[karenangell]

Hello to everyone.

We are moving to spain in september. We have been planning it for years, however no amount of planning will mean that it will work out living there is the only way we shall be able to see that. We are going over to live there for a year, we will be renting our home here in england which we own outright and we will be using that rent to pay for our rent in spain. My husband has a business in england where IT WILL STAY as I have read about the economic situation in spain. We take a nice income from that and his business is very successfull. We have a five year old whom we will put in school and we look at it like if we dont try it we will live to regret it. There are lots of people on here who seem to be saying very negative things about living in spain, then why are they still living there. We have never been rich, but as long as we have enough food in the cupboards and can go out once or twice a week to have quality time with our family then that suits us. The weather does pay an important part of the attraction to spain of course. We will find out for ourselves, we have nothing to loose, as we can go back to england if it doesnt work out, and we will have gained a year in a different culture, maybe speak spanish and holiday there in the future so we are looking forward to september.

 

[mrypg9]

Hello to everyone.

We are moving to spain in september. We have been planning it for years, however no amount of planning will mean that it will work out living there is the only way we shall be able to see that. We are going over to live there for a year, we will be renting our home here in england which we own outright and we will be using that rent to pay for our rent in spain. My husband has a business in england where IT WILL STAY as I have read about the economic situation in spain. We take a nice income from that and his business is very successfull. We have a five year old whom we will put in school and we look at it like if we dont try it we will live to regret it. There are lots of people on here who seem to be saying very negative things about living in spain, then why are they still living there. We have never been rich, but as long as we have enough food in the cupboards and can go out once or twice a week to have quality time with our family then that suits us. The weather does pay an important part of the attraction to spain of course. We will find out for ourselves, we have nothing to loose, as we can go back to england if it doesnt work out, and we will have gained a year in a different culture, maybe speak spanish and holiday there in the future so we are looking forward to september.

Simple answer: in our case,because we have no money worries, aren't looking for work and have no dependents.
I have pointed out many times that people in the same position will have no problems emigrating to Spain.

 

[Seb*]

Simple answer: in our case,because we have no money worries, aren't looking for work and have no dependents.
I have pointed out many times that people in the same position will have no problems emigrating to Spain.

In our case: we are on our way out

 

[mrypg9]

In our case: we are on our way out

Sorry to hear that, Seb.....Hopefully we won't lose your posts as it's helpful hearing a German perspective on things.

 

[Seb*]

Sorry to hear that, Seb.....Hopefully we won't lose your posts as it's helpful hearing a German perspective on things.

I'm sure I will do a Jojo and keep haunting these halls Will be leaving in 3 weeks.

 

[mrypg9]

I'm sure I will do a Jojo and keep haunting these halls Will be leaving in 3 weeks.

May I ask.....back to Germany?

 

[Seb*]

May I ask.....back to Germany?

Back to the UK

 

[mrypg9]

In reply to the OP's question as to why in spite of our describing the situation here as it is, we still live here, I have explained my position.

There are however reasons which apply to some people I know who want to move to the UK but can't....

Many people bought properties here which are now worth less than half what they paid for them. They have lost their jobs or because of low exchange rates their incomes have declined. They can no longer afford their mortgage repayments and can't sell their properties as there is a glut of property currently for sale.
Some people simply came with no real plan and insufficient means.
Some people had businesses which failed or jobs which they lost. No generous welfare payments as in the UK, so many are literally on the breadline.

Those of us with no money worries are fortunate indeed. That does not however lead us to ignore the very real plight of far too many here, both Spanish and immigrant, who are not in our position.

What we are reporting is the sad truth. We know because we live here and many of us experience the hard facts of life for too many people on a daily basis.

Just a few examples: in my tiny village, near prosperous towns such as Marbella, Caritas is opening a soup kitchen...
Just come back from shopping: a destitute German guy, eating a baguette, begging for money for a ticket home outside Mercadona...
Then the woman washing her bed linen etc. in the river yesterday.

 

[jojo]

I'm sure I will do a Jojo and keep haunting these halls Will be leaving in 3 weeks.

HHHmmmmmm!!! I cant keep off the forum cos it keeps me in touch with Spain.

We're back in the UK cos my husband got fed up with commuting (he kept his business in the UK), my son felt the A-level courses at his international school were very limited and our tenants moved out of our UK house and we didnt want the hassle of re-renting!! However, we are planning to rent in Spain for the summer. It has to be said that our time in spain was without doubt the most stressful I have ever had. The winter weather was and is atrocious in Spain, torrential rain, floods, landslides, wind damage, power cuts, no heating, unable to get out of the house for a good week or two........... We missed my husband, my son tore his ligament, broke his arm, I broke my leg, my dog died due to us being stranded for weeks in floods. Husband couldnt come over for a few weeks due to snow, floods, ash clouds, work commitments, so that left me with two teenagers, I couldnt get any work........... I still loved living there, but I find it hard to link the words "Spain" and "relaxing" in the same sentence lol!!!!!!

Jo xxx

 

[Stravinsky]

Hello to everyone.

