Steps to Relocate Back Home from Spain

Introduction

Moving back to your home country after living in Spain can be both an exciting and daunting prospect. As an expat, the process involves several legal and logistical considerations to ensure a smooth transition. In this guide, we provide you with detailed steps on how to effectively manage your move back home, from legal paperwork to financial implications, brought to you by the experts at SGM Abogados.

Step 1: Legal and Residency Considerations

De-registering from Spanish Residency

• Notify local authorities: It is crucial to inform the local town hall (Ayuntamiento) and the National Police, where your residency was registered, about your departure. This process includes de-registering from the padrón municipal and cancelling any residency permits or cards.

Tax Considerations

• Tax Status Adjustment: Consult with a tax advisor to adjust your tax status from resident to non-resident. This includes notifying the Agencia Tributaria (Spanish Tax Agency) to ensure all tax obligations are met before you leave.
• Capital Gains Tax: If you have owned property in Spain, be aware of the potential capital gains tax implications upon selling your property.

Step 2: Financial Arrangements

Bank Accounts and Financial Services

• Closing or Managing Bank Accounts: Decide whether to close your Spanish bank accounts or continue to maintain them from abroad. Consider international banking fees and accessibility.
• Settling Debts: Ensure all your local debts, including credit cards, loans, and utilities, are fully paid or appropriately managed before leaving.

Pension and Social Security

• Pension Transfer: If you have contributed to a Spanish pension plan, check the possibility of transferring your pension to your home country.
• Social Security Agreements: Verify if there are bilateral agreements between Spain and your home country that allow the transfer of your social security benefits.