This you will need should you wish to get a job or take out a telephone contract for example. More and more European community citizens are settling and working in Spain as the lifestyle and climate is second to none. There are many legal and accountancy firms who can advise you on the nuts and bolts of setting up a business or company here and the procedures are relatively straightforward providing you are not desperately impatient or expect everything to be done overnight! Employment opportunities tend to suit the more independent entrepreneurial type and you may need to be a bit flexible in your approach, although more and more conventional 'nine to five' jobs are now advertised.

The first question you have to ask when purchasing is "are you going to live here all year round"? The beauty of an apartment is that you can just lock-up and leave and don´t need to worry about the upkeep of your property during your absence. Nothing beats a villa if you are going to spend the whole year living in Spain but for most purchasers, an apartment is the most sensible recommendation if you don´t intend to live here fully time.

Can I live and work in Spain?
As a European community citizen you are totally free to live and work in Spain. All you need to do is fill in a few forms, open a bank account, and register with the local authorities to obtain a registration or fiscal identification number (NIE for short).