Living
in Spain
General
information about living in Spain
Spain
has some one million foreign property owners. About twenty percent of these
foreigners live, more or less, permanently in Spain. The remainder purchased
their house to enjoy their holidays, as an investment or with a view to the
future.
As
well as retired people, the number of younger people attracted to Spain is
still growing. Thanks to the increasing popularity of golf, many golfers
choose a second home here. More and more people are able to settle where
they choose, and for a lot of them Spain is the first choice. Everybody can
live outside almost everyday and enjoy the Spanish way of life.
The
Costa Del Sol and the Costa Blanca are developing quickly now because of the
huge supply of attractive and affordable housing, the enormous growth of the
provinces and the limited travelling time between Great Britain to Spain. In
addition these areas are renowned for having the lowest number of rainy days.
The population of Spain are very friendly and helpful especially the Costa
Blanca and the Costa del Sol. Living in Spain is also substantially cheaper
than in other areas. Here it is still possible to find your dream future!
One
of the most healthy places on earth to live.
Experts
agree with each other that the residents of southern Spain live more
healthily and with less physical complaints than elsewhere. Especially
sufferers from asthma and rheumatism, people with cardiovascular diseases,
arteriosclerosis, allergies and skin disorders feel better here. Because of
the mountainous hinterland the costas are mostly sheltered against Meseta
winds, making the temperatures pleasant throughout the whole year in the so-called
microclimate.
AVERAGE
TEMPERATURES
Costa Del Sol
Costa Blanca
The sun shines on more
than 300 days a year and the humidity factor is very low.
Adopting
the Spanish way of life with its excellent food, abundant possibilities for
exercise and of course the internationally well known afternoon nap (
siesta) , makes people not only feel physically more comfortable but also
mentally better. Both for a summer holiday as well as for a winter stay the
Costa Calida is the best choice in Spain. The magnificent bays and beaches
are unforgettable. For those who wish a passive sun holiday, but also the
people who aim at having an active or adventurous holiday, the Costa Calida
has lots of opportunities. The marvellous highlands (famous for the many
westerns which have been filmed here ) situated on the coastline, offer for
both the walker as well as the car-tourist a beautiful scenic area with
exceptionally beautiful views and picturesque villages.
Living in Spain
The south-east coast of Spain is characterised first and foremost by
sunshine. Spain is a sunny country; no question. Of course sun affects
almost every aspect of life, from style of house, leisure pursuits, food, (and
drink), pace of living to name but a few.
Fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh fish and succulent meats are available in
profusion. Spain has long been a major provider to the colder countries of
early salads and vegetables as well as fruits - melons, oranges, lemons,
grapes, tomatoes as most will be aware, but also of the lesser known
delicacies like dates, pomegranates, peaches, artichokes, avocados, walnuts,
almonds…and the rest.
Can
you imagine wakening up some sunny morning to the scent of orange and lemon
blossoms in your own garden. Wonderful. And you do not have to be one of the
world's privileged mega-rich for this to happen for you.
Living outdoors, eating out, sitting out, people-watching over a leisurely
glass, or strolling along the palm-shaded promenades, are all part of a
normal way of life. What is more, it is an affordable way of life. Many
goods and services are priced similarly in Spain and other EU countries (which
makes it generally less expensive than Britain), although it is not as cheap
to live in Spain as it was 20 years ago.
The quality of life in Spain is probably the
reason why you have got as far as making investigations about living in
Spain. The cost of living is relatively low, while the warm dry climate not
only enhances your lifestyle, it is also good for you (the Costa Blanca is
recognised by the WHO as having one of the healthiest climates in the world).
Re-locating to Spain is relatively straightforward for EU nationals, but you
should be sure to take the advice of the office through which you purchase
your new property.
Residency
If you do not plan to stay in Spain for more than half the year (182 days,
to be precise), then as an EU national you do not need to obtain a residence
card. If you are not an EU national you may need to obtain a visa from the
Spanish consulate in your country of origin. If you plan to live, study,
work or start a business you are required to apply for a residence permit
within 15 days of your arrival in Spain. Cards for dependants are issued for
the same period as the principal applicant and applications must be
accompanied by proof of relationship (i.e. marriage or birth certificates).
The period of issue for a residence card is usually 5 years. It is important
to know that if you choose to live in Spain for more than 182 days in a
calendar year then you will be liable to pay Spanish income tax on your
worldwide income. It may well be a good idea to appoint a
"gestor", a professional who is trained to help you with official
paperwork, to act on your behalf. Although you will have to pay for their
services, they are generally reasonable and will almost certainly save you
time and trouble. Wherever you choose to buy property in Spain, Eden Villas
offices can help you with finding a reputable gestor.
Further Reading
Contact the Spanish consulate in your country of residence for further
information.
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