We are moving to spain in september. We have been planning it for years, however no amount of planning will mean that it will work out living there is the only way we shall be able to see that. We are going over to live there for a year, we will be renting our home here in england which we own outright and we will be using that rent to pay for our rent in spain. My husband has a business in england where IT WILL STAY as I have read about the economic situation in spain. We take a nice income from that and his business is very successfull. We have a five year old whom we will put in school and we look at it like if we dont try it we will live to regret it. There are lots of people on here who seem to be saying very negative things about living in spain, then why are they still living there. We have never been rich, but as long as we have enough food in the cupboards and can go out once or twice a week to have quality time with our family then that suits us. The weather does pay an important part of the attraction to spain of course. We will find out for ourselves, we have nothing to loose, as we can go back to england if it doesnt work out, and we will have gained a year in a different culture, maybe speak spanish and holiday there in the future so we are looking forward to september.

I dont know your full situation

I will only say that as regards your business .... it may well stay in the UK, but your income will be taxable here

As I say, I dont know your full circumstances, but dont assume you have the choice of where you are taxed. You will become a tax resident here, and you will be expected to pay taxes here on income, whether it be here, the UK or timuktu

Septembers a good month to move, you wont bew doing your first tax return until 18 months after that here

 

[gus-lopez]

Also remember that after 90 days you'll have to register as a resident & under the new rules, 24th april see below, are required to have private health insurance & supply a letter from the bank stating that you have enough income to support yourselves . in addition to the previous paperwork.

http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2012/04/24/pdfs/BOE-A-2012-5403.pdf

 

[jojo]

There are lots of people on here who seem to be saying very negative things about living in spain, then why are they still living there. .

I think the negative things that are being said on here are simple facts! Europe is in crisis, Spain has been hit hard and is in trouble!! Finding work in spain is almost impossible and there are no social benefits for those who havent paid into the Spanish system. Thats not the sort of negativity that is said out of a desire to leave, its simply how things are. When people come onto the forum and ask about living and working, they need to know this dont you think. Those who post on here are people who have, in the main lived in Spain for a long time and its their home, they dont want to go back. Many dont need to make an income as they have pensions etc. There are also lots of folk who cant sell their houses and so cant go back. . But that fact remains its a country in crisis and doesnt have the same safety nets as we do in the UK

Jo xxx

 

[Stravinsky]

& supply a letter from the bank stating that you have enough income to support yourselves . in addition to the previous paperwork.

http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2012/04/24/pdfs/BOE-A-2012-5403.pdf

That would be a break of European Law then, and I dont see how it would / could be enforceable as members of the EU have the right to live and work wherever they like in the EU ....... theoretically

 

[gus-lopez]

That would be a break of European Law then, and I dont see how it would / could be enforceable as members of the EU have the right to live and work wherever they like in the EU ....... theoretically

I agree, you can't ask for something that is not required of a spanish national.

Oh it gets worse !

One lady went to renew residencia , in Baza, on the 30th & was turned away with the above info. A retired couple went to Almeria on the 24th & were not only told the same but given a printed sheet, in english, stating the above new requirements plus the last line said "English cannot work " !! :rofl: You can't make it up !
One lady on the forum who is in regular contact with the EU is chomping at the bit for a copy & to get yet another complaint in.

 

[mrypg9]

That would be a break of European Law then, and I dont see how it would / could be enforceable as members of the EU have the right to live and work wherever they like in the EU ....... theoretically

We had to prove that we had the means to support ourselves when we applied for resident ststus in the Czech Republic...It isn't the case that all EU states members hjave the right to move to work in other EU states. Only the UK and the ROI allowed unrestricted entry to the post-Socialist bloc state members when the joined the EU in 2004. The other states imposed quotas, as I understand the UK and Spain have done with citizens of Romania.

 

[Stravinsky]

I have asked someone that I know is genned up on the subject. They tell me that Spain are quite within their rights under EU law to do this.

I'm contacting the UK consulate for advice on this, for even though I believe the person I contacted, I cant believe that the EU would allow this to be acceptable

 

[maxwellmouse]

Hi,I have been reading various posts about moving to Spain. I've been thinking about the move for two years now. We have finally rec'd an offer on our house,which we have accepted today. I am 56,and through no fault of my own lost my job 2months ago. The last time I "signed on" I was told by the guy that they were probably going to "get me back into work,you have a lot of experience,shame to waste it" This guy then goes on to tell me that it's 30hrs a week,at this point I asked what I was going to be paid?....."Well nothing but you'll still get your benefits" Mmm! So,in my view this country is now going back to a similar sort of practice that was abolished 200 years ago,and rightly so,William Wilberforce spent years of his life campaigning against it...it was called slavery.
My income at the moment does not cover my out-goings.I cannot afford to live in my house,but if I sell it I will be able to afford to buy a house in Spain and have approx £35,000 in the bank. My alternative is to buy another property here,a 2up/2down,with people either side of me who don't give a damn,because they are renting. I live in a city that has 2 uni's and a very high % of economic migrant workers,and they do have jobs....but I don't!!!??? Sorry if this sounds a bit savage,but that is my situation. So my question is..am I totally stupid considering a move to Spain ? I'm looking to go inland,and I am positive that I will not find a job...and I don't speak Spanish either...I will understand if you don't allow me to post this.

