Justice of the Peace - Villanueva de la Concepción

For any process such as issuing a birth certificate; the family book (Spanish nationals only); civil wedding; death certificate etc. the Justice of the Peace is present Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7.00 - 8.00p.m. in the office at the front of the Town Hall. You can also start procedures via their web page http://www.mjusticia.es/

Healthcare in Spain - Villanueva de la Concepción

The rules for obtaining state healthcare in Spain are different to the UK.

There is a free universal health care system in Spain. The problem is that to become insured you have to have a social security number.

The system is contribution-based, which means that normally you must have paid into the social security system in order for you and your dependants to get state healthcare. These social security contributions can be paid by your employer or by yourself as a self-employed worker. You may also be eligible to register to pay voluntary contributions if you have paid contributions at any point in Spain and have paid contributions for 3 out the last 12 years in any European Union Member State – apply at your local Tesoreria (Tax office).

If you are not paying into the Spanish social security system you may also get state healthcare if:

• You are in receipt of a UK state pension, long-term contribution-based Incapacity benefit or Bereavement benefit (apply for an S1 form);
• You are an early retiree to Spain and have been resident here less than two years (apply for an S1 form);
• You are a posted worker for a UK company;
• You are a dependant of someone who falls into one of the categories above;
• You are a temporary visitor to Spain and have a valid UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC);
• You will be receiving planned treatment abroad or are in receipt of UK sickness or maternity benefit - apply for an S2 form (previously E112). For more information, please visit the NHS website
• You are a child under the age of 18 and have no access to healthcare through your own or your parent’s means. This is called ‘La Ley de Minor’ and you apply through the social worker at your local health centre.

You may be asked to provide evidence of your UK income when applying for health care or social security benefits in Spain.

Please remember that if you do register with the state health system in Spain, it is important to de-register with your GP in the UK. Likewise if you decide to return to the UK, then you must de-register with the Spanish authorities.

If you are not eligible to use the Spanish health system then it is advisable to have private health insurance.

Some private health insurance companies are:

Sanitas [Spanish, English]

Mapfre [Spanish]

DKV Seguros [Spanish]

Asisa [Spanish]

Serviour Insurance – broker (English/Spanish)

To register go to your nearest Health Centre with your necessary documents and fill out the appropriate form that they will give you. At this stage you will also be asked to select a doctor from the list who has places available. Your form will be certified and you must keep that safe and present it if you need to use the services before your proper plastic card arrives usually in 30 days. For every family member that also wishes to be covered there are many forms to fill out!
The health centre in Villanueva de la Concepción is on Avenida Blas Infante and the telephone number is
952 753 181. To make an appointment go to the health centre or call the central number 902 505 060. On this number you can ask for an appointment whether it is for a prescription only or a consultation with the doctor, it is necessary to give your social security card number or your NIE number.
For emergencies there is a doctor and a nurse on call in Villanueva but the nearest hospital is in Antequera which is 21 km away. The address is Avenida poeta Muñoz Rojas, Antequera which is next to the Industrial estate. The central telephone number is 951 061 600 and for emergencies 902 505 061.

Residence Certificate - Villanueva de la Concepción

If you are an EU citizen and spend more than 6 months a year in Spain then you should apply for a residence certificate.

On this residence certificate, your name, address, nationality and NIE number will appear. It now has no photo so cannot be used as a form of identification.

You apply for this certificate at the Comisería (National Police Station) in Antequera. (Calle Cuidad de Oaxaca s/n 29200 Antequera)

Occasionally it can be collected the same day but when busy it is ready for collection the next day.

Take with you:

• Passport (original and copy)
• Copy of NIE certificate

You will be asked to fill out an EX16 form and then given a form to take to the bank.

The EX 16 form can be downloaded to save time at:  http://www.mir.es/SGACAVT/modelos/extranjeria/modelos_extranje/index.html   

Go to the bank to pay the tax (approx 10 euros) and then return the payment slip with the EX16 form and the documents above.

Children should submit the above mentioned documents along with a copy of their birth certificate translated by a sworn translator.

Passports

If you lose or have your passport stolen, then you must go as soon as possible to either the Comisaría (National Police) or to the Guardia Civil office to report it. With the report contact the British Embassy even if you don’t want to replace your passport immediately. This will reduce the risk of someone using your passport or your identity.

When you report the loss or theft to the Embassy, they will give you a Lost or Stolen (LS01) Notification form to fill in and sign. They will record the loss or theft of your passport and forward the information to Identity and Passport Services (IPS). The IPS will then cancel your passport to reduce the risk of someone else using your identity. You need to use form LS01 to report any loss or theft of your passport whether applying for a replacement passport or not.

