Moving to Spain Considerations when moving to Spain |
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Bank Account It is very simple to open a non-residents bank account. You will need your passport and an address to which the bank can send any correspondence. Most Spanish banks in tourist areas will have English speaking staff in some branches and generally an English version of their website. Most transactions can be carried online and there are generally fewer costs involved with online transactions. (do we want to link to banks that we recommend) Opening a residents bank account will require an NIE number (refer to appropriate section), however will have advantages in terms of mortgage and loan options available to you. Before opening a resident bank account, do check with your assessor in Spain and in your home country to ensure that this is the right move for you as it may have tax implications in your home country. Taxes Once you own a property in Spain you will be subject to certain taxes (refer to appropriate section). If you have any income in Spain then you will also be subject to income tax. Tax returns for employed persons are completed in June each year, and apply to the previous calendar year. If you are self employed you will have to file different returns and will also be required to file IVA (equivalent of VAT) returns. For more information on your individual situation please contact your lawyer or assessor. Schools When relocating to Spain with children, one of the difficult decisions that you have to make concerns their education. As an expatriate in Spain, depending on where you are living, you are a few options. If you are British and want your children to follow the British education system and ultimately take GCSEs and A-Levels then you will be looking for a fee paying international school. These schools will vary – some are more international than others, some are predominantly English, most are bilingual but some may have less emphasis on the Spanish language. If you are not a British national, then some of the international schools may suit better than others. Many of the international schools offer the International Baccalaureat and will have students from all over the world. Alternatively there are Spanish private schools, where children are taught though Spanish and most other children in their class will be Spanish. These schools follow the Spanish system and tend to be cheaper than the more British international schools. The final option is of course the “free” or state system. Children will be taught in Spanish with English taught as a foreign language as they get older. It helps if the parents can speak Spanish and have an understanding of the culture in order to communicate with class teachers etc. The ability to speak Spanish will also allow you to assist your child with their homework and to understand letters sent home by the school. It is important to bear in mind that if your child is in a Spanish school learning to read and write in Spanish, they may need extra coaching to ensure that they maintain the same level in English, as any English they learn will be purely as a “foreign” language. Useful websites: |
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