 

[xabiaxica]

Hi,I have been reading various posts about moving to Spain. I've been thinking about the move for two years now. We have finally rec'd an offer on our house,which we have accepted today. I am 56,and through no fault of my own lost my job 2months ago. The last time I "signed on" I was told by the guy that they were probably going to "get me back into work,you have a lot of experience,shame to waste it" This guy then goes on to tell me that it's 30hrs a week,at this point I asked what I was going to be paid?....."Well nothing but you'll still get your benefits" Mmm! So,in my view this country is now going back to a similar sort of practice that was abolished 200 years ago,and rightly so,William Wilberforce spent years of his life campaigning against it...it was called slavery.
My income at the moment does not cover my out-goings.I cannot afford to live in my house,but if I sell it I will be able to afford to buy a house in Spain and have approx £35,000 in the bank. My alternative is to buy another property here,a 2up/2down,with people either side of me who don't give a damn,because they are renting. I live in a city that has 2 uni's and a very high % of economic migrant workers,and they do have jobs....but I don't!!!??? Sorry if this sounds a bit savage,but that is my situation. So my question is..am I totally stupid considering a move to Spain ? I'm looking to go inland,and I am positive that I will not find a job...and I don't speak Spanish either...I will understand if you don't allow me to post this.

I can understand your frustration..............

BUT - that 35,000 won't last the rest of your life - there is even less chance of you finding work in Spain as you quite rightly say, & when that money runs out - that's it - no state help

just an idea...... buy that 2up2down - rent it out to students - use that rental money to pay rental on something here

that way you have something to go back to if you have to.......

you'd still need to do your sums properly - factor in private health care too - it might be possible - you could at least try it for a while?

 

[jojo]

Hi,I have been reading various posts about moving to Spain. I've been thinking about the move for two years now. We have finally rec'd an offer on our house,which we have accepted today. I am 56,and through no fault of my own lost my job 2months ago. The last time I "signed on" I was told by the guy that they were probably going to "get me back into work,you have a lot of experience,shame to waste it" This guy then goes on to tell me that it's 30hrs a week,at this point I asked what I was going to be paid?....."Well nothing but you'll still get your benefits" Mmm! So,in my view this country is now going back to a similar sort of practice that was abolished 200 years ago,and rightly so,William Wilberforce spent years of his life campaigning against it...it was called slavery.
My income at the moment does not cover my out-goings.I cannot afford to live in my house,but if I sell it I will be able to afford to buy a house in Spain and have approx £35,000 in the bank. My alternative is to buy another property here,a 2up/2down,with people either side of me who don't give a damn,because they are renting. I live in a city that has 2 uni's and a very high % of economic migrant workers,and they do have jobs....but I don't!!!??? Sorry if this sounds a bit savage,but that is my situation. So my question is..am I totally stupid considering a move to Spain ? I'm looking to go inland,and I am positive that I will not find a job...and I don't speak Spanish either...I will understand if you don't allow me to post this.

Er... slavery is when you dont get paid and you dont get a choice. You are getting JSA I assume! Thats payment and you can say no. I had the same thing, I went onto JSA when I arrived back in the UK - a wonderful safety net that I wasnt offered in Spain and yes, I did get a job during the time I claimed it - its probably a job that I'm over qualified for, but its work and it stops me being bored. You wont get that choice or chance in Spain! You would be much better off financially if you stay in the UK. Spain is a harsh country. Your rental maybe cheaper, but if you dont have a contracted job you will have no free healthcare (so private health car is a must), no benefits, no help and your £35000 wont last till you retire so then what???

I am back in the UK now and altho I love Spain its not as easy or soft as the UK. By all means go there, but dont knock the UK and dont go to Spain for the easy option - it isnt!


Jo xxx

 

[gus-lopez]

I have asked someone that I know is genned up on the subject. They tell me that Spain are quite within their rights under EU law to do this.

I'm contacting the UK consulate for advice on this, for even though I believe the person I contacted, I cant believe that the EU would allow this to be acceptable

Neither can I.
What happens to those who have permanent residencia , they can't ask them to leave as that's totally against eu rules.

What happens to those who , for whatever reason , failed to apply for residencia before the change & now wouldn't obtain it under the new rules but own & live here ? Do they revert to tourist status & are going to be asked to leave every 90 days ? I can't see that that is legal under EU rules as they state that you are/can be resident regardless of paperwork !

As for "existing medical cards will run until august & then be rescinded & you will have to apply again " I can't see that happening either as when our daughter , a resident left in 2006, she retained medical cover / card until october 2011 !
We've only recently got computers in the surgeries here. There are no 'chips' in the cards, nor is there a connection to appointments between the surgeries & hospital or the Farmácias !

Looks on the cards to be another utter shambles , imho.