Your Guide to Moving to Malaga and Costa del Sol

YOUR GUIDE TO MOVING TO MALAGA AND COSTA DEL SOL WWW.REALISTA.COM

LIST OF CONTENTS 1

FIRST THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

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Why move to the Costa del Sol

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Things to think about

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Countdown checklists

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* 4 to 6 months to go

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* 2 to 3 months to go

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* 2 to 4 weeks to go

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* After arrival

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YOUR NEW HOME

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Choosing where to live

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Area guide

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Area guide - Malaga city

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Area guide - Western Costa del Sol

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Area guide - Eastern Costa del Sol

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Better to rent or buy?

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How to decide what sort of property to rent or buy

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How to find your new home

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What you need to know about rentals

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10 things to think about before you buy

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The purchase process

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PAPERWORK FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY List of EEA countries

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Becoming Resident

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EEA nationals

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Non-EEA nationals

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Registering as a local resident

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Getting a digital signature

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Residence checklist

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EMPLOYMENT

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Starting a job

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Tips for starting a business

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Setting up as self-employed

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Guide to setting up a company

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HEALTHCARE

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Guide to public healthcare

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Signing up for healthcare

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List of public hospitals

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Getting private insurance

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List of private hospitals

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SCHOOLS How to choose a school

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How to get a NIE

Tips for finding a job

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LIST OF CONTENTS Types of school

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How to enroll at a school

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Term times & holidays

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List of private schools

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FINANCE MATTERS Savvy financial planning

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Currency exchange

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Opening a bank account

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Taxation for residents

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Cost of living checklist

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DRIVING MATTERS

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Driving licence rules

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Buying a car

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Importing a car into Spain

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Need to know about driving

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PAPERWORK FOR YOUR PET

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Things to think about & do

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Importing your pet

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Rules for owning a pet

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Dangerous breeds of dogs

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MOVING YOUR STUFF

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Choosing a removal company

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Packing to-do list

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Paperwork for your stuff

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SETTING IN Guide to culture shock & how to cope with it

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How to make new friends

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Tips for moving as a family

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LEARNING SPANISH

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Why learn Spanish

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The best places to learn

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Tips for learning Spanish

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DISCLAIMER & COPYRIGHT NOTICE

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FIRST THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHAT’S INSIDE THIS CHAPTER Why move to the Costa del Sol Things to think about Countdown checklists • 4 to 6 months before you go • 2 to 3 months before you go • 2 to 4 weeks before you go

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WHY MOVE TO THE COSTA DEL SOL? If you’re reading this, you obviously already have reasons of your own for moving to the Costa del Sol. But if you’re not quite convinced or need more to help you decide, this section lists the advantages of relocating to this part of southern Spain.

Of course the Costa del Sol has its disadvantages – we can’t think of many, but there are certainly things you should think about before you make your final decision. We’ve listed those in the next section.

So, why move here?

300 days of guaranteed sunshine a year The name speaks for itself and the year-round sunshine is probably the top reason most people choose to relocate to the Costa del Sol. Not for nothing is the area known as the California of Europe. The average annual temperature is 23ºC – in January, the coldest month, it ranges between a minimum of 12ºC and maximum of 20ºC. July and August are the hottest months with minimums always over 20ºC and maximums that can reach 35ºC. There’s usually a sea breeze – warmer and wetter from the east and cooler and drier from the west – to temper the heat in the summer.

Note that inland and mountain areas are several degrees colder in the winter and hotter in the summer than the coast. It does occasionally snow on the highest mountains, but rarely stays. However, if you fancy some real snow (and plenty of it), Sierra Nevada is just two hours’ drive away by car.

Al Fresco Lifestyle The sunshine lends itself perfectly to an outdoor life. You can go to the beach all year round, dine outside on your terrace almost every evening plus events and activities are very rarely rained off.

Not surprisingly, the locals embrace the al fresco lifestyle and people stay outside all day – you’ll see families out until after midnight in the summer. To make the most of the great weather, most properties come with an outdoor space even if it’s just a small balcony. And you’ll find parks and children’s play areas almost everywhere.

Attractive Surroundings As well as the Mediterranean along its south side, the Costa del Sol has several high mountain ranges. These make great views, backdrops and varied scenery. Plus you can easily go to the beach, hike in the mountains or take a road trip around the villages in the area.

The Costa del Sol is within easy reach of several natural parks including Sierra de las Nieves, Los Alcornocales, Sierra Nevada and Sierra de Tejeda. If you want enormous sandy beaches, those at Tarifa and Conil on the Atlantic coastline are an easy day trip. As are the desert landscapes of Almería and Cabo de Gata.

Most resorts have kept their original architecture and have pretty historic quarters in traditional Andalusian style.

Even some of the most developed resorts such as Marbella have an attractive town centre. And despite its high-rise perimeter Malaga city is home to a stunning centre with a wealth of historic buildings that range from a Roman theatre to colonial mansions.

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Image Credit: Rangers Safari Tours

Marbella Old Town

Great Connections Malaga Airport connects the Costa del Sol with over 130 destinations in the world and you can fly to Malaga direct from many major European cities. Once you’re in Malaga, there’s easy road access to resorts east and west on good fast roads. Malaga is also within easy reach of other great Andalusian cities such as Cordoba, Granada and Seville (all less than 2 hours’ drive away). It takes just 2.5 hours to get to Madrid by high-speed train.

As well as physical, virtual connections are also good. 5G technology arrived in Malaga city in late 2020 and highspeed internet connections are available practically everywhere on the Costa del Sol (fibre-optic in many locations).

Plenty to do all year-round The Costa del Sol includes Spain’s sixth largest city (Malaga) and several big towns, which means the area has an excellent year-round calendar of events and activities. These range from traditional fairs and fiestas to pop festivals, from world-class sporting events and Ironman competitions to contemporary art exhibitions and Broadway musicals.

While some of the resorts tend to be quieter in the winter, you can find plenty to do in larger places all year round.

And if you speak some Spanish, you’ll find an even bigger choice of things to do such as going to talks, conferences and workshops.

Excellent Amenities While the Costa del Sol is by no means perfect, it does offer great amenities that are easily accessible in most places.

They include: • State and private healthcare facilities.

• Sports amenities that include some of the best golf courses in Europe, top class • tennis schools, state-of-the-art gyms and sports centres…

• Shopping in purpose-built shopping malls, fresh food markets and traditional • stores in resort centres.

• Educational facilities that cater for all ages, educational styles (Spanish, international, • Montessori etc) and stages of education (from pre-school to post-graduate).

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International Community Since the Costa del Sol was first ‘discovered’ by foreign visitors in the early 1960s, it has become a honeypot for all nationalities and today, thousands of foreigners have made it their permanent home. The British represent the largest group but depending on the area you’ll also find a big presence of Germans, Moroccans, Argentinians, Italians, Irish, Dutch…

Almost every nationality is represented on the Costa del Sol giving it a truly international feel. This is great for maintaining your own roots as well as discovering new cultures and lifestyles. Expat children have a particular advantage and many of them speak at least two languages fluently.

Gourmet Gastronomy Our list of reasons for relocating to the Costa del Sol wouldn’t be complete without a nod to the local food and wine.

The sunny warm climate lends itself perfectly to agriculture and you’ll find a world of fresh and locally grown produce.

Apart from a very few fruit and vegetables such as bananas, pineapples and turnips, almost everything is grown here.

Even mangos and papaya. Not to mention olive oil and cheese.

Vine Yards near Antequera

Fish and seafood are also second to none, usually locally caught or fished in the nearby Atlantic. Local meat is good too with Malaga kid goat and pork cold cuts a speciality.

When it comes to wine, Malaga produces an excellent range and has two recognised wine areas with D.O. (denominación de origen status: Málaga and Sierras de Málaga. Between them, they produce wine of all types (red, rosé, white, sparkling and sweet.

As well as buying and cooking up a gourmet feast yourself, the Costa del Sol also offers a long, long list of bars and restaurants ranging from cheap and cheerful (but tasty menus of the day to Michelin-star establishments. And they cater for all tastes and wallet sizes.

Have we convinced you? That’s great but don’t forget that the Costa del Sol isn’t perfect.

So, read the next section carefully.

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THINGS TO THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT Moving to a new country is always an exciting prospect and relocating to the Costa del Sol is no different. But before you get carried away by all the compelling reasons we listed in the previous section, take a minute to really think things through.

Guide to Malaga isn’t trying to put you off – our CEO Joanna Styles has lived on the Costa del Sol for over 30 years and wouldn’t live anywhere else. But that doesn’t mean it’s been an easy journey.

To help present a balanced view, we’ve listed the things that we think aren’t so great about living on the Costa del Sol. So, before you take the plunge, ask yourself the following questions.

Work & Money • Do you have a firm offer of employment on the Costa del Sol? Even if you speak fluent Spanish, the job market isn’t full of opportunities and unemployment is high.

• Have you got enough money to survive for 6 months while you look for a job or start earning money?

Your job offer might not work out or it might take you longer to find employment than you originally thought.

• Can you live off a Spanish salary?

The average gross monthly salary in Malaga in 2022 is €1,702. While the cost of living is generally cheaper than northern Europe, wages are low.

Learning Spanish • Are you prepared to start learning the language before you arrive?

• Once you arrive, are you prepared to commit to continue to learn Spanish to a level where you can express yourself easily?

If your answer is no to these questions: • Are you prepared to rely on someone to help you with translating when you first arrive?

• And will you trust them enough to give you an exact translation and not to rip you off? (It happens.)

Although lots of locals do speak English, many don’t or their English isn’t good enough to explain something complex (e.g. a medical diagnosis, administrative procedure etc). Even if you live among fellow, you will need to speak Spanish at some point especially if you or a loved one has an emergency.

Cultural Differences • Do you mind the mañana syndrome?

Things have improved hugely over the last 20 years, but punctuality and turning up for an appointment isn’t a strong point for a surprising number of people.

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Image Credit: Hotels.com

Coastline at Nerja

• Does it annoy you if people tend to jump a queue?

Covid-19 has improved queuing but you’ll almost always find someone who isn’t prepared to wait their turn or insists that they’ve ‘just got a little question’ that justifies them jumping the entire queue.

• Can you manage with lots of red tape and paperwork for residency, setting up a company…?

This too has improved and there are many things you can do online if you have an electronic signature, but Spanish paperwork is still onerous.

• Do you mind if the driver behind you honks its horn at you a microsecond after the traffic light turns green?

Local drivers have zero patience with their fellow drivers and many road rules too.

• Does it bother you if the fish you ordered to eat comes whole, eyes and all?

Ditto seafood and some meat dishes – literally nothing goes to waste. It will probably be delicious though!

• Can you cope with life being at its loudest you’ve ever experienced?

Spain is the second loudest country in the world and the Malagueños are trying hard for first position.

And at all hours.

• Do lunch at 2 or 3pm and dinner at 10pm (or later in summer) sound like a crazy idea?

The Spanish timetable takes some getting used to – as well as later dining, many shops close between 2 and 5pm.

• Do you mind an almost total absence of personal space?

Again, better after Covid-19, but you’ll still find everyone nearer than you might be comfortable with at first.

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Weather Thoughts • How do you feel about hot temperatures and high humidity with no rain for the entire summer?

It often doesn’t rain at all between mid-June and the end of September nor do minimum temperatures drop below 20ºC. • Do you mind it being colder inside your house than outside in the winter?

Poor construction and/or insulation plus tiled floors and no central heating make for chilly houses in the winter.

• Can you cope with torrential rain (tropical style) that floods underpasses, streets and washes the roads away?

Although it doesn’t not rain much, when it does, it usually pours.

Healthcare • Do you mind having treatments that may be completely different from what you’re used to?

Healthcare is generally very good with excellent professionals, but it may not be the same as in your home country.

• Do you speak enough Spanish to tell someone what’s the matter (and then understand the answer)?

Many clinics and hospitals have dedicated teams of translators, but they may not be on hand.

And ambulance teams may not speak more than a few words of English.

• Can you afford private health insurance?

This is a popular option for various reasons, but it doesn’t come cheap.

Image Credit: travelgay.com

Torremolinos Seafront

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Leaving your home country • Why are you leaving?

List the reasons and decide whether they will change on the Costa del Sol. If they are unlikely to, maybe a change of scenery isn’t what you need.

Final Thoughts Maybe some of these questions surprised you and maybe some of your answers did too! But it’s worth spending some time on them because moving to the Costa del Sol is a big step (even bigger if you’re taking your family with you too) and not one to take on a whim.

Remember, not everyone who moves to the Costa del Sol makes a success of their new life. But if you do your research and use this ebook to help you, your chances of success are much higher!

TOP TIP: Don’t burn your bridges. Rent in Malaga first and keep a foothold in your home country. That way you can return more easily if you need to.

Malaga City Centre Apartment

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CHECKLIST 4 to 6 months before arrival

Check that your and your family’s passports are valid for at least the next 6 months.

Start getting paperwork ready for a visa if necessary Visit the Costa del Sol to look at areas to live in.

Look at accommodation options in the area of your choice.

Compare schools and apply to the one of your choice.

Start organising your belongings into ‘take’ and ‘leave behind/ sell/donate’ piles.

Get quotes from at least three removal companies.

Start learning Spanish.

Take a look at your finances and work out what you need to live on.

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CHECKLIST 2 to 3 months before arrival

Complete and submit visa applications if necessary.

Choose a removal company and set a date for them to pack and ship your belongings.

Open a bank account on the Costa del Sol and transfer some funds.

Make firm travel plans and book flights if necessary.

Get health, dental and eye check-ups.

Take out private health insurance if you aren’t eligible for cover under the Spanish social security system.

Sell or donate any belongings you don’t want to take with you or store in your home country.

Secure accommodation on the Costa del Sol or book a temporary place to stay.

If you’re taking your car, complete relevant paperwork in your home country.

Obtain an International Driving Licence if necessary.

If you’re taking a pet, get it microchipped, arrange a rabies vaccination and get a record of all vaccinations.

Get credit references to help you establish a rating in Spain.

Take professional advice on tax liability in your home country once you are no longer resident there.

Get official documents together: birth certificates, marriage certificates, medical and vaccination records, education and training certificates, insurance policies etc.

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CHECKLIST 2 to 4 weeks before arrival

Obtain your visa from the Spanish Consulate if necessary.

Obtain a pet passport or animal health certificate.

Allocate a suitcase for essentials and important documents to take with you.

If you take regular medication, buy three months’ supply to take with you.

Notify your bank that you’re moving to the Costa del Sol. Cancel any unnecessary direct debit charges and insurance policies.

Cancel any subscriptions or arrange to forward them to your new address on the Costa del Sol. Join online social groups on the Costa del Sol (e.g. on Facebook.)

Celebrate your move with friends and family.

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CHECKLIST After Arrival

Start your application for Spanish residency.

Sign up as a local resident with your council.

Sign up for regular Spanish classes.

Sign up with a doctor and dentist.

If you have a pet, sign up with a vet.

Arrange appropriate insurance.

Change your bank account to a resident’s account as soon as you get your residence card.

If necessary, exchange your driving licence for a Spanish one.

If necessary, register your vehicle in Spain.

Arrange to meet people in your area.

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YOUR NEW HOME WHAT’S INSIDE THIS CHAPTER Area guide Better to rent or buy?

Essential rental information What to think about before you buy a home How to find your new home The purchase process Utility supplies

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CHOOSING WHERE TO LIVE As the old adage says, the three most important things about buying a property are location, location and location.

And this applies even more when you’re moving to a foreign country. Whether you’re looking to invest money in a property or need a rental property, choosing the correct location is vital.

Not only will being in the right place help make your move a success, but it will also add to your future happiness in your new home.

Rent First Unless you’re very familiar with Malaga and the Costa del Sol (and when we say very, we mean that you’ve spent some time in the area at different times of the year), it’s best to rent before buying.

It’s true that rent can be wasted money. And it won’t be your own home. But until you’re sure that you have found the right location for you, the rental payments will almost certainly be less than the cost of buying a property in the wrong location.

And of course, if things don’t work out and you want to return to your home country, you don’t have the hassle of having to sell a property or maintain it while you’re not here.

How to choose your location Unless you know where you are going to live because of work or because you have fallen in love with an area, deciding where to move to in Malaga and the Costa del Sol can be a difficult decision. No two areas are alike and each has its own character. Living in the centre of Malaga is, for example, a world apart from living in Nerja. A lot depends on your personal preferences too.

TOP TIP: Make a list of ‘must haves’, ‘like to haves’ and what you don’t want. These will help you sort out your priorities and make choosing a location easier.

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But to help you narrow your choices down, here is a checklist of what to think about. Jot down the answers (yours and everyone else’s who is moving with you).

Location Specific • Do you want to live in a village, town, city or in the countryside?

• Is being within easy distance of the beach, a golf course or the mountains • important?

• Do you need good public transport or are happy to rely on a car?

• Do you fancy living in a traditional Spanish village?

• How close to Malaga Airport do you need to be?

• Do you mind crowds of tourists in summer?

• Do you mind a ghost town in winter?

• How important is it to be within a short distance of a hospital?

TOP TIP: Invest in a good map of the Costa del Sol to pinpoint where you would like to live and how close it is to important amenities.

Language Specific • Do you want to live near other ex-pats who speak your language?

• Are you confident your Spanish is good enough if you live in a village or Malaga city?

Amenities Specific • Is there enough to do all year round?

• Is there enough going on in the area for you in the winter?

• Is it important to be near an international school?

• Is easy access to good shopping important to you?

Budget Specific • What is your budget for rental and purchase?

• Can you afford to live in the area?

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AREA GUIDE TO COSTA DEL SOL

The Costa del Sol is surprisingly big and even more surprisingly varied. From a big city to tiny villages. From bustling resorts to market towns. From beach penthouse apartment to traditional farmhouses. From everything on your doorstep to nothing at all.

The following section lists the main districts in Malaga city and the principal locations on the Costa del Sol (west to east). We provide a snapshot of each together with facts and figures on population and property prices. We hope these help to inspire you to discover the best place for you. But don’t forget, they are no substitute for visiting yourself and preferably at different times of the year.

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Malaga City Spain’s 6th largest city is also the capital of the Costa del Sol and something of an ugly duckling turned swan. Over the last two decades, Malaga has been transformed from a gritty backwater into a cultural destination in its own right. It’s known as the museum capital of the south, has an excellent year-round calendar of events, good beaches and some of the best restaurants you’ll find anywhere. The cost of living in the city is also cheaper than most of the Costa del Sol except when it comes to property.

Amenities are excellent throughout the city and public transport (metro and bus) provide good connections almost everywhere including the Airport. Tourism is year-round and the city’s biggest events (e.g. the Holy Week processions, August Fair and Christmas lights) attract thousands of visitors. It’s also a busy cruise port.

View of Malaga and Port

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Despite its municipality covering almost 400km2, Malaga city itself is surprisingly compact and mostly flat. That said, it includes numerous different districts, all very different – we describe the main ones below.

Malaga is the place for you if you want big-city life by the sea, plenty to do 24/7 and excellent amenities. It isn’t for you if you’re looking for peace and quiet and are not prepared to learn Spanish – a large number of locals (including businesses) don’t speak English.

Total population: 574,654 Foreign population: 46,499 (largest group from Morocco 9,553) Distance to Malaga Airport: 12km Average m² price for property: €2,092 Average monthly rental m² price: €9.40

Population figures are correct as of the latest official data (2019). Unofficial figures are much higher and expect up to four times more people in high season. Property prices come from Idealista.com and are based on asking prices in October 2021. There are no official statistics based on actual sales prices in Spain.

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Districts in Malaga Below is a snapshot of some of the districts in the city. We have included the most sought-after and those we think a foreigner would want to live in. If you have your eye on a district that isn’t included and need information, get in touch.

Central Malaga Average m² price for property: €2,725 Average monthly rental m² price: €10.00 Sandwiched between the river and Gibralfaro Castle, central Malaga is densely populated and includes the following main areas: Historic Centre Enclosed within the ancient city walls, the historic centre is home to the main monuments, museums and shopping streets. You’ll find many pedestrian areas and plenty of bars and restaurants. Property is mainly apartments, sometimes in buildings without a lift. This is the busiest part of the city for tourism so expect crowds almost year-round.

This area is for you if you want to be at the heart of everything, fancy living in a historic building and don’t mind lots of people on the streets and noise at night.

TOP TIP: When looking at property in the centre, visit in the evening and check noise levels from bars and nightclubs (remember that some stay open until 6am).

Soho Once the city’s red light district, Soho has seen a big transformation over the last few years and is now something of an arty paradise. Known for its excellent street art, boutique hotels and hipster bars and restaurants, Soho is to the south side of the newly renovated Alameda Principal.

Soho is for you if you’d like to have the centre on your doorstep but without so many crowds and noise and aren’t bothered by narrow streets, often jammed with traffic.

Plaza de la Merced/ La Victoria/ Conde Ureña To the north of Plaza de la Constitución, this district includes the foothills of the Gibralfaro and the Basilica de la Victoria. Almost a small town in its own right, the neighbourhood has a real community feel to it. Street art has come into its own in the Lagunillas district to the west of Calle Victoria.

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This part of Malaga is for you if you want slightly cheaper property than the centre, don’t mind a longer walk to the beach and like the idea of a Spanish community.

Malaga Cathedral

West of the centre Average m² price for property: €1,693 Average monthly rental m² price: €8.50 Walk west along the Alameda Principal over the river and you enter a very different Malaga. It’s much younger for a start – many buildings date back just to the late 60s and 70s although you’ll also find some traditional neighbourhoods. They include La Trinidad to the north and El Perchel to the south.

