Yes, as an Irish citizen you can retire to Spain. However, it is important to research and comply with all immigration and tax regulations before making the move.
Detailed response to the request
Yes, as an Irish citizen you can retire to Spain. However, it is important to research and comply with all immigration and tax regulations before making the move. Here are some additional details:
Immigration:
- As an EU citizen, you have the right to live and work in Spain without the need for a visa or work permit.
- However, you will need to register with the police within three months of arriving in Spain.
- You will also need to obtain a residency certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión) from the Foreigners’ Office.
Healthcare:
- If you are retired and receive a state pension or certain other benefits, you may be eligible for healthcare cover under the Spanish public healthcare system.
- If not, you will need to arrange private healthcare cover.
Taxes:
- You may be liable to pay tax in both Ireland and Spain, depending on your circumstances.
- It is important to seek professional tax advice and to ensure that you comply with all tax regulations in both countries.
Housing:
- Property prices in Spain vary widely depending on the region and type of property.
- Renting is also an option, with long-term rentals often available at reasonable prices.
Overall, retiring to Spain as an Irish citizen is possible and can be a good option for those looking for a warmer climate and lower cost of living. However, it is important to do your research and seek professional advice to ensure a smooth transition.
As Mark Twain once said, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
Here is a table comparing some key factors between Ireland and Spain:
| Ireland | Spain | |
|---|---|---|
| Climate | Cool and rainy | Warm and sunny |
| Cost of Living | Generally high | Lower than Ireland |
| Healthcare | Free public healthcare for residents | Public healthcare available with some restrictions |
| Language | English | Spanish |
| Immigration | Non-EU citizens may require visas or work permits | EU citizens have the right to live and work in Spain |
| Taxation | High taxes, but exemptions for retirees | Lower taxes, but may need to pay taxes in both countries |
| Housing | High average house prices | Lower average house prices, with a range of options for renting or buying |
See a video about the subject.
This video discusses the process of obtaining Spanish residency for EU citizens, with a focus on Irish and other citizens. Requirements to prove financial sufficiency and healthcare coverage vary depending on an individual’s circumstance, but having enough money and healthcare coverage is key. Monetary requirements, such as proof of savings and pensions, need to be in place to qualify for residency. The video also covers obtaining an NIE number, the importance of a digital signature, and the process of obtaining health insurance. The hosts encourage viewers to subscribe to their channel for more information on the Spanish health system and to check out their live broadcasts and merchandise.
Some further responses to your query
Spain has been in the European Union since 1985 and in the Schengen area since 1995. This means that it’s very easy for EU citizens to retire in the country. As an EU citizen, you don’t need any visas or a residence permit to live, work, retire, or study there.
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Spanish residents with Irish pensions or occupational pension income are taxable in Spain and not in Ireland, under the terms of the Ireland-Spain Double Taxation Treaty. This varies depending on your pension terms.
If you’re a non-EU/EEA citizen who wishes to retire in Spain, you’ll need to prove you have enough income to support yourself without income from employment. As of 2021, the minimum figure for this is currently set at €2,259 per month or just over €27,000 per calendar year.