The basic steps to follow are:
1. Request a N.I.E. numero (Numero Identificacion). Foreigner’s identification number. This very first step is simple although it takes a few weeks for the actual communication to be issued, Happily, the number Itself is available in just a couple of days. This foreigner's ID number is essential for banks, insurance brokers, notaries, etc,
2. Register with your local Town Hall (Ayuntamiento). You need to register the whole family in order to appear on the village census. This process is called Empadronamiento, The registration can be done any morning and you will only need to take the passports of each family member to be able to complete the paperwork. Once registration has been completed you will be able to return to this department to collect a Certiticado de Empadronamiento, should you ever need one.
3. Apply for a Resident's Card, It is no longer a legal requirement for absolutely all EU citizens to hold a Resident's Card, however, for British residents (who do not have alternative proof of ID, other than a passport) it is very convenient to have the card. Easy to carry and it enables the holder to take advantage of some of the perks of being resident, e.g. subsidised travel. Resident's cards are processed in Mahon and Ciutadella. Application is a two-stage process. On your first visit you will be given a list of requirements (in Spanish), which are very easy to comply with. The only documents you will need to take with you are the passports of all the family members, Cerlificados de Empadronamienio and legalised, translated birth and marriage certificates if required. Photos will be requested later on and so will payment of a very minor administration fee. The cards take about six weeks to be issued. The law insists that those foreigners (E.U. members) who have never worked in Spain or Pensioners who do not have a Spanish pension, be holders of a Restdencia, Non E.U, citizens must all hold residents cards[ or the equivalent and they can obtain information and help from the O.F.I.M. offices in Mahon, Alayor and Ciutadella.
4. Formalise hearth coverage. Stale pensioners (on the strength of the E 121 form from the Pensions Agency in Newcastle) can automatically exchange their affiliation from the National Health Service to the Seguridad Social, thereby becoming full members of the system in Spain, with a G. P. and free prescriptions Younger, new residents, once they have a work contract or have completed paperwork for being self-employed, are also eligible for health coverage for all the family. (Legalised, translated copies of birth and marriage certificates will have to be shown for inclusion of any dependent members of the family). The fairly numerous group of early retired, non-working under 60 years old.
Women and under 65 year old men do not qualify for free medical assistance and must rely on private medical coverage until they become state pensioners.
5. Appoint a professional to guide you with regard to Payment of Taxes; Residents and non-residents alike have to pay taxes in Spain. New residents would be wise to appoint a tax adviser to help them with their annual tax returns, Wealth and income tax is due, for the previous calendar year. In June of each year. All non-residents have to contribute to wealth tax. However, Spaniards and residents only pay wealth tax if they have considerable assets in Spain. A tax adviser will also help a resident businessman with I.V.A. (VAT.) and other related issues.
6. Formalise working agreements, everybody who is employed by somebody else must have a formal work contract. This contract states the duration of the contract, the financial agreement and the working hours. 11 is obligatory to have this contract in order to safeguard the interests of the employees and In order that the employer complies with legislation, If you do not have a contract you will not be eligible for health coverage and will not be contributing to a pension scheme. Self employed people must declare their working status and pay monthly stamp (autonomo) which entitles them to health coverage and state pension affiliation, A self employed person must charge I.V.A. (VAT) on all bills, must submit his/her books regularly and pay any unpaid income tax due in June of each year. A local Gestoria or a Tax Adviser will help formalise the setting up of a small business.
7. Register children in school. The academic year starts in September. Enrolment is in May of each year (before the summer term ends). Those children who have not been enrolled in the early summer get a second opportunity in September, There are 3 stages in the educational system. Infants from 3-6, Primary from 6-12 and Secondary from 12-16 plus 16-18non compulsory Baccalaureate or professional formation. School places are awarded in the area of 'catchment'. If you want your child to be schooled out of your catchment area you will be asked to substantiate the reason for this, e.g. nearer parents' place of work, etc. the Ministry of Education (MEC) offices are in Calle Jose Maria Quadrado in Mahon. If you have no language skills you would be wise to take a Spanish-speaking interpreter to help you. To register you need the children's passports and a Certitlcado de Empadronamiento. New students should take a school report from their former school and, if possible, an academic programme from the previous school in order that the teachers may see what level the child should have attained.
8. Open a bank account Non residents, once they become residents, must change their banking arrangements. N.I.E-s will be requested.
These steps are not difficult but will take some lime. If you are asked for birth, or marriage certificates, these will need legalising. British residents can find information and download application forms from the FCO website. www.ukinspaln.com
I hope that by following these guidelines the formalities ahead will be free of problems - and that you will have peace of mind in the knowledge that you have 'got things right'.
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