Despite their proximity to the city centre, both are rarely visited by tourists and offer cheaper property and a sense of community. They are among the most traditional districts in Malaga – the Patio Festival takes place here, for example.

El Perchel has excellent transport communications (metro and train stations) and both are within easy distance of the centre.

The west of the centre is for you if you want a taste of true local life and don’t mind a slightly ‘cheap and cheerful’ side of the city.

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East Malaga For purposes of this ebook, east Malaga starts in La Malagueta and continues to El Candado.

Average m² price for property: €2,769 Average monthly rental m² price: €10.30

La Malagueta Despite having some of the ugly high rise buildings, La Malagueta has a prime position and property with price tags to match. It’s also home to Muelle Uno, the Pompidou Centre and La Malagueta bullring, now a cultural centre.

This is for you if you want the best sea views in Malaga, don’t mind the crowds at the beach and in the port or paying higher prices for food shopping.

Image Credit: hellehollis.com

Pompidou Centre

El Limonar Traditionally the place that affluent Malagueños built their holiday home, El Limonar is perhaps the prettiest district in the city. Its plane-tree lined streets are flanked by beautiful mansions, some almost palaces with the occasional eyesore modern building.

Higher up, is Parque Clavero, a popular residential area where there’s currently a lot of new development. Amenities are reasonable, but public transport is poor as soon as you move away from the seafront.

El LImonar is for you if you want the best postcode in Malaga (and can afford it) and don’t mind the slopes.

Pedregalejo/ El Palo A world apart from the ‘posh’ districts of La Malagueta and El Limonar, Pedregalejo and El Palo both sit right on the beach made up of little sandy bays. Once fishing districts, you’ll find the best fried fish and seafood here as well as lots of restaurants and bars.

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Property is mostly apartments – not always of good construction quality – with those on the seafront costing considerably more those further inland. Amenities are good and there’s an excellent bus service into the city centre.

Ideal if you want to live outside the city centre but within easy reach and close to the sea and aren’t bothered by crowds of people at the weekends.

Image Credit: www.easyvoyage.co.uk

Alcazaba — Malaga

El Candado Perched up on a hill at the far eastern end of Malaga, El Candado is home to a small marina, golf course and villa properties. Sea views are a given from most and you’ll find a sedate pace of life. Amenities aren’t very good and most are in El Palo, within an easy distance but a steep climb home so either a car or an electric bike is a must.

El Candado will suit you if you’re looking for sea views and want a villa property, but don’t mind steep slopes.

Teatinos Average m² price for property: €2,253 Average monthly rental m² price: €8.80 One of the newer districts in Malaga, Teatinos is still under construction. Located to the north of the city and home to the University and main hospital, the neighbourhood consists of wide, tree-lined boulevards, low-rise apartments and parks. This is city planning at its best and transport connections (metro particularly) are very good as are the amenities. Very popular with young families and students.

You’ll like Teatinos if you need to be near the University or the Technological Park (PTA), fancy living in modern Malaga and don’t mind being a considerable distance from the sea.

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Parque del Oeste Average m² price for property: €1,931 Average monthly rental m² price: €9.10 Situated around the park (full of quirky sculptures) and the western seafront, this area of Malaga offers plenty of wide-open spaces including La Misericordia beach and easy access to the city centre (bus and metro). The Russian Museum, Car Museum and La Térmica Cultural Centre are located here. Properties on the seafront are among the most expensive in Malaga, although in nearby Huelin, they come with cheaper price tags. Amenities are good.

This is the place for you if you want to be near the beach and have good amenities on your doorstep and aren’t bothered by a slightly grittier side to Malaga in Huelin.

Street art in Malaga city centre

Parque Litoral Average m² price for property: €1,931 Average monthly rental m² price: €9.10 At the far western end of the city and right next to the river, this is another modern district build around wide boulevards and a large park. The city’s main sports stadiums are here as is the Quirón Hospital (private).

Properties consist exclusively of low-rise apartments and there’s plenty of new construction currently underway including Malaga Towers, the most expensive in the city. The district is very popular with young families. The beach is a 1km walk and transport connections (metro) are frequent to the city centre. Good amenities.

Parque Litoral is the right choice if you’re looking for a family vibe and modern surroundings and don’t mind being some distance (5km) from the city centre.

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Western Costa del Sol The western end of the Costa del Sol has the following characteristics that make it quite different from the eastern end.

• Greener scenery and the nearer you get to the Atlantic, the more verdant it gets. Mountain ranges (over 1,000m) back the coastline where you’ll see Gibraltar and the Moroccan coast and mountains on the horizon.

• Sunny for practically the whole year round, this end of the coast has wetter and windier weather than the east. That said, expect less than 60 days of rain a year. Marbella probably has the best climate of all – sheltered by the Sierra Blanca mountains, it’s rarely too hot in the summer.

• The west end has the largest resorts and the most tourists. It’s the most populated too. This translates to a very busy summer season when roads are jam-packed and beaches full to capacity. But it also means that amenities are generally excellent.

Our area guide includes the most popular places for expats to live and they are listed from west to east.

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Manilva At the far western end of the Costa del Sol, Manilva is one of the least developed and greenest parts of the coast thanks to being close to the Atlantic. The white village itself sits in verdant foothills surrounded by vineyards that roll down to the coast dotted with sandy coves.

This area is home to several well-established developments including La Duquesa with its marina, 18th-century fortress and La Duquesa Golf & Country Club. This is the place for you if you like a sedate pace of life and don’t mind being slightly disconnected from the rest of the Costa del Sol. Total population: 15,528 Foreign population: 5,558 (largest group from the UK 2,033) Distance to Malaga Airport: 93km Average m² price for property: €1,629 Average monthly rental m² price: €7.20

Image Credit: andalucia.org

View of Estepona Port

Estepona The town has a dramatic mountain backdrop and miles of grey sandy beaches. Known as the Garden of the Costa del Sol, Estepona blooms with literally thousands of flowers and its centre has lots of pretty pedestrian streets, murals and sculptures. The seafront promenade leads to the busy port area at the west end of the town.

To the east are a succession of well-established residential areas and newer developments based around the New Golden Mile. Estepona is for you if you like peace and quiet (the brighter lights of Marbella are within easy reach).

Good amenities include schools, golf courses and shops.

Total population: 68.286 Foreign population: 15,239 (largest group from the UK 3,397) Distance to Malaga Airport: 84km Average m² price for property: €2,345 Average monthly rental m² price: €9.00

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Marbella A celebrity hotspot since the early 60s, Marbella has a reputation as the most glamourous resort on the Costa del Sol. Property prices and the cost of living are the most expensive, but you’ll also find excellent amenities including worldclass golf courses, schools, shopping and restaurants.

Marbella includes numerous sub-areas, all very different. To the west of the city centre, the small town of San Pedro de Alcántara in the far west is the most Spanish; Nueva Andalucía next door offers prime property and golf; Puerto Banús has luxury shopping, yachts and beach clubs; and the Golden Mile, Nagüeles and Sierra Blanca are all home to some of the most expensive homes and Marbella’s best hotels.

To the east lie several residential areas – those to the south have direct access to the beach while those in the north have great sea views. The main ones are Los Monteros, Elviria, Hacienda Las Chapas, Artola and Cabo Pino. Marbella is the place for you if you can afford the excellent lifestyle and want probably the best climate on the Costa del Sol (the local microclimate means that summers are the coolest). Amenities are among the best on the coast and the city has a reasonable year-round calendar of events but winters can be quiet.

Total population: 143,386 Foreign population: 35,253 (largest group from Morocco 4,575) Distance to Malaga Airport: 53km Average m² price for property: €3.143 Average monthly rental m² price: €10.90

Mijas Costa & Mijas village Mijas Costa sprawls along the coastline between Marbella and Fuengirola in a long line of residential areas centred around La Cala de Mijas village in the middle. To the west are Calahonda, Riviera del Sol and Miraflores, all very popular with British expats.

La Cala itself is a bustling centre with a good beach, shops and a lot of new development. Mijas Costa also spreads inland and includes Golf Valley with eight courses, country properties and some new developments.

Mijas Costa is for you if you would like to live in one of the biggest expat communities on the Costa del Sol. It’s also handy for getting to other parts of the coast quickly and easily. Amenities are generally good, although a car is a must.

Mijas village high up on the mountain is one of the prettiest white villages in the area and as a result, is busy with tourists most days. Nearby residential developments are much quieter and most properties have commanding views of the coast. Mijas is the place for you if you fancy village life and don’t mind being some distance from the rest of the Costa del Sol. Amenities are reasonable.

Total population: 82,742 Foreign population: 26,175 (largest group from the UK 7,893) Distance to Malaga Airport: 38km (28km from Mijas village) Average m² price for property: €1,975 (€2,229 Mijas village) Average monthly rental m² price: €8.20 (€8.40 Mijas village)

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Image Credit: hellehollis.com

View of Mijas

Fuengirola One of the smallest municipalities, Fuengirola packs in people and property. The busy town boasts some of the best beaches in the area and has a cosmopolitan atmosphere – it’s especially popular with British and Scandinavian expats. At the eastern end is Los Boliches district, lower rise than the rest of the town. Popular with Spanish tourists, Fuengirola is very busy in the summer.

This is the place for you if you enjoy an international vibe and want good public transport connections – the train links Fuengirola with Benalmádena, Torremolinos, the Airport and Malaga quickly and cheaply. Amenities are good.

Total population: 80,309 Foreign population: 28,864 (largest group from the UK 5,220) Distance to Malaga Airport: 26km Average m² price for property: €2,333 Average monthly rental m² price: €9.10

Benalmádena Benalmádena isn’t particularly big, but it is densely populated and built-up between Fuengirola and Torremolinos. It’s divided into three areas: Benalmádena Pueblo, perched on the hillside and a pretty village that has kept its original character; Arroyo de la Miel, a bustling district popular with British expats; and Benalmádena Costa down by the sea.

There are also several well-established residential developments such as Torremuelle and Torrequebrada, both on the coast in the west.

Benalmádena is for you if you like an expat vibe, want some of the most famous Costa del Sol tourist attractions on your doorstep (Sealife, Torrequebrada Casino, Selwo Marina…) and don’t mind slopes. Amenities are good and Benalmádena is well connected by public transport to Malaga and the Airport.

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Total population: 68,128 Foreign population: 16,194 (largest group from the UK 10,279) Distance to Malaga Airport: 11km Average m² price for property: €2,243 Average monthly rental m² price: €9.50

Torremolinos This is where it all began and Torremolinos is generally considered the home of tourism on the Costa del Sol. The resort receives almost 5 million visitors a year and is busy 24/7. Popular with Northern Europeans, Torremolinos hosts world famous ballroom competitions, cooks the best pescaíto frito (fried fish) on the coast and is southern Spain’s gay capital. The town centre has recently had a tasteful revamp.

Torremolinos is for you if you like things busy all year round, want good public transport connections with Malaga and the Airport and don’t mind hearing English almost everywhere you go. Amenities are good and those on the west side of Malaga within easy reach.

Total population: 68,661 Foreign population: 13,977 (largest group from Morocco 1,795) Distance to Malaga Airport: 8km Distance to Malaga Airport: 11km Average m² price for property: €2,118 Average monthly rental m² price: €9.90

Image Credit: hotels.com

Beach at Torremolinos

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Alhaurín El Grande Handy for Fuengirola and Mijas Costa, Alhaurín El Grande sits inland in the middle of a mountain valley. The small town near the coast is one of the most Spanish, although it’s popular too with expats drawn to the country lifestyle and cheaper property. v Sweeping views are a given just about everywhere.

This town is for you if you want a quieter pace of life, but still value being near the Costa del Sol resorts and don’t mind a ‘small-town’ mentality. Amenities are generally good, but public transport not so great.

Total population: 24,705 Foreign population: 5,110 (largest group from the UK 2,353) Distance to Malaga Airport: 23km Average m² price for property: €1,378 Average monthly rental m² price: €6.60

Image Credit: blog.playasenator.com

Shrine of San Sebastian

Alhaurín de la Torre Its proximity to Malaga makes this town popular with commuters who favour its quieter pace of life and cheaper property. Smartened up in recent years, Alhaurín de la Torre sprawls along the mountain side with a dense town centre and a succession of residential developments on either side.

This is the place for you if you want to be near Malaga but not in it (and don’t mind the traffic in and out) and want things to feel more Spanish than expat. Amenities are good, although public transport connections are not.

Total population: 40,345 Foreign population: 3,145 (largest group from the UK 638) Distance to Malaga Airport: 11km Average m² price for property: €1,619 Average monthly rental m² price: €7.80

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Eastern Costa del Sol The eastern end of the Costa del Sol has several characteristics that make it quite different from the western end.

• The landscape is rockier and the mountains are closer to the coastline. This makes for a ‘stonier’ landscape with dramatic cliffs (that you don’t see in Marbella, for example) and fewer trees.

• The weather is drier and warmer so expect to see less greenery than in the western end. You’ll also enjoy milder winters – some claim Torrox Costa has the best winter climate in Spain – and hotter summers. It’s also less windy.

• The resorts are smaller (this area’s much less populated than the west) and much more Spanish. Expat populations tend to be made up of British and Germans, and there are far fewer expats here than in, say, Fuengirola and Benalmádena. That said, resorts are packed to bursting point during the summer, although you can get away from the crowds on some of the more remote beaches around Nerja.

Our area guide includes the most popular places for expats to live and they are listed from west to east.

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Rincón de la Victoria Within easy reach of Malaga (bus connections are excellent), the town is popular with commuters to the city looking for cheaper property. In recent years, there has been a lot of new development to the north of the town centre. Rincón also includes the small district of La Cala del Moral with its sandy bay. It’s famous for its caves (Cueva del Tesoro) and cliff and tunnel walks along the coast.

Rincón is for you if you’re looking for a Spanish lifestyle and atmosphere, near Malaga where you can buy more property for your money. Amenities are generally good.

Total population: 47,179 Foreign population: 3,359 (largest group from Italy 439) Distance to Malaga Airport: 27.5km Average m² price for property: €1,854 Average monthly rental m² price: €8.20

Torre del Mar & Vélez-Málaga This small fishing village turned modern resort belongs to the town of Vélez- Málaga slightly to the north with an imposing fortress and historic old quarter. Torre del Mar has a thriving expat community and is very popular with Spanish holidaymakers in the summer. The town is surrounded by a fertile plain, home to extensive tropical fruit plantations.

Image Credit: TYK | Wikimedia.org

View of Vélez-Málaga

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You’ll like Torre del Mar if you’re looking for a beach location and don’t mind it being quiet in the winter. Amenities are good and include a large shopping centre and hospital. Public transport connections to Malaga are reasonable.

Total population: 81,643 Foreign population: 7,573 (largest group from Morocco 1,409) Distance to Malaga Airport: 29.5km Average m² price for property: €1,908 Average monthly rental m² price: €7.90

Torrox & Torrox Costa Famed as having the best winter climate in Europe, Torrox consists of the village itself (4km inland) and the sprawl of Torrox Costa along the grey sandy beach. The village is pretty with white-washed façades on the sloping streets.

Down on the coast, you’ll find a succession of residential developments (townhouses and villas) and apartment blocks on the seafront.

Torrox is the place for you if you like your winters as warm as possible, are looking for cheaper property and don’t mind being some distance from other resorts and Malaga. Amenities are reasonable but better in Nerja.

Total population: 17,234 Foreign population: 5,678 (largest groups from the UK 1,434 and Germany (1,415)) Distance to Malaga Airport: 64.5km Average m² price for property: €1,986 Average monthly rental m² price: €7.90

Nerja Definitely the jewel in the crown on this side of the coast, Nerja still retains much of its original character despite development over the last few years. The town with its typically Andalusian architecture and atmosphere is internationally famous for the Nerja Caves, one of the top tourist attractions in the region. There’s a sizeable expat community and Nerja is a favourite with holidaying Spanish families.

This is the place for you if you’re looking for peace and quiet especially in the winter and don’t mind being a considerable distance from other resorts and Malaga Airport. Amenities are generally good.

Total population: 21,091 Foreign population: 5,375 (largest group from the UK 1,658) Distance to Malaga Airport: 70km Average m² price for property: €2,870 Average monthly rental m² price: €8.90

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BETTER TO RENT OR BUY? If you already own a property on the Costa del Sol, this is a redundant question. But for many people, deciding whether to rent a property or buy one instead is an essential part of the relocation process.

Most relocation experts recommend that you rent first if: • You’re not familiar with the Costa del Sol or sure where to live.

• You’re trying out the area to see if it works for you.

• You’re seeing if life in a different country suits you.

Renting before buying gives you the chance to familiarise yourself with the area, lifestyle and living abroad without making the big financial commitment involved in buying a house.

However, both options have their pros and cons.

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REASONS TO RENT Low upfront costs: apart from a few month’s rent (1 or 2) and the deposit, you have no other costs.

Flexibility: as long as you give a month’s notice, you can leave a rental property at any time if you don’t like it, its location or living on the Costa del Sol. No costly maintenance worries: these are mostly the responsibility of the landlord.

No community fees or council tax: the landlord pays these.

Reasons not to rent Instability: you’re dependent on a contract that your landlord may not renew.

No wealth creation: monthly rent contributes to the landlord’s income, not yours.

REASONS TO BUY Stability: owning where you live can make you more secure and settled.

Future profit: it should reap you rewards in the future.

Your blank slate: you can do what you like to suit your requirements and tastes.

Reasons not to buy High, upfront costs: budget for 10-12% on top of the purchase price.

Less flexibility: owning a property can tie you to a location.

Maintenance costs: all yours.

Lack of liquidity: it isn’t always easy or quick to sell if you need the cash.

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HOW TO DECIDE WHAT SORT OF PROPERTY TO RENT OR BUY Whether you’re renting or buying, you still need to work out what sort of property you need.

Step 1 – Set your budget

Sit down and work out what you can afford. Be realistic. Prices vary greatly on the Costa del Sol and even within neighbouring districts (e.g. in Malaga city). Our area guide earlier in this chapter lists the square metre price for rentals and purchases.

Once you know how much you can afford, stick to it.

Step 2 – Type of property

Work out how much space you need, indoor and outdoor.

Apartments are easy to look after (lock-up and go), often have communal areas that you can enjoy without having to maintain them, but can be small, noisy and have limited outdoor space.

Townhouses offer space, often come with a good terrace or solarium and communal areas to enjoy without the maintenance, but can have lots of stairs and be overlooked by neighbours.

Villas have space, inside and outside, privacy and often your own pool, but can be expensive to maintain.

Think about: Storage space – how much do you need for clothes, books, sporting equipment, Christmas decorations…? Apartments often have the option of a separate storage room or you can rent a storage unit.

Parking space – finding street parking for your car(s) is a challenge in most places on the Costa del Sol. If the property doesn’t include a designated parking space, consider renting one in the complex or nearby.

Private pool – you might like the idea, but ask yourself how much will you really use it (most pools get used between mid-June and mid-September). It could be an expensive and time-consuming extra.

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Step 3 – Minimum number of bedrooms and bathrooms

For you, your children and all those guests (who will appear frequently once you relocate to the Costa del Sol!). And then check the actual size, which may be a lot smaller than you expected. New-build properties on the Costa del Sol tend to have small bedrooms.

Step 4 – Running costs

A 1-bedroom apartment is obviously a lot cheaper to run than a large villa, but you may be surprised at how much a property costs a month. Factor in the following costs and then work out if you can afford them:

Utility costs (electricity, gas, water and telephone/internet connections).

Community fees (monthly payments for the maintenance and upkeep of Communal areas – tenants don’t pay these).

Council tax/ rates (tenants don’t pay these).

Refuse tax (some councils charge separately for this; tenants usually pay it).

Maintenance (pool, garden etc).

Step 5 – Find your property

Once you have a clear idea about what you can afford and the sort of home you’re looking for, look only at properties that tick those boxes.

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HOW TO FIND YOUR NEW HOME A guide to the main sources of information and people who can help you find a new home to rent or buy.

TOP TIP: Regardless of who you buy a property from, always use a registered lawyer who speaks your language to do the legal work for you. Make sure the lawyer is independent so that your interests (and yours only) are represented and protected always. If you’re renting, get a lawyer to check your rental contract before you sign it.

Online Portals

Many property portals offer platforms for owners and estate agents to advertise their homes. There isn’t really much difference between them, although you might a property is cheaper on one than on another.

Need to know about online portals • Agents advertise on them as well as private owners, but it might not be obvious they are agents.

• Photos may not be real or realistic so don’t be surprised to find that the property is very different from its photos.

• All offer comprehensive search filters so that you can narrow down the options that come up.

• Portals use different names for districts – use the map option to specify where you want to look.

Five largest portals Idealista - easily the largest and with an English-language version Fotocasa - second largest and with an English-language version Habitaclia - English-language versión and slightly smaller selection of properties Pisos.com - English-language version Tucasa.com - in Spanish only

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Property finders

Also known as personal property shoppers, these people are experts in an area and work for you rather than an agent or owner. They usually charge a set fee rather than commission on a sale.

If you decide to use a property finder, make sure you have an exact list of what you’re looking for and be clear on fees (and what they include) from the start. To find a property finder, ask around for recommendations or search ‘property finder in (location)’ or (in Spanish) ‘corredor inmobilario en (location)’.

Estate agents

Property selling is an unregulated market in Spain and this opens to the door to unscrupulous practice. However, there are many professional estate agents on the Costa del Sol who offer excellent services. They belong to professional associations such as API and GIPE and follow codes of conduct. A physical office is a good sign of a serious business as are several years of practice (e.g. 5 to 10). Ask around for recommendations too.

Note that not all estate agents handle rental properties.

