The process of becoming resident in Spain has been simplified as much as possible, and it now involves less paperwork and time. However it is strongly advisable that new residents complete all the required procedures when registering, opening a bank account, obtaining medical cover and registering cars and driving licences. This is likely to save them an enormous amount of time and trouble when dealing with other aspects of the bureaucracy. Please see the sections on these topics for full information.
Using the Services of a 'Gestor'
Many people - including Spanish nationals - find that using the services of a 'Gestor' is the best way to cope with paperwork. The 'Gestor' is not a lawyer as such but will produce the final result with minimum stress, usually for a reasonable fee. New residents can do most of the work themselves, but if they have little time, do not speak fluent Spanish, or are confused by the Spanish administration system, the 'Gestor' can be useful.
However, 'Gestores' do not produce immediate results and residents should always obtain an estimate of costs before engaging their services. It is not uncommon for the 'Gestor' to require a down payment to cover the whole fee. Gestorías can be found in the Páginas Amarillas
Those who are entitled may be paid a British State Pension, Widow's Benefit and a War Disablement Pension whilst resident in Spain. Those in receipt of Mobility, Attendance, Disability, and/or Invalid Care Allowance before 1.6.92 may be able to arrange for their continuing payment whilst living in Spain as well.
With the exception of those mentioned above, benefits are not generally transferable abroad. This includes UK Income Support and Housing and Council Tax benefits, which are only payable to residents in Britain.
British citizens who take up residence in Spain usually have no entitlement to Spanish benefits. There is provision for a very basic form of Income Support to help the destitute, but applying for it could affect an expatriate's right to residence which is normally dependant on establishing that they have sufficient resources to live in Spain without becoming a burden on the State.
For further information please contact:
International Pension Centre
Department for Work and Pensions
Tyneview Park
Benton
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
NE98 1BA
Tel.: 00 44 (0)191 213 5000
Fax: 00 44 (0)191 218 3389
Education is obligatory for all children aged 6-16 if the parents are legally resident in Spain, and is free from pre-school to 18 years. However as pre-school is not obligatory, not all children can gain a place. The availability of places depends on the area of Spain and demand for them.
The British Council has details of schools in Spain which offer an English-type education. Most are members of the National Association of British Schools in Spain, which organises periodic inspections by British inspectors, in collaboration with the British Council.
British Council
Paseo General Martínez Campos 31
28010 Madrid
Tel.: 91 337 35 66/ 00
Fax: 91 337 35 73
www.britishcouncil.es
From 28 March 2007, Royal Decree 240/07 requires that all EU citizens planning to reside in Spain for more than three months register in person at the Foreigner´s Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) in their province of residence or at designated Police Stations. However, they will no longer be issued with a residence card and, instead, will be issued a Residence Certificate stating their name, address, nationality, identity number and date of registration. EU citizens who already have valid residency cards need take no action until their card expires. On expiry they too must register at the Oficina de Extranjeros or designated police stations. Please see FAQ´s
EU citizens must apply in person 3 months of entry by presenting a valid Passport, completing an application form and paying fee.
There is also provision for non-EU family members, who have entered on valid passports and visas (where required), to reside with EU citizens, providing they too register in person at the Oficina de Extranjeros or designated Police Stations within 3 months of entry. They will be issued with Tarjetas de Residencia de Familiar de Cuidadano de la Union (Residency cards for family members of EU citizens). Additional documents will be required.
You should obtain further information and application forms from:
A.- The Labour Ministry website for foreign nationals http://www.mir.es
B.- In person at the Oficina de Extranjeros or local police station in your province of residence.
The Oficina de Extranjeros contact details are:
Plaza del Mundo Nuevo, 3
28005 Madrid
Metro: Puerta de Toledo
To Schedule the mandatory appointment, please call:
91.322 6919, 91.322 6835 or 91.3226876
C.- By calling the Labour Ministry´s Immigration Directorate helpline:
91.363 9071, 91.363 9069 or 91.363 7108
Other useful links:
http://www.direct.gov.uk
www.munimadrid.es
In Spain, as in the other EU member states, the legislation that applies to the movement of pets since 2003 is contained in Regulation EC/998/2003 which sets animal health rules for the movement of pets for non-commercial purposes.
