Welcome to Barrington Homes

February 25, 2013

Skiing in Sierra Nevada

Filed under: Lifestyle,Things to do — Lucy @ 12:46 pm

Its Semana Blanca or “white week” in the province of Malaga and so the children have a week off school.  Many families who live in Manilva head off to the snowy slopes of Sierra Nevada for a few days of skiing or snowboarding or just to enjoy the snow and scenery.

Skiing in Sierra Nevada, Spain

Just under 3 hours drive from Manilva it is possible to go skiing for a day or several days and the facilities in the Sierra Nevada are superb with the possibility to hire or buy anything that is needed.

The slopes are perfect for beginners and intermediates with a few black runs and moguls to challenge the more experienced.

Ski lessons in Sierra Nevada, Spain

Having the Sierra Nevada so close is another fantastic reason why Manilva is such a great place to live.

What type of holidays do you like best?

Please leave a comment below or email me at lucy@barringtonhomes.eu if you would like any further information on skiing in the Sierra Nevada

 

February 22, 2013

New Foreign Residents Law, NIE and Padrón Lecture Information

Filed under: Local Events & Culture,Useful Information — Lucy @ 8:19 pm

The lecture last night was organized and hosted by Valentina Radu and her colleagues at Manilva’s Foreign Resident Department and sponsored by La Caixa bank.

Manilva Town Hall Foreigners Delegacion

 

 

There was a great turnout with the venue, Villa Matilde, full up with around 100 people seated and standing interested to hear what was to be said.

 

Manilva Foreign Residents Lecture

 

Manilva Foreign Residents Lecture 2

The Mayoress of Manilva, Antonia Muñoz, commenced proceedings by welcoming everyone and introducing her team appointed to assist Manilva’s foreign residents namely:

Diego Urieta – Councilor for Town Planning and Foreign Residents

Valentina Radu – Town Planning and Foreign Residents coordinator

Beli Muñoz – Director of Foreign Residents Department

Dean Sheldon – Coordinator for Urbanizations, Communities and Commerce

Paqui Tome – administrator for Foreign Residents Department

 

The following is a summary of what was said with some supporting information to help clarify the situation.

The Importance of the Padron and Importance of Inhabitants

The Padrón is a municipal register of the people who reside or habitually reside in the municipality.  Nevertheless, being listed does not constitute proof of legal residence in Spain, neither does it confer on the listed citizen any right that is not conferred by current legislation.

The future of Manilva depends on the number of people registered on the Padron as the central government allocates funds depending on how many people live in the Municipality. Therefore, if you are not registered, Manilva Ayuntamiento (town hall)  is losing money for the provision of many things including health centres, police officers, fire-fighters, schools, infrastructure, sanitation and public transport.

It is obligatory by Spanish law to register on the padrón at the Town Hall where you habitually reside, yet many foreign residents have not done so possibly because they are concerned it may implicate them tax wise or for some other reason.  In reality it is simply a way for the town hall to know how many people live in their area, without entering into investigations as to a person’s official residence status or financial affairs.

In 2012 there were 15000 residents registered on the Padrón in Manilva.  Of this 42% of the population were foreigners with 75 different nationalities choosing  Manilva as their home.  That is the figure for those who have registered and in reality there must be many more when you consider how busy the area gets in the warmer months of the year.

Manilva Town Hall would like to encourage everyone who lives in Manilva more than 6 months of the year to register on the Padrón and understands that the reputation of Spanish bureaucracy can put people off.  They would therefore like to help make the process as easy as possible and although they cannot “take you individually by the hand” they can give you the right information and are available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

 

How to register on the Padrón

You need to take the following documents:

1. Copy and original of NIE or residencia certificate

2. Copy of Rental Contract or Escritura (title deeds of your own property)

3. Latest copy of one of your utility bills such as electricity or water bill

To one of the following offices:

1. Town Hall in Manilva (Manilva Ayuntamiento), Mar Street, No. 34, First floor; or

2. Tenencia de Alcaldia, Pio Baroja Street, N0.5, Local 2 in Sabinillas (opposite the Repsol garage on the other side of Sabinillas underpass) between the hours of 10 and 14.30

Whereby a member of the town hall will register your details onto the system.

