Questions regarding move to Spain

Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2020 9:35pm

2 replies142 views2 members subscribed

Posts: 1

Joined: 3 Apr 2018

I’m sure there are lots of posts like this so apologies first off for that! My wife and I are moving to Spain this summer with our two girls aged 2 (in March) and 6 (in September).

I have work as I’m a remote worker for a US company so will be able to change country OK I think...though Brexit has muddied the water a little. However, we still have so many questions and are really looking for help in some areas. Any advice greatly appreciated.

We’re planning on moving close to Estepona/San Pedro/Benahavís as we have family close to Benahavís. Does anybody have any information on the best schools in the area and advice on whether we should/can opt for state or international school? This is probably the most important thing for us. Unfortunately, we’re not in a ‘money no object’ scenario and don’t currently pay school fees in the UK. We want our kids to settle primarily and dont want to put pressure on them needing to be fluent in Spanish immediately.
Are there any particular areas that you would recommend to live from the list above, or instead of? We’re keen to be close to expat groups and communities to help us and the girls settle so any thoughts on this would be very useful.
Any recommendations for removal companies from the UK to Spain? I received one quote and it made my eyes water.
Are there any ‘hidden’ costs you would advise us to look out for?
We will arrive car-less and plan to rent first of all. Are there any particular companies in the area who would specialise in longer-term rentals that you can recommend?
Have you seen any useful checklists we should follow to get set-up properly? I’m not sure we need residency straightaway or not? I’m looking for something that’s up to date and has a good level of detail.

Sorry for the long post! Once again, any insight or help you can send our way would be hugely appreciated!

Thanks

Sam

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Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2020 4:22pm

Bill2722

Posts: 16

10 helpful points

Location: Fuengirola

Joined: 4 Dec 2019

Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2020 4:22pm

Hi Sam,

With reference to long term car hire most of the rental companies at Malaga Airport do very reduced rates for the longer period. I would do this first so you have time to look around and perhaps buy. Another company that is not at the Airport is Arrow Long term rental on 952623297 and they advertise 1 month rental on a family car for 431€

Schools are more difficult, we have plenty of International Schools but you have the fees to pay and then you have the Spanish schools which do vary from location to location (listening to the feedback from the mums)

Removal companies normally quote by the cubic metre and plenty will do part loads so you need to contact several of the bigger ones to get your quotes. You will find that they advertise in the Sur in English newspaper and Euro Weekly newspaper.

When you rent a property in Spain on a long term basis rather than by the week or fortnight you will usually pay one months rent in advance plus one months rent as commission and another month as holding deposit against any damages. Meaning if you left a property after giving notice the property would be checked for damage etc and if all was well you would get the one month holding deposit back.

Area wise all of the locations you have given, Estepona, San Pedro de Alcantara and Benahavis are nice areas but you will find that the rental costs should be lower in the Estepona area (unless you are arriving in the summer when rates are very high everywhere)

Any other questions let me know and I will try to help

Regards and good luck Bill

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Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2020 5:01pm

Maria19

Posts: 1

Location: Torremolinos

Joined: 19 Feb 2020

Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2020 5:01pm

Hi Sam

I can tell you straight off that you will all need NIE and residencia and I would consider using the services of a local lawyer to help you with all the ins and outs especially if you will not be paying into the Spanish tax system. With Brexit, the end of transition is Dec 2020 so you need to do the residencia asap because the waiting list can be long depending on your area.

Maria Carmagnole at DeCotta Law Mijas office helped me in Fuengirola for my NIE appointment when my interpreter failed to show. She offered me any help and advice so perhaps maybe start with an enquiry. I know it can cost about £200 per person having a lawyer submit NIE papers on your behalf without attending an appointment. I did not use a lawyer as my circumstances are completely different. If your relatives can help with translation and paperwork, NIE and residencia will only cost you about €10 per person.

Good luck, Siobhan