Non-vaccinated dogs, cats and ferrets aged under 3 months are allowed to travel, subject to prior authorisation, provided that they are accompanied by a passport. In order to request this authorisation, you should contact the Spanish authorities and provide them with the following information:
· Name and date of birth of the animal
· Microchip number
· Passport number
· Fax number for purposes of sending authorisation
Potentially dangerous animals
In Spain, the following breeds are classified as potentially dangerous under national legislation:
· Pit Bull Terrier
· Staffordshire Terrier
· Amercian Staffordshire Terrier
· Rottweiler
· Dogo Argentino
· Fila Brasileiro
· Tosa Inu
· AkitaInu
The owners of such animals should contact the Town Halls and Regional Governments where they intend to take up residence in order to register them and meet legal requirements.
For any enquiries or additional information relating to the requirements that must be fulfilled by pets travelling from the United Kingdom to Spain, please contact the Spanish authorities:
Spain:
Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación
Subdirección General de Sanidad Animal
C/ Alfonso XII nº 62 - 1ªpl
28071 Madrid
Tel. 00 34 91 347 8295 or 00 34 91 347 5866
Fax: 00 34 91 347 8299 or 00 34 91 347 8327
Email: sganimal@mapya.es
UK:
SpanishEmbassy
Consejería de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación
Spanish Embassy
39 Chesham Place
London SW1X 8SB
Tel. 44 207 235 5005
Fax. 44 207 259 6897
email: consmapa@btconnect.com
PET TRAVEL FROM SPAIN TO UK
The UK is continuing to use the name "Pet Travel Scheme" (PETS) (www.defra.gov.uk). This is the system that allows pet dogs, cats and ferrets from certain countries to enter the UK without quarantine as long as they meet the rules. It also means that people in the UK can take their dogs, cats and ferrets to other EU countries, and return with them to the UK.
The following link www.defra.gov.uk gives detailed information on all aspects of travel into the UK with pet animals including the Pets Travel Scheme.
PETS: Contact details
You can get more information about the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) and quarantine by contacting the UK authorities:
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
PETS helpline
Telephone: +44 (0)870 241 1710 (Monday to Friday - 8.30am to 5pm UK time)
Fax: +44 (0) 1245 458749
Email: pets.helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk (please enclose your postal address and a day time telephone number)
Quarantine Section
State Veterinary Service
Government Offices
Beeches Road
Chelmsford
Essex
CM1 2RU
Telephone: +44 (0) 1245 358383
Fax: +44 (0) 1245 458749
Buying property in Spain has many potential pitfalls and is subject to different legal procedures than in the UK. Below is a list of do’s and don’ts to assist buying a house or flat in Spain.
DO
Use the services of a reputable independent local lawyer. Avoid lawyers suggested or provided by the seller. Only an independent lawyer will know all the checks that should be made before parting with money.
Remember that you will have to use the services of a Public Notary. The Notary is not acting for you, and will not give advice. He/she is an official of the state whose job is to ensure that all transactions are in the proper form.
Parties to a sale and purchase should appear in person before the Notary at the same time. Alternatively they can give power of attorney (in the Spanish form) to their lawyer (or anyone else) to represent them.
Use a reliable and established estate agent.
Unless you speak fluent Spanish, always have documents explained to you by someone you can trust. It is worth the expense of having lengthy documents translated, e.g. title deeds, so that you understand fully what the original documents say and mean.
Ask your lawyer to confirm with you, in writing, that there is no mortgage or other charge or encumbrance registered on the property you are intending to buy, that is registered in the name of the seller, and that there are no outstanding local taxes or capital gains tax (“plusvalia”). Make sure that all the community payments are up to date (note: Jan 2007 tax will be the same for resident and non resident 18%).
DON’T
Think you can buy a property without taking independent professional advice. If you do, you could end up with neither property nor money.
Part with any money unless you are absolutely sure what you are getting for it and have received professional confirmation that everything is in order.
Buy under pressure from seller.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office cannot give legal advice on buying a property in Spain but Consular Offices in Spain can supply a list of local English speaking lawyers.
Further information is available from:
Association of Spanish Property Owners
West Heath House
32 North End Road
London NW11 7PT
Buying property in the Valencian Autonomous Community .
Rented accommodation is regulated under the Ley 29/1994, de 24 de noviembre, de Arrendamientos Urbanos Ley 29/1994, de 24 de noviembre, de Arrendamientos Urbanos (LAU)
TIMESHARE
Timeshare ownership carries many risks and dangers for the unaware. Prospective purchasers or sellers are advised to study any offers with care. They should never sign anything unless there is written provision for a “cooling-off” period during which they can change their mind without penalty.
