Mazarron Tourist Information

Questions about Spain

Q - What is a NIE number?

A - A NIE number is an identification number that everyone over the age of 14 needs. An application is made at your local police station. NIE numbers are widely used & you are commonly asked for them in shops, schools & doctors. You cannot purchase property in Spain without a NIE number.
Q - What is a Padron?

A - A padron or empadronamiento is basically your entry on the local register. There are many different types of padron for example for residency or for work. Padrons are usually valid for 3 months & can be obtained from your local ayuntamiento.
Q - What is an Escritura?

A - An escritura is the title deeds to your property. You will be given these at completion of the sale.
Q - What is a Nota Simple?

A - A Nota Simple is the document which effects the transfer of the property from the name of the previous owner into your name.
Q - Do I need medical insurance for Spain?

A - If you are a UK citizen you can obtain an EU medical card from the DWP in Newcastle. These are valid for up to 3 years & cover you for all doctors, hospitals & pharmacies in Spain.
Q - How do I apply for a health card (tarjeta de salud)?

A - In person at your local Centro de Salud. You will need a social security number as well as NIE & passport.
Q - How do I register my children in school?

A - The local ayuntamiento has an education department where you can apply for school places. In most cases however it is acceptable to visit the school in person & the headteacher will take care of registration on your behalf.
Q - What documents do I need to register my kids in school?

A - Lots!! You will need a copy of the child's & parents' passports & NIE numbers (including for the child if over 14). You will also need Birth certificate, school records from England, vaccination records & passport size photos of the child. Some schools also ask for full medical records as well as the health card (tarjeta de salud). Please note that up to date vaccinations are compulsory for any child going to school in Spain.
Q - Can I keep my English car in Spain?

A - Yes for up to 6 months as long as the car has valid UK tax, MOT & insurance in either the UK with European coverage or in Spain. After 6 months you must register the vehicle in Spain.
Q - How do I register my car in Spain?

A - You first of all need the car certifying by a garage. The car then needs an ITV which is obtained by taking it along to the local test station. Once you have a passed ITV certificate the vehicle can be given a Spanish registration.
Q - Do I need a Spanish driving licence?

A - If you have Spanish residency (residencia) then you are obliged to change your licence to a Spanish one.
Q - Can I bring my pets to Spain?

A - Yes. Information on the Pets Travel Scheme can be found on the Department for the Environment website (DEFRA) at www.gov.uk/defra.
Q - Do kids get free dental treatment?

A - Depends on their age. Children born from 1996 onwards can get free dental treatment at participating dentists. Their school can give you a form which needs to be completed & taken along to the dentist.
Q - What are the charges when buying property in Spain?

A - There are various different types of charge including notary fees, taxes & mortgage fees. As a general rule of thumb allow roughly 10% of your property purchase cost if you are buying without a mortgage & 13% if you are buying with a mortgage.
Q - Do I pay tax when I sell a property?

A - Yes. The level of the taxation varies depending on whether you are a resident of Spain or not. People with residencia pay a lower rate of tax than those without.
Q - Why is the value stated on my escritura different to the amount I am actually paying for the property?

A - In Spain there is historically a system of declaring one amount on the escritura & another amount is agreed privately between buyer & seller. This is because tax is only paid on the declared amount. The Spanish government are trying to clamp down on this practice & are aiming to get all properties declaring the full value. The practice of declaring a lower value is still widespread however.
Q - How do I call the emergency services?

A - For an ambulance you dial 061 & for the fire brigade 080. The police are split into three organisations: for national police dial 091, for local 092 & for the guardia civil 062.
Q - Is it easy to get telephone & internet connected?

A - Telefoncia are the sole provider of telephone lines in Spain although there are other providers offering cheap calls. Telefonica can be contacted on 1004. Internet providers are readily available in most urban areas although out in the country you may have to opt for the more costly satellite service.
Q - Can I get my refuse collected?

A - Unfortunately not. You are responsible for bagging your own rubbish & dropping it in one of the bins seen at the sides of roads everywhere. There are also numerous disposal banks for plastic, paper & glass - all of which should be separated out from normal household rubbish.
Q - Are the retirement homes in Spain of a good quality?

A - Retirement homes in Spain are few & far between as the elderly tend to be looked after by their families.

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