Checklist for moving to spain

Your checklist when moving to Spain! Print a copy out and keep it to hand...

Whilst in the UK...

• Locate a suitable area for relocation to
• Research the type of property that you are searching for
• Check out the local schools & healthcare infrastructure
• Decide on your criteria - your "must have's" and your dislikes
• Will you be renting or buying? - maybe renting with a view to buying?
• Research and contact reputable estate agents in your preferred area with your criteria
• Open a trading account with a reputable foreign exchange currency broker
• Contact a mortgage adviser if applicable, see how much you can actually borrow
• Contact a reputable & experienced lawyer
• Contact a removal company for a quote for moving your possessions
• Plan your healthcare : private or state?
• Inform UK benefits agencies of your move
• Inform private pensions policies, banks, endowments etc... of your move
• Update your cv if you are seeking employment and send it to agencies in spain
• Obtain your NIE number (a Spanish gestor can do this for you)
• Speak to a vet about moving your pet to Spain
• Make sure your passport & uk driving licence are in date
• Buy a good spanish phrase book!

When you arrive in Spain...

• Open a bank account
• Do you wish to apply for a Residencia card?
• Register on the padron
• Apply for state healthcare if applicable
• Register with the utilities
• If you will be working here do you need to register as "Autonomo" – self employed ?
• Make a Spanish will to protect your spanish assets
• Research a funeral plan
• Do you need to legally import your car?
• Insure your property, contents & car
• Remember to put insurance, tax & ownership documents in you car
• Take numerous photocopies of every document you have and file seperately
• Do you need UK or Spanish tv?
• Do you need to send small, regular sums of money to & from the uk? – if so contact a money transfer agent
• Keep checking Tumbit.com for legal & financial advise
• Meet with an assesor, financial advisor or tax consultant to discuss your financial situation and plan your future
• Now that you are finally here, plan a week or two away from your new home to take in an intensive Spanish language course