Further advice is available from:
The Organisation for Timeshare in Europe
Timeshare Consumer Association
European Consumer Centre
Importation and Registration
UK nationals who are not residents may bring their car into Spain, but neither they nor anyone else can use it in Spain for more than six months in any one year. Anyone who spends more than a total of six months a year in Spain is considered resident, and must therefore import and register the vehicle.
Importation
The procedures relating to importation are complex. The motoring associations in Britain, and the Real Automovil Club de España www.race.es (C/ Eloy Gonzalo 32, 28010 Madrid Tel.: 91 594 72 33/ 91 594 72 43) can provide guidance, but the authoritative source of information is the Directorate-General of Customs in Madrid (Dirección General de Aduanas, C/ Guzmán el Bueno 137, 28003 Madrid. Tel. (00 34) 91 553 02 00 / Fax (00 34) 91 553 52 42)
Motor Insurance Regulations
Spanish insurance regulations differ from those in the UK.
It is important to check carefully what cover your policy provides. ASEGURACE may provide guidance (Tel: 902 120 441)
Driving Licences
Driving licences issued from 1990, and the photocard licence issued from 1997 are accepted in Spain. However, the minimum age required to drive is 18 years.
Licences issued before 1990 are only accepted if accompanied by an official translation into Spanish (available from the Spanish Embassy in London and the Real Automóvil Club de España if the licence holder is already in Spain). Holders of these may prefer to use an International Licence issued anywhere outside Spain.
The licence holder may retain their British licence (if issued after 1990) or exchange it for a Spanish one, subject to the same medical examinations as Spanish nationals.
It is advisable to exchange UK licences for Spanish ones, which are also valid for visits to the UK. The DVLA www.dvla.gov.uk will not put a non-British address on a replacement licence, or send one out of the country. Therefore, if a British licence is only registered with Spanish authorities and is lost or stolen, a replacement cannot be obtained from the UK, and Spanish authorities will not be able to replace one they did not issue.
More information: Please contact the Jefatura Provincial de Trafico in your area. www.munimadrid.es
Licence Renewals
Licences are valid for ten years if the licence holder is under 45, 5 years from 45 to 70 years and two years thereafter. To renew a licence the applicant needs a medical certificate issued by an officially recognised centre.
Registering on Spanish plates
The procedures relating to registration are complex. The motoring associations in Britain and the Real Automóvil Club de España can provide guidance, but the authoritative source of information is the Directorate-General of Customs in Madrid (Dirección General de Aduanas, C/ Guzmán el Bueno 137, 28003 Madrid Tel. (00 34) 91 553 02 00 / Fax (00 34) 91 553 52 42)
www.munimadrid.es www.dvla.gov.uk www.race.es
Finding work in Spain
There is a high level of unemployment in Spain, and it is often difficult for foreigners to find work. There is often temporary and seasonal work available e.g. in bars, mainly in holiday areas. Work can also usually be found as an English Teacher in one of the many language schools, although the better jobs will go to those with a qualification such as TEFL. A good knowledge of Spanish is normally essential for most long-term jobs.
Job centres in the UK have details of vacancies throughout the EU, supplied to them through the EURES network, which supports free movement of workers within Europe. As well as UK job centres, EURES can be contacted through Job Centres in Spain (Oficinas de Empleo). For more information visit http://europa.eu.int/jobs/eures or call 0114 259 6190.
Employees may wish to seek legal advice before signing any contract for work. Companies with over fifty employees will normally have a trade union representative who can advise on basic rights and recommend a labour lawyer.
Those looking for work are expected to support themselves while doing so. Unemployment benefit may be transferable to Spain for a limited period. Spanish benefits are not usually payable to non-Spanish nationals.
Further information: INEM(National Employment Office, c/ Espartinas 10. 28001 Madrid. Tel: 91 576 89 02)
Self-employment
Those who take up self-employment will need to apply for the necessary documentation. Information is available from PYME(the office for small and medium enterprises). The Ventanilla Única which helps those wishing to set up business may be helpful. Prospective self-employees can also ask for the Enterprise Creation Support Service (Servicio de Apoyo a la Creación de Empresas) at their nearest INEM (Job Centre).
The British Consulate-General in Madrid and the British Consulates in other cities are not equipped to provide an employment service and cannot reply to enquiries about openings for employment, enter into detailed correspondence or make arrangements in connection with paid or unpaid work. Nor can they intervene in disputes over employment, contracts etc.