TOP TIP: Read the ‘About Us’ page on the agent’s website. If it inspires you with trust and confidence, you’ve probably found a good agent.

Need to know about estate agents

If you’re buying, they charge 3-10% commission/fees (5% is the norm) that is usually included in the price so you, the buyer, pays it. If you’re renting, expect to pay one month’s rent or 10% of the annual rent for fees. Be aware that the amount may not include IVA (VAT at 21%).

Many agents belong to centralised databases and as a result, have the same listings. Prices for the same property may vary.

Unless they are registered lawyers, estate agents are not qualified to give you legal advice. Don’t take any legal decisions without advice from your (independent) lawyer.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT RENTALS Rental Market Since summer 2021 and the return of tourism to the Costa del Sol, the rental market has shifted back to a landlord’s market. Demand for long-term rentals now exceeds supply as it did before the pandemic and in some areas such as Malaga city centre and Marbella, there isn’t a lot of choice on the market.

In much of the Costa del Sol, rental rates have started to rise again after dropping between March 2020 and July 2021.

In most parts of the coast, they have now almost completely recuperated their previous prices.

You can see the asking price per square metre in Malaga and resorts on the Costa del Sol in our Area Guide.

Things to bear in mind

• Rental prices in Malaga are higher than you might expect for Spain.

• Most of the process moves fast – viewings, decisions and signings.

• All properties are listed online.

• 90% of the properties are handled by rental agencies.

• Agencies charge a fee – 1 month’s rent or 10% of the annual rent (plus VAT at 21%).

• You usually don’t deal directly with the landlord to rent a property. But, negotiating power lies almost entirely with the landlord.

As potential renters you need: Flexibility – visits may be arranged within the hour, so you need to be contactable by phone and have an open timetable.

Patience – last-minute cancellations of visits are common.

Open mind – try to look past the less appealing aspects and think of a property’s potential.

Perseverance – the market might move fast but finding and moving into your rental property can take time.

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10 things to look out for in a rental

Lack of lift – older buildings may not have a lift. Weigh up the advantage of exercise against carrying up heavy shopping or a suitcase, for example.

Street noise – bars, cafés, clubs stay open late in Malaga and noise carries. Check what’s outside the property and visit in the evening to check noise levels.

Neighbour noise – check noise levels inside too because walls can be very thin.

Photoshopped property – online photos don’t always reflect the quality and state of property.

Holiday lets – find out how many properties in the building are holiday lets. When they’re occupied, the building can be busy and noisy at all hours.

Pets allowed – many landlords don’t allow pets or they may not be permitted in the building itself.

Community rules – some buildings have strict regulations about what you can do and when. Read them to make sure there’s nothing that doesn’t work for you.

Quality – often missing from many rentals in Malaga, in fittings, appliances and furniture.

Orientation – if you want sun in the winter, choose a south facing property.

Communal areas – check out the entrance, corridors and any communal areas. Clean and tidy indicates a well-run building.

Ventilation in the bathroom – if there isn’t a window, is there an air vent?

Heating/ air-conditioning – homes in Malaga are cold in the winter and hot in the summer. What provisions does the property have? Find out if it’s your responsibility to clean and maintain heating and air-conditioning systems.

Next steps

Reservation – once you’ve chosen a property, you need to reserve it. This is usually done by paying a fee of one month’s rent (deductible from later payments).

Sign the rental contract (see below).

Pay the first month’s rent, security deposit (1 to 2 months’ rent) and if applicable the agency fee (1 month’s rent or 10% of the annual rent plus 21% VAT).

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Rental contracts Spanish law generally favours tenants over landlords, but both parties have a series of obligations. The contract sets out the basics and you can agree other conditions in the contract as well.

You should only sign a contract in Spanish so make sure you understand every clause (and its implications) before you sign on the dotted line.

Length of rental Under the law passed in 2019, you are allowed to stay in the rental for a minimum of 5 years (7 if the owner of the property is a company). You don’t have to leave the property before the 5 years unless (and this is the only reason) the landlord needs it for a close relative (spouse, child or parent) to live in. However, your landlord can only apply this rule after a minimum of 1 year of tenancy and must give you 2 months’ notice. This option must be clearly stated in the contract.

Longer rentals If after 5 years your landlord doesn’t want you to continue in the property, he/she must give you 4 months’ notice before the contract expires. Otherwise, the contact is extended by annual periods for up to 3 years.

Giving notice You must stay for a minimum of 6 months in the property and then give 30 days’ notice when you wish to leave.

Paying rent You usually pay your rent between the 1st and 5th of each calendar month. Ask your landlord for a receipt for each monthly payment – a copy of the bank transfer may not be enough if you have legal problems.

Rent rises During the 5 years’ rental, the landlord may increase your rent every year by the official rate of inflation (IPC in Spanish and published every month by the government). But both parties must agree this and include the agreement in the contract. This rental increase only applies to the 5-year minimum rental period. When this comes to an end, both parties must agree a new rental rate.

Deposits Minimum 1 month’s rent and maximum 2.

Payment of expenses Properties are liable for taxes and fees including community charges (if your long-term rental is an apartment or part of the complex) and local council taxes. These are usually paid by the landlord, but both parties can freely agree that the tenant pays them. In towns that charge a separate refuse tax (e.g. Fuengirola), the tenant usually pays this.

Tenants pay utility charges (water, electricity, gas, telephone, internet connection, etc).

Make sure the contract states exactly who is responsible for paying what.

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Maintenance of the property Under Spanish law, the landlord must carry out all maintenance to keep the property habitable except when the tenant causes the damage. In practice, this means that the landlord is responsible for maintaining and repairing pipes, walls, ceilings and floors and the tenant is responsible for repairs of blinds, locks, paint, taps and toilets.

Improvements to the property If the landlord invests in improvements, he/she can charge the tenant for these in monthly installments but only after the minimum stay period of 5 years and for no more than 20% of the regular monthly rent.

Again, this is open to negotiation and the law states that both parties can freely agree that the improvements made during the first 5 years can be charged to the tenant and without the limit of 20% of the rent. But this must be a clear agreement and written in the contract.

Work on the property If you want to make any improvements to the property, however small, you need written permission from your landlord. If you don’t get this, the landlord may cancel the contract and you could be obliged to pay to have everything returned to its original state.

Sub-letting the property Unless your contract says otherwise, you cannot sublet the property.

Alternative use for the property Unless your contract states it, the property cannot be used for anything other than living in so you couldn’t open a business from it, for example. (Working from home is obviously an exception to this.)

Inventories Most long-term rentals in Malaga come partially or fully furnished. Make sure the landlord prepares an inventory of all contents in the property, check it carefully and then attach it to the contract. Both parties should sign the inventory.

Checking damage You usually have 30 days after you move in to check for damage, things that don’t work etc and report it to the landlord.

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Utility supplies Electricity and water supplies are usually registered and connected in rental properties. Some have gas (mainline in modern properties, gas bottles in older properties) for heating water.

Read the meters To avoid paying for the previous tenant’s utilities, on your first day of rental, check the electricity, water and gas meters and take note of the readings. You can then calculate your share with your landlord when the first bill arrives.

Payment You have 2 options: In your name: Payment of utilities in your name and bank account via direct debit. To do this, you need to contact the utility company and provide your NIE, new bank details and the number of the utility contract. You can contact the companies by phone or online – many have virtual offices. Note that agents at utility companies don’t usually speak English and websites tend to be in Spanish only.

In your landlord’s name: Your landlord pays the bills and charges you for them separately. Some landlords prefer this option.

Need to know electricity • The power supply is 220 volts.

• Sockets are two round pin.

• Light bulbs are Edison screw fitting.

Telephone & internet In most cases you need to contract the service when you rent a property. There’s plenty of competition with varying prices and packages.

To help you compare, these 2 websites are useful: OCU – Spanish Consumers’ Organisation. Put in your region (Andalucía), select the service(s) you need, choose what you need for each sub service (e.g. internet speed, mobile data and calls etc). Click on ‘ver los resultados’.

Rastreator – online comparison site. Choose the service you need, select particulares (individuals), add your post code and click on Avanzar to see the cheapest deals.

Need to know contracts • Some deals include minimum contract length (permanencia in Spanish).

• Some prices don’t include IVA or the price of a landline rental.

• Make sure you understand the small print.

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10 THINGS TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE YOU BUY Buying a property anywhere is a big decision, emotionally and financially. And even more so in a foreign country. So, before you take the plunge, ask yourself the following questions (and listen carefully to your answers!).

Do you know where you want to live on the Costa del Sol? Buying a property could tie you to a location that may not be right for you. Read our Area Guide to get an idea of what each place is like.

Will your chosen location suit you if your circumstances change?

You might get a job in another part of the Costa del Sol or want to send your children to a different school from your initial choice.

Are you sure the Costa del Sol is for you?

A property could become a financial liability and worry if the relocation doesn’t work out.

Have you got a good estate agent?

One who knows the area well and its market. One who you can trust to find a property to suit you and your requirements. One who will negotiate the price with the owner on your behalf and act in your interests.

Is the property worth its price?

Make sure you’re paying market value (ask your agent or compare prices in the same area) so that you have a better chance of recuperating your investment when the time comes to sell.

Can you afford to buy the property and maintain it?

Many people are surprised by how high community charges are or by how much a gardener costs a month.

Are you thinking medium to long term?

The costs associated with buying property in Spain amount to 10 to 12% of the purchase price – to recoup these you need to own the property for at least 5 years, longer if the market is in a downward cycle.

Do you have an independent lawyer to work for you?

The procedure for buying a property in Spain is unique and you need professional help to navigate it. Choose a lawyer who speaks your language and acts in your interests only.

Does the property need refurbishment?

If it does, decide whether you have the enthusiasm and energy to go through with it. Remember, you’ve just relocated and this will be a stressful time for you and your family without having to manage builders and tradesmen.

Who are your neighbours?

Visit the property at different times of day to check of noise levels (barking dogs can be a problem).

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THE PURCHASE PROCESS The process involved in buying property on the Costa del Sol may be very different from what you’re used to. The following is a guide to the main steps to give you an idea of the procedure and timeline.

Step 1 When you’ve found the property you want to buy, get in touch with your lawyer. Do this before you pay anything to anyone (reservation fee or deposit). Your lawyer should be independent, registered and speak your language.

Step 2A Your lawyer will carry out basic checks on the property to make sure that you can buy it with legal and financial peace of mind.

Legal checks include: • Checking the Property Registry to ensure the details are correct and find out if there are any charges or encumbrances on the property.

• Verifying that building and occupation licences are correct and legal.

• Confirming tax payments to make sure there are no debts with the council, community of owners etc.

• Checking the bank guarantee is valid if you’re buying off plan.

Step 2B If you can’t be physically present on the Costa del Sol for the purchase, your lawyer can act on your behalf with a power of attorney. This can be arranged and signed in Spain or in your home country.

Step 2C If you need a mortgage, apply for one as soon as possible because approval can take time.

Step 2D It’s a good idea to get a qualified surveyor to inspect the property, particularly if you’re buying an older and/or rural home. The survey report may affect the price you’re prepared to pay or you may need to include a clause for repairs or compensation in the pre-purchase contract (see Step 3 below).

Step 3 Your lawyer will draw up a pre-purchase contract with all the terms and conditions of the purchase. This includes price, mortgage conditions, deadline for sale, what’s included in the sale etc.

Both parties sign the pre-purchase contract and you pay a deposit, usually 10% of the price. If you decide not to go through with the purchase, you don’t usually get your deposit back unless the seller breaks one of the conditions in the contract. If the seller pulls out, they generally have to return your deposit plus the same amount again.

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Step 4 must verbally translate them so you know exactly what they say), you pay the vendor, both parties sign the deeds and you get the keys to the property.

Step 5 Your lawyer organises the registration of the property in your name, the payment of taxes and fees on your behalf (see below) and sets up direct debits for utility supplies, community of owners fees and local taxes.

Costs involved with a purchase

Buying property on the Costa del Sol involves high costs that usually amount to 10- 12% on top of the purchase price.

Factor these into your budget.

The main taxes are: Transfer Tax – Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales (ITP) charged on resale properties at a flat rate of 7% until 31 December 2021.

• 8% on properties up to €400,000 • 9% on properties priced between €400,000 and €700,000 • 10% on properties priced over €700,000

VAT – IVA is charged at 10% on new properties being sold for the first time.

Stamp Duty – also only charged on new properties being sold for the first time, the Impuesto sobre Actos Jurídicos Documentados/AJD is 1.2% of the purchase price.

The main fees are: Notary and Land Registry – both fees are based on the purchase price and length of the title deeds. Your lawyer will be able to give you an estimate of these fees.

Legal fees – lawyers generally charge 1% of the purchase price, although the final amount may vary depending on the complexity of the purchase.

Estate agent fees – although these are usually included in the price, the buyer pays them at the notary public as a separate payment.

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PAPERWORK FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY WHAT’S INSIDE THIS CHAPTER NIE Residence permit Registering with the local council Electronic signature Permit checklist

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An essential part of your planning includes finding out whether you need a visa to live in Spain and how to live there legally when you move. Most foreigners don’t need a visa to stay in Spain for up to 90 days, but if you want to live there long term you do need some sort of residence permit. You also need to register as a resident with your local council.

Paperwork and procedures are relatively straightforward for nationals from the EEA. Things are a little more complicated for the so-called third-country nationals, all of whom need to apply for and obtain a visa before they arrive in Spain.

This chapter includes information on the different types of residence permits available for foreigners in Spain. You’ll also find information on the documentation you need and how to apply for a permit.

Bear in mind that procedures can take time, particularly if you need a visa and that it can be a frustrating process especially if you don’t speak Spanish and/or aren’t used to bureaucracy.

But red tape has improved considerably over the years and you can now do a lot online. And the people behind the desk at the police station or council offices on the Costa del Sol are usually courteous and helpful. We have it on good authority that applying for permits in Spain is easier and friendlier than in France, for example.

At Guide to Malaga, we recommend that unless you speak good Spanish and have time on your hands, you use the services of a specialist relocation or immigration company to help you with your permit paperwork. You will save yourself time, energy and unnecessary stress. And paying someone to get the right paperwork for you and your family doesn’t have to be expensive.

UK Nationals At the time of writing, Brexit is very new and Spain and the UK are still working out procedures for visas and immigration paperwork. We are confident that reciprocal agreements will be in place at some point during 2021 meaning that some of the information included in this section will change.

List of EEA countries Spain is part of the EEA (European Economic Area) whose citizens have freedom of movement (to live and work) in other EEA countries. They are: Austria

Denmark

Hungary

Lithuania

Portugal

Belgium

Estonia

Iceland

Luxembourg

Romania

Bulgaria

Finland

Ireland

Malta

Slovakia

Croatia

France

Italy

Netherlands

Slovenia

Cyprus

Germany

Latvia

Norway

Spain

Czech Republic

Greece

Liechtenstein

Poland

Sweden

Switzerland is also included in this group because it belongs to the EEA single market.

List of useful abbreviations in this chapter NIE = número de identidad de extranjero/ foreigner’s identity number TIE = tarjeta de identidad de extranjero/ foreigner’s residence card

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HOW TO GET A NIE A foreigner’s identity number, known as a NIE (número de identidad de extranjero in Spanish), is essential for all residents and even if you don’t become resident, you will need it for a long list of things (see below). This number is your identification to the Spanish tax authorities.

Need to know – a NIE consists of an X or Y followed by 7 or 8 digits and another letter. For example, X-12345678-A. It’s essentially a piece of paper with your full name and your NIE in a box below.

What do you need a NIE for?

You need a NIE for many reasons including: Spanish residency (note that if you don’t have a NIE when you apply for residency, you automatically get one).

Registering a business.

Getting an employment contract (you can’t legally work in Spain without a NIE).

Opening a bank account.

Buying a vehicle.

Obtaining utility supplies.

All property transactions (rental, purchase or sale).

Filing tax returns and paying taxes or receiving a rebate.

What’s the difference between a NIE and a residence permit?

Your foreigner’s tax ID number has nothing to do with residency in Spain; it’s a fiscal and legal document. If you have a NIE you are not resident in Spain unless you also have a residence permit.

How to get a NIE in person 1. Fill in the form and pay the fee.

The first step for your application is to download and fill out form EX15. You can do it online here. You must complete the form in Spanish (and in block capitals) so if your Spanish isn’t good, get some help. To get a NIE you need to pay around €10 (€9.84 in 2022) at a bank using form Tasa 790-012 (download here).

2. Get your paperwork together.

You need the EX15 form, proof of payment, your passport (valid for at least six months) plus one photocopy of all relevant pages. It’s also a good idea to take proof of why you need a NIE. For example, an employment offer or property contract.

Need to know: any documents you provide in languages other than Spanish (except your passport) may need an official translation.

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3. Apply for the NIE You can only apply at National Police stations with foreigners’ departments. On the Costa del Sol they are: • Benalmádena – Calle de las Flores 12 • Estepona – Calle Valle Inclán 1 • Malaga city – Plaza de Manuel Azaña 1 • Marbella – Avenida Duque de Lerma L3 • Vélez-Málaga – Calle Puerta del Mar 4 • Fuengirola – Avenida Conde de San Isidro 98 • Torremolinos – Calle Skal 12

Most have appointment systems. To get yours, click here and proceed as follows:

TOP TIP: Save time and stress by using a third party to get your NIE for you. It only costs around €30.

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Applying at a Spanish Consulate If you need a NIE before you move to Malaga, you can apply for a NIE at a Spanish Consulate abroad. Check the website for one in your country for information on how to apply and get an appointment.

Can someone else get your NIE for you?

You can appoint a third party to apply for a NIE on your behalf. This person could be a lawyer, fiscal representative, friend or family member. You need to grant them a power of attorney that includes obtaining a NIE for you.

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BECOMING RESIDENT If you’re making the Costa del Sol your new home, you’ll need to become officially resident in Spain. The paperwork required, procedure and timescale depend on whether you’re an EEA national (EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) or a non-EEA national (UK included from 1 January 2021).

Note that the information included in this section is correct as of November 2021. Regulations on permits and paperwork requirements can change so always check with official government sources as well. You can find all the information, regulations and downloadable forms (in Spanish) on the Immigration Portal.

Due to the complexity of residence permits, Guide to Malaga recommends that you use a relocation or immigration professional to get yours. You’ll save considerable time and stress and ensure that you present the correct paperwork from day one.

This section contains information on: • Location of national police stations • Translations • Residence permits for EEA nationals and their dependents • Residence permits for non-EEA nationals and their dependents

National Police Stations

All residence permit applications are made at national police stations. They are in the following locations on the Costa del Sol: • Benalmádena – Calle de las Flores 12 • Estepona – Calle Valle Inclán 1 • Malaga city – Plaza de Manuel Azaña 1 • Marbella – Avenida Duque de Lerma L3 • Vélez-Málaga – Calle Puerta del Mar 4 • Fuengirola – Avenida Conde de San Isidro 98 • Torremolinos – Calle Skal 12

Translations

You may be asked to translate a document in which case you need to provide a sworn translation (traducción jurada) from the original language to Spanish. There is an official list of translators offering this service – see it here. Scroll down to lista actualizada (plus date) and click on the pdf.

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EEA Nationals As a member of an EEA country, you have the right to live and work in Spain without a visa. If you plan to stay in Spain for longer than 3 months, however, you need to become resident.

There are 2 types of residency: • Temporary – up to 5 years.

• Permanent – over 5 years.

For the purposes of this ebook, we’ve included short-term residency only.

Did you know? If you spend 183 days or more a year in Spain, you are deemed a tax resident in Spain and liable for taxes on your worldwide income.

Short-term residency You must apply for a residence certificate (certificado de residencia) within 3 months of your arrival in Spain.

Must-have paperwork • Completed form EX-18 (click here to download) • Your passport plus copy.

• Proof you have paid the fee (€16.08 in 2022 – pay online here).

Plus the following (original and copy) depending on your status:

Employee – employment contract registered with the Spanish Employment Department (SEPE).

Self-employed – proof of self-employment (e.g. certificate of signing up to social security, inscription in Business Registry (Registro Mercantil)).

Not working – proof of healthcare cover (state or private) and proof of sufficient funds (income of at least €580 a month in 2022).

Student – proof of registration in education centre, proof of healthcare cover and proof of sufficient funds.

Family dependents (your spouse, children or parents) – proof of relationship with you, proof of economic dependence on you, proof that you are working or have healthcare cover for the dependent and sufficient funds (at least €290 per person in 2022). Family dependents need to complete form EX-19 downloadable here.

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Application process Step 1 Once you have all the right paperwork (double-check to make sure), you need to book an appointment. Click here.

If you have a digital signature (firma electrónica), click here.

Step 2 Go to your appointment (arrive 30 minutes early as there is often a queue to get in). The member of staff will check your documentation and if it is correct, issue you with your residence certificate. This states your name, nationality, address, NIE and date of registration.

Did you know? Your residence certificate is only valid when presented with photographic ID (e.g. your passport).

Renewing your residence certificate There is no expiry date on the certificate and you don’t need to renew it. Note that if you live outside Spain for 2 or more years, you will lose your right to live there.

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Non-EEA Nationals If you’re from a country outside the EEA or Switzerland, the process to obtain a in Spain is more complicated and you apply for a Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE, Foreigner’s Identity Card). The requirements depend on what you’re going to do in Spain.

Did you know? You need to present your passport and a copy of it (all pages) for all residency applications for nonEEA nationals.