 

Benefits to you for registering on the Padrón

 

•Right to vote in the elections

•Registration of documents for unemployment

•Registration in the Social Security system after paying your contributions

•Registration of your pension (non contribution pensions, social salary, assistance fund, etc…) and right to the Ley de Dependencia and economical support plus social assistance. •Celebrating civil marriages

•Making the inheritence procedures

•Registration in schools and also applying for scholarships

•Access to council housing

•National Identification Document or Passport

•Access to classes/ training offered by the Town Hall

•Access to Self Employed grants and benefits

It was also pointed out that you need to renew the Padron every 2 years and that letters are sent out asking people to confirm their details.  If you don’t confirm your details you will be taken off the Padron.  700 people were taken off the list in 2012 as they hadn’t renewed their Padron when the Institue of Statistics did their check.

IF YOU HAVE REGISTERED ON THE PADRON BEFORE 2011 AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED A REMINDER LETTER PLEASE VISIT THE OFFICE EITHER AT THE TOWN HALL IN MANILVA OR THE TENENCIA DE ALCALDIA IN SABINILLAS TO UPDATE YOUR RECORDS OR YOU WILL BE TAKEN OFF THE LIST AUTOMATICALLY.  LETTERS HAVE BEEN SENT OUT TO REMIND PEOPLE TO RENEW BUT MANY OF THESE LETTERS HAVE BEEN RETURNED BY THE POST OFFICE UNABLE TO DELIVER THEM FOR WHATEVER REASON.

The NIE Number, Residency and Tax Residency in Spain

An NIE number is a “Número de Identificación de Exrenajeros” i.e. a “foreigner’s identification number” in Spain.

The Decree (Real Decreto 338-1990) March 9th, establishes that anyone, of whatever nationality, resident or non-resident, who has any “official business” in Spain, must have a fiscal number (NIF/NIE).

If you plan to stay in Spain for less than three months, then you should just apply for an NIE number whereby you will be issued with a white certificate that will assign you your unique foreigner’s ID number that is in the format of: A-1234567-Z  (i.e. letter-seven digits-letter).  This will enable you to open a bank account, buy a car, buy a house etc but is only valid for 3 months.

If you intend to stay in Spain for more than three months then you should apply for residency.

The regulations for residency application in Spain changed in July 2012.  People who apply for residency now need to be able to prove that they will not “become a burden on Spain’s social assistance during their period of residence”.

To apply for residency you now need to provide copies of the following:

  • Passport – both sides – photo page and back.
  • Padron
  • Proof of income i.e. contract of employment, pension or proof of financial income if studying here.
  • Proof of having €6000 in bank account plus 20% extra per wife and children.
  • Proof of Health Insurance – the European Heath Insurance Card is sufficient.

You may have noticed that to get the Padron you need an NIE or residencia and to get the residencia you need the Padron so for those of you new to Manilva and applying for the first time the procedure is as follows:

  1. Go to Estepona Local Police station (details below) and obtain provisional NIE number  (which will be the same number when you apply for residency)
  2. Take the white provisional NIE document to Manilva Town Hall or Tenencia de Alcaldia and register on the Padron
  3. Take the Padron document back to Estepona  Local Police station and apply for residencia.
  4. Take the green residencia certificate to Manilva Town Hall or Tenencia de Alcaldia and update register on the Padron.

Estepona Local Police Station

For NIE & Residence : Policia Nacional Estepona, Valle Inclan Street, n/a 29680, Estepona,

  • For information call 952 923 058
  • To book an appointment for your NIE or Residency call 952 798 530

Taxes

  1. For obtaining the NIE number the tax is 16,16€
  2. For obtaining the residency certificate of registration of the European Union citizens the tax is 10,40€.