PYME c/ Castelló 117. 28006 Madrid Tel: 900 190 092 www.ipyme.org
INEM c/ Espartinas 10. 28001 Madrid. Tel: 91 576 89 02 www.inem.es
Bank Accounts
Non-Residents: Visitors can open a bank account with a non-resident certificate, which they can get from the local Spanish police office by presenting their passport and a copy of the original and completing the application form. Visitors must close these accounts if they become resident.
Residents: UK nationals resident in Spain can open a bank account with a residence card. If they do not have a residence card (see Entry and Residence Requirements), UK nationals can open a bank account with their passport and an NIE (Foreigner Identification number)
More information is available from Ministry of the Interior
Transfer of Capital
There is generally no restriction on the import of capital into Spain, but it is advisable to check with your bank in case any special formalities are necessary.
Taxation
Britain has a double taxation agreement with Spain, to ensure people do not pay tax on the same income in both countries. However, taxation is a complex issue, and advice should be sought. The Spanish Finance Ministry publishes a book in English called 'Taxation Regulations for Foreigners'.
Further info: Agencia Tributaria
LAWYERS
Legal Advice
The list is provided by the British Consular Network for the convenience of enquirers, but neither HMCG nor any official of the Consulates take any responsibility for the competence or probity of any firm/lawyer on the list or for the consequence of any legal action initiated or advice given.
Importation of personal and household effects from the UK (or other EU countries)
There are generally no restrictions, but anyone who wishes to bring valuable items into Spain temporarily, e.g. fine art collections, should consult the nearest Spanish Consulate. Otherwise, the only documentation necessary is a list of the items to be imported, and a valid passport. EU citizens do not pay tax on personal and household effects as long as they were not purchased duty free.
Importation of personal and household effects from non-EU countries
These can be brought into Spain, if imported on establishing residence, but the documents described below should accompany the effects for presentation to customs authorities.
An application form, including a request that the Head of the Customs Office allow their entry free of duty. This should be accompanied by a list of goods in duplicate stating the approx. value of each item in Euros. Both documents, written in Spanish should be signed by the owner of the goods and legalised by a Spanish Consulate.
Proof of having obtained Spanish residence. Customs may request a deposit or Banker's Guarantee until proof is produced.
A photocopy of the owner's passport, legalised by a Spanish Consulate General, if the owner is not present at the time of the entry of the good into Spain.
Transportation of personal effects
New residents should always hire a reliable removal firm. All reputable international removal firms in the UK should be fully aware of Spanish regulations on the transport of personal and household effects.
Anyone contemplating bringing their effects out in a privately owned or hired van should consult the Spanish Embassy for advice.
Mutual recognition of qualifications
The European Commission can provide a list of EU directives on mutual recognition of qualifications. Those wishing to take up employment in Spain, and who are professionally qualified, should check that their qualifications are recognised by Spain under the relevant EU directive, otherwise there may be long delays in establishing recognition of qualifications.
Information about the Homologation/ Convalidation procedure in Spain for academic or professional awards and certification is available from:
Subdirección General de Títulos, Convalidaciones y Homologaciones
Paseo del Prado, 28. Madrid
Tel.: 902 21 85 00
wwwn.mec.es
Responsibility for convalidation in Britain rests with the Department for Education and Skills.
Information on this is available from www.dfes.gov.uk/europeopen
Some qualifications will not be validated in Spain, especially those of self-employed crafts or trades such as construction workers, hairdressers, insurance agents and brokers. They can secure recognition of their qualifications as a substitute for the relevant Spanish qualification via a “Certificate of Experience”. This can be obtained via the DfES on application with proof of work experience (generally five or six years) in Britain. British nationals can obtain a certificate of experience application pack from:
Certificate of Experience Office
Department for Education and Skills
QfW2 / E3B
Moorfoot
Sheffield S1 4PQ
Tel.: 0114 259 4237
Further details on this are available via the same portal wwwn.mec.es under the heading of "Directives" and "Transitional Measures Directives"
Information on things you may wish to do as a resident in Spain including marriage, voting and making a will, and situations you may find yourself involved in such as legal proceedings and deaths involving UK nationals.
