Have you given thought to relocating to Lanzarote? Or maybe you are wondering if other people have given thought to or actually made the move abroad? Around 200 British citizens leave the UK every day. EU figures have shown that migration was around 122,000 from the UK from 2016 to March 2017, with an estimated 85,000+ emigrating between 2015 and 2016. These figures are astounding since this only includes the UK. Migration statistics have also shown that in the year 2015, at the end of September, migration (net) to the UK was 323,000. Not all of these people have relocated to Lanzarote of course.
But if you have ever given thought to move to Lanzarote, you are most certainly not alone. In fact, there are many others that have had the same ideas. So, you have landed on the right page for the assistance and help that you may be needing, and to help you make this transition smooth and clean.
Why Choose Lanzarote?
This is one of the small islands in the Atlantic that is known for its cosmopolitan population with about 150,000 residents that hail from countries other than Spain. So why is Lanzarote one of the popular destinations to move to for those that are looking to start a new chapter abroad?
The climate is obviously one of the main factors. The Canary Islands provide sunshine throughout the year and Lanzarote is known for its low levels of rainfall, which makes it very possible to benefit from a more outdoor lifestyle regardless of the time of the year. Compare this to the UK, where the majority of residents have to stay indoors for many months in the year, and it is obvious to see there is no contest.
The beautiful weather allows you to achieve a much better quality of life and a way to keep living costs low as well. Heating bills will be just about non-existent, depending on the location and essentials like food and petrol also cost less. Dining out is also highly affordable and it becomes easier to maintain a more positive outlook when the sun is always shining, and the sky is always blue.
Working In Lanzarote
Citizens of European Union countries, as well as those outside the EU who have signed up to Freedom of Movement – Norway and Switzerland – have the right to live, work or start a business in any part of Spain, including The Canary Islands.
Citizens of many non-EU countries do not require a Lanzarote visa to visit the island for a holiday and can stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180 days.
Visas are available to citizens of third countries to move here to live, for work and to start a business. These must be applied for and granted within 90 days prior to arrival in Lanzarote – you must apply before moving to Lanzarote.
Non Lucrative Visa
This option would work, for example, for a retired person planning to move to Spain. Non-lucrative means they will not be allowed to work while living here.
Business Start Visa
As the name suggests, this visa is people planning to start a business here in Lanzarote. It is also known as an entrepreneur visa.
Work Visa
This visa is for those moving to Lanzarote who have a job to come to. Companies in Spain can only hire staff from outside the EU, if they are unable to show that they cannot recruit the right person from an EU country.
You will also need a Social Security Number by enrolling with the Social Security System. You will be able to use this number if you ever need to visit one of the Government doctors for free. If you start working in Lanzarote, your employer will pay for your social security and your tax retention.
If you are self-employed, you will be required to obtain a Fiscal Licence that will permit you to trade (in particular fields). As a self-employed person, you will need to pay your own social security each month (275 Euros) and tax each quarter. You will also be required to submit a Declaracion de La Renta or Declaration for the end of each tax year. Setting up a business is a bit more complicated, which is why it is recommended to seek advice from a professional already living on this island.
It is important to keep in mind that European citizens can reside in Lanzarote for up to 90 days. Thereafter they are required to apply for Residency. If you work within these 90 days, you are required to pay for social security so that the work you are doing is done legally. Employers of workers that are illegal are at risk of bearing penalties if there are ever work inspections conducted.
Finding A Home In Lanzarote
Before you can progress to the next step of making plans to move to Lanzarote, you will first need to find a property that you can call home. When searching for properties on this island, there are several property types and locations to consider. In many cases, you will probably already know what type of property you are looking for. Here is more information on 3 of the more popular spots to buy a property in Lanzarote.
Located on the southeast coast of Lanzarote, Puerto del Carmen is a highly sought-after destination when it comes to Spanish real estate. With a beautiful coastline and pristine beaches, this area is packed with different things to see and do. Due to how popular this area is with tourists; it offers a reliable investment opportunity.
Playa Blanca is located on the southern side of this island and is also among the newer areas that were recently created. It is also quickly turning into one of Lanzarote’s residential hot spots, providing a range of attractive properties to choose from. It also has a large 9km bay that provides a never-ending beachfront where you get to enjoy stunning views across the warm Atlantic Ocean.
Puerto Calero
Located close to Puerto del Carmen, this is another highly popular resort. It is situated on the southwest coast, 10 minutes’ drive from Arrecife Airport, meaning you will be well-located for travel. There is a luxurious appeal to this area and there are also several new developments on the go that provide diving interiors and modern exteriors.
Helpful Checklist
1. Before arriving on the Island, make sure you have arranged for some form of medical insurance coverage, while you are looking for work.
2. Long-term accommodation is not that easy to come across, particularly during the summer period. Try and arrange your accommodation well before your arrival date.
3. If you don’t have accommodation organised ensure that you have enough funds to secure a rental. Many of the rentals will require you to sign a six-month lease and pay a deposit (equal to 2 month’s rent) and your first month’s rental upfront. So, if your rental agreement works out to 600 Euros a month, you would need 1800 Euros to secure the rental.
4. If your work period is shorter, you could be charged for accommodation at the tourist rates which could be a minimum of double the normal longer let prices.
5. If you plan to set up a company, make sure you make contact with a reliable Gestoria to complete and organise all the needed paperwork on your behalf.
6. Learning Spanish is desirable, but it isn’t a necessary asset if you plan to work in one of the main resorts. But if you are planning to work in other areas like the capital Arrecife a degree of fluency would be a requirement.
Hire A Professional Removals Company
When you are looking to move your family and all of your belongings to a new home in Lanzarote the Canary Islands Spain, it is going to be a very exciting experience for sure. Find out More https://www.edwardseuropeanmoving.com/removals-to-canary-islands/
However, along with that, you have to make sure that you are completely prepared for a relocation so that you are not subject to any unnecessary stress. Hiring a professional removals company like Edwards European Moving for your removals to Lanzarote Spain will allow you to cover each of your bases while making sure that there is nothing that you end up forgetting along the way. Get A Free Moving Quote:
Hi I am Edward John owner and the driving force behind Edwards European Moving. I and other members of staff are trilingual speaking English, French, and Spanish. Edwards European Moving specialises in providing full door-to-door removal services across Europe. With a strong emphasis on professionalism and competence, the company has garnered a wealth of experience in house and business removals throughout the continent.