Steps for Moving to Spain Before Brexit

Had enough of grey skies, squabbling politicians and rip-off Britain? Are you considering moving to Spain before Brexit?

It took a great effort to finally get myself on a plane all those years ago and move lock, stock and barrel to Madrid, in Spain. It was a dream I had had since my early twenties and with 30 on the horizon the coming year I decided to bite the bullet and go for it - for music, for love, for adventure, for the sunshine, for the food and the fiestas. I can honestly say it was the best thing I have even done.

But that was then and this is now. The United Kingdom and The EU are due to part ways on 31st of October, with or without a deal. The implications of either scenario are unclear, but it’s certainly likely to make an already complicated process more so. Whether you have been contemplating it for years as I did, or just searched for a post on the subject on a whim, you are definitely running out of time if you are planning on moving to Spain before Brexit.

Here is my guide, outlining the steps you should take for a last minute move to Spain.

Start learning the language

If you don’t speak Spanish already - start. It’s a big mistake to come and hope you’ll pick up the language by osmosis. Even if you just have the basics down when you first arrive you are much more likely to continue studying and improve. If you arrive, rely on the kindness of others, and wait for inspiration you’ll probably never crack it. Read about the 10 Spanish slang expressions you should learn. 

Get some help

This might sound like a bit of a cop-out, but the reality is it is a much better idea to contract a professional to do all your administrative work for you. The people who do this are called gestores. A gestor is basically the bridge between the public and the national administrative bodies such as the tax office and social security. You can give them power of attorney to do almost everything for you. You might have to turn up to an appointment or two but they can advise you on where, when and what you need to bring with you. Spanish bureaucracy is notoriously difficult to navigate. This person, albeit a bit more expensive than trying to go it alone, will alleviate strain and provide knowledge that you will just not have. Ask any Spanish person and  they would tell you to use a gestor.

Search for ‘English Speaking Gestor’ in the region you want to live. Do your research and that person could be your new best friend.

Get connected

Spend some time surfing the net for information. You have obviously done that to some extent to be reading this post so well done! Facebook has many groups which can help you make friends. Search for Expat Spain or add your local community. Search the pages for common topics.

When you are on the ground look for expat meeting points. There are always language exchanges which let you slot in quickly to a group and make real friends face to face with a nice mix of Spaniards, Brits and other people from all over the world.

Work

If you can transfer to Spain through your work that is undoubtedly the easiest way. They will probably help you with many of the things I will speak about here.

If you find a new job you’ll need a written offer to be eligible to apply for the necessary papers to work in Spain. You take that to the government office and voilà – you’re good to go.

But, and it’s a big but - getting that paperwork is currently quite difficult. Let’s detail what you need and how to get it.

Paperwork for Moving to Spain before Brexit

If you are planning to work, there are some papers you will need as soon as possible when you arrive. The NIE (fiscal identify number for foreigners - Número de Identificación Fiscal de Extranjeros) is required to work in any capacity. You’ll also need  this number for things like a mobile phone contract and opening a bank account (in most, but not all banks), and for registering for a social security number, and in turn registering for a health card to access public health care.

You can also opt to take out a private health insurance policy, which guarantees quick and practical healthcare and enables you sidestep the waiting lists for specialist medical appointments that often build up when you go down the social security path. If you're unsure which kind of health insurance is best for you, check out this article about the different types of health insurance available. 

In the past this process has been relatively straightforward (still best to use the gestor), but in the months leading up to Brexit it has become more complicated.  I refer to the website Gov.uk for a quote on that process:

 “In some parts of Spain, UK nationals are currently unable to register as a resident as appointments are not available. If you don’t yet have a residence certificate, the residency advice on the Moncloa website is to make sure you have proof you were living here before Brexit (such as padrón registration or a rental contract), and to keep checking the online appointment system for new appointments.” 

Accommodation

So – you’ll need to get a place to live. Then register officially as living there with your local council (that’s the ‘padrón’ part). You need to make sure whoever you are renting from is prepared to allow you to register the ‘empadronamiento’ at that address. If you have your own rental contract there is no problem, but if you are renting a room from someone that might not be O.K. with them. Check first.

The easiest way to get accommodation is through a letting agent. It’s probably also the most expensive way, but needs must. Discover this list of house-hunting tips. 

There is a way around paying all that cash for rent, deposit etc before you have even decided you want to stay. Do you have a friend who is willing to let you sleep on a couch for a while? If they are the tenant named on the contract or the owner they can do the empadronamienton for you. That way you have the date registered early if you have trouble getting an appointment for the NIE.

Next step 

Now you have a place to live and you are registered there. You have an offer of work and you just need the appointment for the NIE. As we mentioned this could take some time, but don’t worry.  To quote Gov.uk again “The Withdrawal Agreement provides for a transition period until 31 December 2020, which may be extended. During the transition period most of your rights under EU Law will be maintained.”

You are almost there

Once you get your appointment and have the NIE you will be able to get the social security number, start working and get all those other things mentioned above.

The truth is that this process has been known to take some time, so be prepared. You will have to have funds to pay for that new casita, and sustain you while you are waiting for your documents. A gestor will speed the process and relieve some of the stress but will cost, so be prepared.

Spain is everything you dream of. You will love it. Nothing this good can be easy, so persevere and stay positive. Stay informed and ask people in the community. Good luck on you adventure.

Sign up for updates from Gov.uk for all the latest information. Other useful websites include La Moncloa for official state news and LingoBongo for language learning.