Residencia

Apologies if this appears elsewhere on the site but I posted a similar message last week but cannot find it!!!

I am 64, a UK citizen and with my wife, 49, an Argentine citizen, we will be moving to the Malaga area in Mid February. We have previously looked extensively at Torrevieja but decided that despite significant expense differences, the Malaga area is far, far more pleasant.

We have looked at Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola and any would suit our needs I think. However, we really need some practical advice on residency applications. Even gestors/translators and lawyers are giving us different info. I've been using Citizens Advice Spain for general info, so I'm aware of the outline for applications but I've no idea about how it works locally.

For example, I contacted the Town Hall in Torremolinos, and they provided me with loads of info on rentals but sent me to another office regarding residence, but nobody replied.

I need to know if I'm correct in thinking that I can apply for residency first, before or just after the initial 90 days. At that point, as I won't be 65, I either need to work for an employer ( not likely) ,be autonomo ( possibly) or prove self-sufficiency ( our preferred option). The latter would require private health insurance? Can this be monthly or do I need 12 months cover for us both?

When I reach 65, I can get an S1 form ( early September) and that solves the health issue. I will also get my State Pension to add to mt private pension and we can then easily meet the income requirements for self-sufficiency as a couple. At that point, my wife can apply for a residency card as family member of an EU citizen?

I think I've explained all of that quite poorly,but on the off chance that some knows the answers, I'd be grateful for suggestions. If anyone has experience of using a local gestor then a link would be great, notwithstanding my earlier comment about them.

Thanks