Paulwillis

Hi everyone Paul & Diane here we have just joined the forum we are in the process of selling our house with a view to move to Spain, so any advice would be welcome we will be looking to move to Alfaz, La Nucia, Polop or Albir. We would want to rent first of all to see how we get on. We have been holidaying in Spain for over 20 years and it has always been a dream to move here eventually and retire. So all advice would be much appreciated e.g. renting, health care, what documentation is required to live in Spain, and any other advice. Thank you.

lurchio

Welcome!!

Firstly, you are thinking of doing all this now, with so many unknowns as regards Brexit / Status of UK Citizens in Spain / Effect on the exchange rate etc etc? Holidays are SO different from actually living here, personally; given the timescale between now and Brexit and all the uncertainty I would hold your horses until all the unknowns become known.

Secondly , research on Documentation etc. You are well advised to look at the Gov.uk website 'Living in Spain' and also at the numerous threads on here. Loads of information on Residency , Healthcare (be prepared, unless you are of state pension age, initially you may need Private health care), Tax residency and generally living here. Seems like you are in the very early stages of your plans, and it will be hard to beat the Brexit date in that case, best advice .......hold fast until the current shambles sorts out. It would be a shame if moving goalposts scuppered you.

Lots of talk, no one knows for sure. When you become 'Non EU' things could be way different as regards minimum income / Visas etc etc, why risk it?

tebo53

l tend to agree with Lurchio as the unknowns of Brexit could change things dramatically but if you could get here and get legal before Brexit date you would be ok. If you are under retirement age you will need to get healthcare cover for yourself and all dependants and enough income to prove to the authorities that not become a burden on the state.

The areas you have chosen to live are very nice especially Albir which is probably where we will end up living when we've had enough of Benidorm.

Renting is the best idea until you find the right place to live and can expect to pay €500 a month (min) for a two bed apartment plus electric.

Steve

spainrico

Yes this is a mine of information

https://www.gov.uk/world/living-in-spain

then come back with detailed questions.

dougal03

Hi Paul & Diane,I have had a property in Alfaz since the mid 1980's before Spain joined the EU,although my business was in a different location.It is a really great town with lots of transport links & so many amenities like the sports centre & casa de cultura.I am moving shortly as I no longer have any family nearby so can go off and have a new adventure & change of scenery now I am retired.Alfaz is residential whereas Albir,the beach area, has a lot of part time residents in holiday homes.Both places enjoy good shops,restaurants ,health clinic ,schools etc.Known as "little Norway" due to the high number of Norwegian residents who have 3 schools funded by their Govn.The Spanish state schools are good & there is a British private school that is very popular & has been established for a very long time.La Nucia & Polop are just up the road but you would need transport if you want to easily go to,say,Benidorm,Alfaz or Altea.I can't comment on facilities there so maybe someone else will provide more info. about that area.My family came back in the days when UK was in the EU but Spain was not.So shortly the boot will be on the other foot.Only you can take the decision,then make it work.