Once you report your passport as lost or stolen, it is electronically cancelled. If you find it, you will not be able to use it as a proof of identity, to prove nationality, or for any other legal purpose. You must not use it as a means of identification as this may be detected as a potentially fraudulent act.

You will also not be able to use it for travel. Doing so may cause the passport to be impounded by the Borders and Immigration Authority at UK ports or airports. If travelling overseas, you could face deportation or arrest.

If you need to travel urgently you may be eligible for emergency travel documentation but ask the British Embassy for details or see the “I need to travel urgently” page.

You can also apply for a replacement passport at the same time as reporting your British passport lost or stolen. You can apply for a replacement passport as long as you are the holder.  You should see the 'Replacing your lost, stolen or damaged passport' page on the British Embassy website. http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/passports.  
You must ensure Section 5 of the Adult C1 Application Form (or Section 4 of the Child C2 application form) is completed.  Applications to replace lost/stolen passports MUST be countersigned.

Additional Documents required for Lost/Stolen Passport replacement:

You should submit the following documentation

• Police Report with crime reference number;  Original only so keep a copy.
• A photocopy of your current ID (eg: driving licence, bank statement, student card, household bill);
• The damaged passport (if this applies)
• You may be asked to supply further documents such as birth or marriage certificates.

Replacing your lost, stolen or damaged passport could take between 4-6 weeks for a normal 10 year passport

What to do about a damaged passport

You do not need to report a damaged passport, but if your passport is damaged beyond reasonable wear and tear, some airlines may not let you travel. For this reason it is recommended that you apply for a replacement as soon as possible.

You will need to send the damaged passport when you apply for a replacement but it will be returned once your identity has been established and confirmed that the damage is not due to fraudulent tampering (such as trying to change the identity or photo on a passport, for example, to use it illegally.
Please see the 'Replacing your lost, stolen or damaged passport' page on the British Embassy website. http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/passports

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If your child was included on the passport

If your child was included on your lost, stolen or damaged passport they cannot be included on the replacement. All children now need their own passports to travel abroad. You will need to apply for a first child passport for them if they are under 16. If they are 16 or over they can apply for an adult passport. Please look under the 'What passport do I need' section on the British Embassy website page http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/passports

If you later find your passport

If you find your passport after reporting it lost or stolen, you must return it to the nearest Embassy, High Commission or Consulate or the Identity and Passport Service in the UK. It will already have been electronically cancelled but they will need to take further cancellation action. You cannot use it for travel, as legal proof of nationality or for any other legal purpose.

Returning a passport of a deceased person

It is important to cancel the passport of a deceased person so that it cannot be used illegally.

You must return the passport with a copy of the death certificate to the nearest British Embassy, consulate or high commission by completing the form D1 which can be found on the British Embassy webpage http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/passports  The form allows you to choose for the Embassy to send the passport back to you or dispose of it. If you do not choose an option, they will dispose of the passport. When they receive the form, they will immediately cancel the passport.

General Renewals
For general renewals please see the following page: http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/passports/how-to-apply/spain

NIE (Tax Identification Number)

If you wish to apply for your NIE number and you are already in Spain then you need to go to the Foreigners department at the Police Headquarters (Comisaría) (see below) or if you are applying out of Spain contact your local Spanish Embassy.

The NIE official form (EX14) has to be filled out and signed and presented with the original and a copy along with the following documents (also original and photocopy):

1. Passport
2. Document to confirm the motive why you are coming to Spain e.g. Rental contract; private contract of purchase.
3. 2 passport photos

Foreigners Offices are in Antequera and Málaga

Calle Cuidad de Oaxaca s/n 29200 Antequera

Calle Virgen del Gran Poder 40 29006 Málaga

When you first present yourself at the Comisaría you will be given another form to take to the bank and pay the administration charge. There are banks close by and once that is paid take it back (the same day is preferable) and your papers will then be checked and you will be given a receipt and told to return in a couple of weeks. This has been known to take time so if you are buying a property do so as soon as you can to avoid delays.

Villanueva de la Concepción - Registration at the Town hall

The Census is the register which confirms the residence and address of the habitants of the town for administration purposes. All people who live in Spain are required to enroll on the census of the town where they live. Those who live in more than one municipity should register in the town where they reside the main part of the year. Each resident has the right to know their information that appears on the census and be able to have the information altered if it appears incorrect.

