Pro’s and Cons of moving to Lanzarote?

Hi, My wife and I have been in Lanzarote for three years come April and although I wouldn't call them downsides, there are some important issues to consider when moving abroad (permanently?). 

1. We obtained a green residents card after employing a professional paperwork expert to do this. This card however is NOT a statement of permanent residency and only puts you on the radar for official purposes. You will be awarded an NIE or NIF number to identify you. From your official arrival in Spain you have six months to register for FISCAL residency. This is done through the local tax office and you should be sent a certificate that must be returned to HMRC with another form obtainable online or from a tax consultant that lets them know you are liable for tax in Spain.

2. If you are going to drive then it is advisable to get a Spanish licence. A straightforward procedure carried out at the trafico in Arrecife and the medical centre opposite.

3. Register at the local town hall (ayuntamiento) to obtain an "empadron" certificate. This puts you on the radar as a permanent resident for that particular municipality. This will also enable you to get a travel certificate for discounted travel in Spain. This costs the princely sum of 60 cents! 75% discounts in some cases.

4. From personal experience it is strongly advisable to keep at least one UK address (a relative or close friend) for official UK purposes. Many companies online (e.g. Ebay) will not send items to the Canaries. I have items forwarded on from my brothers address. Certain UK banks will not lend you money if you do not live in the UK for more than 183 days of the year. Entering your Lanzarote address will not, in some cases be recognised so have your credit cards registered with your UK address. Any foreign post codes entered on online forms will simply not work.

Hope this is some help. These are a few pointers and I am sure other would-be residents like us have discovered more pitfalls. We are still waiting for our fiscal certificate by the way.

Hi,

Many thanks for your reply any information is much appreciated!

:)

That’s brilliant thank you. Some good insight there. I did not know about the certs that were needed. Thanks a lot. How have you enjoyed your 3 years? Any regrets? 

You are most welcome. The reply I gave wasn't too detailed I must admit, but as some things change it would be a good idea to get a copy of The Gazette. A monthly magazine packed with useful contacts, not least paperwork experts and usually an article regarding property purchase. The only regret I have is not doing enough research before buying our first property. Nothing wrong with the legalities, I just misjudged the complex residents and their ego trips. Enough said. We now live in a nice village in the hills. 

Hi, which are the nicest villages in the hills ? 

Hi can you get The Gazette online? 

Yes you can - go to:

https://gazettelife.com/

Thanks I have subsc

How do you find a fiscal consultant ?

Who / where are they ?