Welcome to Barrington Homes

June 21, 2013

Schools out for summer!

Filed under: Lifestyle,Useful Information — Lucy @ 7:20 pm

The children of the three Infant and Primary Schools in Manilva Municipality – Pablo Picasso in Manilva Village,  and San Luis and Maicandil in Sabinillas, broke up for the summer today.

The lucky things will have almost 3 months off as they don’t go back to school until the second week in September.

For many parents it is a welcome break from the school runs and the taxi-ing around to all the after school activities and a chance to enjoy the slower pace of life.  But I am sure there are others that panic and think what are they going to do with them for 3 months!

Luckily in Manilva there are plenty of options.

For the parents who work (and for those that dont) there are summer schools and sports camps available at very reasonable prices.

beach volleyball at sabinillas manilva

 

Patios de Verano – which  is available to children between 3-12 costs just €80 per month for July and August.  The children are looked after at Pablo Picasso school in Manilva or Maicandil in Sabinillas between 9 and 16h.

Summer school information for Manilva Spain

 

There is also the Unicaja summer camp held at the Colonia Infantiles de Sabinillas where you see hundreds of children enjoying themselves every summer.

http://www.campamentos.info/campamento-campus-colonias/club-campamentos-info/noticias-educacion-tiempo-libre/campamentos-de-verano-2013-de-la-obra-social-de-unicaja-con-campus-nautico-de-baloncesto-de-sierra-playa-y-english-camp

There are also various sports camps organised by Manilva Sports department where the children will learn and compete at different beach sports such as volleyball, beach football, beach handball etc

 

For others it is a time of having fun in the swimming pool,  spending the day on the beach or going on river walks.

How would you spend your 3 month summer holiday?

Please leave a comment below or email me at lucy@barringtonhomes.eu

May 18, 2013

Great deals on Flights to Gibraltar

Filed under: Useful Information — Lucy @ 11:57 am

Monarch airlines are currently promoting some good deals on flights to Gibraltar from Manchester, Luton and Birmingham.

Cheap_Flights_to_Gibraltar_-_Gibraltar_Flights_-_Monarch-2

 

http://www.monarch.co.uk/gibraltar/flights 

 

Manilva , La Duquesa and Sabinillas  are only 30 minutes drive from Gibraltar so a useful airport to consider when looking for cheap flights.

If you need accommodation www.barringtonholidays.com have a selection of wonderful properties to rent out for holidays.

So if you fancy a break from the cold weather in the UK come and visit us in Manilva.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

January 25, 2013

Important Manilva Property Owner Notification for 2013

Filed under: Property,Useful Information — Lucy @ 11:54 am

A Town Hall Rates discount is available to all
owner/residents of Manilva on their principal and only dwelling. This is also available on commercial property that you own and manage as an ongoing concern. (Not applicable to tenants or landlords).

Please click on the below links to read the documentation and please advise other people, owners and residents that might be interested and want more information. The first two documents below are written in English.

IBI vivienda dto 2013 Ingles

IBI Local Commercial dto 2013 Ingles

IBI Solicitud vivienda dto 2013 Espanol (Only in Spanish) P2

IBI Solicitud vivienda dto 2013 Espanol (Only in Spanish) P1

IBI Solicitud Local Commercial dto 2013 Espanol (Only in Spanish) P2

IBI Solicitud Local Commercial dto 2013 Espanol (Only in Spanish) P1

IBI vivienda dto 2013 Espanol

IBI Local Comercial dto 2013 Espanol

February 10, 2012

What are NIE numbers ?

Filed under: Useful Information — Barrington Homes @ 10:06 am

What is… NIE?

Our colleague at  Mateo Laywers in Sabinillas has provided us with a fantastic article about the NIE in Spain and details exactly what it is and why you may need to apply for one.

NIE is an abbreviation for Número de identidad de extranjero, which translates as ‘Identification number for foreigners’. The main purpose of the NIE for Spain is fiscal control. Without a Spanish NIE number, the Spanish tax authorities are unable to assess or process annual tax payments such as income tax (IRPF), and the annual wealth tax (Patrimonio), both of which are paid by non- resident property owners. Not paying these taxes (or making provisions with the Spanish tax authorities to pay these taxes in your country of residence under a double-taxation treaty) can incur heavy fines.

Who needs an NIE in Spain?
1. Any foreigner who becomes resident for tax purposes in Spain needs an NIE number in Spain.
2. Any non-resident foreigner who buys property in Spain. If a couple buys a property in Spain together, and they register the property in both their names, then both of them must obtain an NIE number in Spain.

When do you need to have an NIE number?
If you are buying property in Spain, then you need to have an NIE number Spain by the time you sign the deeds of purchase before notary, an event known in Spain as the escritura.
Getting your NIE number in time for escritura means applying at least 1 month before hand if you are applying in Spain, and at least 2 months before hand if you are applying via a consulate abroad. The actual time it takes depends upon where you apply, and the time of the year. Mateo Lawyers offers to you a service to obtain the document in no more than 10 days.
How do you apply for an NIE number?
If you are an EU national there are 3 ways to apply for NIE numbers in Spain:
1. Apply in person in Spain.
2. Apply in person via a Spanish Consulate abroad.
Up to 01/07/2011 it used to be possible for EU nationals to use a power of attorney to authorise a 3rd party to apply on their behalf. Though it still may be possible to do in some areas of Spain (Mateo Lawyers offers to you a service to obtain the document in no more than 10 days).

