What do I need to know before retiring in Spain?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Spain, they said...
"1. Expats should research different regions of Spain to decide on the best place to retire. 2. It is important to know the language, as even if English is widely spoken in Spain, proficiency in Spanish will be necessary for everyday life. 3. Expats should review the country’s tax laws and determine if there are any special exceptions for retirees. 4. Healthcare is excellent in Spain, but it is important to check on the particular provisions for retirees, such as available discounts or special coverage. 5. International expats will need to arrange for a long-term visa or residency permit prior to moving. 6. Expats should become familiar with the various regional or cultural customs in their chosen area of retirement. 7. If planning to retire in Spain, it is important to acquaint oneself with the country’s real estate laws and regulations. 8. Shopping around for the best deals on everyday expenses is essential, as cost of living in some areas of Spain can be high," remarked another expat in Spain.
"The following applies to anywhere bt applies to my wife and living on the Costa Tropical. 1. Establish Goals for how you want to live your life 2. Choose a location wisely based not only on geography, weather and climate but also based on the local cultural opportunities and transportation infrastructure. 3. Try out the place, visit the place and give it a dry run 4. Consider health care, it doesn’t matter how old you are 5. Figure out the local housing market to establish your new home 6. Check out the cost of living to know if your budget plan and goals work 7. Understand the Visa requirements 8. Get a grasp of the local culture 9. Be aware of local opportunities for sports, leisure, entertainment and cultural activities 10. Become familiar with issues relating to taxes and banking 11. Work out issues relating to communication technology. I have written a short book called "Renaissance in The Sun" Its virtually FREE. You can find it on Amazon and Kindle. Its about life and Spain," said a member in Spain.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Spain?
- How do I meet people in Spain?
- What is life like in Spain?
- Is there a lot of crime in Spain?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Spain accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Spain like?
- Is the cost of living in Spain high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Spain?
- What are healthcare services like in Spain?
- Is the cost of living in Spain high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Spain?
- What is the weather like in Spain?
- Are there good restaurants in Spain?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Spain?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Spain?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Spain?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Spain?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Spain?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do I need to know before retiring in Spain?
If you live in Spain, newcomers to Spain would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