For more information on moving to Spain see Directgov, Travel Foundation´s Insider Tips Guide for Spainand Age Concern España
For information on moving to the Canary Islands see Notes on settling in Tenerife and British organisations and publications in Las Palmas
For information on Land Law issues please visit Spain's Travel Advice
Be aware that The Committee on Petitions of the European Parliament recently published a report into several contentious Land Law issues in Spain. The report majored on the situation in the Valencia region, and again warned perspective purchasers of the dangers of buying property in this area.
Report on the Fact-finding visit to Madrid, Valencia, Andalucía
The death of a relative or friend is always distressing. But if it happens abroad the distress can be made worse by practical problems. Consular Directorate in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and our Consulates in Spain are ready to help in any way that they can. You may be uncertain what to do next or who to contact for advice. These notes are designed to help you through the practical arrangements you will need to make. While care has been taken in compiling these notes, no legal liability for their contents is accepted by the British Embassy, British Consulates General in Spain or HM Government.
You should be aware that Spanish procedures differ significantly to those in the United Kingdom. While we understand your need to make arrangements as quickly as possible, this may not always be possible.
Standard Procedures
Except in remote rural areas, Spanish undertakers are modern, well-equipped companies used to working with foreigners. Most have at least one English-speaking staff member.
Following the death of a British national in Spain, their next of kin, or a formally appointed representative, must decide whether to repatriate the deceased to the UK, or carry out a local burial or cremation. If the deceased was covered by travel insurance, it is important for next of kin to contact the insurance company without delay. If there is no insurance cover, the cost of repatriation or burial will need to be met by the family. Neither the Foreign and Commonwealth Office nor our Consulates in Spain have budgets to meet these costs.
Consular staff in London will pass on to the Consulate in Spain the wishes of the next of kin about disposal of the body, and details of who is taking responsibility for the costs involved. We will do our best to ensure these wishes are carried out.
Under a strict interpretation of Spanish law, a deceased person must be buried within 72 hours of death. However, in the case of foreign nationals the authorities will normally allow as much time as necessary, although this should not be longer than a few days.
It is important to remember that if the deceased was travelling with a tour operator, they can be a valuable source of assistance and advice.
If the deceased was covered by travel insurance, the insurance company will normally have a standing agreement with an International funeral director in Britain to arrange repatriations. If the deceased is not covered by insurance, next of kin will need to appoint an undertaker in Spain or an International funeral director themselves. A list of British companies is attached to the back of this document. Spanish undertakers have links with international undertakers in the UK and they normally work well together to ensure that all necessary requirements are met in Spain and in the UK.
Local Undertakers in Spain are equipped to carry out repatriation procedures and will provide the special caskets required for the international carriage of human remains. A local civil registry death certificate, plus the doctor's death certificate (indicating cause of death), a certificate of embalming, and a certificate giving permission to transfer the remains to the UK is required to ship the body. This will be arranged by the Spanish Undertaker. Our Consulates can provide covering certificates for British Customs. Local formalities for repatriation normally take 8 to 10 days to complete.
In certain circumstances repatriation may not always be possible. Our consular staff will try and inform next of kin as soon as possible if this is the case.
If next of kin choose to proceed with a local burial, they will need to instruct a local funeral director. Our Consulates in Spain can provide a list of funeral directors on request, including indications of costs, and can help with practical arrangements. Please note that in Spain 'burial' often means an above ground crypt. Rights to this are normally held for only 5 years, unless specifically purchased in perpetuity.
Cremation is now widely accepted in Spain and, except in rural areas, there are modern, well equipped, crematoria. If next of kin choose local cremation and wish to take the ashes back to the UK themselves, they can do so with minimal bureaucracy. If this is not possible, local undertakers will be able to arrange the necessary paperwork and transportation. There are no restrictions on movement of ashes within the EU. Airline regulations stipulate that ashes must be placed in luggage for the hold or sent as cargo and cannot be transported as hand luggage.
Inquests
If the circumstances of the death were not unusual (see below), registration of the death is permitted and the body will be released for repatriation or burial within a few hours. However, if an Examining Magistrate is not satisfied after a preliminary examination of the facts, an autopsy may be required. Further investigations and interviews with witnesses may also be called for before a decision is made as to cause of death.
In cases of sudden or unexpected death, whether by accident or misadventure, or where a person dies unattended, the Examining Magistrate will prepare a report of his findings and the body will be released for burial. The Magistrate's report will be retained by the Court and may only be released to the legal representative (a local lawyer) of the next of kin. However, if death was caused by a criminal act, the police will be ordered to conduct a full investigation. The State Prosecutor will then decide whether to prosecute. This can delay the release of the body for burial.
