Interesting Information Spain & Frequently Asked Questions
We have placed our F A Q Frequently Asked Questions list below, and also some useful Money saving tips, we have also included a brief History on Spain, we hope you find this information interesting.
Additional information will be placed in this page as often as possible.
HOLIDAYS AND NON WORKING DAYS IN SPAIN
2007
Non-working days applicable to the whole of Spain
1st January New Year's day
6th January The Epiphany (the three wise men) The Three Kings Day (Los Reyes)
Easter Thursday
Good Friday
1st May The festivity of the workers
15th August The Ascension of the Virgin Mary to Heavens
12th October Spain 's National Day (Dia de la Hispanidad)
1st November All Saints Day
6th December Constitution's Day
8th December The Immaculate Conception
25th December Christmas Day
As well as the above, the following days are also non-working days in the Autonomous Communities of Valencia and Murcia
22nd January Saint Vincent Martyr
19th March Saint Joseph ( San Jose , Fallas in Valencia )
The Monday after Resurrection Sunday (Known as lunes de Pascua)
9th October Valencian Community Day
Non-working days applicable to the Autonomous Community of Murcia
18th April - "Bando de la Huerta". This is a local holiday in Murcia Capital only. A very colourful day where just about everybody dresses up in the Regional dress. A highly recommended and enjoyable day out.
22nd April - "El Entierro de la Sardina", (The Burial of the Sardine). This is not, strictly speaking, a working day anyway, as it will coincide with Sunday this year 2007; however, it's worthwhile watching the spectacular parade that takes place in the Gran Via Murcia . Literally millions of toys are given away to visitors, also a very enjoyable day out.
9th June - Murcia 's Community Day
SERVICES DIRECTORY
All information below is for the Area's we deal with.
Tourist Information
Cartagena 968 506 483
La Manga del Mar Menor 968 146 136
Lo Pagan 968 182 301
Los Alcazares 968 171 361
Santiago de la Ribera 968 571 704
Medical Centres
Costa Calida 968 142 125
Cabo de Palos 968 145 151
Cartagena 968 502 803
Fuente Alamo 968 598 080
La Manga 968 142 125
Los Alcazares 968 575 800
San Javier (Emergencies) 968 190 002
San Javier 968 190 495
San Pedro 968 181 710
Torre Pacheco 968 579 308
Emergency Services
Emergencies 112
Guardia Civil 062
National Police 091
Local Police 092
Hospitals
Santa Maria del Rosell 968 504 800
Los Arcos 968 570 050
Fire Brigade
Cabo de Palos 968 145 533
Cartagena 968 508 080
Mar Menor 968 171 302
Local Police
Cabo de Palos 968 145 577
Cartagena 968 515 151
Fuente Alamo 968 598 500
La Manga 968 145 577
Los Alcazares 968 574 044
San Javier 968 570 880
San Pedro 968 183 739
Torre Pacheco 968 585 151
Guardia Civil
Cabo de Palos 968 563 114
Cartagena 968 501 117
Fuente Alamo 968 597 035
La Manga 968 563 222
Mar Menor 968 335 920
Murcia 968 235 581
San Javier 968 570 306
San Pedro 968 180 610
Torre Pacheco 968 578 019
Airports
San Javier 968 172 000
Alicante 966 919 000
Bus Stations
Cartagena 968 505 656
Murcia 968 292 211
San Pedro 968 182 942
Trains
Balsicas 968 580 052
Cartagena 968 502 214
Murcia 968 252 154
Radio Taxis
Cartagena 968 520 408
La Manga 968 563 863
San Javier 968 573 300
San Pedro 968 180 808
Public and Local Services
Post Offices
Cabo de Palos 968 563 668
La Manga 968 564 981
San Javier 968 570 375
Santiago de la Ribera 968 570 224
Iberdrola (Electricity) 901 202 020
Town Halls
Cartagena 968 128 800
La Manga 968 146 136
San Javier 968 571 401
Waterworks
San Javier 968 141 838
ITV Cartagena 968 538 219
British Consulate 965 216 022
English Embassy 965 850 123
Social Security 968 190 002
Spain A Brief History
Spain is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and it is one of the cultural centers of Europe . Spain has a long and colorful History.
