JOURNEY FROM MY HOLIDAY HOME IN SPAIN TO MY PERMANENT HOME IN SPAIN

So, you bought a place in Spain for vacations, but now you’re thinking about making it your forever home. If you’re ready to make the move and start living there full-time, how do you actually make it happen?

Maybe the kids are grown up, you're retiring early, or you’re finally getting your pension. Whatever the reason, if you’ve got the chance to move to Spain for good, what steps do you take?

What Do You Need to Be a Resident in Spain?

First thing’s first: you need to make sure you meet the legal requirements to become a permanent resident in Spain. The rules depend on where you're from, so get some advice to be sure.

You’ll need to think about things like healthcare and making sure you have enough income to live comfortably. You also need to check out the rules in the region where your property is located, as they can vary.

Does Your Property Fit for Full-Time Living?

You probably bought your place in Spain thinking you’d eventually live there all year. But before you make it your permanent home, take a good, honest look at it. Ask yourself:

• Do I have enough storage space for everything I want to bring with me?
• Is it close to the places I’ll need to go every day?
• Will it work for me and my family as we get older?
• Can I see myself living there year-round, through all the seasons?
• Can I make the changes I need to make it more comfortable?

You may have been okay with it for holidays, but now you’re planning on living there all the time. Will it still work when it’s cold in the winter, and there aren’t as many tourists around? Think about things like how your home works in winter. Do you have enough space to cook and hang out inside on chilly days?

Also, think about what luxuries you’ll need to add to make your life more comfortable, like better Wi-Fi or other things you’re used to.

What About Your Pets?

When you were using the property for vacations, you probably had someone watch your pets. But now, you’ll need to look into what’s required to bring them to Spain. Make sure you get the right advice, especially if you have a breed that might be on the restricted list.

Money Stuff

Switching from being a non-resident to a resident means making some financial changes. You’ll need to let your bank know about your new residency status. As a resident in Spain, you’ll also need to file taxes, so talk to a tax advisor about what that means for you. If you sell your place in your home country, make sure you understand how that could affect your taxes.

Getting Around

When you’re living in Spain full-time, you’ll need to think about transport. Will you bring your car and change the plates to Spanish ones, or will you buy a car there? If you’re living in a city with good public transport, you might not need a car at all. Just be aware that buses and public transport can sometimes be unpredictable.

If you do decide to drive your own car, you’ll need to change your driver’s license to a Spanish one. Don’t forget to get familiar with Spanish traffic laws—they might surprise you!

What Happens to Your Property in the Future?

Lastly, think about what will happen to your property when you pass away. Spain’s inheritance laws are different from what you might be used to, so it’s a good idea to make a will to make sure everything goes how you want it.

Permanent Residence in Spain: Totally Worth It!

Making the move to full-time life in Spain is a huge decision, but if you already know the area and have your property set up, it can be so worth it. Plus, the benefits of living in Spain for good are pretty amazing!