Can I bring my pets to Spain?

The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) allows cats and dogs resident in the UK to visit other countries and return to the UK without quarantine, provided that certain conditions are met. There needs to be proof of all necessary inoculations and relevant microchips along with the pet passport.

Can I bring my car to Spain?

This is not a problem, but you must transfer your vehicle onto Spanish plates if staying for longer than six months. When driving in Spain the documents that muts be carried in the car include: Driving Licence, Certificate of Ownership, ITV (MOT) Certificate of road worthiness, Road Tax and a certificate of Insurance.

Will I be able to buy most British products?

You will find most English products are available in Spain, although some will be far more easier to find than others. Newspapers are now printed in Spain, and are therefore very easy to obtain. Larger shops and supermarkets stock many British products to accommodate the increase in tourists, although slight price increases should be expected.

How easy is it to find a job in Spain? 

If you can speak Spanish then finding a job in Spain becomes much easier. Even if you're not fluent in the language, mastering the basics and being able to hold at least some kind of conversation in Spanish will greatly increase your chances of finding work. There are lots of summer jobs in popular resort areas such as Benidorm on the Costa Blanca, Lloret de Mar on the Costa Brava, Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol and Magaluf in Mallorca.

As an EU citizen. how do I apply for permanent residence (Residencia)?

If you intend to live and work in Spain permanently you may wish to apply for Residencia. It is not compulsory but some staff here have found there are advantages in having one in your purse or wallet. The application for Residencia will involve visits to the Police station and dealing with Spanish bureaucracy can sometimes be frustrating, please be patient.

There may be slight variations to the local interpretations of the rules, but these are the documents that you will definitely need:

• Application form requesting a residence permit (plus 3 photocopies)
• A valid passport (plus 2 photocopies)
• Proof of permanent address
• 4 passport sized photographs
• NIE number (plus 1 copy)
• Work contract (plus 1 photocopy)

On past experience we at Property Mart Overseas have found it is better to be safe than sorry so have many documents and photocopies with you. It may save you a lot of time!

Up to what age can I have a mortgage in Spain?

The Spanish banks will lend up to age 70. So, if you are aged 60 and your partner is 55, they will lend for up to 15 years (taking the youngest partner's age into account).

What about medical care?

Spain offers excellent standards of medical care, through the Institute Nacional de la Salud (like the NHS). Since Britain and Spain are both full members of the European Union, you are entitled to receive free general medical treatment in Spain. If you are working and paying social security contributions in Spain then you are entitled to enjoy free medical cover.

What are the shop opening hours?

Shops are generally open (Monday to Friday) between 10am and 2pm and again between 5pm and 8pm with supermarkets keeping longer hours. On Saturdays, most of the smaller shops are closed in the afternoon but larger shops and department stores are open from 9am through to 9pm or 10pm Monday to Saturday. Sunday will probably see most shops closed, although some supermarkets may choose to offer a limited opening.

Can I still vote in an UK election whilst living in Spain?

Yes. Even if you become a Spanish resident you are still classed as a UK national and are therefore eligible to vote by post or internet.

Should I make a Spanish will?

This is advisable. If you, or a relative, should die whilst resident in Spain, Spanish law is responsible for your estate. A solicitor will be able to take you through the process without difficulty and we can recommend a reputable one for you.

How long does it take to complete purchase of a property?

Assuming the searches are OK, the process is normally 30 to 45 days for a re-sale property, but for new construction or off plan properties the completion date is set by the builder/developer.

Can I use my own solicitor to handle the purchase?

You may use any solicitor you wish, even your solicitor in the UK, although you should ensure he is conservant with Spanish property law. This will lengthen the property time.