The registration form (available at the Town hall) should be completed and signed and accompanied by the following documentation:

• To accredit identity: Copy passport/residency certificate; copy NIE.
• To accredit residence: Copy deeds of house (escritura)/ copy of rental contract; copy or receipt issued by a service company e.g. telephone; water; electricity); copy of last rates bill (IBI); (if renting and you do not have a contract then a letter from the owning stating that you live at the address stated).

Help can be given with this from the English speaking person in the Town Hall every Wednesday from 11.00-1.00p.m.

If you need a certificate to prove your residency for another official purpose, please fill in the appropriate form and the certificate can usually be collected the next day. These certificates are valid for three months only

Villanueva de la Concepción - Building permissions

Before any type of building work or demolition is undertaken, it is recommendable to make an appointment with the architect in the Town Hall to discuss the viability of it. It is compulsory to apply for a license. This also applies to car ports/garden sheds etc.

The architect in Villanueva de la Concepción is available on Wednesdays and an appointment must be made. If you wish to be accompanied by the Spanish speaking person in the Town Hall, check to see if she is available also.

Driving in Spain

It is compulsory to keep in your vehicle when driving the following:

-         Current driving license

-         Certified copy of original passport or current residence card

-         Valid insurance

-         All vehicle documents relating to the car (legally certified copies are OK)

-         Current ITV (MOT) sticker

-         Recommended, but not mandatory is a First Aid kit and a fire extinguisher

-         2 red warning triangles

-         Approved license plates.  Your number plate should be an EU one with the ring of stars containing your country code, or a small plate/sticker with your country code (GB, etc) which should be secured to the rear of the car.

-         Approved reflective jackets must be worn by all outside the car at anytime, day or night, at the side of any highway. The jackets must be kept inside the car so they can be put on before getting out and also must be visible from outside the car. The pocket in the back of the front seat is a good place 

-         2 side mirrors (one on scooters and motorbikes).

-         Wipers and washers

-         Tyres with a minimum depth of 1.6mm without cuts or distortions

-         Safety belts for all seats

-         Horn

-         Special license plates (New Conductor, disabled conductor, trailer, driving school, foreign plates if from another country, Public Service (SP), tare load for commercial vehicles, mixed or industrial, maximum speed limit etc)

-         A set of bulbs and tools necessary for changing them

-         Spare wheel (except for scooters and motorbikes) and tools necessary for changing it (jack and wheel wench).

-         Drivers glasses and a spare pair (if wearing glasses appears on your driving license)

You drive on the right in Spain (opposite to the UK). Take care when driving in Spain as regulations and customs are different from those in the UK and the accident rate is higher.

Type of Roads

-        

Autopista (Motorway) - A or E - prefixed to road number. These can be toll roads (peajes). Maximum speed 120 kph (73 mph)

Autovia – (Dual carriageway with or without a central reservation).  Speed limits vary from 80 to 110 kph

Carretera Local – (Highway). Speeds are as signed, but usually not more than 100 kph

Carretera Nacional – (Main roads) N or CN - prefixed to road number, 100 to 60 kph

Please note that the speeds are somewhat less for various classes of vehicles including towed trailers/caravans.

Traffic Lights

More often than not these are situated at your stop line for the junction with a set of smaller lights on the support post.

Pedestrian Crossings

As a pedestrian remember to look LEFT and it is advisable to show your hand to any approaching vehicles although most of the Spanish never look! Since the new law regarding penalty points, drivers can be penalised for not stopping at pedestrian crossings.

Overtaking

You may NOT overtake on the right (inside lanes) on the highways unless there is a slip road or another road indicated and you are taking it. 

Basic rules

Give way to traffic from the right unless signs inform you otherwise.

On roundabouts you give way to the left unless signposted differently.

Do not pull into the middle of the road to turn left if there is a solid line in the road. There are often special lanes for this, signposted cambio de sentido (change of direction), especially on the autovias (dual carriageways).

Be especially careful when setting off from service stations or restaurants on the left side of the road.

All people in the car must wear seatbelts if fitted, and children must be in specially approved (EU) seats situated only in the rear (due to possible injury by front airbags in the event of a crash). 

Do not drink and drive - the limits are about half of those in the UK and the penalties very high including losing your licence on the spot, boosted by the new “rapid justice” Courts, as are heavy on-the-spot fines for traffic offences. You will not be allowed to leave the area until you have paid any fine or appeared in Court, including spending time in the cells if you cannot pay in cash. 