Autopsies are carried out by court appointed forensic doctors. During an autopsy, organs can be removed for testing, including toxicological studies, at the discretion of the doctor, without consent of next of kin. Next of kin are not informed about the removal of any organs. The deceased’s body can be buried or cremated in Spain or returned to the UK before tests on removed organs are completed. Any organs removed are retained for the duration of the tests, and are then put in storage for at least one month before being destroyed. Organs cannot be removed for any purpose other than testing without prior consent of the deceased (for research) or next of kin (transplants).
Next of kin can seek a court order requiring the eventual return of these organs. If the deceased’s body has been repatriated, next of kin should contact their local coroner in the UK in order to request the return of any organs removed.
Organ Donation
Each comunidad has a regional office and there is a also a national office in Madrid. Each regional office and the national office are able to issue organ donor cards. Even if a person carries a card or has expressed a desire for his organs to be donated, under Spanish law the NOK have to give permission to the Hospital authorities. Without the authority of the NOK, organs cannot be donated (Ley de Transplantes).
Madrid Office:
Oficina Coordinadora de Transplantes de la Comunidad de Madrid
Plaza Carlos Trías Bertrán, 7
28020 Madrid (In the Azca Building "Moda Shopping" in Nuevos Ministerios)
Tel: 91 4265911
Organización Nacional de Transplantes Madrid
Tel: 91 314 2406
UK Coroners
When a body is repatriated to England or Wales, a coroner will hold an inquest only if the death was violent or unnatural, or if the death was sudden and the cause unknown. In some countries the cause of death is not given on the death certificate, and coroners do not generally have access to judicial files from other countries. Consequently coroners may order a post-mortem as part of the inquest.
Coroners can request copies of post-mortem and police reports from the Spanish authorities. However, these will only be provided once any judicial proceedings are completed. In some instances this can take many months.
In Scotland, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) deals with the investigation of all sudden, suspicious, accidental, unexpected and unexplained deaths which occur in Scotland. However, the COPFS does not have the jurisdiction to investigate deaths that occur outside Scotland apart from a few limited circumstances. Broadly, those circumstances include terrorism, cases where the death may been caused in Scotland but the person died outside Scotland and cases where where the death was as a result of murder or culpable homicide caused by another British citizen or subject.
Coroners in Northern Ireland are not obliged to hold an inquest into cause of death. However, next of kin can apply for a judicial review if no inquest is held.
Release of Information
Access to information concerning a death, other than post-mortem and police reports, is restricted. The Spanish authorities will not provide this information directly to next of kin, or to third parties including our Consulates. Requests for this information should be made through a legal representative. Our consular staff can provide lists of English speaking lawyers throughout Spain. The release of any information can take many months, and the documents will be in Spanish.
Legal Aid
British nationals without the available means to appoint legal representation can apply for legal aid in most European countries. The Legal Services Commission in London (tel: 020 7759 0000, website www.legalservices.gov.uk ) is responsible for legal aid applications overseas. The Legal Services Commission currently forwards applications for legal aid to their counterparts in Spain, where cases will be considered for their eligibility (based on Spain’s criteria).
Consular Death Registration
There is no obligation for the death overseas of a British national to be registered with the British Embassy. However, there are the advantages that a British form of death certificate is then available, and that a record of the death is afterwards held at the General Register Office in the UK.
To apply from within the UK, you should contact Nationality and Passports Section of Consular Directorate, Old Admiralty Building, London SW1A 2AF Tel: 020 7008 0186. If you are applying from Spain, you should contact the nearest Consulate.
Contact
British Consulate-General, Madrid
Tel: +34 91 524 97 00; Foreign and Commonwealth Office, London Spain Desk, Consular Directorate
Tel: +44 20 7008 0148/0189/0178/0174
International Funeral Directors
Funeral Director; Address
; Tel/Fax; Email/web
Co-Operative Funeral Services; 119 Paisley Road
Glasgow G5 8RL; Tel: 0141 3086217
Fax: 0141 4294169; glasgow.paisley@letsco-operate.com
Kenyon Christopher Henley; 81 Westbourne Grove
London W2 4UL; tel: 020 7313 6920
fax: 020 7313 6999; www.kchrepatriation.com
info@kchrepatriation.com
Rowland Brothers International; 299-305 Whitehorse Rd
Croydon CR0 2HR; Tel: 020 8684 2324
Fax: 020 8684 8000; info@rowlandbrothersinternational.co.uk
www.rowlandbrothersinternational.co.uk
National Association of Funeral Directors; 618 Warwick Road
Solihull B91 1AA; Tel: 0121 711 1343
Fax: 0121 711 1351; info@nafd.org.uk
Please note that the listing of the companies above does not represent FCO endorsement of their services.; ; ;
Civil and religious (Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jewish and Muslim) marriages can be celebrated in Spain for people over 18.