Here is a brief history of Spain with key dates and events which took place in the course of Spanish History.
1100 BC Phoenician traders establish colony at Cadiz in southern Iberia .
228 BC Carthaginians occupy southern and eastern Iberia .
218-220 BC Romans defeat Carthage in Second Punic War and occupy Iberian Peninsula .
74 Inhabitants of Iberia are granted full Roman citizenship.
409 Visigoths occupy Iberian Peninsula .
711 Combined Arab and Berber force from northern Africa cross Strait of Gibraltar to occupy Iberian Peninsula .
756 Independent Emirate is established in Iberia , with Cordoba as its capital.
913 Having re-taken territories in northern Spain , Christians establish capital in Leon .
1013 Powerful Caliphate of Cordoba breaks up due to internal strife ;Moorish Spain split into small feuding kingdoms.
1212 Decisive Christian victory at battle of Naves de Tulsa spells the beginning of the end of Moorish rule in Spain .
1492 King Fernando and Queen Isabel 's army capture Granada after a long siege, the final defeat of the Moors in Spain . Jews are forced to convert to Christianity; those who refuse are expelled from Spain . Christopher Columbus sets sail on his voyage of discovery.
1702-14 War of Spanish Succession. Bourbon dynasty accedes to Spanish throne.
1808-14 Peninsular War. Spaniards rise against Napoleon's occupying force. Combination of guerilla tactics and support from Wellington 's army end in French defeat.
1898 Spanish American War. Spain loses Cuba and Philippines .
1931 Spanish king is forced to abdicate. Spain becomes a republic.
1936-39 Spanish Civil War. Bloody conflict ends with General Franco's victory. Dictatorship established.
1975 Franco dies; Juan Carlos de Borbón is proclaimed king. Spain becomes constitutional monarchy. Democracy would bring membership of the European Community.
King Juan Carlos I of Spain
Click to enlarge
King Juan Carlos I of Spain was born in Rome , Italy , on Jan. 15, 1938 . The Spanish royal family had moved there after its country was proclaimed a republic in 1931.
Juan Carlos, the grandson of the last king Alfonso XIII, spent his early years in Italy before moving to Spain in 1947 at the express wish of his father who wanted him educated there.
This stay would last through his college years and into his 1962 marriage with Princess Sofia, the eldest daughter of King Paul I and Queen Federica of Greece .
After their marriage, the royal couple took up residence at Zarzuela Palace on the outskirts of Madrid , where they live today.
From the beginning of his education in Spain , Spanish Head of State Francisco Franco had taken a special interest in the prince. Franco submitted to the Cortes (parliament) a law in 1969 stating that Juan Carlos would be the future king of Spain . This designation marked the beginning of a period of official trips in Spain and visits to foreign countries.
In the same year, the future king swore loyalty to Franco's National Movement, even though he harbored sympathy for democratic institutions.
But Juan Carlos would not regain the throne for his family until Nov. 22, 1975 , following the death of Franco. It was then that he addressed the Cortes and set forth his basic principles of his reign, which included re-establishing democracy and to be king of all Spaniards, without exception.
Over a three year period, Juan Carlos was successful in peacefully bringing democracy to Spain , and in 1980, the country saw the first democratic elections since 1936. A new constitution established a parliamentary monarchy in which the king arbitrates and moderates the regular working of the institutions. Spain 's democracy movement survived a 1981 attempted coup d'etat.
In 1981, Juan Carlos became the first Spanish king to visit the Americas , and also the first crowned monarch to make an official visit to China . As such, he was the first Spanish head of state to visit a communist country.
The following year Spain entered NATO and in 1986 joined the European community.
Sea-Breeze Villas Frequently Asked Questions
Please take some time to study the information below, if you have any questions that are not covered please email us and we will to Answer as soon as possible.
WHAT IF I WANT TO LIVE IN SPAIN?
HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE RESIDENCE CARD (PERMIT)?
WHAT IF I WANT TO WORK IN SPAIN?
WHAT IF I WANT TO START A BUSINESS IN SPAIN?
WHAT IF I WANT TO BUY PROPERTY IN SPAIN?
WHAT ARE THE COSTS ON TOP OF THE PURCHASE PRICE?