Parking

As a general rule you may not park in Spain where the pavement curb is painted yellow or where a no parking sign is displayed.

In major cities and now even in some towns, non-metered on-street parking is difficult to find but in some areas, there are parking spaces marked in blue for which you should purchase a ticket from a nearby machine on the pavement usually topped with a blue and white “P” sign, or from an attendant. These spaces are usually for about two hours maximum.

Fines for parking illegally vary from town to town and can be heavy.

If you park illegally, especially in a foreign car, you will almost certainly become a victim of the 'grua' - the local tow truck. If you get towed away there should be a sticker left on the curb with the phone number/address of your car’s new location. It can be a problem retrieving your car if you do not speak Spanish and there will no doubt be a fine and fee to pay. The cars are usually taken to a compound where you pay the recovery fee, from there you have to go to the Police Station and pay the fine and then you can go back and recover your car.

If in doubt, park in parking bays or in an underground car park where there is security attendance. It is worth noting that the Spanish park wherever they feel it is appropriate!

Fines

New fine rates have recently been published. You are not allowed to have a radar speed detector in your vehicle, let alone use one.  Speed traps are becoming quite frequent but not as bad as in the UK with cameras (however, things are changing so watch this space!). Fines for other offences are calculated on the severity of the offence and there is a table for the guidance of the police and Courts.

If you are a tourist without assets in Spain, all fines are payable in cash “on the spot”. The legal drink-drive limit is currently 0,5 grams per litre of air using a breathalyzer. The very high death rates in Spain means that if caught with excess alcohol or drugs in your body, you can expect to lose your licence (in a special Court, possibly that same day) or, if a resident, have to attend a special training school.

A common fine currently being issued is for not having lights on when it's raining. The fine is around 200€.

Seatbelts
It is compulsory for all in the car to wear seatbelts, both front and rear where fitted. The driver is responsible for any fines where passengers are not wearing an approved belt.  Children under 12 years of age are not allowed in the front seats. Also, if seated in the back, the belt must fit correctly, or a special “raising seat” must be fitted.

Road tax and vehicle inspectionsIf you are using your foreign registered car in Spain for a few months (no more than six months in any calendar year is allowed) then it must be legal as far as roadworthy, insurance and road taxes are concerned. You cannot get your car MOT-ed in Spain, or even in Gibraltar, and if the certificate runs out, you will be illegal in Spain as well as in the UK. 

Spanish registered vehicles have to conform to the ITV inspection

The Spanish police are now cracking down on all foreign vehicles driving around in Spain. If you are caught using a UK vehicle in Spain whilst living here for more than 6 months or without the correct paperwork, you will at least, have your vehicle impounded. Fines are being handed out in the region of 2,000 euros. Having no UK road tax on your vehicle invalidates your insurance.

Mobile telephones
The use of a mobile telephone whilst driving, other than a true hands-free, is now banned in Spain, even at the side of the road. You have to pull off the road completely away from any traffic. You must also not have any device in your ears to listen to music or your mobile phone etc., the only exception is a deaf-aid. 

To register a car on Spanish plates)
The general advice is, for right hand-drive cars, unless it is a classic car or is special to you for sentimental reasons, DO NOT BOTHER. It is better to sell it in the country of origin, or arrange to swap it with someone returning there.

Motor-homes or medium to large right-hand drive commercial vehicles can not be changed for safety reasons.

If you are coming from a left-hand drive EU country, then it is not so difficult, but unless you speak Spanish, use the services of a gestor or a registered business advisor.

Driving Licenses

Driving licences

• The minimum age required to drive is 18 years
• UK driving licences issued from 1990 and the photocard licence issued from 1997 are accepted in Spain. Licences issued before 1990 are only accepted if accompanied by an official translation into Spanish (available from the Spanish Embassy in London and the Real Automóvil Club de España  if the licence holder is already in Spain). UK Provisional Licences are not valid for use in Spain
• If you need to convert your UK driving licence to a Spanish Driving Licence,you need to go to Trafico in your area.  
• .The validity of your driving license is on condition that it is current and will not expire within six months.

Replacing or renewing your UK licence within Spain
You should bear in mind that once your UK photocard licence expires you will not be able to renew this with the DVLA if you are residing in Spain so you may wish to convert your licence over to a Spanish one before it expires. Similarly, if your licence is lost or stolen you will not be able to replace it through the DVLA if you reside in Spain.

Motor insurance regulations

Spanish insurance regulations differ from those in the UK. It is important to check carefully what cover your policy provides.