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Spain is a fairly bureaucratic country, with a red tape tradition going back centuries. It is inevitable that you will encounter numerous paperwork projects while you are living here. The following articles will provide insights into some specific projects as well general information and advice that should help you regardless of the task you face.
"There is no cure for birth and death, save to enjoy the interval," wrote the Spanish-born philosopher, George Santayana. Death is one of the few constants of life that can strike at anytime and anywhere, and Andalucia is not exempt.
As a consumer in Andalucia you will find at your disposal dedicated government offices designed to advise you regarding your rights and responsibilities. There are also numerous private consumer organisations that operate at both national and regional level. In the following articles you will find more specific information to help you find your way.
What many British expats miss most about living in Andalucia is a good curry. But don’t worry – you can find plenty of Indian restaurants on the Costa del Sol. So if you need a little more heat than your Andalucian gambas pil-pil, then take a trip to one of the curry houses along Andalucia’s coast, and beyond.
It can be quite a culture shock to up sticks and live abroad. Many people decide to settle in Andalucia, after many years of spending pleasant vacations in this beautiful part of Spain. However, if you have been used to hotels, rented accommodation or perhaps staying with friends and family.
An increasing number of people are either bringing their pets with them when they move to Spain, or else acquiring them here, reassured by the fact that, if they have to move for any reason, their pet doesn't have to be left behind.
The issues faced by owning a car and driving in Andalucia are similar to those faced in the rest of Spain. Some of these issues outlined below are different depending on whether you hold a license from Spain, or another EU country, or if you hold a non-EU license. Listed below is information on a variety of car and driver-related topics.
Many people have found southern Spain to be an excellent place to start a family and raise children. Children are highly esteemed in Spanish culture and generally welcomed in restaurants and all kinds of events. As they say in Spain, "Cada niño nace con un bar de pan debajo del brazo" - or "Every child is born with a bar of bread under its arm".
EU citizens are allowed to use their home country drivers' licenses while on holidays in Spain, residents have two options. Once you become a resident in Spain, you can head to your provincial traffic headquarters and apply for a new Spanish version (at a cost of 26 euros) or you can continue driving with your EU license.
Buying a second-hand car can be a stressful endeavour. Many people believe that buying a used vehicle is tantamount to buying another person’s problems. However, purchasing a second-hand vehicle can be an economical way to maintain yourself in a trustworthy and even stylish vehicle.
When a driver loses points from Spain’s point based drivers’ license, they can officially be recuperated in two ways: Two points are given back to drivers if they manage not to lose any points for two years. Attending special refresher theory and road safety courses is a requirement for those who loose all their points.
Spanish law requires that all motor vehicles in Spain must have third party insurance in place, designed to compensate third parties injured or who suffer loss in a road traffic accident. The current limit is set at €70m for personal damages and €15m for material damage.
Anyone holding a Spanish drivers' license must renew the document according to the following schedule: From the time you receive your license until you turn 45 years old, you must renew every 10 years. From the ages of 45 to 70, you must renew every 5 years. From the age of 70, you must renew every 2 years. Renewal involves paying a fee, of course, and passing physical and "psico-tecnico" exams.
Any national taking up residence in Spain will be exempt from Import Duties. Importing is simple however the re-registraton process is very complicated.
All risk "todo riesgo" car insurance will cost between 1.000 euros to 2.000 euros per year for a small car. Third party insurance is the legal minimum and will cost about 400 euros per year. It will cover you for claims by third parties up to 360.000 euros, for injury and 100.000 euros for damage. It does not cover you or your car, only third parties up to the maximum limits stated.
Both unlicensed drivers and many non-EU citizens are required to take a driving test in order to obtain the Spanish license required of all residents in this country. If the test is available in your native language at this time, you're troubles are nearly solved. Proceed to seek out an academy that offers support, manuals and practice tests, pay your fees and continue with the course until you pass both the written and the practical test.
If you are unlucky and have a car accident make sure you obtain the licence plate, drivers name and NIF number and the name of the insurance company of the other vehicle. Complete the blue form which you should carry at all times. This helps to record all relevant information and includes space to draw a picture of the accident. If you are driving a hire car telephone the hire car company for assistance.
If you are a foreigner in Spain for more than six months (182 days) in one year then legally you must import your car onto Spanish number plates. The six month requirement is on the owner and not the car itself. As the movement of EU citizens is not recorded by passport stamps these days it may be more difficult to prove your status should the police request it.
The rental car industry is thriving in Andalucia thanks to a constant influx of tourists. An offshoot of this industry is a second hand car industry that features almost new cars that even come with a limited guarantee - all at a fraction of the cost of buying a new vehicle.
The Royal Decree 240/2007 requires that everybody planning to reside in Spain for more than six months should obtain a Residence Certificate or Card at the local Oficina de Extranjeros. The TIE card is issued to Non-EU foreigners legally resident in Spain, hence it is a useful document to have to prove your status.