running a business from a base in Spain

[shawcoast]

Hi, we are contemplating to explore Spain - first move fro 6-12 months and then possibly settle... I run a business (telemarketing agency in the UK) - all working from home and some are working already from abroad and run projects in the Uk, so there will be no problem to bring it all with me and do in Spain. I have been looking through the posts here and noticed something about the costs of NI stamps being rediculouly high - have I misread it ir is it really expenssive to trade in Spain even if most or even all the trade is done in the Uk? Any other advice about business/phone lines/internet as these are essential for me? Can you run a business from home in Spain when you are renting this home?

We have been looking at different areas and it looks like Alicante area and region around is very attractive. We are looking for a quiet life as I will run my business from home and my husband is a musician. What are rental costs there - any idea? Would you particularly recommend any areas/villages, etc?

Also, what about creepy cralies in the hot climate and whatnots? I am not mad on these sort of things ) especially with children. I have a 5 month old girl.

In regards with rentals - are they all detached and furnished or most unfurnished? as we will not be brining the stuff just for 6 months, etc.

would appreciate your advice and ideas. Thanks )

[Stravinsky]

Originally Posted by shawcoast

Hi, we are contemplating to explore Spain - first move fro 6-12 months and then possibly settle... I run a business (telemarketing agency in the UK) - all working from home and some are working already from abroad and run projects in the Uk, so there will be no problem to bring it all with me and do in Spain. I have been looking through the posts here and noticed something about the costs of NI stamps being rediculouly high - have I misread it ir is it really expenssive to trade in Spain even if most or even all the trade is done in the Uk? Any other advice about business/phone lines/internet as these are essential for me? Can you run a business from home in Spain when you are renting this home?

We have been looking at different areas and it looks like Alicante area and region around is very attractive. We are looking for a quiet life as I will run my business from home and my husband is a musician. What are rental costs there - any idea? Would you particularly recommend any areas/villages, etc?

Also, what about creepy cralies in the hot climate and whatnots? I am not mad on these sort of things ) especially with children. I have a 5 month old girl.

In regards with rentals - are they all detached and furnished or most unfurnished? as we will not be brining the stuff just for 6 months, etc.

would appreciate your advice and ideas. Thanks )

Hi there
Yes, the NI payments here for autonomo are around €235 a month, can never remember the exact figure. If you reside in Spain I'm afraid your tax in most cases has to be paid here.

Depends where you end up for Internet. Obviously if you are well inland you may end up with a few problems but we are 6 kms inland and have rural adsl which is 512k. I believe I can upgrade it to 1 mb now, and there are third parties around that will offer you the earth. I've stuck with Telefonica!

Sax is inland from Alicante and I believe is quite nice.

Creepy crawlies ........ well, we've encountered a few but nothing too horrifying. There are snakes around but they dont seem to come near the house, you can get mossie nets fitted at the windows which also keeps other things out but I wouldn't worry too much.

Rentals can be furnished or unfurnished .... sometimes its a bit difficult to get a rental with internet, but on a long term the owner will normally help out or allow it to be fitted.

[Big Pete]

Originally Posted by shawcoast

Hi, we are contemplating to explore Spain - first move fro 6-12 months and then possibly settle... I run a business (telemarketing agency in the UK) - all working from home and some are working already from abroad and run projects in the Uk, so there will be no problem to bring it all with me and do in Spain. I have been looking through the posts here and noticed something about the costs of NI stamps being rediculouly high - have I misread it ir is it really expenssive to trade in Spain even if most or even all the trade is done in the Uk? Any other advice about business/phone lines/internet as these are essential for me? Can you run a business from home in Spain when you are renting this home?

We have been looking at different areas and it looks like Alicante area and region around is very attractive. We are looking for a quiet life as I will run my business from home and my husband is a musician. What are rental costs there - any idea? Would you particularly recommend any areas/villages, etc?

Also, what about creepy cralies in the hot climate and whatnots? I am not mad on these sort of things ) especially with children. I have a 5 month old girl.

In regards with rentals - are they all detached and furnished or most unfurnished? as we will not be brining the stuff just for 6 months, etc.

would appreciate your advice and ideas. Thanks )

Hi and welcome ,

The boss has already answered above ,but i would just like to add on the insects and creepy crawly things dont worry .

I took over my Villa last year and it had stood empty for several months as such the garden was somewhat overgrown . Now this worried me so before i went over i brought long rubber gloves a one piece protective overall type thing , had it all planned in readiness for the attack on the garden anticipating like snakes and big creepies mozzies etc to be in abundance ..

Well got amongst it all with me sekaters and you know i saw 2 spiders tops and they was only small and easily squished with a good stomp
So after 10 minutes off came the overalls and did 3 days solid chopping shrubs and trimming weeding etc . and not 1 single Mozzie bite .

Now back in the Uk if i walk out in the garden at dusk or on a hazy day i get bit to bits by nats .

So dont worry on that score over there ..