Planning for later life as a British person in Spain
Information on planning your future medical and social care, estate and finances in Spain.
Planning to live abroad
You’re responsible for your welfare if you live abroad. As part of your planning, consider your future health and care requirements.
As you age, you may have physical or mental challenges. Some conditions develop slowly, while others start suddenly.
Read Living in Spain and Spain travel advice for guidance on topics including:
- residency
- healthcare
- passports
- safety and security
- emergency help
- support available in Spain
Choosing where to live in Spain
Check how far your planned home is from services, including:
- medical facilities
- shops
- banks
- public transport
Access to doctors and hospitals varies across Spain. You may have to travel to a larger hospital in a provincial capital. Read the driving in Spain section in Living in Spain for licence rules for drivers aged 65 and over.
If you live on one of the smaller Canary or Balearic Islands, you may need an air transfer for some types of medical treatment.
Finding a translator or interpreter
Many doctors and other government officials do not speak English.
You may need an English-speaking translator or interpreter in Spain. They can help you understand information and services.
Staff at your nearest British consulate can offer basic information. However, they cannot act as interpreters nor go with you to appointments.
Getting state healthcare in Spain
You must be living in Spain and have the right documents to get state-funded social and medical care. These rules are strictly enforced.
To get care, you must register for state healthcare in Spain.
You must also have a:
- valid British passport
- residence document
- ‘padrón municipal’ registration document
If you do not have these documents, you should:
Health insurance
If you have not registered for state healthcare, you may not be eligible and have to pay for private healthcare.
Get appropriate insurance to cover any private treatment you need. Check your insurance document for restrictions, for example, on:
- pre-existing conditions
- age limitations
- emergency medical evacuation from remote places and islands
Find private medical facilities where some staff speak English in your area.
Getting care from social services in Spain
In Spain, families are generally expected to provide social care. For example, your family members might need to care for you:
- if you need bedside hospital care
- after a hospital stay
- if you suffer from a long-term illness
- if you have daily care needs
The types of support UK local authorities commonly provide may not be available.
Each self-governing region in Spain is responsible for state-funded social care. The local town hall (‘ayuntamiento’) often delivers services. The availability of support and rules vary by region.
Social services are only required to assess your needs if you meet specific eligibility requirements.
To access some state social services, such as residential care homes, you may have to prove how long you have been registered as living in Spain.
If a professional assessment confirms you need support, the service may still not be available. This could be due to limited funding or entitlement thresholds.
You should check:
- what services and benefits are available in your area
- the eligibility requirements
- which documents you need to provide
These can vary within the same Spanish region.
You may need an English-speaking translator or interpreter in Spain. They can help you understand information and services.
Assessments for state-funded support
In Spain, a law commonly known as ‘Ley de Dependencia’ sets out the rules for state-funded support for people who need help with daily activities. This could be due to age, illness or disability. It explains how the Spanish authorities assess what support you might be entitled to, including support at home or in a public nursing home.
To be considered for state-funded support under Ley de Dependencia, you must have:
- registered as resident in Spain for at least 5 years, including the last 2 years
- completed an assessment to determine your level of dependency
- applied through your local town hall (‘ayuntamiento’)
The process can take up to 2 years.
The Spanish authorities will take account of any savings, property or pensions you have. If they ask you for evidence of your finances, contact:
- the International Pension Centre to get proof of your UK State Pension income (or lack of State Pension entitlement)
- HM Revenue and Customs for evidence of your taxable income and your National Insurance contributions
You may need your National Insurance number or your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) if you have one.
The Spanish authorities conduct all applications and assessments in Spanish. Find an English-speaking translator or interpreter in Spain.
Care after leaving hospital
You do not have an automatic right to social care after leaving hospital. You can only get support if you meet the eligibility rules. This will normally include showing proof you’ve registered as resident in Spain for a minimum period.
If you or your doctor think you’ll need help at home, a hospital social worker will usually assess your needs. They may ask the town hall (‘ayuntamiento’) social worker for a further assessment.
If the assessment finds someone at home can provide care, they’ll be expected to care for you. If this is not possible, you’ll have to arrange and pay for private home care.
If you were living in Spain before 1 January 2021
If you were living in Spain before 1 January 2021, you may be eligible for UK Attendance Allowance. This may be included as part of your financial means in an assessment for the Ley de Dependencia.
Planning your finances and estate in Spain
Tax and pensions
Our Living in Spain and Moving, living and retiring abroad guides include information on:
- paying tax abroad
- claiming a UK State Pension
- avoiding pension payment interruptions by replying to ‘life certificate’ requests
- transferring a pension abroad
You may have to pay Spanish income tax if you earn money from:
- savings
- property
- public or private pensions
You must report changes in your personal circumstances such as address and bank account to the UK Pension Service to avoid them stopping your pension. Contact the International Pension Centre for help.
Lasting power of attorney
A lasting power of attorney gives you more control over what happens to you if you have an accident or an illness and cannot make your own decisions. Spain will recognise a lasting power of attorney organised in the UK, but you must follow these steps:
- Register the document with the Office of the Public Guardian.
- Get the document legalised.
- Get the document translated by a sworn translator registered in Spain.
Or, you can create a power of attorney in Spain, known as a ‘Poder Notarial’. Read about types of powers of attorney in Spain and how they’re recognised.
If you do not have a lasting power of attorney, only a judge can appoint someone to act on your behalf. This process can be long and complex.
Wills
Make a Spanish will to help prevent additional problems and expenses for your heirs. Consider contacting an English-speaking lawyer in Spain to do this.
Your nationality when you die usually determines what inheritance law applies to your estate. You must say clearly in your will whether you want Spanish or UK inheritance law to apply.
When you make your Spanish will, make sure:
- it does not conflict with your UK will
- family or friends are aware of your wills and how to find them
Funeral plans
Most Spanish insurance companies offer pre-paid funeral plans. UK funeral plans may not be valid in Spain. If there is no valid plan in place, your family or friends will be expected to pay for the services themselves.
Keep a paper copy of your plan and make sure your family knows where it is.
Fill in the back page of your passport with your next-of-kin information, even if estranged. This is especially important if you live alone. You can also add information about a trusted person who lives in your local area and is aware of your plans.
Read When someone dies in Spain.
Reporting safeguarding concerns
If you’re concerned about someone’s mental capacity or their ability to care for themselves, you can tell the local court if you’re:
- the person concerned
- an immediate family member (husband, wife, child, parent or sibling)
Anyone else can tell the public prosecutor (‘fiscal’), who may tell the local court.
You can also contact your local social services, preferably in writing. You can ask them to tell the public prosecutor about your concerns.
If the court decides you need help due to illness or disability, they may appoint a legal representative (‘curador’). They’ll look after your interests and make decisions for you if necessary. The process is bureaucratic and may take up to 2 years to complete.
Returning to the UK
For information on returning to the UK from Spain, read our Living in Spain guide.
Age UK has information on returning to the UK after living abroad.
You may wish to consider returning to the UK due to factors such as:
- declining mental or physical health
- language barriers
- financial pressures
- lack of support from family or friends
Disclaimer
We provide this information as a guide only. For definitive information, contact the Spanish authorities.
Read our consular information disclaimer.