Page 9 | Moving at 62 to Spain after death of husband

Harbans · 2025-10-26T11:02:50+00:00

I would love to move abroad to Spain, have raised 5 children 3 grandchildren. Worked 2 jobs now it was time to enjoy life , my husband of 36 years has passed. Had to downsize my children have each had their inheritance over £45,000 each and I bought a small property, now 2 have moved back and we are constantly arguing as I work for a educational agency and earn enough to pay bills and shopping no contribution from them . I have enough after I sell my property worth £200,000 to move to Spain would am on my own and have no idea where to begin.

Allseeingallknowing · 28/10/2025 16:40

OP don’t move, just have holidays in Spain. It’s a tremendous undertaking later in life. We lived there for 14 years, moved back to U.K. I’m glad we did. You don’t need the stress of sorting out taxes, health care, Spanish bureaucracy etc

Allseeingallknowing · 28/10/2025 16:43

oncemoreuntothebeachdearfriends · 27/10/2025 18:33

First things first.
Tell the spongers to pay their way, or get out.

I had a property in Spain for many years, & intended to move there when I retired.
Brexit has made it very difficult, & friends that have lived there for years have sold up & returned to UK.
It's not an idyllic country . Red tape & corruption are beyond belief.

OP - good advice!

Allseeingallknowing · 28/10/2025 16:50

Greenturtle671 · 27/10/2025 14:02

I have a family member who did this. So long as you have some savings and you are not looking to work you will be able to apply for a residency visa easy enough. It lasts for 5 years then you need to renew. As others have said, it would be good if you could keep your house or buy a small flat in the uk for something to come bavk to in older age. The rental income would help you while your in Spain too. Cost of living in Spain is much lower. Im happy ro answer any questions. For my family member its been great. Lots of friends and a much more outdoors lifestyle. It took a while to settle in but so much better. The downside is though we dont see the family member much now so you would miss out on time with kids and future grandkids. You cant out your life on hold for others though if its what you really want. My family member doesnt speak Spanish albeit has picked up the basics. Lawyers will speak to you in English and can help you get set up. The large banks will have an english speaker. At gp or hospital you will get a translator if there are no english speakers. The main difference is health care - day to day for gp etc there is no difference to the uk, if anything, you get seen quicker etc however if you need actual hospital care and an extended stay they work a bit different. The hospital will treat your medical needs but family tend to care for you so they would come and wash you etc. Just something to bare in mind if something bad happened. Good luck.

I can relate to this. Shortly after moving to Spain my husband was very ill and hospitalised for 5 weeks, during which time I did the nursing care. I felt very alone. Family can’t just drop everything and fly out to help you. You also have to think what will happen if you need a care home or support in the home. Not so many in Spain and very expensive. Bearing in mind the horrendous floods which seem to be getting more frequent, the increased difficulties since Brexit, the difference in taxes and other financial affairs out there, I wouldn’t consider going there now, especially being older.

YourAmplePlumPoster · 28/10/2025 22:22

Allseeingallknowing · 28/10/2025 16:50

I can relate to this. Shortly after moving to Spain my husband was very ill and hospitalised for 5 weeks, during which time I did the nursing care. I felt very alone. Family can’t just drop everything and fly out to help you. You also have to think what will happen if you need a care home or support in the home. Not so many in Spain and very expensive. Bearing in mind the horrendous floods which seem to be getting more frequent, the increased difficulties since Brexit, the difference in taxes and other financial affairs out there, I wouldn’t consider going there now, especially being older.

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Absolutely. As I've said from having lived there and attended my sick parents, there is absolutely no back up or help from social or elderly care.

YourAmplePlumPoster · 28/10/2025 22:24

Also the climate is something to consider: extreme heat in the summer and flash floods in the autumn,

Maddy70 · 28/10/2025 23:06

I would buy as if you delay purchase it has big capital gains issues in Spain. If you aren't going to work you can move in a bin lucrative visa providing you meet the financial requirements. Other routes are quite difficult. Lots of information on the cab Spain website

deeahgwitch · 29/10/2025 14:23

Watching A Place In The Sun the day before yesterday they did the segment where they ask for tips from someone who has made the move. One tip the man gave was to write a Spanish will dealing with the Spanish property separate from your UK will.

Allseeingallknowing · 29/10/2025 15:00

deeahgwitch · 29/10/2025 14:23

Watching A Place In The Sun the day before yesterday they did the segment where they ask for tips from someone who has made the move. One tip the man gave was to write a Spanish will dealing with the Spanish property separate from your UK will.

Yes it’s a must, plus you must state in each will that it’s for the assets in that country only, otherwise you might find a conflict when it’s all sorted out! Inheritance tax is very different in Spain.

Chewbecca · 29/10/2025 15:53

Trunnyl · 28/10/2025 07:39

I’m surprised at this figure tbh - who can live off £11k even as single no dependants ?!

if someone can ,

WE SALUTE YOU!

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Er, many pensioners pretty much do!

Moving at 62 to Spain after death of husband

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