WHAT IF I WANT TO BRING MY PETS TO SPAIN?
WHAT ABOUT MEDICAL CARE IN SPAIN?
WHAT IF I WANT TO RETIRE IN SPAIN?
WHAT IF I WANT TO LIVE IN SPAIN?
Certainly this might be an excellent decision and surely a healthier one, not only because of the much warmer climate all year round, but also because of the slower pace of life.
Life in Spain will be different to the life you might have been used to before, as everything is regarded from a more tranquil point of view, which makes life healthier due to less stress.
Last but not least, the thought of less environmental pollution and better air quality makes it appear a very good idea to live in Spain, not only for people looking for a better way of life but also for people suffering with certain health disorders that can gain an extra quality of life.
So what do you have to do? if you want to live in Spain on a permanent basis?
If you intend to spend more than six months physically present in Spain during one calendar year, you will be required to become a Spanish Resident. BUT: If you intend to spend no more than 103 days at one time in Spain, then you are free to do so without formalities!
Let us remind you that if your stay will be longer you will need a residence permit that allows you to live full time. In that matter Spain is no exception at all, as with other European countries "free circulation has not become the norm yet".
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HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE RESIDENCE CARD (PERMIT)?
From June 2004 all people wanting to do business in Spain be it working or purchasing a property etc, must apply for a Spanish number similar to a PRSI number in England or Ireland, this number is Called N.I.E it is very easy to get and helps you conduct all your business from setting up a water contract for your house to setting up a business
For a Residence card {permit}You will need the following:
Your passport and one complete photocopy of your passport.
Evidence of Medical insurance ( please note this for persons of non-retirement age, we will deal with pensioners later ).
Proof that you receive a regular income or have investment capital providing a regular income ( this will sometimes need to be translated ).
If your marital status is married you will be asked to provide an original marriage certificate and one photocopy.
You will be asked to pay a small amount, at present €5.80 Euros( approximated. 4 Pound Sterling ) for your Spanish state paper.
Four recent, passport size photos.
You make your application at the local police station "Policia Nacional ", at the Foreigners Department: "Departamento para Extranjeros" and all the forms are also available in English.
We would strongly suggest that you first spend some time in the place of your choice, as you have got 3 months (103 days) and then go through all the necessary formalities.
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WHAT IF I WANT TO WORK IN SPAIN?
There are two types of work permits existing, one for self employed:
(AUTONOMO) and one for employees: (CUENTA AJENA).
The same applies as in the UK according to the EU regulations of 1st January 1992 that require that all EU citizens looking for work in Spain must be treated equal as Spaniards.
What you should do, when you first arrive in Spain is to go to the Local office of the National Employment Institute (INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE EMPLEO). CUENTA AJENA-being employed by another, that is the simple translation (on another persons account ).
You will need to bring in your legal work contract (given by your employer) plus a photocopy.
You will also need your passport, four extra photographs + photocopy + €6.00 Euros(approximated. 4 Pound Sterling) for your papers.
The first work permit will be for 6 month and will be automatically renewed after every five years. (As long as there will be no new changes with the EU regulations)
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WHAT IF I WANT TO START A BUSINESS IN SPAIN?
As Spain's tourist industry is still growing there is much to do in it's commercial development and consumer industries.
So it can be said that there are good opportunities for setting up or buying a business not only because as Spain being a relatively new member in the EU is still benefiting from the extra cash from Brussels and also from a booming economy.
Of course as for the new start of any business you should carefully consider everything the type of etc? and set it up in an area in which you already have knowledge and expertise.
After the consideration of the market place and the final decision about which market to go for, you should make sure that you have proper financial backing, to avoid any type of unexpected surprises.
AUTONOMO- Self employed
Depending on what type of business you intend to set up the paperwork's and formalities required, do vary.
If it is your wish to set up a professional practice i.e. medicine, dentistry, architecture, etc.
The originals of all your titles and degrees should also come from an EU recognized body.
Any business no matter if a professional practice or a bar will need a business licence (IMPUESTO DE ACTIVIDADES ECONOMICAS).
The registration with the Social Security as self employed person will be needed.
The fees of self employed workers are approximated. 170.00 Euros per month (122 Pound Sterling) depending on sex and age.
