Making the move to Sotogrande Spain

1)Appoint trusted advisers

For an ex-patriate, this is as important as wearing suntan lotion. From your financial planner to your lawyer and accountant, having the right team around you is crucial. Build relationships with a multi-talented group of professionals experienced in cross-border law and tax, so that you are prepared for the future. Depending on your residency and ongoing ties with your home country, they will support your financial plan and help you achieve your objectives

2) Befriend your estate agent

Not only do they know the inside track on the property market, from the best locations to the new registration rules for holiday rentals. They are also an invaluable source of local knowledge; be this the best beach bars for a chilled glass of wine, the best way to approach a tapas bar crawl in Estapona or an emergency plumber’s number.

3) Review your income

Dependant on your residency, your income tax position will vary. Tax, along with inflation, can greatly erode your income; especially if it is fixed pension income. However, there are many ways you can receive income in a tax efficient way and being offshore does not affect your options. Advice in this area can be hugely beneficial.

4) Choose your bank carefully

Your bank manager can be a guide through the darkest depths of a paperwork underworld. I was fortunate to find a very helpful bank who helped me with everything from the ITVM for the cars to the community taxes. The simpler you can make your administration, the longer you have in the sun.

5) Join clubs and organisations

If you love your sport, it might be your local golf club, the padel centre or gym. For others, it might be relaxing on a boat or sipping rosé with the local community group. Either way, it’s a wonderful way to meet people. Not only can your form friendships for life, but their experience is priceless. Learn from them

6) Make a Spanish will

If you own property in Spain, regardless of whether you are tax resident or not, you will need a Spanish will. The Spanish government govern the treatment of this asset for your estate and though cross-border tax treaties exist to mitigate final tax bills, (as in the case of inheritance tax) a will is still recommended to comply with Spanish legislation and to ensure your loved ones receive the benefit as you intended

7) Take advantage of ex-pat opportunities

Becoming an ex-pat does not necessarily need to restrict your financial planning. Gibraltar; a hub of financial innovation, is right on our doorstep and international providers have significantly increased their product offerings for the overseas community. Feel free to explore what your options are.

8) Look at healthcare

It is important that you understand your rights under the Spanish medical system and have the right emergency numbers noted in your phone.

Private medical insurance in the Costa del Sol is very good and more affordable than many expect. Review your needs and make sure you and your family are covered for any eventuality.

9) Review your affairs regularly

Law changes and your financial plan should be reviewed, at least annually, to ensure it meets your requirement for secure tax efficient income and/or capital growth.

10) Hit the beach

Lifestyle is why you are here. If your affairs are in order, you can dive into the blue waters of the Costa del Sol with complete peace of mind.

This is sight was supply by Sara Lilley is a Chartered Financial Planner Contact her on: sara.lilley@ss-ifa.com TEL: +44 7921 578293

We at bmsotogrande.com are here to help you get settled as easerly as possible using our wealth of local knowledge gained over the last 15 years contact us property Sotogrande