1. Applying for NIE number in person in Spain
Applying in person for an NIE number whilst in Spain is a relatively straightforward procedure. The only inconvenience is that you may have to wait for up to several hours in a queue in order to submit your application. It does depend upon the police station where you apply, and the time of day (early is better). With a bit of luck you will be in and out in half an hour or less.
The process is as follows:
1) Prepare the necessary documentation:
Your passport and a photocopy of the main page of your passport (the page that includes your photo, name, passport number, address, etc.).
Sometimes the applying offices ask you for an original document (plus a photocopy) that justifies your reason for applying for an NIE number. If you are applying because you are buying a property in Spain then you will need to take along the official copy of the deeds of purchase given to you by the Notary (called a copia simple in Spanish). If you have not yet signed the deeds before Notary then you will need to take along the private contract of sale that you have signed with the vendor or developer. This documentation is not always necessary (depends upon the police station), but best have it with you just incase.
If you are a non-EU national you will need to produce a document that demonstrates your legal entry into Spain. This is the document (for instance a landing card) that you fill in at the immigration desk at your point of entry into Spain. In Spanish this document is known as a declaración de entrada.
2 copies of the appropriate application form filled out and signed . The Spanish name for the NIE form Spain is Solicitud de NIE.(Ex-14), and you can download this NIE application form by clicking on the link below using google web search (+ NIE application form / solicitud de NIE (Ex-14)) . This will open up a new browser window and display the form in ‘pdf’ format.

2) Take all documentation in person to the appropriate place of submission.
You have to go to one of the immigration offices (oficinas de extranjeros) that are usually found in designated police stations (comisaría de policía), preferably in the area where you are buying your property. If there is no immigration office in your area then it should be possible to make your application through a local police station. In any event the local police station will be able to tell you the best place to go to apply for an NIE in your area.
To see a list with contact details and opening hours of the ‘oficinas de extranjeros throughout Spain click on the following link and then choose your region:
+ Ofincinas de extranjeros throughout Spain
NOTE: In some regions, for instance in Asturias, you may have to pay a small tax of a few Euros when you apply for an NIE. In this case you will be given a payment form when you submit your application. You have to show proof of payment (the stamped receipt from the bank) in order to collect your NIE.
3) Collect NIE number after 15 days (or less)
After you have submitted your NIE application you will be given an official receipt (resguardo). Unless you are told otherwise, you will be able to collect your NIE number from the office where you made your application anytime from 15 days later (in some areas, at some times of the year, it may take longer, which is why we recommend applying a month in advance). You do not have to collect your NIE in person – anyone can collect it for you if they have the official receipt you were given when you submitted your application.
NOTE: The time it takes to get an NIE varies greatly by region. Whilst it is still common in most areas to wait 15 days or more before collecting an NIE.
Generally speaking, it is also quicker to obtain an NIE from a local tax office than from one of the designated police stations. Applications via a tax office tend to take a few days, compared to a few weeks via police stations. Applying via a tax office does mean, however, that the Spanish tax office is aware of your situation as an owner of property in Spain. This makes it more likely that the tax office will pursue you for taxes related to owning property in Spain, such as the wealth tax (patrimonio), and income tax (IRPF), which all property owners in Spain have to pay, irrespective of fiscal residence.

2. Applying for an NIE number in person via a Spanish Consulate abroad
You can also apply for an NIE from Spanish consulates around the world if you do not have the time to apply whilst you are in Spain.
+ More information from the Spanish Consulate in London
The process is as follows:
1) Prepare the necessary documentation:
Your passport and a photocopy of the main page of your passport (the page that includes your photo, name, passport number, address, etc.).
2 recent passport size photographs with a plain coloured background.
2 copies of the appropriate application form duly completed but NOT SIGNED as you will need to sign in the presence of a consular official. The Spanish consulate will not be able to provide you with this form so you must obtain it beforehand. The Spanish name for this application form is Solicitud de NIE. para residentes en el extranjero (Ex-14bis), and you can download it by clicking on the link below. This will open up a new browser window and display the forms in ‘pdf’ format.
A self-addressed envelope (no stamp)
An envelope addressed to:
Comisaría General de Extranjería y Documentación
Dirección General de Policia
C/ General Pardiñas, 90
28006 Madrid
Tel: +34 91 322 6824 / 26
It appears that there is no longer any fee to pay (you used to have to pay a cheque of £22 to “The Spanish Consulate General”). You may wish to ring the consulate beforehand to check this, or just take your cheque book along to be on the safe side.
You might also have to produce an original document (plus a photocopy) that justifies your reason for applying for an NIE number. If you are applying for an NIE number because you have bought a property in Spain, this means the official copy of the deeds of purchase given to you by the Notary (called a copia simple in Spanish). If you have not yet signed the deeds before Notary then the private contract of sale that you have signed with the vendor or developer. This documentation might not be necessary, but best have it with you just in case. If you don’t have it, then don’t worry too much, as both London and Manchester consulates say they don’t require it.
+ NIE application form / solicitud de NIE (Ex-14)
2) Take all documentation in person to your nearest Spanish Consulate.
You have to go in person with all the relevant documentation to your nearest Spanish consulate. The Spanish Consulate cannot issue NIE numbers; it only acts as a “postal box” between the applicant and the competent authorities in Spain. Once you have submitted your application through the Consulate they will not be able to provide you with any further information on the status of your application. For any further information or enquires as to the status of your application you should write to the address given above for the Comisaría General de Extranjería y Documentación.
For contact details of Spanish Consulates in the United Kingdom see below:
3) Await notification from the Spanish authorities
If all goes well you should receive your number through the post within 4 – 6 weeks. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you want to have the NIE number sent to your address abroad, make sure you print this address very carefully on the application form, and also include a self-addressed envelope (no stamp). The website of the Spanish consulate in London says you have to use an address in Spain, but the consulate in Manchester says you can have your NIE sent to you in the UK. This is conflicting advice, and I cannot tell you for sure which version is correct.

