Thinking of moving to Spain

[Fay]

Originally Posted by atlast

I should have asked this before. Can you get legal residence in Spain? It's sort of useless to worry about property if they aren't going to let you stay.

To buy a property in Spain you do not need to become a resident. All you need is a NIF/NIE number. It is basically a tax number, which allows you to conduct purchasing of property legally. It is a legal requirement to have one, before conducting any financial business here. They usually take about a month to obtain, without problems, through a lawyer.

As for getting Spanish residency, there is no reason why anyone should be turned down, unless they have a serious criminal record!!

[atlast]

I wasn't very clear. I meant for the ability to stay in the country, not the ability to buy property. If you don't have an EU passport, and you are, say, American, you can't just decide to move to Spain or much of anywhere else in Europe. Part time is OK.

[ellenjoan]

Diana,

Don't be too quick to leave Canada...it's not all sun in Spain.
You won't find the kindness of the people here as it is in Canada (I know what I'm talking about).
There 's much less respect for nature and no respect for animals (i'm sorry but it's true).
If you still need to work...be prepared they pay less here !

The climate may be great (Costa Blanca micro-climate) but ...

I can only recommend you to come over for a holiday and see what you think !

Ellenjoan (just back from Canada and already preparing my next trip over there in september !)

[atlast]

I really can't imagine deciding to move somewhere without a few visits first. OK, if you are just going to rent. But so many people seem to sell everything, buy into a place, and really not have any idea what they are getting into. I guess if you are from someplace cold and wet with very little sunshine, you figure the weather will make up for everything.

[Gigi]

Hi, I live in Florida, USA and I would like to relocate with my husband and the my two kids 8 and 6.

What is the cost of living and also can I find a job ? What is a good business to buy if possible and were is a cheap place to live in Barcelona?

[atlast]

Gigi - Do you lhave an EU passport? Because otherwise your main problem is going to be getting a visa that will allow you to stay.

[DUCC]

Originally Posted by dianas83

Hey there everyone, i am a Canadian thinking about moving to Spain, would love to buy a property as i own a condo here and would like to keep my money in a property, really don't know much about the process of buying abroad or if it's even possible for me. Just started to consider the move, very overwhelming. Anyone know what a great place to start would be, don't speak spanish yet, so would prefer to live somewhere with a decent population of english speaking people or tourists.
Any ideas? Also on a limited budget.
Thanks so much!!

Hola,

the Southern part of Gran Canaria would be very suitable for You. The british/irish residents community there comprises approx. 20.000. In touristic areas the population is nearly 100% english speaking.

To buy property is no problem. It is legally safe, relatively easy, and there are many opportunities on the market. Many locations also have a good future potential. You should search through a real estate broker, but be aware of many unserious or unregistered agents.

There are quite a few Canadians and US-citizens having chosen the Canaries as their permanent residence. The weather is excellent all year long and nearly all outdoor sport activities are possible year round. Las Palmas beeing around the corner offers the vivid life of a large city. The infrastructure is very modern and up to date.. The Islands offer many climates, mountains (up to nearly 4000m) beaches, vulcanos, deserts etc.. And we have daily several hundred (mostly cheap) flights to nearly all major European destinations. If You have further questions You can also contact me via PM.

[atlast]

Are residence requirements the same as for Spain?

[Gigi]

Yes, I have a US passport and also my grandma and mother are Spaniard, can I buy I home and also put my own business? I want to know how the market is ?

[DUCC]

Originally Posted by atlast

Are residence requirements the same as for Spain?

Yes, they are identical for the Canary Islands.