Your first step is to apply for a visa at the Spanish embassy in your home country before you come to Spain. The type of visa depends on what you plan to do as follows:

Visa to work as an employee for someone else You need to have a work visa in place before you arrive. Do this in conjunction with your employer. Generally speaking, your application will be successful if your job has a shortage of qualified applicants, it was advertised locally with no suitable EEA applicants and you have the appropriate professional qualifications.

Must-have paperwork Once your employer has started the application for your work visa, you should complete your application within one month at the Spanish embassy in your home country. You’ll need to present: • Completed form EX-03 (download here) • Certified copy of your employment contract.

• Your passport (valid for at least six months).

• Medical certificate.

• Proof of a clean criminal record for the last five years.

TOP TIP: When dealing with officials, always use the usted form of address instead of the informal tú, be polite, stay calm and never lose your temper.

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Visa to work as self-employed If you plan to set up your own business on the Costa del Sol, you will need: Must-have paperwork • Completed form EX-07 (download here).

• Proof that you have the qualifications and/or experience for your business.

• Proof of sufficient funds to set up the business or financial backing.

• A business plan that includes the amount of investment, expected returns and if applicable, the number of jobs you plan to create.

• Proof of funds to support yourself (as well as your business expenses).

• If you have premises (or plan to open them), proof that you have started proceedings to secure these and proof of the stage the proceedings have reached.

Non-work visa This is known as the non-lucrative visa. It’s an option for a retiree or someone who does not plan to work in Spain. Note that you cannot work for a Spanish company or set up a company (or a branch of a one) in Spain under the terms of this visa.

Must-have paperwork • Completed form EX-01 (download here) • Proof you have at least €2,320 income a month in a bank account in your name (a bank statement for the last six months will suffice).

• Private medical insurance. Note that you must take out the policy with a Spanish insurance company for a minimum of one year. The policy must not include co-payment (sharing of costs between you and the company).

• Proof that you have accommodation or the means to pay for it.

• Proof that you have no criminal record in Spain or your home country.

Investor visa Often known as the Golden Visa, this option requires you to invest in one of the following: • Property worth at least €500,000.

• Spanish government bonds worth at least €2 million.

• Shares in Spanish companies worth at least €1 million.

Must-have paperwork • Completed form (download here).

• Private medical insurance. Note that you must take out the policy with a Spanish insurance company for a minimum of one year

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• Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself.

• Proof of the investment (e.g. public debt certificate from the Bank of Spain,certificate of investment funds, bank certificate for deposit or property titledeeds).

Student visa

Must-have paperwork • Completed form EX-00 (download here) • Letter of invitation from place of study.

• Proof you have sufficient funds for your stay (€580 a month in 2022).

• Medical insurance cover with international c overage.

Note that if you want to stay for longer than 180 days, you also need a medical certificate of good health and a certificate of no criminal record from the national police in your home country.

Application process for a residence permit with a visa

Step 1 Submit your application together with the required paperwork and appropriate fee to a Spanish Consulate in your home country. Wait for approval (this can take up to three months).

Step 2 When you receive approval, go in person to the Consulate with your passport to have the visa stamped in it.

Step 3 Move to Spain (usually within three months of getting the visa). Within one to three months (depending on the type of visa), pay the fee online (€15.92 in 2021) here and book an appointment for your TIE (residence permit).

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To book your appointment, click here:

If you have a digital signature (firma electrónica), click here.

Dependents If you’re a non-EEA national and already have a Spanish residence permit (valid for at least one more year), your dependents can join you.

Must-have paperwork • Healthcare cover for you and your dependents (social security or private healthinsurance).

• Sufficient funds – at least €870 a month for you and one dependent plus €290 a month (in 2022) each for further dependents.

• Proof of adequate accommodation.

• Proof of your employment or business (if self-employed).

• Completed form EX02 (download here).

• If the dependent is your partner or spouse, a sworn statement that you are not cohabiting with someone else in Spain.

• Proof of their relationship with you (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc).

• Proof of no criminal record in Spain or countries they have lived in before.

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Application process

Step 1 You present the required paperwork and form EX02 at the national police station nearest to your home on the Costa del Sol.

Step 2 If the application is successful, your dependents get a visa that they must collect in person with their passport from a Spanish consulate in their country of residence.

Step 3 When they come to Spain, they must apply for a TIE (residence permit).

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REGISTERING AS A LOCAL RESIDENT When you become officially resident on the Costa del Sol you must also register with your local council. This is called empadronamiento in Spanish and is similar to being on the census (padrón) or electoral roll in the UK, for example.

You must register if you are living in the area for more than 183 days a year.

Empadronamiento is a different process to the NIE and residence permit. If you are living on the Costa del Sol you need to register as a resident in Spain and with your local council.

What’s in it for you?

You have to be registered to use: • Social services.

• State schools (locally-registered children have priority for places).

• Local healthcare centre.

You also benefit from subsidised (or even free) services such as sports facilities and Spanish classes. And you can vote in local elections and if you’re an EU citizen, in EU elections.

In some areas of the Costa del Sol, registered locals get discounts on council taxes such as rates.

What’s in it for your locality?

Local councils receive funds for local services (schools, police, street cleaning and lighting, etc) based on the number of registered residents. So, in theory, the more registered residents a council has, the more funding it receives.

What do you need to sign up?

The required paperwork varies slightly from council to council, but for most you need the following: 1. Completed and signed empadronamiento form – this is available at your local council and/or downloadable online.

This form is an example of the one you need to fill in to register as a resident in Malaga city.

2. Original and photocopy of the following: • EEA nationals – proof of identity (passport or national ID card) and certificate of registration as foreign resident (certificate must include your NIE).

• Non-EEA nationals – TIE (residence permit) and passport.

3. Proof of address – title deeds showing ownership or utility bill in your name with address of the property; or rental contract in your name plus photocopy of landlord’s ID card. Bank statements and phone bills are not valid.

4. If you’re also registering your children (under 18) – birth certificate translated into Spanish.

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When do I get the certificate?

Empadronamiento may be instant or take a few days to be processed. You can get a certificate (valid for 3 months) at any time from the council – many allow you to request one online.

How long is the empadronamiento valid for?

It is in theory valid for as long as you continue to live in the address you registered as yours. If you move, you should change your details. In some cases, the council may contact you to request you update your details on the local census.

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GETTING A DIGITAL SIGNATURE A digital signature (firma electrónica) allows you to do a lot of paperwork online. Plus, you can check documents, sign up and pay for things instantly. However, despite it being a useful tool, getting a digital signature isn’t easy.

Note that you need a NIE to apply for a digital signature.

In Spain, you can use your digital signature to do the following online: • Apply for visas application appointments, pay visa fees and send missing or extra documentation.

• Make changes to your personal information such as address held by official bodies such as social security and the tax authorities.

• File tax returns and look at your tax records.

• Check your social security records.

• Check traffic fines and see how many points you have on your licence.

• Request a local residence certificate (certificado de empadronamiento).

• Present court cases and appeals

Applying for a certificate

• Open Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox (the only browsers that support the process).

• Go the Spanish Royal Mint website and click on Ceres in the top menu.

• Click on Certificados and then on Persona Física (the first option under the new page, Certificados).

• In the sidebar, click on Obtener Certificado Software.

• In the next sidebar, click on Solicitar Certificado.

• Fill in your details – NIE, surname (as it appears on your NIE), email and confirm your email.

• Click on Pulse aquí para consultar y aceptar las condiciones de expedición del certificado (accept terms and conditions of the certificate). Tick the box Acepto las condiciones de expedición.

• Click on Enviar Petición. Note the verification code you receive by email.

• Take the code and your NIE plus photographic ID to one of the official offices. Click here to find the nearest one to you. (In Qué certificado necesitas, select Persona Física and type Malaga into the second box. You need to book an appointment at some offices (for example, tax and social security offices).

• When your identity has been verified, you receive an email with a link. Click on the link, type in your NIE, surname and code you received via email.

• Click on Instalar to download and export the certificate to your device. Go to • Preferences > Settings > Security and then click on Certificates to see your digital certificate.

• Make a copy on your device – make a note of the password you use in case you wish to install the certificate on another device.

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RESIDENCE CHECKLIST You will know you have achieved everything you need to be a permanent resident in Spain when you have obtained all of the following:

EEA NATIONAL

NIE (foreigner’s identity number/número de identidad de extranjero) Residence certificate (certificado de residencia) Local resident certificate (certificado de empadronamiento)

NON-EEA NATIONAL

Visa (appropriate to what you plan to do in Spain) NIE (foreigner’s identity number/número de identidad de extranjero) Residence card (tarjeta de identidad de extranjero) Local resident certificate (certificado de empadronamiento)

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EMPLOYMENT

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS CHAPTER Tips for finding a job Starting a job Tips for starting a business Setting up as self-employed Setting up a company

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Unless you’re already retired, you’ll probably be working when you move to the Costa del Sol. You may perhaps have already secured a job offer or actively looking for work. You perhaps plan to set up on your own or transfer your business. You won’t be alone - in recent years, the area has become increasingly popular for remote working.

Although all aspects of relocating require careful thought and research, employment perhaps needs the most. It’s one thing to think you’ll find a job easily and another one completely when you discover that there are no openings for you. It might sound fun to set up a business, but it’s none at all when you discover that you can’t make ends meet. All these scenarios can be avoided by doing your research and having the right information.

This chapter provides the information you need. You’ll find tips on finding a job, information about being an employee and a guide to setting up as self-employed. We’ve also included information on what to think about if you’re planning to set up a business with a Spanish-registered company.

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TIPS FOR FINDING A JOB Unless you already have a firm job offer, are planning to set up as self-employed or retired, you’ll need to find a job.

Like many parts of Spain, the province of Malaga has a high unemployment rate and many jobs come with low pay and/or temporary contracts. But if you have solid qualifications and plenty to offer local companies, good opportunities are available.

To help you find these, read on for our top tips for finding a job.

Research the market Sounds obvious, right? But you’d be surprised at the number of people who arrive on the Costa del Sol and expect to walk into a job. Before you take that step, look at what’s available and what sort of qualifications and/or training you’ll need.

Prepare your CV Every country has a different preferred CV format and style. What works in your home country may not be OK in Malaga. Do some research into what sort of CVs employers expect to see and prepare yours accordingly. Expatica has a good guide to writing your CV Spanish-style.

Learn Spanish While it’s true that on the Costa del Sol you can find a job where you don’t need to speak Spanish, in Malaga city it’s a must for most jobs. And if you have a working knowledge of Spanish, you’ll have access to many more job opportunities.

Get yourself out there Business in Spain is very much based around who you know and the same applies to job hunting. More often than not, you’ll hear of an opening through an acquaintance who knows someone looking for an employee. Make networking an essential part of finding a job on the Costa del Sol. Have a LinkedIn profile The online business network is very popular in Malaga and you’ll find a range of employment opportunities on there.

You can use LinkedIn to make connections with possible employers too. And of course, keep your profile professional and bang up-to-date. Use the dual language option so that it displays in Spanish too.

Use online sites Online employment portals make good places for finding a job in Malaga. Here is a list of some of the most popular and useful (mostly in Spanish only).

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• Infojobs – the largest and most popular in Spain.

• Monster – includes the BeKnown app for networking via Facebook.

• Empleo Marketing – jobs in the marketing sector.

• Technoempleo – jobs in the IT, tech and telecommunications industries.

• Studentjob – jobs as well as internships and job experience.

• Primer empleo – specialises in job opportunities for students and first-time job seekers with no qualifications.

• Glassdoor – small selection of jobs in Malaga

Before you post, prepare your profile (in Spanish) carefully and keep it updated.

Respond quickly If you’re actively looking for work via online sites, don’t forget to check your notifications and messages regularly.

They’re sometimes easy to miss and with them, perhaps the job for you. Respond promptly to all enquiries – even if the job doesn’t quite sound right for you, it may open up another opportunity.

Offline resources Local newspapers on the Costa del Sol publish job vacancies and even in today’s digital age, they’re still popular job seeking resources: • Euro Weekly – free weekly with separate editions for the Costa del Sol and Axarquía areas. Also online.

• Sur in English – free, out every Friday. Also online.

Be professional If you’re serious about finding a job on the Costa del Sol, you need to be professional in both attitude and appearance.

You might be living in the sunshine, but smart is expected for a job interview. Locals don’t always impress for their punctuality, but you should arrive at least 10 minutes early.

Give yourself time Patience is a virtue when you’re job hunting anywhere and the Costa del Sol is no exception. Allow time to get yourself known, for people to hear about you and your experience and for the right employment opportunity to come your way. It might take two months (or possibly longer) so budget for that and be patient.

Be realistic Working conditions and salaries obviously vary widely from one company to another, but as a general rule, expect lower pay than Northern Europe. On the upside, the cost of living in Malaga is generally much cheaper so you don’t need as much money to live well.t

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STARTING A JOB The first step is obviously your contract. While it’s OK to accept a job verbally, you must have a written contract to go with it. If possible, don’t start work without one or if the paperwork is taking time (and it does in Spain), don’t work for more than 5 days without signing a contract.

You’ll receive an indefinite contract (contrato indefinido) or a temporary one (contrato definido). If you get an indefinite contract, there isn’t a fixed date to your employment period and you’ll entitled to more compensation if the company makes you redundant. Temporary contracts are for a fixed period of time and may be renewed up to a maximum of 3 years.

The small print in your contract Your contract should be written in Spanish – ask for a translation if you don’t understand it. If you receive a contract in a language other than Spanish, be aware that you’ll need to have it officially translated into Spanish if you enter any dispute with your employer.

Your contract will outline your job category (but not your role) and state the following: Working week – designated full-time hours is 40.

Gross annual or monthly salary – most contracts state the gross amount for the year.

Number of annual payments – some employers make 14 payments a year with an extra at Christmas and in the summer, so they divide your annual salary by 14 instead of 12.

Supplements on top of your salary – e.g.for seniority, long-service, etc.

Holiday entitlement – all full-time employees are entitled to a calendar month of holidays plus public holidays (14 a year). If you’re part-time, you receive pro-rata annual leave.

Period of notice – usually one calendar month.

Probation period – generally two months from your start date, but in companies with fewer than 30 employees it’s often three months. If you’re taking a technical job (e.g. as an engineer), you usually have a probation period of six months.

Other contractual matters Almost all jobs in Spain are covered by collective agreements (known as convenios) that outline working conditions for the job. They cover leave of absence for close family illness; marriage or death; plus time off for personal matters (such as sorting out paperwork (e.g. getting your residence permit) or your child’s first day at school). Broadly speaking, you’re entitled to paid leave for the following:

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Marriage – 15 days.

Child birth – each parent gets 16 weeks maternity leave. Men must take 6 weeks off when their child is born and can take the rest during their partner’s maternity leave or once it has finished.

Close-family illness or death – you’re entitled to 2 days’ paid leave (4 days if you have to travel).

Moving house – 1 day.

Illness – you may take time off work without a doctor’s certificate for a maximum of 3 days. Any longer and you need a certificate.

Personal matters – not all convenios include paid leave for personal matters (known as asuntos propios). If it does, you’ll be entitled to 3 to 6 days off a year.

The procedure for becoming an employee Once you and your employer have signed your contract, it must be registered with the regional employment agency (SAE) within 10 days. You must also sign up for social security and tax payments (see below). These procedures are usually done by the company on your behalf so you don’t have to worry about them.

Taxation The tax form (Modelo 145) is important because it determines how much tax you will pay. You have to provide information on your family status, number of dependents, child support and mortgages loans. The final calculation also depends on your gross salary.

In most cases, you pay the tax that corresponds to your situation and salary. In any case, it compensates one way or the other when you do your annual tax return and find out how much you owe or (even better) are due as a refund.

Your salary slip Salary slips in Spain (known as nóminas) look a bit like hieroglyphics (but in Spanish) and you probably won’t understand much when you read your first. They contain a long list of figures before you get to the most interesting and important one (how much you’re getting), right at the bottom.

To find what each section refers to (and check for errors), ask the accounts department to talk you through the figures, which include: • Your base salary and extras.

• Overtime and extra salary payments (if you receive 14 payments a year).

• Salary in kind (e.g. restaurant coupons, pension plans, medical insurance etc).

• Social security deductions (usually not more than 6.7% for you the employee).

• Tax deductions (0-45% depending on your salary, your family situation etc).

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TIPS FOR STARTING A BUSINESS Starting a business as a self-employed individual or registered company on the Costa del Sol is no easy feat (nor is it anywhere). However, this part of Spain has an excellent entrepreneurial environment and has thousands of successful businesses (Spanish and expat). But before you hit the ground running, think about the following:

How prepared you are to learn Spanish Even if your business deals exclusively with expats, you’re still in Spain and will have to deal with regulations, taxes, permissions and employment rules in Spanish. You can of course pay people to do all this for you, but this is costly.

And by not understanding what’s going on you won’t feel in control of your business. Make it a top priority to learn Spanish.

Research the area Spend some time investigating the different areas. Some towns have big expat populations, others are more Spanish and some combine the two. Many towns are quiet in the winter while some remain busy. No two areas are the same, so your business won’t necessarily succeed in all of them.

Research your market Hand in hand with where to set up goes your customer, the person who is going to buy your products or services.

Think about whether they are Spanish or expats (or both). Tourists or residents? Are they here to stay? The Spanish market is pretty stable while the expat tends to come and go. What’s their purchasing power? Can they afford your product/services? Do they want or need it/them?

Have a clear plan This might sound obvious, but a surprising number of people launch into a new business project without a road map.

Make sure you have a comprehensive business plan before you start doing anything. It will provide a clear route for you and give investors and loanees (e.g. banks) a clear idea of whether you’re worth giving funding to!

Get help with setting up Tap into local resources to help you at the first stages. A great place to start are the regional business centres known as Centros Andaluces de Emprendimiento (CADE). The 17 offices in Malaga province (7 on the Costa del Sol) offer free advice and information on all aspects of business including grants and subsidies.

Some also provide free office space for new businesses in their ‘incubators’. Some staff speak English, but don’t expect them to. You can find your nearest CADE office here.

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Get help with the daily running When you start a business on the Costa del Sol, you encounter a new business culture (not just Spanish but from all the nationalities represented in this meltingpot), new regulations and new paperwork. A daunting prospect especially if you’re still at beginner’s level Spanish. Make full use of local experts – accountants, tax advisors, employment advisors and gestores (professionals who deal with paperwork for you). The initial cost will be more than worth it in terms of time and stress saved. And the bottom line? They know what they’re doing!

Network, network and network Doing business in Spain is all about who you know. As soon as you arrive on the Costa del Sol, start networking. There are lots of business groups, social clubs and societies as well as professional business associations. Join them, attend the meetings and start as many conversations as you can. And then use your network to ask for help and give it.

Be patient Establishing a business takes time. A long time on the Costa del Sol, where you need to allow a good two years to set up successfully. That means being (very) patient while your business makes a name for itself. Make provisions for lean times (and there will be many) and enjoy the booms (there’ll be plenty of those too).

And while you’re waiting for things to happen, at least the sun’s shining!

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SETTING UP AS SELF-EMPLOYED A limited job market and low average salaries makes self-employment a popular option on the Costa del Sol. It allows you to do whatever you do best, work at your own pace and in your own office, and costs almost nothing to set up.

Here’s how to do it.

Choose your type of self-employment Depending on what you decide to do there are different categories:

Professionals (autónomos profesionales) This category includes architects, engineers, lawyers and medical professionals. To set up, you’ll need to validate your qualifications with the Spanish Ministry of Education. Allow plenty of time for this process (at least 3 months and up to a year) and be prepared to have to take exams or further qualifications if yours don’t match the exact equivalent in Spain.

You then need to register with the appropriate professional association, known as colegios in Spain. You pay monthly quotas to the association that may include professional indemnity insurance, a pension plan, life insurance etc. You are exempt from social security payments so will need private health insurance unless you’re entitled to state medical treatment through your partner.

Freelancers (autónomos) This is one of the largest categories and includes freelances offering services like copywriting, graphic design, marketing, IT development, etc.

Trade (autónomos trade) If you plan to set up a business, e.g. a shop, café, hairdressers, beauty treatments, etc, and be self-employed, this is a different category with different tax systems.

Sign up for social security If you set up as a freelance or trade, your next step is to sign up for social security. To do this, you need the following: • Your NIE (foreigner’s identification number).

• Your professional category (Clasificación de Actividades Económicas).

• A bank account to set up direct debit.

Get an appointment at your nearest office (click here for a list available in Spanish only) and sign up.

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Payments Sign up as near to the beginning of the month as possible. Monthly payments are for the full calendar month only so you pay the same amount whether you sign up on the 5th day of the month or the 25th.

How much you pay depends on your category of self-employed and how much you pay into your state pension. The minimum is 30.59% of the minimum base (€960.60 in 2022) so you’ll pay just under €294 a month unless you qualify for the discounted rate (see below).

Discounted rate If you register as self-employed in Spain for the first time or haven’t been self-employed in Spain for at least 2 years, you qualify for a discounted rate of social security contributions. You pay €60 a month for the first 12 months, then 50% of the usual rate for months 13 to 18, then 70% for months 19 to 24. There are also discounts for selfemployed women under 35 and men under 30.

The monthly social security payment is a flat rate and not dependent on how much you earn.

What you get for your social security payments • Healthcare for you and your dependents under the state system.

• A state pension (from 67 years old).

• Unemployment benefits.

• Paid sick leave.

• Disability allowances for work-related accidents.

But, except for healthcare, what you receive for the above benefits is based on what you contribute. So, if you make the minimum monthly payment, you will receive the minimum pension, unemployment benefit, sick pay etc.

Sign up for tax 1. First, get an appointment at your nearest tax office (click here). Put in your NIE and full name (surname first) and click on Aceptar.