3. Authorise a 3rd party to apply on your behalf
As of the 1st January 2004, any foreigner wishing to obtain an NIE number has to apply in person, unless they authorise before Notary a 3rd party to apply on their behalf. What does ‘before Notary’ mean? It means that you have to go before a Notary Public in Spain or another country (you can also go to the Spanish Consul General if outside of Spain), and authorise a 3rd party to apply for the NIE number on your behalf. If you go to a notary outside of Spain this document will also need the Hague Apostille and an official translation. By this process you grant a notarised power of attorney that is recognised by the Spanish government, and that specifically enables a 3rd party to apply for the NIE number on your behalf.
To apply on your behalf a 3rd party– normally your lawyer or a gestor – will need the same documentation as detailed above in the section on applying in person.
Lawyers in Spain often charge between 200 and 250 Euros for obtaining an NIE number, Mateo Lawyers offers to you a service to obtain the document in no more than 10 days for the total ammount of 150€ for one Nie doc or 275 € for two.

Spanish Consulates in the United Kingdom:
London
Address:
20, Draycott Place.-London SW3 2RZ
Telephone:
0207 589 89 89
Fax:
0207 581 78 88
Email:

conspalon@mail.mae.es
Web:
www.conspalon.org
Since the Economic crisis of 2008 the Spanish Government has been closing consular offices to save money. The following consular offices may or may not still exist. Please ring the London office first to confirm if these offices still exist.
Manchester
Address:
Suite 1A, Brookhouse, 70, Spring Gardens.-Manchester M2 2BQ
Telephone:
0161 236 12 62
Fax:
0161 228 74 67
Email:

cg.manchester@mae.es
Edinburgh
Address:
63, North Castle Street.-Edinburgh EH2 3LJ
Telephone:
0131 220 18 43

For help applying for your NIE or any other legal services contact Mateo Lawyers

http://www.mateo-lawyers.com

March 25, 2011

The Foreign Resident’s Office

Filed under: Useful Information — Barrington Homes @ 12:05 pm

The Foreign Resident’s Department is a wonderful resource for those of us living in the Manilva and Duquesa areas. Chris Olsen and his team are based in the Castle in Castillo de la Duquesa and the office is open from 8am until 3pm Monday to Friday. They can help and advise with any problems incurred by foreign residents who are registered in the municipality of Manilva.

Telephone: 952 893 548 or Chris Olsen on 663 969 636

Email: extranjeros@ ayto-manilva.com

For the programme of activities for winter and spring 2011 visit Manilvalife.com for more information

November 24, 2010

What do in an emergency

Filed under: Useful Information — Barrington Homes @ 10:29 am

During the 8 years of living here, my family and I have never been the victim of street crime. The Duquesa and Manilva area is very safe but if you are a new resident in Duquesa and Manilva or spending your holiday here and you find yourself in an emergency situation, the following information might help you.

The first thing to realise is that the language barrier will not be an issue so don’t panic.  There is a European telephone number now widely used in Spain and the operators will take calls in many languages including English.

When you cal 112 the operator will contact the local service that you require.

It is worth mentioning that the 061 number is for the emergency medical services and is used for life threatening incidents only and should not be used just for requesting an ambulance.

It is unusual in the Duquesa , Sabinillas and Manilva area but if you are the victim of street crime, such as bag or car theft the number you should use is 902 102 112.  This is another great service that will take all inconveniences and stress away, as the operators will talk to you in English.  Once you have reported the crime using this telephone number, go along to your chosen police station within 72 hours, sign the report and remember you will need the police reference number to use for any insurance claims so you must go through this process.

If you are looking for a holiday rental, a new home or property investment in the Duquesa, Manilva and Sabinillas areas, contact us here at Barrington Homes and Holidays and we will do everything we can to help you.

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