The Social Security entitles you to state medical treatment and a pension after 15 years.
As with the above mentioned your passport plus photocopy , four extra photographs and 965 ptas. for your state papers will also be required. Your future place of work, office, surgery etc. will need a municipal opening licence (LICENCIA DE APERTURA).
In Spain it is usual to provide a so called GESTOR /Tax accountant to carry out all the steps mentioned here.
A GESTOR will charge you a small amount monthly but will take all the hassle and inconveniences out of your way and gets all your legal paperwork organized in return.
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1. PENSIONERS FREE OF CAPITAL GAlNS TAX!
If you are an official resident and 65 years of age or older, and you have lived in your home for three years, you will not be subject to Spanish capital gains tax when you sell the property, no matter how great your profit.
As a non-resident is subject to capital gains tax of 35 per cent.
This can represent a major saving. In today's fast-rising Spanish property market.
We have all heard the stories of people who bought five years ago for 150,000 euros and are selling today at 450,000 euros.
Wouldn't it be nice if you could keep all of the 300,000 euro profit. Instead of passing 100,000 euros of it to the Spanish tax man? Remember that the property must be your principal residence for the last three years.
2. LOWER CAPITAL GAINS
If you are a resident, your maximum
Capital gains tax is 15 per cent, and it can be even less, whereas the non-resident pays 35 per cent. This applies at any age.
The difference in the resident and nonresident rates arises from the fact that a resident pays his capital gains tax as part of his normal Spanish income tax declaration for the fiscal year in which the sale takes place. His maximum tax is limited to 15 per cent and this applies to the sale of any property, not only his principal residence.
3. NO 5% DEPOSIT
If you are a resident and you sell your property, you are not subject to having five per cent of the total purchase price withheld and deposited with Spain 's tax agency as a guarantee against your tax liabilities. When a non-resident sells property in Spain, the buyer pays him only 95 per cent of the price. The other five per cent goes straight to the Tax Agency, to make sure the non-resident seller does not take all the money and leave the country without paying his capital gains tax. If this deposit of five per cent is less than the total tax due, the seller must file a form and pay the remainder. If the deposit is more than the tax due, the seller can apply for a refund on the excess.
4. INHERITANCE TAX REDUCTION
If you are a resident when you die and you bequeath your home to a spouse or child who is also a resident, you can avoid Spanish inheritance tax on 95 per cent of the valuation.
The conditions are that you have owned and lived in your home for a minimum of three years as a resident.
The inheritor must also be a resident and must undertake not to sell the property for 10 years, while continuing to be a resident. Unfortunately, the top limit on the 95 per cent reduction is 120,000 euros. This means that, if your property is worth 200,000 euros, inheritance tax will be due on the excess of 80,000 euros.
Spain 's different autonomous regions, such as Valencia or Catalonia , administrate inheritance tax, so there are some variations from region to region. In Andalusia , for example, the exemption rises to 99.9 per cent on the first 120,000 euros.
5. NO FORM 214 TO FILE
A non-resident is subject to two annual taxes on his property. These are the nonresident property owner imputed income tax and "wealth tax". A non-resident property owner is required to file form 214 every year and pay his two taxes.
The imputed income tax attributes two per cent of the value of the property to the owner as if it were earned income. This imaginary income is then taxed at 25 per cent, the non-resident rate. It is easier to think of it as one half of one per cent of the value each year. The capital assets tax or "wealth tax" is charged at two-tenths of one per cent of the value.
The resident gets two breaks here. First, the imputed income tax does not apply to the owner's principal residence, so he pays nothing.
For the wealth tax, a resident of Spain has an exemption on the first 108,000 euros of any assets plus an exemption of 150,000 euros for his principal residence. This means a couple can each own half of a home worth 300,000 euros and pay no wealth tax at all. The non-resident pays from the first euro of valuation.
6. IT'S THE LAW
If you really live most of the year in Spain ,you are violating the law if you do not obtain a residence card. The law says that your tourist stay, even as a European Union citizen, is limited to 180 days per year. If you exceed the limit, you can be fined 300 euros. If you are not an EU citizen, you can even be expelled. If you are concerned about Spanish income tax once you are a resident, you will find it no worse than income tax in most countries, and less taxing than many nations.