2. Click on Gestión Censal and then tick the box for 036/037.

3. Add and confirm your telephone number. Click on confirmation of the appointment by phone or email. Add your email if you’ve chosen the email option. Click on Solicitar Cita (request appointment).

4. Tick the box En una oficina de la Agencia Tributaria perteneciente a una provincia concreta and choose Malaga from the dropdown list.

5. Click on the office of your choice and then choose the time and date that suits you (those available are in blue).

You’ll receive confirmation of the appointment by SMS or email depending on the option you chose.

At your appointment, you register for your professional category and sign up for VAT (IVA) payments. You must now present quarterly and annual returns for income tax (Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas/ IRPF) and VAT (Impuesto sobre el Valor Añadido/IVA).

If you have a good command of Spanish, doing your own accounts isn’t difficult. But to be on the safe side, get a professional to look after your tax affairs for you.

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GUIDE TO SETTING UP A COMPANY Depending on what kind of business you run and its size, it might be worthwhile setting up a company in Spain. The most basic type is known as a Sociedad Limitada (SL – limited company), whose format and regulations are similar to those in many other EU countries.

The advantages of setting up a SL are: • No personal liability.

• Fixed tax rates.

• Opportunities for tax savings.

• Clients and loan providers tend to respect an SL more than an entrepreneur with no company status.

On the other hand, an SL involves: • Minimum capital requirement of €3,000 (see below).

• Annual accounts.

Setting up a company is relatively easy and quick – expect the process to take 2 to 4 weeks as follows:

The company name First you need a name. Make a list of several options and submit them into the correct section of the Registro Mercantil Central (RMC - Central Business Registry) website here to find out if they’re available. You’ll get a reply by email within 24 hours and you must then accept your assigned name and pay for a certificate (around €14 plus VAT).

You then receive a certificate with the company name, valid for 6 months. You have exclusive use of the name for this time, but you must register it with the notary within 3 months.

TOP TIP: Don’t worry if your chosen company name isn’t the same as your brand. You can still operate under your brand’s name for marketing purposes.

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The company capital Under Spanish law, a Sociedad Limitada must have a minimum of €3,000 in capital. This can take the form of money deposited in a bank account or assets. These can be real such as equipment (e.g. machines used for manufacturing), property (e.g. your office premises if you own them) or virtual such as an ecommerce business. Take professional advice from a tax advisor on the value of an asset because you have to show proof to the notary.

The company rules Think carefully about these before you officially register your company because once you lay down the rules on paper it’s expensive to change them. The company rules are known as estatutos sociales and must meet certain legalities.

This is where the professional advice comes in again – take it to ensure you follow all the rules.

Think about: The company address – do you have premises? If not, are you prepared to use your home address? Remember it will be public information.

The company activity – what do you currently do? What might you do in the future?

The company members – who forms part of the company? The minimum is one shareholder (which can be you).

The company structure and administration – who does what in the company and who makes the decisions? Under Spanish law, shareholders may be solidarios (able to take independent decisions) or únicos (decisions must be made by all of them unanimously).

The company deeds A notary public prepares the company deeds and before you sign them you must show the notary: • Your business name certificate from the RMC. • Proof that you have deposited the capital or proof of the assets’ worth.

• A copy of the company rules.

• Proof of each shareholder’s identity (passport).

All shareholders then sign the deeds and the notary’s office takes care of the registration with the RMC.

Costs Expect to pay from €250 to €500 for notary fees and between €110 and €150 to register the company with the RMC. Exact costs depend on the complexity and length of the title deeds.

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Registering and signing up with the tax office The notary registers the company on your behalf. Within 24 hours you receive a temporary tax number (Número de Identificación Fiscal – a ‘B’ followed by 8 digits) so in theory, you can start doing business straight away.

You or your financial adviser registers the company for corporate taxes and IVA (VAT) at the tax office and you’re ready to start invoicing!

Open a company bank account Shop around and compare terms. Some banks offer preferential loans and/or conditions to business customers. Anti-money laundering regulations mean you have to show the company deeds to the bank as proof of its activity and registration.

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HEALTHCARE

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS CHAPTER Guide to public healthcare & how to sign up List of public hospitals Getting private health insurance List of private hospitals

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One of the most important things in life is good health. The quality of healthcare and facilities on the Costa del Sol is generally good and on a par with Europe’s best. Medical staff are highly trained and hospitals equipped with the latest equipment and technology.

This chapter provides an introduction to the public healthcare system including who is eligible and how to sign up to it. We’ve also included information about private healthcare on the Costa del Sol if you don’t qualify for healthcare under the public system or wish to use it instead. And you’ll find list of public and private hospitals on the Costa del Sol.

TOP TIP: All visa applications to live in Spain require proof of healthcare cover and in some cases, for a whole year.

Before you apply for a visa, find out if you’re eligible for state healthcare and if you aren’t, apply for private medical insurance well in advance. The signing up process could take a while.

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GUIDE TO PUBLIC HEALTHCARE Spain generally has a high-quality public healthcare system. It’s based on universal coverage for residents and funded by social security contributions. The central Ministry of Health acts as an umbrella for implementing healthcare practices but the regions organise healthcare management. In the case of the Costa del Sol in Andalusia, the Servicio Andaluz de Salud (SAS) runs all state healthcare provisions.

The good things about public healthcare • It’s included in your social security payments so it doesn’t cost you anything extra.

• Medical staff are highly trained and regarded as among the best in the world.

• Equipment and facilities are state-of-the-art.

The bad things about public healthcare • It’s underfunded so services are very stretched.

• Waiting lists for non-urgent appointments with specialists are long and those for non-urgent treatment even longer.

• Many staff don’t speak English.

Where to get healthcare Healthcare services consist of healthcare centres, known as centros de salud or consultorios in smaller places, outpatient clinics (often known as CAR/ centros de alta resolución) and hospitals.

Healthcare centres Services include general doctors (médico de cabecera) and paediatricians (children up to 12 years), nurses and vaccinations. Larger centres have facilities such as antenatal clinics, x-ray and cancer screening equipment. Most offer emergency services during opening hours (between 8am and 7pm) or around the clock.

CARs General doctors might refer you to a CAR to see a specialist for advice or treatment that doesn’t require hospitalisation. There are no emergency services.

Hospitals Most offer outpatient services (e.g. to see a specialist) and hospitalisation. If you need hospital treatment, you usually share an ensuite room with a bathroom with one other person. It’s unusual to get a room to yourself and if you stay in for a few days, you may find your roommate changes.

Don’t expect hospital staff to speak English – most doctors speak some, but nurses and ancillary staff usually don’t.

Some hospitals have volunteer interpreter services to help with translating medical diagnoses and updates, but these are only available at certain times.

Visitors are generally allowed during daytime hours and patients often have someone staying overnight (hospital rooms have recliners). The locals love to visit their nearest and dearest in hospital so don’t be surprised if you find your room full of visitors!

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How to find your nearest healthcare centre 1. Click here.

2. In tipo de centro select ‘Centros sanitarios’.

3. In provincia/población select Málaga. Then select the place, e.g. Mijas or Torremolinos.

4. The system then displays a list – click on one to see full details including opening hours, phone number, map of location and availability of emergency services.

Getting an appointment When you need to see a doctor or nurse, you have three ways to get an appointment: 1. In person at the health centre – usually from the front desk.

2. By phone (Salud Responde 955 54 50 60, open 24h, different languages available including English).

3. By app (Cita Médica Andalucía, available for Android and iOS).

When you request an appointment you will need to provide your social security number (on the green card you receive when you sign up).

Dentists Dental treatment for adults is not covered by the public healthcare system in Andalusia and you must pay for all treatment.

Children aged between 6 and 16 are eligible for the following: • An annual checkup • Fillings for decay • Extraction • Repair to damage caused by accident such as a fall.

Orthodontic treatment is not covered.

There are numerous dental clinics on the Costa del Sol. Ask around for recommendations and check prices for treatment as they vary hugely. If the dentist recommends lengthy and/or costly treatment, it might be worth getting a second opinion.

Chemists Farmacias are everywhere on the Costa del Sol and easily identified by the green cross outside. Opening hours vary but most large towns have at least one that is open for 24 hours a day.

24-hour services are always available at duty chemists (farmacia de guardia). To find the nearest one open, search for ‘farmacia de guardia en (name of place)’ in Google or go to your nearest chemist to consult the list displayed in the window.

Chemists sell general medicine as well as prescription drugs (you can buy a surprising number over the counter in Spain) plus a long list of items such as beauty treatments, dental care products, baby food and sun cream. The pharmacist (identified by a badge saying farmacéutico) is the only one qualified to give medical advice.

You can also get a blood pressure test and weigh yourself at most chemists. Some carry out blood and/or urine tests.

There are chemists that specialise in certain areas such as diets, preventative medicine, cancer care and postnatal care.

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SIGNING UP FOR HEALTHCARE You’ll be pleased to read that this step is fairly straightforward and doesn’t involve too much paperwork or time. But before you rush off to your local health centre, find out if you can get state healthcare and prepare the documentation.

Are you eligible?

Residents on the Costa del Sol don’t automatically qualify for state healthcare. You are only eligible in the following circumstances: • You are employed by a company in Spain and have signed up to the social security system.

• You are self-employed in Spain and have signed up to the social security system.

• You receive a state pension from an EU country.

If you fit one of the above categories, you’ll need to show proof when you apply for state healthcare. Employees can show the company slip while the self-employed and pensioners need to show a certificate from the social security (Seguridad Social). This is usually issued at the same time as you sign up as self-employed or register as a pensioner in Spain.

What about your dependents?

Your dependents are eligible for state healthcare under your card if they are: • Your spouse • Children under 26 • Dependents of any age with 65% disability (you need a medical certificate to prove this).

Where do you get your healthcare card?

These are issued at your nearest health centre. All towns and large villages on the Costa del Sol have at least one and in smaller villages there tends to be a centre open part-time.

For a list of health centres on the Costa del Sol, click here. In “tipo de centro” choose “Centros de salud y consultorios” from the drop-down menu, select Malaga in “Provincia” and type in the town or village in “Municipio” or your postcode in “Código postal”.

Larger health centres have a designated desk for new applicants, but in small ones you have to join the general queue for everything. This means you could be in for a long wait but queues tend to be shorter at Spanish lunchtime (3-4.30pm).

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What paperwork do you need?

As well as filling in the application form, you need to provide the following documents for you (and your dependents if you’re applying for them too): • Proof of ID (passport or national ID card) for each person.

• Proof that you are eligible for free healthcare (see above).

• Proof that you live in the area with a certificate of residence issued by the council (certificado de empadronamiento).

Once your paperwork has been checked and approved, you receive a receipt – valid for healthcare instantly – and choose your general doctor. In busy health centres you may not get a choice because of lack of places. If you have children under 12 you choose a pediatrician for them.

Healthcare card ` After a couple of weeks, you receive your healthcare card by post. The same size as a credit card with a unique number and chip, the green card entitles you to free medical treatment at health centres and hospitals throughout Spain.

You must take it with you whenever you go to a doctor or hospital, even for emergency treatment.

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LIST OF PUBLIC HOSPITALS The hospitals below (listed by area) provide public healthcare services. You need to present your state health card (link to article) or proof of insurance for treatment at a public hospital even for emergency services.

Language services Volunteer teams provide translation services at some hospitals on the Costa del Sol. All staff and patients have access to the regional Tele-translate services, available by phone in 36 languages. Arabic, German, Chinese, English, French, Polish and Russian are available 24/7 with the others available between 8am and 6pm.

Public hospital in Benalmádena • Hospital de Alta Resolución (specialist and emergency services) Avda Arroyo Hondo s/n, Arroyo de la Miel Tel: 951 976 669

Public hospital in Estepona • Hospital de Alta Resolución (specialist and emergency services) Calle Irene Villa, Estepona.

Public hospital to the east of Malaga city • Hospital de la Axarquía (general and emergency services) Urb. El Tomillar, Vélez-Málaga Tel: 951 067 000

Public hospital inland • Hospital Valle del Guadalhorce (specialist and emergency services) Autovía del Guadalhorce (A-357), exit 49 (near Cártama and Alhaurín de la Torre) Tel: 951 938 719

Public hospitals in Malaga city • Hospital Civil (outpatient and emergency services) Plaza del Hospital Civil, Malaga Tel: 951 290 000 • Hospital Materno Infantil (paediatric services and births) Avda Arroyo de los Angeles s/n, Malaga Tel: 951 290 000 • Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga (general and emergency services) Avda Carlos Haya s/n, Malaga. Tel: 951 291 146. Translation services provided by volunteers.

• Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria (specialist and emergency services) Teatinos University Campus, Malaga Tel: 951 031 437 86

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Public hospital in Marbella • Hospital Costa del Sol (general and emergency services) AP-7 highway, km 187, Marbella Tel: 951 976 669. Translation services provided by volunteers.

Public hospital in Mijas • Centro de Especialidades de Alta Resolución Mijas (specialist services) Avdade las Margaritas, Las Lagunas Tel: 951 976 900.

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GETTING PRIVATE INSURANCE While public hospitals on the Costa del Sol are excellent, the system is currently underfunded and overstretched.

Going private may therefore be your preferred option. You may also not be eligible for public healthcare so private insurance could be your only option. When you apply for residency, you must show proof of healthcare provision and private insurance may be the only alternative.

Why get private health insurance Private health cover has the following advantages: Less waiting – with public healthcare stretched to its maximum on the Costa del Sol, getting an appointment with a specialist can take weeks. The same applies to non-urgent surgery for which waiting lists run into months.

English speaking – if you don’t speak good Spanish, you’ll probably feel more comfortable with medical attention from staff who speak English. You’re more likely to find this in private hospitals and clinics.

More prevention – private health cover tends to include preventive medicine and treatment that may not be available in the public sector or take a long time to access.

Companies offering private health insurance in Malaga Private health insurance is big business in Malaga where its popularity has increased significantly over the last few years. Numerous companies offer private insurance; some are Spanish companies and other international. Their offerings vary hugely as do their costs so it makes sense to shop around and compare different policies.

Guide to Malaga recommends health insurance provided by AXA, one of the largest insurance companies in Spain.

You have access to healthcare and treatment at all clinics and hospitals on the Costa del Sol. Typical costs are from €30 a month per person. Click here to get a free, no-obligation quote for insurance.

How to choose the right private health insurance for you Policies vary in what they cover (and what they exclude). Before you start comparing different quotes make a list of your healthcare requirements based on your medical history and current needs.

Questions you might want to ask a health insurance provider include: • Does the policy cover my dependents?

• Is emergency treatment included?

• How long do I have to wait between signing the policy and using the services?

• Is there an excess fee for certain services?

• Does it cover high usage of services?

• Does it cover me as I get older?

• Is the price quoted fully inclusive or are there additional fees?

• Which hospitals and clinics can I go to on the Costa del Sol with this policy?

• Does the policy cover treatment for current medical conditions?

• Does the policy include pregnancy care and birthing services?

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When you find a policy that ticks all your healthcare boxes, read the small print very carefully to ensure you know exactly what’s included (and what isn’t).

Cost of private health insurance in Malaga Just as policies vary so do their prices. The older you are, the more your private healthcare insurance will cost you. The same applies if you include children in your policy. Expect to pay at least €30 a month for a basic policy and a minimum of €60 a month for all-inclusive cover.

Tips for saving money on private healthcare policies Take a look at payment plans. The company may offer monthly instalments or a one-off payment. If it’s available and you can afford it, go for the annual lump sum as it usually includes savings on the monthly rate.

Make a note of when your insurance policy expires (most are annual). When it comes up for renewal, ask the company about special offers.

If there are several of you (e.g. you and your partner or your family), consider getting a group policy. This usually offers big savings on those for individuals.

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LIST OF PRIVATE HOSPITALS To receive medical treatment (including emergency) at private hospitals you need to present proof of private insurance.

Private hospital in Benalmádena • Vithas Xanit International Avda de los Argonautas s/n, Arroyo de la Miel Tel: 952 367 190 Private hospitals in Estepona • Cenyt Hospital (no emergency services) Avda de Andalucía 2 Tel: 952 808 100 • Hospiten Estepona A-7 highway km 162 Tel: 952 760 600 Private hospitals in Fuengirola • Boris International Medical Clinic (no emergency services) Calle Río Benamargosa 15 Tel: 951 001 122 • Vithas Centro Médico (no emergency services) Avda Ramón y Cajal 5 Tel: 952 477 310 Private hospitals in Malaga • CHIP Hospital Avda Carlos Haya 121, central Malaga Tel: 951 011 150 • HLA El Angel Calle Corregidor Nicolás Isideo 16, central Malaga Tel: 952 045 000 • Hospital Gálvez Calle San Augustín 1, central Malaga Tel: 952 224 295 • Quirón Salud Avda Imperio Argentina 1, west Malaga Tel: 951 940 000 • Vithas Malaga Avda Pintor Sorolla 2, east Malaga Tel: 952 121 100 Private hospitals in Marbella • Helicopteros Sanitarios (no emergency services) A-7 highway km 175, Puerto Banús Tel: 952 816 767 • HC International Hospital (no emergency services) Calle Ventura del Mar 11, Puerto Banús Tel: 952 908 628 • Hospital CERAM Calle Maestra Doña Carola 8 Tel: 952 899 350 • Hospital Ochoa Paseo Alfonso Cañas Nogueras Tel: 952 861 400 • Quirón Salud Marbella Avda Severo Ochoa 22 Tel: 952 774 200 Private hospitals in Nerja • Vithas Centro Médico Nerja (no emergency services) Calle Antonio Ferrandis Tel: 952 521 045 Private hospitals in Rincón de la Victoria • Vithas Centro Médico (no emergency services) Avda de la Torre 24 ‘Residencial los Claros’ Tel: 952 425 977 Private hospitals in Torremolinos • Clínica Santa Elena Calle Sardinero, Urb Los Alamos Tel: 952 385 555 • Vithas Centro Médico (no emergency services) Calle Hoyo 15 Tel: 952 058 860

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SCHOOLS

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS CHAPTER How to choose a school Types of schools How to enroll Term times & holidays List of private schools

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If you’re moving to the Costa del Sol with children, one of your biggest concerns will be their education. The school you choose for them will depend on several factors and your personal circumstances and preferences. And there’s no one size fits all – a school that is right for one child may be the wrong choice for another.

The Costa del Sol offers a range of educational options – state schools, private schools and international schools, each with their pros and cons. Again, the advantages you see in one may not be the same for someone else.

This chapter aims to help you decide which school is right for you and your children. You’ll find useful questions to ask yourself (and your children) and things to bear in mind. We’ve also included detailed information about the types of schools on the Costa del Sol together with their pros and cons plus how to enroll your children at the school of your choice. And lastly, there’s a list of private schools.

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HOW TO CHOOSE A SCHOOL Choosing which school to send your children to isn’t always easy, but it helps to ask yourself (and your children) some questions and listen to the answers. These will help you decide which school is right for you or at the very least, narrow down the options.

For example: • Which language do you prefer your children to learn in?

• Is your child better suited to a small or large school?

• Do you prefer them to change schools as they progress (e.g. from primary to • secondary/high school) or stay at the same one throughout their education?

• How far do you want your children to travel to school?

• What transport options exist/are provided by the school?

• What school hours suit your own commitments best?

• Do you prefer your children to have meals in school or will they come home to eat?

• Is the availability of extra-curricular activities important to you?

• Do you prefer a particular curriculum/teaching syllabus?

To help you answer the above questions, consider the following:

Your child’s age Young children generally adapt to change better than older children. It’s highly recommended to enroll any child aged 6 years or below in a Spanish speaking school. At this age they are sponges and you will be amazed at how quickly they integrate and pick up the language.

Your knowledge of Spanish If you choose to send your child to a Spanish-speaking school, bear in mind that you’ll need good Spanish to a) help with homework assignments and b) communicate with your child’s teachers. Many expat children struggle in school due to the lack of available support at home because their parents don’t speak Spanish.

There are, of course, ways round this. For example, focus on learning Spanish, send your child to an international school or hire a home tutor to help with homework.

Your finances State education is free to residents. There are some costs involved such as materials (e.g. exercise books and pencils), optional lunch and extra-curricular activities and possibly uniform. But these are small and usually subsidised. Private schools, on the other hand, are not cheap (although they are less expensive than the UK and US, for example). As well as tuition fees, there are lots of extras that need paying for.

Careful financial planning is important for your children’s stability. Changing from state to private education is fine but changing from private to state can be a challenge for some children. That said, children do adapt, but you might want to avoid this situation.

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Expect to pay from €2,500 to €15,000 a year for tuition plus €750 to €3,000 a year for uniform, lunches, extra-curricular activities, transport etc. Note that most private/international schools don’t publish their fees so you have to enquire or register to find out what they are.

Your desire to become part of local life This might a strange thing to think about, but it will affect how you adapt to your new life on the Costa del Sol. If you choose an international school, your children may not learn Spanish fluently and you and they may not mix with local people so much. If you choose a Spanish school (private or state), your children will learn to speak Spanish and mix with locals.

This isn’t to say that families with children at international schools never integrate into local life or that families with children at Spanish schools are accepted as part of the local community. But it is something to think about.

Your schedule State school timetables are generally from 9am to 2pm (primary – 3 to 12 years) or 8.30am to 3pm (secondary/ high school – 12 to 18 years). Most primary schools (but not all) offer early-morning supervision (aula matinal, similar to breakfast clubs), lunch (comedor) and afternoon activities (actividades extra). Between them, they can lengthen the day from 8am to 5 or 6pm.

Private and international schools tend to follow a 9 to 5pm timetable with the possibility of after-school activities.

Depending on your working day and personal commitments, one school schedule may suit you better than others.

