| Visas
If you’re an EU citizen, you don’t need a visa; you already have the right to residency . You’ll probably find it useful, though, to apply for an NIE.
NIE (Número de Identidad/Identificación de Extranjero): The immigration service issues this number to you once you obtain residency (you will find the number on your Resident Card). This is your identification number in Spain. It is needed in order to file taxes, establish a business, open a bank account (not necessary for foreign accounts), and for almost any other form you fill out. Both EU citizens and non-EU citizens get issued an NIE.
Residency
If you wish to reside in Spain for more than 183 days (approximately 6 months) you are legally required to have an official residency permit. You are able to apply for full residency at a local police station. You shall be issued with an NIE number. Any non-residents are legally required to have an NIE number should they have any connection to the Spanish taxation system, for example, owning a property, drawing interest from a bank.
Employment
If you are thinking about moving to Spain on a more permanent basis, then you may want to look for employment. Employment agencies are few and far between in and around Torrevieja, so it would be best to look in the local newspapers such as Costa Blanca News and send your CV to companies you are interested in.
Spanish employers are generally very accepting of foreign workers. The contract laws are very strict and workers are heavily protected from exploitation. Ensure that you receive from your employer an official work contract and translate it carefully. Temporary contracts are for 3, 6 or 9 months and after this they cannot offer you temporary contracts, it has to be permanent or not offer you one at all.
The wages are generally lower than the UK, however your cost of living in Spain will be lower and the lifestyle is better. Your employer will take care of paying your national insurance and tax, this will be deducted from your income. Tax in Spain is now around the same rate and scale as the UK.
Pets
Due to the recent introduction of the P.E.T.S (Pets Travel Scheme) it is now possible to take your pets out to Spain our with you without quarantine. Please bear in mind, there are specific rules and regulations for different animals travelling within the E.U. under the P.E.T.S. Scheme. To qualify for the P.E.T.S. travel scheme, pets can only travel by air from Heathrow, via sea from Dover or Portsmouth or by the channel tunnel. Book your trip on the most popular carriers such as British Airways or Iberia. There is limited availability so please be sure to book well in advance. It is not possible to enter the P.E.T.S travel scheme unless you travel on these specific routes and cannot re-enter the UK on private boat or plane.
There are many different veterinary practices within the Costa Blanca area offering high standards of care at reasonable prices. If you are planning to move to Spain permanently it is advisable that you register with a vet as soon as possible. You can then arrange a medical for your pet where you will be advised on any matters you need be aware of. You will also need contacts for your return trip to the UK. DEFRA has dictated that your pet be inspected by an approved vet 24 hours before the return trip to check for ticks and parasites.
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