Living In Spain
Bureaucracy
Spain has a bad reputation for bureaucracy. However, all the forms are not there simply to annoy you and if you have the time, patience and reasonable Spanish - then you can achieve anything. If you have any problems you will normally find the staff in the Town Hall offices more than helpful. If you don't speak Spanish, you should find someone - a 'gestor' or a friend to help you with the translating.

Taxes
For the average earner, income tax in Spain is similar to the one in the UK. There is also a \"wealth tax\" for property owners and local rates (again payable by the property owner, unless explicitly stated in the contract). Social Security payments are higher for low earners.

Television
Spanish television consists exclusively of South American soap operas and mindless quiz or talk shows. Bear in mind that Spanish TV is not compatible with either British or North American TV. British satellite TV is available in all areas. You should be aware though, that having a Sky satellite in Spain is against the rules (due to copyright restrictions and the TV license). You will need a UK address and a UK bank account to have one.

Business hours
The Spaniards are noted for their late mornings and late nights. Businesses open at 10 AM and close for siesta from 1.30 PM till 5 PM. They reopen until 8 or 9 PM. Banks are open during the mornings only, but they usually open at 8am and are closed on Saturdays. Bars and nightclubs open very late.

NEW REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE ISSUE OF RESIDENCE CARDS
Published in Royal Decree 178/2003 of 14 February 2003 and in the Official State Bulletin (BOE) of 22 February 2003. From 1 March 2003, British and other EU citizens, intending to remain in Spain for a continuous period of more than 90 days and who come under the following categories, no longer need to apply for a residence card and are able to reside in Spain with a valid passport (or DNI where applicable) : Employees, Self-employed, Students and EU national dependants of a EU or Spanish national. Dependents who are non-EU nationals will continue to require a residence card and may have to obtain a special visa before travelling to Spain. Residence cards and certificates confirming non-residence/residence status may be applied for on an optional basis. Voluntary applications should be made direct to the local Comisaria de Policia or Oficina de Extranjeros. The issue of a card or certificate is at the discretion of the Spanish authorities. Further information on the documents to be submitted is available on toll free telephone number 900 150 000. Interested individuals should also consult the Ministry of the Interior's website www.mir.es (Spanish Home Office)
This advise is given by www.tradepartners.gov.uk

Importing a car
If you take your car to Spain, then legally you should think about officially importing it (getting Spanish plates) within 6 months. Again, many ex-pats don't bother, but you should be aware that your car could be impounded if you don't, and insurance is very expensive for foreign cars. On the other hand, importing a car into Spain is quite a long and painful process, especially if the car is right-hand drive. If you do decide to import your car, then it is a good idea to get your residencia (see above) first, as you will not then have to pay import tax. Visit your local ayuntamiento (town hall) or a gestor for a full list of requirements.

Opening a bank account
You may do so just with your passport in any Spanish bank

Driving licence
If you intend to live in Spain permanently, you should register your foreign driving licence with the registry of the drivers in Spain. This can be done by any gestor or you may wish to organise it by yourself. You will have to undergo a medical examination to prove that you are fit and healthy and able to drive. Driving licences issued in a member countries of a EU are valid in Spain. If your driving licence has been issued by a country which is not a member of a European Union, you must change your foreign licence for a Spanish one. Failing to have your driving licence exchanged within the first six months will result in a fine of appx 450 Euros. Alternatively or if you intend to travel back to your home country or live in Spain only during some months of the year, you can have your foreign driving licence stamped and registered. This process, again, can be organised for you by a gestor. This, however lasts only for six months and you will have to repeat the process each time you visit Spain for a lenghty time.