Your transport If you live in a town or village on the Costa del Sol, your children will probably be within walking distance of their school. If not, free bus transport is provided within the catchment area.

If there isn’t a transport option or you decide not to use it, factor the journey into your schedule – a 30-minute car trip twice daily eats into your time!

Image Credit: bestschoolsinspain.com

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TYPES OF SCHOOL Education is compulsory in Spain from 6 to 16, although state education can start at 3 and continue until 18. When you move to the Costa del Sol, you have the choice of the following types of school: • Spanish state school • Spanish private school • International school

Spanish state school There are three schools involved in the educational system: • Colegio de Educación Infantil (pre-school) – 3 to 6 years, sometimes combined with a primary school.

• Colegio de Educación Primaria (primary school) – 6 to 12 years.

• Instituto de Educación Secundaria (secondary/high school) – 12 to 18 years.

Some offer bi-lingual options with certain subjects in English (or another language) rather than Spanish.

Advantages: free education, in your neighbourhood, good for learning Spanish, good for socialising locally, free transport provided if necessary.

Disadvantages: cutbacks have led to staff shortages, large classes, little provision for special needs, limited facilities such as purpose-built gyms and science labs.

Spanish private school There are two sorts on the Costa del Sol Colegio concertado – a kind of hybrid between state and private because although you pay fees, they are subsidised.

Usually 3 to 16 or 18 years. Usually Catholic and run by a religious order. Tuition is in Spanish and they follow the national Spanish curriculum.

Advantages: cheaper education than private, good for learning Spanish.

Disadvantages: high school education fees (16 to 18 years) are not subsidised, cutbacks have led to underfunding, difficult to get a place, little provision for special needs.

Colegio privado – usually 3 to 18 years. Usually Catholic. Tuition is in Spanish and they follow the national Spanish curriculum. Some offer bi-lingual options with certain subjects in English (or another language) rather than Spanish.

Advantages: smaller classes generally, good for learning Spanish.

Disadvantages: high fees and expensive extras, difficult to get a place.

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International private schools You’ll find a wide range of international schools on the Costa del Sol with the widest choice between Estepona and Marbella. The majority use English as their teaching language and follow the British National Curriculum. There are also French, German and Scandinavian schools as well as schools following teaching methods such as Montessori.

International schools follow the curriculum of a particular country, e.g. the UK or Germany, or the International Baccalaureate.

Advantages: smaller classes generally, good teacher-pupil ratio, good facilities.

Disadvantages: high fees and expensive extras, difficult to get a place, sometimes expat ‘bubbles’ with little local integration.

Note that higher fees do not necessarily reflect higher standards or better education.

Image Credit: britishschoolmalaga.com

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HOW TO ENROLL AT A SCHOOL When you’re thinking about moving to the Costa del Sol with children, plan which school you want them to go to well in advance. This section tells you how to enroll your children at your chosen school and in most cases, it’s a good idea to take this step at least six months before you arrive.

TOP TIP: If you can, time your arrival to coincide with the beginning of the school year in September so that everyone in your child’s class is starting a new year with a new teacher.

Getting into Spanish state school As is the case in most countries, your child goes to the state school in a designated catchment area. Every child is entitled to a place at one of the schools in their area so if you want your child to get into a particular state school, move to the catchment area for a better chance of getting a place. To find out which schools are in your area, click here. Add your postcode or name of your locality in the search bar. A flag shows bilingual language options.

Enrolment process Initial applications usually take place in March and you have a month to fill in and submit the paperwork. This includes the official form, proof of local registration (see Registering as a local resident), your NIE and proof that you are the parent (e.g. your child’s birth certificate with your name on it). You select up to three schools in order of preference. When allocating places, the authorities take several factors into account including the location of the family home (those in the catchment area have priority) and siblings already at the school.

School places are published in early June and you must then apply to your allocated school. This involves completing forms and signing up for after-school activities, lunch, transport etc if applicable.

If you arrive on the Costa del Sol outside the enrolment time, your child has the right to a place at a school in the catchment area, but you can’t choose which one. You will get a place at a school with a space!

Getting into private and international school High demand makes getting your child into your chosen private or international school a challenge. You should apply well in advance of term time and be aware that schools often have waiting lists.

Many have selection processes that may include an interview with you and your child. Some also set academic tests and/or request proof of academic records. Sometimes a recommendation from someone at the school or a parent helps secure a place. If your chosen school follows certain beliefs, you may be asked to prove your religious commitment.

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TERM TIMES & HOLIDAYS Spanish state and private schools

The academic year is divided into three terms that generally run as follows: Autumn – 10-15 September to just before Christmas Winter – 7 January to the Friday before Easter week Spring – the Monday after Easter week to 15-23 June

The winter term includes a week’s holiday in February, known as semana blanca – the date always includes 28 February. And holidays include the 14 public holidays plus any ‘bridges’ between them (e.g. 7 December between 6 and 8 December).

International schools

While they follow a similar academic year to Spanish schools, they tend to start earlier in September and finish later in June. Schools with a British curriculum usually have a week off in the middle of each term (half-term).

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LIST OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS The following list (in alphabetical order by location) includes private schools (Spanish and international) offering education on the Costa del Sol at the time of writing (November 2021).

Spanish private schools Alhaurín de la Torre Colegio El Pinar - 3 to 18 years Estepona Colegio Patrocinio San José - 3 to 18 years Fuengirola Colegio Salliver - 3 to 18 years Malaga Colegio El Romeral - 3 to 18 years, Catholic, boys only Colegio Sierra Blanca - 3 to 18 years, Catholic, girls only Marbella Colegio Alborán - 3 to 18 years Colegio Ecos - 3 to 18 years, Catholic, boys only Colegio La Latina - 3 to18 years Colegio Las Chapas - 3 to 18 years, Catholic, girls only Rincón de la Victoria Colegio Novaschool Añoreta - 3 to 18 years Torremolinos Colegio Miramar - 3 to 16 years

International schools

Alhaurín El Grande Be worldwise Montessori International School - 3 to 12 years, Montessori programme Benalmádena Colegio Internacional Torrequebrada - 3 to 18 years, Spanish and British National Curriculum The British College - 2 to 18 years, Spanish and British National curricula Estepona International School of Estepona - 2 to 11 years, British National Curriculum Queens British Grammar School - 3 to 16 years, British National Curriculum Schellhammer International School - 16 to 18 years, English A levels YOUR GUIDE TO MOVING TO MALAGA AND COSTA DEL SOL

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Fuengirola Finnish School - 6 to 18 years, Finnish curriculum St Anthony’s College - 3 to 18 years, British National Curriculum Svenska Skolan - 3 to 12 years, Swedish curriculum The Ark Christian School - 3 to 18 years, Christian, British National Curriculum

Malaga British School of Malaga - 3 to 18 years, British National Curriculum El Farol - 2 to 10 years, Waldorf Steiner programme Lycée Français - 3 to 18 years, French curriculum MIT College - 3 to 18 years, Spanish curriculum Novaschool Sunland - 3 to 18 years, British National Curriculum Phoenix College Malaga - 16 to 18 years, English A levels

Marbella Aloha College - 3 to 18 years, British National Curriculum & IB Calpe School - 2 to 10 years, British National Curriculum Casa del Mar - 2 to 12, Montessori programme Deutsche Schule - 3 to 18 years, German curriculum English International College - 3 to 18 years, British National Curriculum Laude San Pedro - 2 to 18 years, British National Curriculum Marbella Montessori School - 3 to 11, Montessori programme St George’s School - 2 to 8 years, British National and Spanish curricula Swans International School - 3 to 18 years, British National and Spanish curricula

Torremolinos Sunny View School - 2 to 18 years, British National Curriculum

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FINANCE MATTERS

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS CHAPTER Savvy financial planning Currency exchange Opening a bank account Taxation for residents Cost of living checklist

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One of the most important aspects of relocating to the Costa del Sol is finance. This includes everything from financial planning before you arrive, to transferring money from your home country, opening a bank account and taxation in Spain.

Having enough money to live on the Costa del Sol, knowing taxation rules and how to comply with them and planning ahead are all a vital part of a successful move. It’s worth investing time in doing your Maths. And if you’re not good at figures, consider using a professional such as a tax advisor (asesor fiscal in Spanish) to help you plan your finances both in your home country and on the Costa del Sol. We recommend using a professional for all your tax matters in Spain. This will ensure you pay what you need to and when you need to and help you avoid paying too much tax. And it will save you time, energy and stress.

In this chapter, you’ll find information about finance planning, opening a bank account on the Costa del Sol, currency exchange and taxation for residents. We’ve also included a handy cost of living checklist to give you an idea of how much things cost.

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SAVVY FINANCIAL PLANNING As with any major lifestyle change, moving to the Costa del Sol means planning ahead financially.

Before you move • Set aside some time to assess your current financial situation, as honestly and thoroughly as possible.

• Make a detailed budget of how much you will need to live on.

• Ask yourself if you can afford to live on the Costa del Sol – see our Living Costs list for an idea of what things cost.

TOP TIP: Set up a contingency fund in case of emergencies.

Experts recommend 3 to 6 months of your living expenses.

Your bank at home • Let them know you’ve moving to the Costa del Sol and update your contact details.

• Ask about fees and accessibility to your account(s) while you’re resident in Spain.

• Ask about transfer fees to Spain (see Tips for Transferring Money to Spain). Pay off outstanding debt on credit cards.

• Cancel direct debit or standing orders you won’t need while you’re in Spain.

• Get a credit score certificate to use in Spain if you need to apply for a mortgage or loan.

Your bank on the Costa del Sol • Open a non-resident account at the bank of your choice (see Opening a Bank Account).

• Transfer funds to access when you arrive.

Taxes in your home country • Tell the tax authorities that you are moving to Spain.

• Check your tax obligations before you move and while you’re out of the country.

• Find out about double-tax agreements between your country and Spain to avoid paying excess tax.

• US citizens – check your obligations because the US taxes its citizens wherever they live in the world. Find out if you qualify for the foreign earned income exclusion and how to get it.

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Property and insurance • If you have a mortgage and plan to let your property, get permission from your provider.

• If you’re letting your property, change your home insurance policy.

• Cancel direct debit payments for utility supplies.

Pension matters • Find out how to continue contributing to your pension in your home countrywhen you live in Spain.

• If you already receive a pension, find out what the rules are about accessing it in Spain and what your tax obligations will be.

Taxes in your home country • Tell the tax authorities that you are moving to Spain.

• Check your tax obligations before you move and while you’re out of the country.

• Find out about double-tax agreements between your country and Spain to avoid paying excess tax.

• US citizens – check your obligations because the US taxes its citizens wherever they live in the world. Find out if you qualify for the foreign earned income exclusion and how to get it.

After you move Your bank on the Costa del Sol • When you get your resident permit, change to a resident’s account.

• Check fees and bank charges.

Taxes in Spain • If you’re employed, get professional advice on how best to manage taxation to avoid paying too much or too little income tax on your income taxed at source.

• If you set up a business or are self-employed, take professional advice on tax management to pay as little as legally possible and avoid problems.

Property and insurance • Set up direct debit payments for your utility bills. If you own the property, set up direct debit for community of owners fees and local council taxes.

• Take out the following insurance: 1. Health insurance – necessary if you don’t qualify for healthcare under the state system or prefer a private policy (see Healthcare).

2. Home insurance – as comprehensive as possible if you own the property. Insure your belongings if you’re renting.

3. Car insurance – third party liability is compulsory in Spain.

4. Pet insurance – third party liability if you own a dog classed as potentially dangerous (see Rules for owning a pet) and consider pet health insurance.

Pension matters • Find out if you qualify for pension contributions in Spain and how to make them.

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CURRENCY EXCHANGE If you’re moving to the Costa del Sol from a country with a different currency to the euro, exchange rates will affect you. Whether it’s a one-off transfer for a property (purchase or rental deposit) or regular transfers for funds, the exchange rate will affect how much you receive in Spain. And because exchange rates go up and down all the time, you could lose a lot of money in the process.

Bear in mind that currency fluctuations are almost impossible to predict. Currencies, like stock markets, are extremely volatile as political and economic events can send them soaring or plunging overnight. In this uncertain scenario, it helps if you plan ahead so that you know exactly how much your funds are worth in euros and save yourself unpleasant surprises.

How to transfer money to Spain in a different currency

Bank and wireless transfers An easy option that you can do yourself quickly although the transfer can take up to 3 days to arrive at your Spanish bank. But be aware that banks usually offer the worst exchange rates and charge a fee.

Online digital banks Easy and cheap transfers (usually via an app) with often zero or minimal fees on transfers to a different currency. Options include Revolut, Monese and Transferwise as well as Monzo and Starling for UK residents.

Dedicated currency exchange company or broker Good for large sums (e.g. over €6,000) as exchange rates tend to be competitive and fees low.

How to get the best value for money The following tips will help you get the best exchange rate and lose as little money as possible.

The right moment If you’re making a large transfer – say to buy a property, plan ahead and never leave it to the last minute. If you do, you risk the transfer not arriving and/or getting a lower exchange rate than you planned and being short of money.

The right timing It can be worth monitoring exchange rates so that you can make your transfer when it’s most favourable to you. XE, for example, allows you to set desired rates(for your currency and the euro) and get an email alert when they are reached. Find out more here.

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The right amount Limit the number of transfers to the minimum – each one incurs commission and fees so plan ahead and make as few as possible.

The right rate Specialist currency exchange companies allow you to ‘lock-in’ to an exchange rate for a period of time e.g. a year. You set a rate and can use it to transfer money to euros. This option means you know the exact amount of the transfer regardless of the official exchange rate at the time.

The right minimum and maximum You set the upper and lower rates for your transfer to ensure you get the best at the time you make it. You can also set up a ‘stop loss order’ protecting your money from sudden drops in exchange rates.

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OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT This is an essential step when you move to Malaga and one of the first things you should do when you arrive or even before if possible. In this section you’ll find tips on how to choose a bank and how to open an account.

Choosing a bank

Although there have been many bank mergers in the last few years, there are still lots of banks. They’re mostly Spanish such as BBVA, Bankia, Caixabank and Santander, but you’ll also come across a few foreign banks such as Deutsche Bank and ING. All follow Spanish banking regulations so it doesn’t make much difference whether they’re local or foreign. But you will want to get the answers to the following questions:

Do they speak your language?

If your Spanish isn’t good, you’ll need a bank where the staff speak your language. On the Costa del Sol it’s relatively easy to find a bank with English-speaking staff, but in Malaga it’s more difficult. Don’t forget to check the language options on the website and for telephone banking too.

Is there a branch near you?

Unless you go for online banking, it’s best to choose a bank with a branch near to where you live. And check it has an ATM machine - useful for getting cash out and making payments such as monthly rent and utility bills if you don’t want to make a transfer.

TOP TIP: The majority of businesses take card payment, but not all. There are still small shops and bars on the Costa del Sol that accept cash only.

What do they charge?

Spanish banks are notorious for their high charges and very few accounts are free. Most banks offer free banking in exchange for something – for example, you must use the account for a minimum number of direct debits, make a minimum number of monthly card transactions or maintain a minimum balance (sometimes as high as €1,000 a month). Find out exactly what the charges and/or conditions are to avoid unpleasant surprises.

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What does it cost to withdraw cash?

Taking cash out of an ATM isn’t necessarily free. Some banks charge a percentage on the amount you withdraw unless it’s over a certain amount (e.g. €100). And some banks allow you a certain number of free withdrawals a month from ATMs belonging to the same network. Check to avoid paying extra charges.

What about online and app banking?

There are some excellent apps out there – BBVA has an award-winning one – but check whether the app is available in your language if your Spanish isn’t good enough. All banks offer online banking – useful when you’re not in Spain and need to use your account – but not all provide the service in a language other than Spanish. If you like banking via a mobile phone, have a look at the app for your chosen bank and see if it suits your needs.

How to open a bank account Until you’re officially resident in Spain you can only open a non-resident’s bank account, but this isn’t a problem because you can easily change it to a resident’s account when you get your residency.

Paperwork for a non-resident’s bank account This option is available at most banks and to open this account you need the following: • Proof of your identity (passport or ID card issued in your home country).

• A certificate of non-residence DRF3 (available from a national police station in Spain).

Depending on the bank, you may also be asked for: • A letter of recommendation from your bank in your home country.

• Proof of where you live in Malaga (e.g. utility bill, rental contract).

• Proof of income (e.g. a bank extract or employment contract).

Paperwork for a resident’s bank account If you’re from an EU country, you usually need the following documents: • Proof of your identity (passport or ID card issued in your home country) and your NIE. Or your Spanish residence certificate.

If you’re from a non-EU country, you need to provide: • Proof of your identity (passport or ID card issued in your home country) and your NIE. • Your Spanish residence card (TIE).

Depending on the bank and the type of account you open you may also be asked for: • Copies of your salary slip.

• Proof of an employment contract.

• Proof of tax payments.

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Opening the account Online or via an app – most banks offer this option. Just fill in the application form and upload scanned copies of your documentation. Some banks then require you to go to a branch to verify your identity and sign the documentation.

Others verify via a secure code sent through the app.

In person – go to the bank of your choice with the above documentation and open the account. You sign the application in person and should have instant access to your new account.

Information about banks on the Costa del Sol

Bank account details Accounts have 20 digits that include details about the bank, the branch and your account. To transfer money within Spain or the euro zone, you need the IBAN – the letters ES plus 2 digits and your bank account number (ES + 22 digits in total). If you’re making an international transfer you will need your bank’s Swift code.

Opening hours Most banks open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 2pm. Some banks open until 5pm or 6pm once or twice a week.

Banks don’t open at weekends or on public holidays.

Image Credit: www.bbva.com

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TAXATION FOR RESIDENTS Need to know about Spanish taxation

• You are fiscal/ tax resident in Spain if you live in the country for at least 183 days a year.

• Spanish tax residents are taxed on their worldwide income.

• Spain has double-taxation treaties with around 50 countries (see them here).

• Your NIE is your tax number in Spain and you should quote it on all tax forms and communications with the tax authorities.

• The Spanish tax year is the calendar year (1 January to 31 December).

• Tax returns for individuals for the previous tax year must be filed between 1 April and 20 June.

• Businesses and self-employed individuals are required to file quarterly and annual returns for income tax and VAT. • Staff at tax offices on the Costa del Sol don’t usually speak English and if they do, it’s rarely good enough to explain a tax problem.

• There are steep fines for late or non-payment of taxes.

• Spanish taxes are less stressful if you take professional advice from a tax advisor.

Types of taxes The Spanish tax system is divided into direct taxes and indirect taxes as follows:

Direct taxes These are levied on individuals and companies and include: • Income tax (Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas/ IRPF) • Company tax (Impuesto sobre Sociedades/ IS) • Wealth tax (Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio/ IP) • Property tax (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles/ IBI)

Income tax (IRPF) Levied on two types of income received by fiscal residents in Spain: general income and savings income.

General income includes salaries, rental and property income and profits from a business owned by an individual. It is taxed on a sliding scale at rates that range from 19% to 47%.

Savings income includes interest, dividends and profits gained from sales of assets (e.g. property, stocks etc). It is levied on a sliding scale from 19% to 23%.

There are deductions and allowances from income tax, e.g. an annual personal allowance for you and your dependents, deductions for pension plans, deductions for first-home buyers etc.

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Property ownership tax If you own a property and don’t rent it out, income tax includes a tax on the property for “implied income”. The tax ranges from 1.1% to 2% of the cadastral value of the property (officially established value).

Company tax (IS) This is paid by limited and associated companies in Spain (S.L. and S.A., for example) and levied at a fixed rate of 25%.

New companies are eligible for a reduced rate of 15% for the first two years in which they make a profit.

Wealth tax (IP) Residents whose worldwide assets are valued at higher than €700,000 are liable for wealth tax. It is taxed on a sliding scale at rates that range from 0.2% to 2.5%. There are exceptions when calculating this tax – for example, a property that you use as your home doesn’t count towards the €700,000 nor does a family business owned directly by an individual or through a company.

Property tax (IBI) Levied by local councils in the area where the property is located. The amount varies depending on the size of the property, municipality and services provided in the municipality. In general, it ranges between 1% and 3% of the cadastral value of the property.

Indirect taxes These are levied on purchases and transfers of assets (e.g. property) and include VAT (Impuesto sobre el Valor Añadido/ IVA) and property transfer tax (Impuesto sobre Transmisiones Patrimoniales/ ITP).

VAT Levied on goods and services at a general rate of 21% and two reduced rates of 4% and 10% for certain goods and services. If VAT is charged on transactions between companies or professionals, it is tax deductible.

Property transfer tax The sale of assets (e.g. property) incurs property transfer tax (Impuesto sobre Transmisiones Patrimoniales/ ITP) levied on the purchase price at the flat rate of 7% until 31 December 2021.

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COST OF LIVING CHECKLIST Updated November 2021 (Note that the prices quoted are from and for food, own brand.)

GETTING AROUND

Local transport (one-way)

€1.30

Monthly travel pass

€40.00

Taxi start (standard)

€3.20

€0.60

Taxi 1km Petrol 1 litre Car (e.g. Seat Ibiza)

LEISURE

€1.58 €16,000

EATING OUT

Cinema ticket

€7.50

Theatre ticket

€12.00

Museum entry

€6.00

Menu of the day Meal for 2 (mid-range) White coffee

€9.00 €40.00 €1.20

Small beer

€1.50

Glass of wine

€1.80

SUPERMARKET

Milk (1 litre, full fat

€0.80

Oranges1kg

€1.20

Baguette bread

€0.90

Rice 1kg Eggs (6) Local cheese 1kg

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Bananas 1kg

€1.80

€1.15

Tomatoes 1kg

€1.50

€1.20

Potatoes 1kg

€0.80

Bottled water 1 litre

€0.50

€12.00

Whole chicken

€5.00

Wine (mid-range)

€5.00

Frozen pizza

€2.00

Beer (12 tins x 33ml)

€7.00

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DRIVING MATTERS

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS CHAPTER Driving licence rules Buying a car Importing your car Information about driving

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Many people choose to get around by car on the Costa del Sol and in some areas, poor public transport makes driving the only viable alternative. But whether you plan to drive or not, one of your first steps may be to exchange of your driving licence for a Spanish one. This chapter tells you how to do it.