IF YOU ALREADY HAVE YOUR RESIDENCIA GREEN CERTIFICATE, IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO RENEW AS THIS NO LONGER EXPIRES.  HOWEVER IF YOU DO LEAVE SPAIN OR NO LONGER ARE A RESIDENT IE DO NOT RESIDE IN SPAIN LONGER THAT 183 DAYS IN A YEAR THEN YOU NEED TO INFORM THE AUTHORITIES.

If you are concerned about becoming tax resident in Spain, here are the rules…

Criteria for being Resident for tax purposes in Spain

  • If you spend more than 183 days in a given year (the days do not have to be consecutive) in Spain, you will become liable for Spanish tax whether or not you take out a formal residency permit.
  • If your spouse lives in Spain and you are not legally separated but you spend less than 183 days per year in Spain you are still deemed resident for tax purposes
  • If your base for economic or professional activities is in Spain then you are also deemed resident for tax purposes

The Spanish tax years is the same as the calendar year (1 January – 31 December), unlike the UK, which is from 6 April to following 5 April.

IF YOU REQUIRE A FREE NO OBLIGATION AND CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION ON YOUR LEGAL OR TAX ISSUES PLEASE CONTACT :

Juan Ramon Mateo

info@mateo-abogados.com

+34 952 936 123

+34 665 548 865

 

If you think there is anything I should add to this or amend please let me know by adding a comment at the end or emailing me at lucy@barringtonhomes.eu

 

 

February 18, 2013

Foreign Residents Law Lecture – Thursday 21st February 2013

Filed under: Local Events & Culture,Useful Information — Lucy @ 1:18 pm

The Manilva Foreign Residents Department have organised a lecture about the new law of Foreign Residents, NIE,  padron and other issues currently of interest to the foreign community.

It will take place on Thursday 21st February at Villa Matilde in Sabinillas (by big Supersol) from 17:00.

It is being sponsored by La Caixa Bank  and after the lecture there will be time to enjoy some tapas and drinks and members of Manilva’s Foreign Residents department will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.
For more info please contact the Foreign Residents Department on 952 89 35 48 or e mail extranjeros@ayto-manilva.com

February 15, 2013

Carnival in Manilva 2013

Filed under: Lifestyle,Local Events & Culture — Lucy @ 12:31 pm

Its carnival day today at Pablo Picasso school in Manilva and many of the children have dressed up and will be parading through the village this morning.

Manilva Carnival 2010

Carnival is a festive period celebrated in Catholic areas in  February  to give people the chance to let their hair down and party before they have to give everything up for Lent.

The city of Cadiz in Manilva’s neighbouring province of Cadiz hosts Spain’s biggest carnival where they prepare all year for the 2 week celebrations.

Manilva doesnt celebrate it quite as big as Cadiz but there is a parade and party planned for next Saturday 23rd February 2013 from 16:00

Manilva Carnival 2013

 

February 12, 2013

Big changes at The English Bookshop in Sabinillas

Filed under: Local Businesses — Lucy @ 5:38 pm

Looking out from Solbank the other day I noticed that The English Bookshop sign had been replaced by another.

 

The English Bookshop, Sabinillas

 

The English Bookshop is now called The Bookshop and Steve the owner is making even more improvements to the range of products and services he will be offering.

 

I went in there today and they are installing  post boxes.  These will be ideal for people who have problems receiving their post securely in their homes and for those that order from websites such as Amazon etc and need an address that isnt a PO Box number as they will be able to use The Bookshops address.

Also for those of you fed up with queuing at the Spanish post office, Steve offers an alternative via Offex.  You can send cards or parcels at very competitive prices to the Correo service and they arrive just as quick if not quicker as they get sent via Monarch airlines to Gatwick on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday and then get popped into the local Royal Mail box.  I tried out this service  a couple of weeks ago and after handing it to Steve on the Wednesday, my package reached its destination the following Monday – and that was the week that it snowed heavily in England!

One last thing for you forgetful “romantics” – its Valentines Day on Thursday and The Bookshop has a wide range of Valentine Cards for you to choose from.

Pop in and see Steve and his lovely parrot Ava and find out more information on the products and services he has.

