Living in spain

Best advice is to beware the man in the corner of the bar who knows everything. Normally they are completely or partially wrong.

We arrived here end of June.

1) Make appointment to get an NIE -we had to go to Cartagena Police station. Take passports and copies.You will need an interpreter. 

2) Get your Padron as it is proof of address. You will need passports and a rental agreement at least.Again take an interpreter.

3)ASAP make appt for Residencia-I have waited since early July for mine.

4) Sort out healthcare. If getting Old age pension or your partner, you need to contact the place in UK. They send you your S1 form-you need one for each person, although the British lot say you do not, the Spanish say you do! Oh yes AND you need Residencia for Spanish NHS healthcare, You can use the E111 only while you are waiting for S1s. Healthcare here is of a high standard, so I have been told by some long term ex pats (in a Bar of course!)

5) Go to a Gestoria who speaks good English-they are great at sorting things out for you, but obviously there is a fee.

Take more docs than you think you need plus copies and passport photos just in case.

I am nearly there-Residencia appt next week, then I can get my HC sorted out.

Thank you

We are in Isla Plana. 

We used Jackie Galvez Renero in the port. For a fee she will advise or do everything for you . Her company is called translation 

mazarron. Jackie is Spanish and speaks fluent  English. Tracey who works witn her is English and speaks fluent Spanish. 

http://www.translationsmazarron.com/

Thank you Michelle