It also explains how to buy a car on the Costa del Sol. Or if you’ve bought your car with you from your home country, how to import it into Spain and change the number plates. Plus we’ve included a useful guide to road rules.

At Guide to Malaga, we recommend that unless you speak good Spanish and have time on your hands, you use the services of a company or professional specialised in vehicle paperwork to help you with your vehicle and driving licence paperwork. You will save yourself time, energy and unnecessary stress. And paying someone to get the right paperwork doesn’t have to be expensive.

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DRIVING LICENCE RULES If you have a driving licence issued by a country in the EEA, you may drive in Spain without exchanging it for a Spanish one. However, if your licence is from a non-EEA country and you’re resident in Spain, you must exchange your old licence for a Spanish one within six months of obtaining residency. If you don’t, you’ll have to take your driving test and exam again to get a Spanish licence.

How to exchange your licence for a Spanish one

Get an appointment These are levied on individuals and companies and include: 1. Get an appointment with the DGT (Spanish traffic authorities) - click here.

2. In ‘Oficina donde desea solicitar la cita’, select Málaga.

3. In ‘tipo de trámite’, if you’re from the EEA, select ‘renovación de permiso de conducción’. If you’re from outside the EEA, select ‘canjes de permisos de conducción’.

4. In ‘País’, select the country your licence was issued in.

5. Click on Continuar. Read the instructions and then click on Continuar.

6. Add your details (full name, NIE, date of birth, driving licence number, sex and email).

7. Click on Solicitar and select the appointment available that suits you. Arrive at least 5 minutes before your appointment. But first get your paperwork ready (see below).

Pay the fee All paperwork involving driving licences has a fee. You can pay by debit or credit card at the traffic office, online (information available here) or by cash or transfer at any bank.

EEA nationals EEA nationals living in Spain do not have to exchange their licence. But if you want to, you need the following paperwork: • Completed form* (downloadable here).

• Your Spanish residence permit (and photocopy) • Driving licence and photocopy • A recent photograph 32mm x 28.58mm • Payment of €28.87 • Declaration in writing that you haven’t been banned or suspended from driving and that you don’t hold another driving license of the same class in another country. *On the form, you can give permission for the authorities to check that you are registered as a resident with your local council. Or you can take a certificate of residence (certificado de empadronamiento - see Chapter 3) with you. Note that the date on the certificate must be less than 3 months ago.

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You also need to undertake an aptitude test (eyesight and reactions) at a designed clinic (called Centro de Reconocimento de Conductores) and take the results to your appointment.

UK nationals Under the Brexit agreement, UK nationals resident in Spain may legally continue to drive in Spain with their UK driving licence for six months after their arrival in Spain or obtaining a your residence permit. After that, you may have to take a driving test to exchange your UK licence for a Spanish one. Note that in February 2022, the Spanish authorities were considering a bilateral agreement for the UK (see below).

Non-EEA nationals from countries with bilateral agreement If your driving licence was issued in a non-EEA country that Spain has an agreement with, you may be able to exchange your licence for a Spanish one. This is the case for most Latin American countries plus Algeria, Macedonia, Morocco, Philippines, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine. You cannot be resident in Spain and drive legally without exchanging your licence for a Spanish one.

You need the following paperwork: • Completed form* (downloadable here).

• Your Spanish residence permit (and photocopy) • Driving Licence and photocopy (note that you may need a certified translation of your driving licence).

• A recent photograph 32mm x 26mm • Payment of €28.87 • Declaration in writing that you haven’t been banned or suspended from driving and that you don’t hold another driving license of the same class in another country. *On the form, you can give permission for the authorities to check that you are registered as a resident with your local council. Or you can take a certificate of residence (certificado de empadronamiento - see Chapter 3) with you. Note that the date on the certificate must be less than 3 months ago.

For certain types of licence, you may need to take the theoretical exam and/or practical exam as well. You can see the list of requirements here. You also need to undertake an aptitude test (eyesight and reactions) at a designed clinic (called Centro de Reconocimento de Conductores) and take the results to your appointment.

Non-EEA nationals from countries with no bilateral agreement In this case, you have no alternative but to take the Spanish driving exam (theoretical and practical). Contact a driving school in your area to find out how to do this. You must study the Código de Circulación (Highway Code) to take the theoretical exam and may wish to take a few lessons before the practical test.

TOP TIP: If you need to take the driving exam to get your licence, shop around for the best prices for instruction - they vary hugely. Some driving schools on the Costa del Sol offer the chance to do both the theoretical and practical tests in English.

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BUYING A CAR If you decide to buy a car in Spain, the process is as follows. Note that if you buy a car (new or second hand) from a dealer, they usually take care of the paperwork. If you buy from an individual, it’s well worth paying a professional to do the paperwork for you – you’ll save time and stress and be safe in the knowledge that everything has been done correctly.

Step 1 – the sales contract Both parties should complete and sign the sales contract (download here).

TOP TIP: As well as the date of sale , put the exact time (in the HORA section) to avoid liability for pending fines or charges on the car.

Step 2 – get or cancel your insurance If you’re the buyer, get insurance for your car as soon as you purchase. Note that you must keep proof of this in the vehicle at all times. If you’re the seller, don’t forget to cancel your policy with your insurance company or transfer it to another vehicle.

Step 3A – seller’s responsibility The seller needs to provide the following: • If the vehicle is over 4 years old, its current ITV (road worthiness) certificate.

• Original logbook (permiso de circulación).

• Proof of payment of local vehicle tax (Impuesto de Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica/IVTM) for the previous year (original document or bank receipt showing payment).

Step 3B – buyer’s responsibility In Spain, it’s the buyer who has to carry out the transfer of ownership. You have 30 days from the date of purchase to do this - here’s how: 1. Get an appointment with the traffic authorities (Jefatura de Tráfico). You can do this by phone (060 (+34 902 887 060 from outside Spain – open 24h a day) or online (click here).

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• In oficina, select Málaga and in tipos de trámite, select trámites de oficina. Tick the ‘Not a robot box’ and click on Continuar.

• Click on Continuar again.

• Fill in your details, your telephone number and number plate or last 6 digits of the chassis number. Click on ‘solicitar’ and choose and make note of your appointment.

The Costa del Sol office is located in Malaga to the north of the city centre on Calle Max Estrella 12. Opening hours are 8.30am to 2.30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 8.30am to 2.30pm and 3.30pm to 5.30pm on Thursday. But note that between 16 June and 15 September, the office opens Monday to Friday 9am to 2pm.

2. Complete the transfer tax form (download here) and pay it. You can do this online or download the form and pay at your bank.

3. Get the following paperwork together: • Proof of payment of transfer tax.

• Completed application form (solicitud de cambio de titularidad de vehículo – download here). Note that there’s a fee of €55.70 • Sales contract signed by both parties, the original logbook and road worthiness certificate (ITV) if the vehicle is over 4 years’ old.

• Photocopy of your and the seller’s ID (ID card if Spanish, passport and NIE if foreign).

• Certificate of local registration (empadronamiento) or a rental contract.

Step 4A – buyer only Inform your local council that you own the car and sign up for local car tax (Impuesto de Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica/IVTM). This is paid annually and the amount depends on the council’s charges and the car’s emissions.

Some councils (e.g. Malaga city) apply generous discounts on the tax for electric or hybrid cars.

Step 4B – seller only If you’re the seller, keep a copy of the sales contract and the buyer’s ID (passport or ID card) and NIE if they’re not Spanish. Ask the buyer to give you a copy of the new logbook within 15 days of the sale. If you don’t get it, notify the traffic authorities of the sale using this form. There’s a fee of €8.67. This exonerates you from all responsibility for the vehicle after the sale.

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IMPORTING A CAR INTO SPAIN If you bring your car with you to the Costa del Sol and become a Spanish resident, you need to import it. You must do this within 6 months of obtaining your residence permit. Note that a Spanish resident cannot legally drive a vehicle with foreign plates. Note also that if you’re not resident, you cannot register (import) a vehicle older than 2015.

TOP TIP: Think twice about importing a right-hand drive vehicle.

It isn’t easy to drive on the right with the steering wheel by the side of the road not the middle. And you have much reduced visibility.

Before you leave your home country

You’ll need the following documents for your car: • Original receipt – if you bought second hand, you should also provide a copy of the previous owner’s ID card or passport. If you bought new, the receipt from the dealer including the company ID. • Technical certificate – the vehicle’s ID card with details of the make, model, measurements, weight, maximum permitted load, chassis number etc.

• Certificateof compliance – proof that the vehicle has passed road worthiness tests in your home country.

Road worthiness test

All vehicles on Spanish roads must pass a road worthiness test, known as Inspección Técnica de Vehículos (ITV). The process depends on the age of the car: From 2018 onwards – this is a quick test checking the chassis number, vehicle paperwork and CO2 emissions. If you import a car from a non-EEA country, it will need a Homologation and Type Approvals certificate to prove it complies with safety and emissions requirements.

From 2015 to 2018 – you need a unique road worthiness report (cost of around €1,500).

Prior to 2015 – if you don’t become resident in Spain, you cannot import the car.

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If you become resident, you may register the car but only under the following conditions: • You must prove the car has belonged to you for a minimum of 6 months before you moved to Spain.

• You must also prove that you were living in the previous country for at least a year and prove that you no longer live there.

• You need a certificate of local residence and a residence card issued within the last 6 months.

Importation paperwork To import your car and get Spanish number plates, you need the following documentation (it’s a long list!).

• Completed application form • Proof of residence in Spain or proof of ID (e.g. passport) • Proof you own or rent a property (the rental contract must be for a minimum of 1 year) • Spanish driving license • ITV certificate (technical test) • Completed registration document and fee (€99.77) • Proof of payment of registration tax (impuesto especial sobre determinados medios de transporte) • Receipt for payment of local car tax (Impuesto sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica/IVTM) • Vehicle purchase receipt (original and photocopy) • Proof that VAT was paid in the country of purchase • Certificate of Conformity (Certificado de Conformidad) from the vehicle manufacturer or a certified representative (original and photocopy). There are two types of Certificate of Conformity: an EEA certificate, valid throughout the EEA or a National Certificate, generally issued for modified vehicles, buses, trailers and other large vehicles. It is only valid in the country in which it was issued.

Import Taxes The following taxes and duty must be paid when importing a vehicle into Spain. Note that the final amount is calculated according to the original price of the vehicle with a reduction for each year of its age up to 10 year – for example, -20% after the first year, -30% after 2 years up to 80% after 10 years.

16% VAT (IVA) on cars imported from outside the EEA or on a tax-free car (on which VAT hasn’t previously been paid) imported from an EEA country.

Registration tax – the amount depends on the vehicle’s CO2 emissions as follows: Less than 120g/km – 0% 120-160g/km – 4.75% 160-200g/km – 9.75% More than 200g/km – 14.75% Not rated for CO2 emissions – 12% Import duty of 10% on vehicles imported from outside the EEA. A vehicle is exempt from import duty if you have owned it for more than 6 months before becoming resident in Spain and you paid VAT in the EEA country you bought it in.

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NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DRIVING Before you jump into the driving seat, read these.

General rules • You must be 18 to drive and 21 to hire a car in Spain.

• You drive on the right.

• You must stop at a STOP sign even if the road is clear.

• You cannot cross a solid line in the middle of the road unless you are overtaking a bike or slow moving vehicle such as a tractor.

• Don’t drink and drive – the legal limit is 0.5g/l.

Speed limits The maximum speed permitted is: • 30kph – on all single lane roads and streets in urban areas.

• 50kph – in most urban areas unless a lower limit is specified.

• 90kph – on main roads unless a lower limit is specified (80kph is common for example on the A-7 between Fuengirola and Marbella) • 120kph – motorways (autopista) and dual carriageways (autovía) unless a lower limit is specified (100kph is common on autovías).

Inside the car • Seat belts must be worn in front and back seats at all times.

• All children under 135cm must travel in car seats and in the back unless the vehicle has no back seats or they’re all occupied by children under 135cm.

• Babies may sit in a car seat in the front but must face backwards and you must deactivate the airbag in the passenger seat.

• You are not allowed to use your mobile unless it’s hands free.

• You must wear shoes (you can be fined for wearing flipflops) and proper clothing (swimwear doesn’t count).

Things you must carry with you in your car • Your licence • The car’s insurance documents • Ownership or rental documents.

• A reflective vest (to wear if you have to get out of the car on the road).

• 2 warning triangles (if you stop, place 1 in front of the car and the other behind or if you’re on a dual-carriageway, place both behind).

• A spare pair of glasses if you wear glasses for driving.

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PAPERWORK FOR YOUR PET WHAT’S INSIDE THIS CHAPTER Things to think about & do Importing your pets Rules for owning a pet

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THINGS TO THINK ABOUT & DO Pets are popular on the Costa del Sol – some 650,000 are registered in the province of Malaga and over 88% of them are dogs. This fact alone could be motivation for taking your pet with you when you relocate. Pets are also part of the family and moving abroad without them may be unthinkable. Just as you wouldn’t leave a child behind, how could you not take your pet with you too? But before you sign your favourite animal up for relocation, think carefully about the following:

Should you take your pet?

All pets are entitled to healthy happy lives and as much as you love them, their new life on the Costa del Sol may not be healthy or happy. This is especially true for older pets (e.g. dogs in the latter third of their life) and nervous animals.

Will your pet like the climate?

Summers on the Costa del Sol are hot, humid and long, and pets may not get used to them. Think about how your pet will adapt to the new weather, particularly if you’re moving from a country with a temperate climate such as the UK. Think again if you have a long-haired breed like a husky.

Can your pet live with you?

If you’re planning to rent accommodation, it may be difficult to find a landlord that accepts pets. Double-check before you sign a contract.

Is your home environment suitable?

Unless you’re moving into a villa, you probably won’t have a private garden at home on the Costa del Sol. How will your dog adapt to this? Will your cat learn to live in a flat possibly with no outside space? Will your dog mind going up and downstairs in a lift?

Do you mind not being able to take your dog everywhere?

The Costa del Sol has become more dog-friendly over the last 10 years, but as a general rule, dogs are not allowed into shops, cafés, restaurants and museums or on public transport unless they’re a registered guide dog. Beaches too are generally out of bounds except designated dog beaches.

Are you prepared to follow the rules?

Dogs must be kept on leads in all public places (although many dog owners ignore this rule). You must pick up dog mess and dispose of it in a bin and in some areas (e.g. Malaga), you are asked to carry water and vinegar to spray the area where your dog has urinated.

There are separate rules for breeds of dogs considered dangerous (see Rules for owning a pet later in this chapter).

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Things to do

Before you move • Check all the required paperwork (see the next section) and book an appointment with a registered vet.

• If your pet needs medication, take 6 months’ supply with you in case it isn’t available on the Costa del Sol. • If your pet is travelling by air, buy a crate several weeks in advance and train your pet to get used to being in it. You can read about suitable crates for pet transport here.

• Book a direct flight and aim for the shortest journeys possible at either end to reduce stress time for your pet.

• Pack plenty of water and food in case of travel delays.

• Take at least a week’s supply of food while you source a similar brand.

When you arrive • Check your new home for safety – hazards in the garden or patio, poisonous plants, escape routes etc.

• Set up an area for your pet with familiar objects (e.g. bedding and toys) in your new home.

• Keep to a routine that’s similar to the one you had before so that your pet feels more at home.

• Be prepared for unusual behaviour, possibly for several weeks as your pet adapts to their new life.

• Source a reputable vet as soon as possible.

• Keep your dog on a lead and your cat indoors for the first few weeks while they settle in. This will reduce the possibility of them escaping.

• Be patient with them – this is your dream move, but not necessarily theirs.

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IMPORTING YOUR PET You’ll be pleased to read that bringing your pet with you when you move is relatively straightforward, particularly if you’re coming from the EU. Note that you must import your dog through a designated Travellers Point of Entry such as Malaga Airport.

In general, dogs, cats and ferrets must be at least 15 weeks old, be microchipped and have up-to-date inoculation against rabies.

Importing a pet to the Costa del Sol from the EU

Your dog, cat or ferret must have a microchip, rabies vaccine (at least 21 days before travel) and an EU pet passport.

The passport must include the owner’s details, a description of the animal, the date of issue and information on past rabies vaccines.

Importing a pet to the Costa del Sol from the UK

Your dog, cat or ferret must have a microchip, rabies vaccine (at least 21 days before travel) and an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). The AHC is issued by a registered vet who will need to see the dates of your pet’s microchip and vaccines. Your pet must enter the EU within 10 days of date of AHC issue. The certificate is valid for up to 4 months for onward travel within the EU.

Importing a pet to the Costa del Sol from outside the EU

Your dog, cat or ferret must have a microchip, rabies vaccine (at least 21 days before travel) and an Animal Health Certificate, signed by a registered vet in your home country and translated into Spanish. You also need to complete the form available online at the website below and provide proof of your pet’s identification and vaccination record.

You can read full information about relocating with your pet in English here.

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RULES FOR OWNING A PET Owning a pet on the Costa del Sol comes with a set of obligations and rules. These are set by councils although they are broadly similar. For specific regulations in the municipality where you live, check with your local council. But in general, the following applies everywhere on the Costa del Sol.

Must haves

• All dogs, cats and ferrets must have a microchip identifying you as the owner with your contact details (make sure these are always up to date).

• All dogs, cats and ferrets must have up-to-date rabies vaccines and be regularly wormed and subject to parasite control.

• All dogs, cats and ferrets must have an up-to-date health card that includes a vaccination record.

• A licence from your local council if you own more than 5 dogs and cats.

Must dos

• Pick up dog mess and dispose of in a bin.

• Keep your dog on the lead at all times except in designated dog parks.

• Put a muzzle (basket type only) on a dog weighing over 20kg in public places.

• Only use extendible leads for dogs under 20kg.

• Bring your pet in at night if it spends the day on your terrace or patio.

• In Malaga city, Benalmádena and Rincón de la Victoria, you must register your dog’s DNA with a local vet who takes a blood sample and sends it to the city database. There are fines for non-compliance.

No go areas

• Children’s play parks.

• Beaches unless it’s a designated dog beach (find out which beaches are dog friendly on the Costa del Sol here).

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DANGEROUS BREEDS OF DOGS Spain has rules for certain breeds of dogs considered to be potentially dangerous.

They include: • Pit bull terrier • Staffordshire bull terrier • American Staffordshire terrier • Rottweiler • Dogo argentino • Brazilian mastiff • Tosa Inu • Akita Inu

Plus any dog that is particularly muscular, short haired, with a chest of 60 to 80cm, a height (from shoulders to feet) of 50 to 70cm and weighing over 20kg.

If you own this type of dog, you need a licence, renewable every 5 years. To qualify for a licence, you must prove that you have no criminal record for homicide, harm or torture and no previous convictions for owning a potentially dangerous animal.

You must also undergo a test to determine that you are physically and psychologically fit to own a potentially dangerous animal. You can do this test at a specialised medical centre or clinic. You must also take out third-party liability insurance with cover of at least €120,000 and have a Spanish residence permit.

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MOVING YOUR STUFF

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS CHAPTER Choosing a removal company Packing to-do list Paperwork for your stuff

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Relocating to the Costa del Sol inevitably means taking your belongings with you. How many of them you ship will depend on your lifestyle and how long you plan to stay, but even if you’re not moving lock, stock and barrel, you’ll be taking a least a few suitcases.

This chapter offers advice on choosing a removal company, tips on what to do before you move (including the all-important timing) and customs paperwork.

TOP TIP: Start planning the shipment of your belongings at least 3 to 4 months before you intend to arrive on the Costa del Sol.

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CHOOSING A REMOVAL COMPANY There’s plenty of choice, but how do you know which company will offer you the best service for your money?

To help you select the right one, do the following:

Get recommendations Ask around for referrals from friends or on expat groups. When searching online, read the reviews on the company’s Google page and social media profiles. Look at the replies to reviews too – considered answers show good customer service.

Choose a company with experience in Spain And preferably one that makes regular journeys to the Costa del Sol. This will make your move cheaper and possibly quicker.

Check the company’s accreditation As well as good reviews from satisfied customers, find out what accreditation the company has. FAIM and ISO are two international quality standards worth looking out for. Check too to see if the company belongs to an international removal organisation such as FIDI. Get several estimates At least three to give you a good idea of what your removal will cost. Don’t forget to factor in items in your loft/garage/ garden if you’re taking them too. A reputable company will send a representative to your home in order to give you a detailed and accurate quotation.

Find out about insurance Before committing to a removal company, ask about their insurance cover. Find out exactly what is included (and what isn’t). Is it enough to cover damage and/or loss of your things? Consider taking out your own insurance for extra peace of mind.

Use the packing service Moving home is always much easier, quicker and less stressful if someone else does the packing for you. Find out if the company offers this service and if they do, take it. The extra cost will be more than worth your time and effort.

Check their tracking service The best removal companies allow you to track your stuff in real time so that you know exactly where your things are.

