Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2020 9:59pm
Hi Lesley
Everyone here will tell you you have your priorities right. Rent first. Have a good look around before you buy.
Jim's guides are good.
To gain Residencia you will need some documents.
First of all register on the Padron at the Town Hall where you will be living to get your Certifcado Enpadriamento). You will need your Passport, The Tenancy Agreement of your rental ( 6 months ).
You will then need Private Health Insurance unless you are of retirement age and qualify for a UK S1 certificate.
You will also then need proof of income and/or savings. Again if you are of retirement age the Pension Service in UK will provide you will the necessary certificate confirming your pension entitlement. Both the Pension people and S1 Health people are just a phone call away.
You will then need to fill in an E18 form. This can be obtained/downloaded from the Gov.UK website -Living in Spain.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-spainYou will then need to pay a small tax ( €15 I seem to remember ) at any Bank and attach the receipt to the E18 form.
You will then need to make an appointment at the Oficina de Extranjero in Almeria. ( maybe a good idea to do this earlier rather than later! ) It cannot be done at a Police Station or anywhere else in this province ( as far as I am aware ). You will receive a green Residencia card. This will include your new NIE number.
I'm by no means fluent in Spanish but I managed to do it all myself with a little help with the translator on the phone.
I found the people at the Oficina in Almeria to be very helpful. I did make the effort to try and speak a little Spanish and what you get back is lovely Spanish people wanting to help and talk to you in English. It is well worth making the effort even just to speak a few words.
Some here will recommend an Abogado to go with you and I will not dissuade you from that if you felt more comfortable.
I do hope all goes well. There is a wealth of information in this forum and some lovely people too.
Good luck
regards,
My name's Alex and this is my website all about Arboleas in Spain. Register now for free to talk about Residency in Arboleas: padron, residencia and passport advice and much more!