The Bookshop Sabinillas

 

 

February 8, 2013

Manilva Town Hall to pay for repair of collapsed road by Duquesa Golf Club

Filed under: Duquesa Information,Lifestyle,News — Lucy @ 8:10 pm

I went to a meeting at Manilva Town Hall today to find out what was happening with regards to repairing the road which has collapsed at the bottom of the hill by the Spa at La Duquesa Golf and Countryclub.

Firstly I was amazed at what goes on behind the scenes in Manilva.  From the outside Manilva appears to be a sleepy white village with not much going on during the day.  But once you enter the multi storey car park behind the police station you realise there is a hive of activity going on behind the scenes as the car park was packed full of cars and smartly dressed professionals were coming and going.  It took me back to the days when I used to work in England.

Sunny Manilva one Autumn Morning

Present at the meeting were Diego Urieta – Councillor for Town Planning and Foreign Residents,  Mario Jimenez – Councillor for Infrastructure and Building Works,  Valentina Radu – Co-ordinator for Town Planning and Foreign Residents,  Dean Sheldon – Co-ordinator for Urbanizations, Communities and Commerce and some presidents of the communities affected by damaged road.

Manilva Town Hall Meeting

They advised us that they had been working hard to find a solution to getting the road mended.  The difficulty is that the road that collapsed is adjacent to a river which is the responsibility of the regional governments environments department.  And as the road actually collapsed a few days after that department had carried out comprehensive cleaning of the river, it is likely that this department is liable for the cost of the repair.

Manilva Town Hall have tried to get them to pay for the repair works and although the regional government havent refused to pay ,they have said that Manilva would have to wait for the money.  Manilva Town Hall realise that this repair work is very urgent and so have decided to reallocate some funds from elsewhere to pay for it and then will reclaim it back.

Ironically as access to the river is needed to make the repair works, Manilva Town Hall are awaiting written permission from the regional government environment department before they can proceed.   If they didn’t they could be subject to a fine which could be more than the cost of the works!

The good news is that this written permission is all they are waiting for  which they hope to receive next week.  Once received, the works will commence and hopefully be completed within a month.

The other good news for residents of property that are situated around La Duquesa Golf Course is that Manilva Town Hall have agreed to put up a street sign “Calle Cornisa del Sol” to help people who live here give directions to those who dont!

Are there any issues in the Manilva area that you are concerned about and would like answers to?  Please either leave your comments below or email me at lucy@barringtonhomes.eu

February 5, 2013

Manilva Netball Club

Filed under: Sport,Things to do — Lucy @ 4:09 pm

Training sessions with Manilva Netball Club recommences tonight at 18.30 in Manilva behind the Municipal swimming pool and Sports Pavillion.

ManilvaNetballClub

If you want to get fit, have fun and make some new friends then come along as new players are always welcome.  Most people who have joined the Manilva netball team have said the same thing when they started – that they hadnt played since school.  Well it doesn’t take long to remember some of the rules and Ann, Gaye and Jan are there to remind and encourage you.

If you want someone to go with email me at lucy@barrington homes.eu and I will meet you next week as I wont be able to make it tonight?

Which childhood sports would you like to take up again?

February 4, 2013

Sunny weather forecast for Manilva in February

Filed under: Lifestyle,Weather in Spain — Lucy @ 7:46 pm

The weather continues to be glorious in Manilva and the forecast is great for the rest of the month.

Accuweather forecast for Manilva in February

If you are considering moving to Spain or buying a holiday home, now is a great time to visit Manilva to look at properties and get a taste for what the weather can be like at this time of year.

I love it when the weather is good at this time of year because it is lovely to feel the warm sun on your face but not too hot to deter you from taking part in more vigorous exercise such as football or basketball.

Football in Manilva, Spain in February

Manilva Football Pitch

Basketball court by Chiringuito Andres y Maria at El Castillo de La Duquesa

Basketball court by the Chiringuito beach bar Andres y Maria at El Castillo de La Duquesa, Costa del Sol, Spain

What is your favorite type of weather and time of year?