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PACKING TO-DO LIST Work out your timeline If you’re moving to the Costa del Sol from continental Europe, shipping belongings will take between 2 to 4 weeks. If you’re relocating from another continent, allow at least 2 months.

Be brutal with your belongings Moving stuff from one home to another is never cheap so make sure you only ship items you will use or can’t be without. Removal costs are calculated by volume (cubic metre) so the more you ship, the higher the charge. Save money by making your new life on the Costa del Sol the chance to get rid of clutter.

Plan ahead So that your belongings arrive when you want them to. If you already have accommodation, time the shipment to coincide with your arrival. If you’re staying in temporary accommodation while you look for a home, make sure your belongings arrive afterwards to avoid paying for storage.

Make a full inventory of what you’re taking with you And take photos or a video of valuables for insurance purposes.

Pack essentials in a separate marked box So that you can find these as soon as you arrive at your new home.

Pack enough clothes and other essentials for a few days In suitcases to take with you personally just in case the shipment of your belongings is delayed.

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PAPERWORK FOR YOUR STUFF If you’re using the services of a removal company, they should take care of all the paperwork required for importing your belongings into Spain. The rules are as follows:

EU nationals There are no customs formalities and you can import your things duty free as long you paid tax for them in the EU or have owned them for at least 6 months. It’s a good idea to include an inventory of your belongings (in case of a customs check) with a copy of your passport attached to it.

Non-EU nationals You can import your belongings duty free into Spain as long as you have lived outside Spain for at least 12 months before your move (you need a consular certificate to prove it) and have the following paperwork: • Copy of your passport.

• Copy of residence permit or application for one.

• Certificate of local residence (empadronamiento). Inventory of • your belongings with their approximate value.

You must have used all the imported belongings in your previous home and use them for the same purpose in Spain.

You cannot sell or rent the imported goods for 12 months after entry into Spain.

Note that if you haven’t got your residence permit when you import your belongings, you must provide a bank guarantee for the amount determined by customs (up to 60% of the declared value) and obtain your residence permit within 6 months.

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SETTLING IN

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS CHAPTER Guide to culture shock & how to cope with it How to make new friends Tips for moving as a family

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Even if you’ve been looking forward to your move to the Costa del Sol for months and arrive as excited as you’ve ever been in your life, it doesn’t mean that it’s all going to be plain sailing. Nor is it guaranteed that you’ll settle into your new life and never look back. Because a) life doesn’t work like that and b) moving to a new country and settling in isn’t easy for anyone.

You will have your dark days, you will feel homesick and you will wonder if you’re ever going to make any friends.

That’s only natural and part of relocation. But what you need to avoid is those negative feelings becoming the norm.

This section helps you stay positive about your relocation and includes information about culture shock and how to deal with it, tips for making friends and tips to help families settle into their new life on the Costa del Sol.

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GUIDE TO CULTURE SHOCK Culture shock describes how you feel when you move to a new country. It affects you psychologically and most people feel it to a greater or lesser extent. It happens because you find yourself in a completely new environment where you no longer have your usual cues on how to behave.

In extreme cases, it can ruin your experience and force you home again. With most people it usually passes quickly.

But the important thing is to accept culture shock and homesickness as part of the process of living in a new country.

And learn to deal with them.

Stages of culture shock

Your emotions when moving to a new country typically follow this pattern: Honeymoon stage – this takes place after arrival when you’re excited to discover your new home. The feeling is similar to being on holiday and generally lasts for a few weeks.

Rejection stage – generally negative and the complete opposite to the first stage. You’ve discovered that life on the Costa del Sol isn’t quite what you imagined. You’ll probably feel exhausted (perhaps from the heat) and stressed out at all the tasks you need to do. You’ll find the language barrier difficult and be frustrated that Spain doesn’t do things as they do in your home country. This stage generally appears a few weeks after arrival.

Flight stage – you literally want to run away from your new country. This can be the longest stage and is usually the most difficult. You may feel discontent, frustrated and inadequate. You’ll probably focus on the negative aspects of life on the Costa del Sol only and even simple tasks like shopping turn into insurmountable problems. You’ll feel very homesick.

Acceptance or recovery – you learn to accept the different aspects in your new life and live with them. You’ll start to understand more Spanish, how things work and how to behave in social situations. Gradually you’ll adjust to life on the Costa del Sol, accept it and start seeing the good things as well as the bad.

Coping with culture shock and homesickness

Adapting to the reality of life on the Costa del Sol might seem difficult and some expats never adapt and are forced to return to their home country. But it’s worth making an effort to overcome the culture shock.

Here are some tips to help you do it.

Expect it to be tough Moving to a new place anywhere is never easy. It’s especially difficult when you don’t speak the language or understand how things work. Be gentle on yourself and expect things to take time.

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Take things a day at a time Wherever you live in the world, you’ll have good days and bad days. Celebrate the good ones on the Costa del Sol and forget those that weren’t so good.

Remember why you moved to the Costa del Sol Focus on your reasons for relocation. Make a list of your whys and pin it in a prominent place in your new home. Read it often.

Keep an open mind Don’t judge Spain or the Spanish – of course Spain does everything differently because every country does. When you come across something that isn’t what you’re used to, try it and then decide if you like it or not. And always remember, there’s no ‘right’ way of doing something, just a different way.

Join in Embrace local life and take an active part in it. The Costa del Sol has a busy social life catering for all ages and tastes.

Get out there and try it – you’ll meet new people, make friends and forget about your homesickness for a bit.

Keep learning Spanish Persevere with your classes and make a real effort to practise even if it’s only making small talk with the waiter when you order coffee. See Learning Spanish.

Make friends Finding new friends is probably the biggest challenge whenever you move (even within your own country) and on the Costa del Sol, you have the extra barrier of language. But, make an effort to go out and socialise so that you can start making friends.

Stay in touch with your loved ones Make a point of having regular contact with friends and family and invite them to stay.

Stay in touch with your home country If you’re craving food from your home country, buy it locally. The Costa del Sol has a good choice of specialist stores stocking foreign food from Danish herrings to British Marmite. If it’s a traditional event or custom you’re missing (e.g.

Thanksgiving or St Patrick’s Day), check to see if expat groups are celebrating and join in.

Keep an escape route open • Until you know for sure that the Costa del Sol is your forever home, keep your options open • Rent a property rather than buy.

• Don’t sell your property in your home country.

• Stay in touch with business associates at home.

• Make sure your children continue to speak, read and write their native language.

Knowing you can go back relatively easily reduces the pressure on you on the Costa del Sol.

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HOW TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS One of the most challenging aspects of relocation is making a new social life for yourself. Being a newbie in an area involves effort and perseverance on your part. But the good news is that Spaniards are generally welcoming and friendly and the Malagueños even more so! The locals are famous for their warm welcome and this plus lots of things to do socially make it easier to find new friends.

But to start you off, here’s some inspiration.

Learn Spanish Make it your aim to speak basic conversational Spanish within 6 months of your arrival. Not only will this make your life easier in general it will open up new social possibilities. After all, if you don’t speak Spanish, it’s going to be very hard to make friends with the locals.

Note that many of the suggestions below work best if you speak Spanish.

Find a language buddy (or two) Make learning Spanish a social occasion by taking part in language exchanges (intercambios). They give you the opportunity to practise your Spanish while your intercambio partner practises your language. There are dozens of regular exchanges up and down the Costa del Sol and they have an informal fun atmosphere where many people make friends.

Join a local club You’d be surprised how many different activities take place on the Costa del Sol so finding a club for your particular interest shouldn’t be a problem. You can also join a club for your nationality – many have associations on the Costa del Sol. For some inspiration, read the list published by Sur in English.

Check out the culture Dozens of associations including museums organise cultural events (exhibition yours, talks, conferences, workshops etc) on the Costa del Sol and many are free. Locate the cultural activity of your choice and sign up to the associated events.

Check out Meetup and Facebook Both platforms offer opportunities to meet new people on the Costa del Sol. Simply search for activities you’re interested in and you’ll receive alerts on events related to them in your area.

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Check out Meetup and Facebook Both platforms offer opportunities to meet new people on the Costa del Sol. Simply search for activities you’re interested in and you’ll receive alerts on events related to them in your area.

Say yes to invites If someone takes the trouble to invite you to something, make a habit of accepting the invitation. Even if the event doesn’t appeal, you never know who you might meet and at least it gets you out of your home and expands your social life.

Put yourself out there Remember that everyone else already has their social circles up and running – they don’t actually need you. But you do need them so go the extra mile to attend events, smile and socialise. And if you can’t find a group/interest that you enjoy, why not set up your own e.g. book club or a walking group. Then invite people to join you!

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TIPS FOR MOVING AS A FAMILY Moving to a new country is one of the most exciting things you’ll ever do and also one of the most challenging. And as an adult, the decision to uproot your life from one country to another is yours and based on your reasons.

But for your children, this isn’t the case – they find themselves having to relocate without much choice in the matter.

That doesn’t mean they won’t love their new home – the Costa del Sol is very family friendly and offers quality lifestyle for families – but children need your help to prepare for the move and get used to living in a new country and culture.

This section provides some generally tips on how to make the transition to the Costa del Sol easier for your children with specific advice for different age groups.

TOP TIP: Be positive about everything concerning your move and emphasise as much as possible how life will be more enjoyable on the Costa del Sol.

Before you leave

Share your plans – once you’ve made your decision to move to the Costa del Sol, tell your children. Give them as much specific detail as possible to help make the move real and imaginable.

Discover the Costa del Sol – talk about the area together, look at Google Maps, photos and videos, pinpoint things to do and discover, take virtual tours of specific areas etc.

Find out about the culture – research life in Spain (customs, traditions, daily timetables etc) together and discuss the differences with your home country.

Encourage discussion – children see things differently from adults and you’ll probably discover that their worries are a world apart from yours.

Learn the basics of Spanish – sign them up to classes or take an online course together as a family to ensure your children have an ear for the language before they arrive.

Make a visit – if possible, take a family trip to the Costa del Sol before you move. This will give your children the chance to see their new home for themselves. Ideally your visit will include a tour of your new accommodation.

Plan ahead for school – find out as much as possible about your child’s new school (they will have lots of questions on this) before you move. See Schools.

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Make some contacts – get in touch with other families in your chosen area and set up some playdates, family meetups soon after you arrive.

TOP TIP: Time your move carefully particularly for school age children. If possible, move at the beginning of the school year (September) so that your children start their new school with other new children and when the teacher is new to everyone.

When you arrive

Unpack the familiar – get out some items such as bedding, pictures and toys and put them in your child’s new room to create instant familiarity.

Keep to your old routine – continue family rituals (e.g. film night on Fridays, Sunday lunch together) so that your children feel at home even though the place is different.

Take familiar food with you – there’s an excellent choice of foreign food on the Costa del Sol, but it’s worth packing a supply of your children’s favourites for the first few days.

Sign up with a family doctor – and find out where the nearest hospital with emergency services is. See the Healthcare section.

Continue learning Spanish – make sure your children carry on learning the language whatever type of school they attend. And give them as many opportunities to use it as possible when you’re out and about.

Socialise as a family – go out and meet other families together so that your children have your support and feel more confident. Find clubs and activities for your children – sign them up as soon as possible.

Talk about it – ask your children regularly how they’re feeling and encourage them to talk about their new life.

Accept that there will be ups and downs – no one settles into a new home perfectly from day one. Relocation is a journey of sensations that start with euphoria, move into irritability and rejection, then into gradual adjustment before adaptation and acceptance. Everyone goes on this journey including children.

Avoid negativity – don’t let your children hear your doubts or problems. And avoid criticising local customs and culture in front of your children.

Stay in touch with home – make an effort to have regular contact with friends and family (e.g. a weekly Facetime with their grandparents) and keep up traditions and culture from your home country.

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Wait before you make a return visit – if possible, give your family 6 months on the Costa del Sol before you make a trip to your home country. Any shorter and you risk unsettling your children. But do encourage family and friends to visit you!

Tips for different age groups

Babies and toddlers Children up to the age of 4 make the easiest transition of all and generally fit in quickly and easily to your new life. Sort out childcare as soon as possible, preferably before you arrive.

Children aged 4 to 8 This age group also finds relocation straightforward. They’ll make friends easily and soak up the language – expect them to be fluent in a matter of months. Provide them with lots of reassurance.

Children aged 9 to 12 Some will resent the upheaval so involve them in some decisions and build on the positives of your new life.

Teens aged 13 to 16 Hormones have kicked in by this stage and many early teens will rebel against the move. Involve them in decision making (especially schools) and make sure their new school has a similar curriculum to the one they’re used to. Time your move for the start of the academic year (September). Organise a leaving party for them and help them stay in touch with friends once you leave.

Teens aged 16 to 18 Involve them in most decisions and get them to help with organising and the practicalities of the move. Find a school with a similar curriculum and avoid moving in the middle of an academic year. This age group will also appreciate a leaving party!

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LEARNING SPANISH

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS CHAPTER Why learn Spanish Where to learn Spanish Tips for learning Spanish

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The Costa del Sol is probably one of the most international parts of Europe. Dozens of different nationalities have made it their home and as a result, the area is a melting pot of cultures, languages and traditions.

But despite its cosmopolitan nature, the Costa del Sol is still very much part of Spain. You’ll come across expat bubbles – in some of them, you might hear no Spanish at all – but the area remains very Spanish. And of course, the official language is Spanish, which in turn, means that if you want to integrate and make the most of your new life, you’ll need to learn it. Plus you’ll need it to understand documents, medical information and legal meetings etc.

This section explains why you should learn Spanish, looks at where to learn it and offers tips on making it easier.

TOP TIP: Start learning Spanish before you arrive on the Costa del Sol to help you settle in more easily.

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WHY LEARN SPANISH You might think that expats would put learning Spanish at the top of their list of priorities – after all, if you don’t, how are you going to communicate with the locals? And how will you what’s going on? But a surprising number of foreigners (particularly British) move to the Costa del Sol and never learn to speak Spanish.

Maybe it’s because English is an unofficial lingua franca on many parts of the Costa del Sol so you can end up not needing Spanish on an everyday basis. Perhaps it’s because life gets in the way of Spanish lessons. But whatever the reason, learning Spanish is essential for the following reasons:

You’ll need it (you really will) The lady behind the counter at your local post office might speak excellent English and you might have found an English-speaking doctor, but at some point, you’ll need some Spanish. Many Spaniards speak some English (and most welcome the chance to practise it), but those who speak it fluently are few and far between. In the worst-case scenario, you may need Spanish in an emergency. In a life-anddeath situation, you can’t rely on the 112 operator or the ambulance crew understanding English.

You’ll make more friends The Spanish are generally welcoming, but few will go beyond polite chit-chat if they don’t see you making an effort to speak their language. Getting to grips with the language at even a basic conversational level will help you meet people locally and more importantly, make friends.

You’ll discover the real Spain One of the joys of living on the Costa del Sol is discovering the real Spain beyond the expat bubbles on the coast.

Learning Spanish gives you unique access to the country’s rich culture, traditions, monuments, art, cuisine and landscapes. Being able to communicate with Spaniards, read the museum signs or menu in Spanish and check the ‘what’s on’ listings in a local town makes a world of the difference.

You’ll set a good example This is particularly true if you’ve relocated to the Costa del Sol with your family. If you learn Spanish, you’ll motivate your children and you’ll be able to help with their homework, talk to their teacher and understand communications from school.

You’ll save money If you don’t learn Spanish, you’ll have to rely on other people for anything that involves the language. You’ll need someone to translate everything (e.g. a letter from the council, parking fine, instructions at a machine…) and probably have to pay them for it. Learn Spanish and you can do it yourself and save money.

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You’ll have the right information One of the biggest dangers of not speaking a local language is misinformation. You can only guarantee that facts are correct if they come from a bona fide source. However, if you can’t understand the source because you don’t speak Spanish, you’ll have to rely on someone else to get the facts for you. And you can’t always guarantee that their version of the facts is the right one.

You’ll benefit mentally It’s always good to challenge your brain with something new and learning a language is a great way to do it. Plus the rewards (another important way of stimulating the brain) will be more than worth it.

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THE BEST PLACES TO LEARN Before you arrive on the Costa del Sol To get your relocation off to the best possible start, it’s a good idea to have a basic grounding in Spanish before you arrive. Start learning 6 months ahead of your arrival date if you can because knowing the basics and having an ear for the sound of Spanish will make a big difference when you arrive.

TOP TIP: If you’re moving to the Costa del Sol with children, make sure they too learn some basics. Being able to say hola, introduce themselves and count to 100 in Spanish will help them fit in more.

When you arrive As soon as you arrive, commit to Spanish classes on a regular basis. To start with, take the most intensive course your time and budget will allow – the sooner you get to grips with Spanish, the more quickly and easily you’ll settle in.

Types of language schools

Escuela Oficial de Idiomas This nationwide association runs subsidised language classes including Spanish. It has six schools on the Costa del Sol in: • Coín • Estepona • Fuengirola • Malaga • Marbella • Vélez-Málaga Tuition is cheaper, but places are limited and allocated according to need (for example, unemployed students get priority) plus classes can be large.

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Malaga University The city university runs Spanish language courses that last from 2 weeks to a whole academic year. Any level is available at any time of year and intensive courses range from 20 to 40 hours a week.

Private language schools To find the right one for you, first ask for recommendations and find out what the school has that makes it worth recommending. Or search online. When you find a possible candidate, check the following: Official accreditation – the school should belong to the Spanish national association FEDELE and/or the regional association ACEIA. It should also be registered with the Institute Cervantes, the official Spanish cultural representative abroad. Their database lists accredited schools in Malaga province.

Number of students per class – more than 10 means little individual attention.

Age group of students – if you’re older, you may not feel comfortable in a class of high school students or if you’re younger, learning Spanish with a group of retirees may not appeal.

The teachers – they should be native speakers and have a teaching qualification.

Included in the price – check exactly what you’re paying for and if the price includes learning materials, trips and extra-curricular activities.

TOP TIP: Attend a trial class before you commit to a course.

Private Spanish classes One-to-one tuition is a more expensive option but one that gives you the chance to go at your own pace and learn exactly what you want to. Expect to pay from €15 an hour. Ask around for recommendations and when you contact a teacher, ask for references. Take a trial lesson to see if you like their style and way of teaching.

Online classes You may choose to learn Spanish with a virtual course, which allows you to fit lessons into your own schedule and possibly for free. But you don’t usually have access to a personal teacher. And of course, you get what you pay for.

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TIPS FOR LEARNING SPANISH The good news is that Spanish isn’t one of the world’s more difficult languages to learn. Unlike Danish, Dutch, Gaelic and Arabic, Spanish doesn’t even feature in the top 25 most challenging to learn. But knowing that there are more difficult languages doesn’t make learning Spanish easier and like all new skills, it takes time, patience and effort.

Common challenges include the complexity of tenses and English speakers will find having masculine and feminine nouns new and possibly daunting. But at least most nouns ending in ‘o’ are masculine and those ending in ‘a’ are feminine. And best of all, Spanish is phonetic so once you learn to say each sound, you can pronounce any word pretty much perfectly even if you have no idea what it means!

To help you stay on track with your Spanish, try these tips.

Start learning straight away In fact, from the moment you decide to move to the Costa del Sol. As mentioned earlier, take a course in advance and if possible, try to get beyond beginner’s level. If you can’t make time, sign up for a course as soon as you arrive.

Just do it Allow yourself zero excuses for not joining a Spanish course. Stop promising yourself you’ll start learning Spanish as soon as you’ve done x, y or z. Just sign up for a course and attend regularly.

Keep at it Language learning typically starts with easy wins and then gets gradually more difficult as you move into the world of tenses and grammar. But keep at it and persevere at every step of the way. And remember, no one apart from young children finds learning a new language easy.

Practise, practise and then practise again Use every opportunity to put your Spanish language skills into practice. Post lists of verb conjugations on your fridge to memorise while you’re cooking; practise rolling your rrs in the shower; listen to Spanish when you’re driving; put Spanish subtitles on a film you’re watching (or better still, watch it in Spanish with English subtitles) etc.

And when you go out, speak Spanish before you speak English.

Stay calm The fear of getting it wrong and making a fool of yourself as a result is probably the biggest barrier to relaxed language learning. All of us would rather say nothing than get it wrong but try to conquer your awkwardness and just say it. If it is wrong, you’ll probably feel momentarily embarrassed but you won’t make the same mistake again!

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Celebrate imperfection In a similar vein, don’t worry about getting your Spanish word/tense/grammar perfect. Remember, the most important thing about language is getting your meaning across. If you can do that, you’ve succeeded.

Go to intercambios A language exchange offers you two benefits – the chance to practise your Spanish in a relaxed environment and to meet new people. Find one near your new home and join in. If there isn’t one, set up your own – Spaniards are always keen to practise their English so you’ll probably have no shortage of takers.

Keep at the vocabulary Aim to learn 10 new words a week in Spanish. Write the list and put it somewhere you’ll see it often or record and listen to the words frequently.

Keep it varied It’s easy to get into a rut with language learning so add variety to your Spanish. Go to an event such as a cookery class or conference; meet your intercambio partner at a different venue; join an online class for a couple of sessions etc.

Join in with Spanish life One of the main reasons for learning Spanish is to get out into local life and meet new people. Join local events and activities and speak to people at them. And whenever someone switches to English to make things easy for you, politely explain that you’re learning Spanish and would love to practise.

And most of all, enjoy it! ¡Suerte!

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Copyright notice: All content (copy, images, statistics, intellectual property, etc.) in this ebook are protected by Spanish and international copyright laws and belong to Realista Investments S.L. Reproduction and distribution of the content without written permission is prohibited. © Guide to Malaga City SL 2021

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