont care about money in the bank, the reason that they gave me was that the money could be spent tomorrow. They were looking for a provable monthly income ( full contract or pension)
 


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service - Your Privacy Choices

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.