Retirement in Spain: a good choice of real estate investment

Who has never dreamed of spending their retirement in the sun? The Costa Brava in Spain is the ideal place to enjoy your old days. By buying a property on the Catalan coast, you will have all the advantages to live a peaceful retirement.

Being retired english speaker on the Costa Brava: only advantages!

Retirement is an important step where renewal is sometimes necessary. Then comes the time to choose the destination to continue the adventure of life. Yet a destination is at hand for the Anglophone : the Costa Brava in Spain! Indeed, with its beautiful beaches and its sunny climate, it is the idyllic place to put your suitcases. Here are some reasons to invest on the Costa Brava to spend your retirement there:

1 - For proximity

The Costa Brava, province of Girona, is located in the northeast of Spain, a few kilometers from the French border. You can access it easily while keeping in touch with your children and grandchildren.

2 - For the sun

Spending your retirement on the Costa Brava is guaranteed to have sun almost all year round. Indeed, the coast has rather mild temperatures, even in winter. Retirement in the sun is no longer a myth and, above all, it is accessible to everyone.

3 - For the quality of life   

Spain would be the most “ healthy ” country in the world for the year 2019 according to Bloomberg. It is the country in the European Union with the longest life expectancy at birth. According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, Spain could reach a life expectancy of 86 years in 2040. The Spanish diet, low in fat, could be one of the keys to explanation of such a classification. 

4 - For user-friendliness and security

Indeed, the Spanish are known to be generous. Their friendliness and joie de vivre are recognized worldwide. They have a sense of celebration and family and will help you integrate quickly. You don't speak Castilian yet? Do not panic ! The Spanish language is easy to learn, then you will find people speaking French and English a little everywhere because it is a tourist place. In addition, Spain is one of the safest countries in Europe as its increased fight against terrorism.  

5 - For the real estate market

Buying real estate for retirement in Spain means making the right investment. More and more Anglophone retirees are settling there. For example, you can easily find a 60 m² 2-bedroom apartment on the Costa Brava for 150,000 euros.

6 - For purchasing power

The cost of living in Spain is lower than in the United Kingdom . Whether it's filling your fridge, buying clothes or hobbies, your purchasing power will improve considerably. You will find, for example, generous menus at 10 euros in restaurants by the sea, Spanish gastronomy being an additional asset.

7 - For the many activities

Retirement is also the time to discover new places, to go out, to travel, to cultivate. The Costa Brava offers countless sports and cultural outings. You can also explore the natural sites as well as the beautiful cities nearby, such as Girona or Barcelona.

Spanish taxation and administrative procedures to settle

1 - The NIE (foreign identification number)

You are retired and you want to know the administrative procedures to settle in Spain? It's simple, just ask for your NIE (foreign identification number) at the Spanish Consulate in the United Kingdom , or at the police station in Spain. You will be asked to open a Spanish bank account and to buy real estate. Allow between 3 to 8 weeks to obtain it through the consulate. It can be issued immediately by going there. Its cost is around 12 euros.

2 - Open a bank account in Spain

In general, the pricing policies of Spanish banks are more attractive than in the United Kingdom , except for the big banks. You can open a bank account in Spain in 24 hours for all foreigners, it's free! 

3 - Spanish taxation

From the 183rd (non-continuous) day of stay in Spain, you will become a Spanish national. You do not need a visa since you are European. Another clarification: if you receive a retirement pension from the United Kingdom, you will pay your taxes in the United Kingdom . However, you will pay your local taxes (related to your property purchase) in Spain. To avoid double taxation, an agreement has been signed between the countries. This is a considerable advantage, given that taxes are low on the Iberian Peninsula.

Social protection in Spain for pensioners

It's simple, you have the choice between two systems:

• The public health system: it's free, but you don't choose your doctor;
• Private insurance : you pay for private insurance, for comfort: choice of doctor, faster appointment booking.

Finally, note that the health system in Spain has greatly improved. There are excellent structures and state-of-the-art equipment, as well as very competent health personnel. In addition, with the European card, you can transfer your social security rights to Spain.

A multilingual real estate agency to support you

You will understand, settling on the Costa Brava for retirement is a chance at hand. Our multilingual real estate agency , located on site, is an essential asset to facilitate your property search. We know the real estate market in the region perfectly and know how to listen to you to find you the rare pearl. We support you in all your efforts, which allows you to obtain a real estate investment at a lower cost and which exactly corresponds to your expectations. Our team of professionals continuously adapts to the booming local economy. In addition, we are multilingual, which facilitates the exchange during visits and the signing of the deed of ownership at the notary.

In summary, Spain offers multiple possibilities to Angloph one retirees who wish to settle there. Neighboring country friendly, safe and cheap, everything is possible! The Costa Brava has a dynamic economy thanks to tourism and the climate. Entrusting us with your real estate project on the Costa Brava is The solution for living a well-deserved retirement!