Living and working in Spain
#1
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 4

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?
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?
#2
Lost in BE Cyberspace










Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,255











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?
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?
#3
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?
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 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 .
#4
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 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 .
#5
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,669
From: Costa Blanca











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.
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.
#6
Thread Starter
Just Joined
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 4

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.
#7
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,255











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.
#8
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 256

Why not buy in UK and go travelling for a long holiday and see if it is for you?
#9
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,163
From: london/gandia











Why not just rent in Spain?
#10
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,195
From: Cartama, Malaga











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
and not drink it all away when you realise that you can get a pint for € 1.50
#11
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,824
From: Disneylandia











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.
#12
Thread Starter
Just Joined
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 4

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.
#13
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Joined: Feb 2008
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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.
#14
Thread Starter
Just Joined
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 4

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.
#15
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,195
From: Cartama, Malaga














