Need To Know

Any move can be stressful but a move to another country even more so. Many things in Spain are totally different from the UK and whilst our team, in their many years here, will have personal experience of most things even they can occasionally be flummoxed.

Of course as very experienced relocation specialists we are able to guide you very smoothly through all aspects of your move and our assistance will not stop there as during the first few months, you may seek a lot more help and advice.

Even before you arrive you will no doubt have numerous questions not just about the area or a particular property but about driving, pensions, schools, healthcare and perhaps the most important question of all:

Should You Move to Spain? At Calida Homes Property Consultancy we know the answer to this question certainly is “Yes!”

Of course the climate is fantastic, work days are shorter and the cost of living so much cheaper but most imporrtantly most importantly the quality of life is so much higher.

This fantastic website www.thinkspain.com will answer in great detail virtually every question you may have about life in Spain but if you don’t have the time then below we have covered some of the most raised topics.

Pets: There is no quarantine on pets that have either an International Vaccination Health Certificate or a Pet Passport. These documents show your pet is inoculated and free from disease. You or your representative must accompany your pet into Spain with written certification that your pet has been under your supervision for a minimum of three months prior to entering Spain.

Driving: As just about anywhere, roads in Spain vary from poor to extremely good. Your UK driving licence is good until it expires. When it does, you must apply for a Spanish driving licence. UK plated vehicles can be kept in the country for six months before being transferred onto Spanish plates. This won’t be necessary if your vehicle makes regular trips out of Spain as long as you keep proof. If your vehicle will be kept here then there are numerous offices across the region that will arrange plate transfers.

Work: As an EU citizen you are automatically entitled to work in Spain. Many of course have no intention of working but should you decide to, then finding employment or starting your own business will not be difficult.

Registration: The Empadronamiento is the process of registering with your community's padron (city roll) - the official record of all who live in your community. Although mandatory, registration is the beginning of your integration to the Spanish lifestyle and your pass to becoming a full-fledged member of your community. Your Certificado de Empadronamiento also entitles you to several beneficial rights such as:

• Emergency care in any public hospital
• To enrol your children in local schools
• To marry
• To apply for a local health card (el carnet para la asistencia sanitaria)
• To vote

Health Care: Doctors in Spain are well educated and provide some of the best health care found in Europe. Most Britons must carry private health insurance, yet private health insurance allows you to choose your own doctor. Although many drugs, including antibiotics, are available without a prescription in Spain, a prescription entitles you to discounts of up to 40% on drug purchases. Hospitals are open to all and very modern. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you will be seen.

Schools: The Spanish public school system is state-funded. Public schools in Spain are free from age four on. Education is compulsory from ages 6 to 14. Enrolment for September generally begins around March. A number of international fee-paying schools also operate in the area.