Applications for civil marriages must be made to the Civil Registry, District Court or Town Hall in the place where the marriage is to be celebrated.
If the applicant who is resident in the UK is required to produce a Certificate of No Impediment, Notice of marriage can be displayed in their local town hall and a Superintendent Registrar can issue a Certificate of No Impediment. This will then have to be exchanged for the Spanish equivalent at the nearest British Consulate in Spain.
British documents (birth certificate, letter from Electoral Registration office etc.) will usually need to bear the The Hague Apostille , which is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, and be translated as mentioned above.
While Spanish law appears to permit foreigners to marry in Spain, in practice it will usually be necessary for one of the couple to have been legally resident in Spain for at least two years. An application for marriage in Spain will usually involve lengthy and time-consuming paperwork, and applicants should therefore allow enough time before the intended date of marriage for the application to be processed.
There are no facilities for a marriage at a British Consulate in Spain. Where couples are unable to marry in Spain, Gibraltar may offer a possible alternative.
Information is available from:
Civil Status & Registration Office. Marriage Registry, 277 Main Street, Gibraltar. Tel.: 00 350 72289 / 78303 (9767 72289 / 78303 from Spain)
Requirements for religious marriages vary according to the denomination and area in which an applicant lives, and applicants will be asked for a variety of documents. Please consult the relevant authority for information on these.
Religious marriages are recognised as legal under Spanish law, but to obtain an official marriage certificate, and for it to be accepted in the UK, marriage must subsequently be registered with the local civil authorities. Therefore, it is important to confirm that the officiator of the marriage is licensed to marry and to establish arrangements for civil registration.
Recent Spanish legislation has provided for same sex marriages under equivalent conditions to opposite sex marriages. The above procedures apply in full therefore.
UK Civil Partnerships
There is currently no provision in Spanish law to recognise UK Civil Partnerships. At the British Embassy Madrid’s request, the Spanish Ministry of Justice is now considering the status of UK Civil Partnerships in Spanish law. British Nationals living in Spain are responsible for ensuring their own local administrative arrangements comply with Spanish law – UK civil partners should consult a lawyer/accountant over any concerns relating to next of kin/property/inheritance tax/tax issues.
The information on this website on marrying or entering into a civil partnership in Spain is provided as a general guide and is based upon information provided to the FCO by the relevant local authorities. The information on this website is therefore only up to date and accurate to the extent that such authorities provide us with timely and accurate information. Accordingly the FCO does not guarantee that this information is accurate and will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information. British nationals wishing to obtain information about marriage or civil partnership must also contact the relevant local authority to be sure of the requirements that they need in order for their ceremony to go ahead.
All expatriates are advised to make a will, as intestacy can cause great difficulty to heirs.
We understand it is acceptable to make a British will for any property or assets in the UK, and a Spanish will for property or assets held in Spain. However, Spanish law is complex, and differs considerably to English law, so professional legal advice should be sought on all aspects.
The Consular Offices in Spain can provide a list of English-speaking lawyers who may be able to assist.
Elections in the UK:
A British resident in Spain may vote in UK General Elections for up to fifteen years while they are abroad. Voting forms are available from all Consular Offices in Spain. If you wish to download a form, please click here . More information about British Nationals voting from abroad in UK and European elections is available from www.aboutmyvote.co.uk
Elections in Spain:
British residents may also vote in local and European elections (and stand as candidates). For this, they must appear on the municipal register (padrón municipal) at their local Town Hall (which all residents are legally required to do), and produce their residence card or passport and evidence that they reside in the appropriate electoral registration area (such as title deeds, rent contract etc.) Those residents who already appear on the municipal register must go to the Town Hall and state specifically that they wish to be able to vote. Appearing on the register does not automatically mean residents are registered to vote.
Further information is available from the Ministry of the Interior Tel.: 900 101 900, www.mir.es