MOVING HOUSEHOLD EFFECTS

All import duties have been abolished on the movement of household goods within the EU.

European removal companies are sound professional organisations normally belonging to the International Federation of Furniture Removers. They have well-established procedures both operationally and administratively. The paperwork is best left to them.

It is wise to leave TV sets at home as the Spanish sound system and receiving frequency differs from other European countries. Washing machines work successfully but the plumbing of a Spanish home does not allow for a hot water fill. Computers, vacuum cleaners and other domestic items all operate successfully on Spanish voltages.

For non-EU nationals the movement of household goods, but not cars, is free, but the procedure is tortuous. In this case the Spanish government grants a privilege of importing household effects and personal possessions free of customs duty. It is not necessary to purchase property in order to justify this, but holding a Residencia is, and regrettably a deposit of approximately 50 per cent of the value of the goods must be made, which is returned within one year. Conditions relating to this privilege are that a person has not been a resident in Spain during the two years prior to the importation of the goods; that the goods enter the country within three months of the person’s own arrival in Spain; that the goods are at least six months old, and not sold for a further two years. The starting point for this procedure is the Spanish Consulate in the home country ... and of course a form.

DEALING WITH PETS

There is absolutely no reason why a pet cannot enter Spain, or for that matter travel through an intermediate country such as France. The United Kingdom has recently relaxed quarantine regulations, bringing its approach more in line with other European countries. It may be necessary to travel to and from Spain frequently or unexpectedly, in which case any pet should have the necessary vaccinations, health checks and accompanying paperwork. The website of the Department of Environment www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index is useful.

The Pet Travel Scheme allows cats and dogs resident in the UK to visit certain other countries and return to the UK, without quarantine, provided that certain conditions are met thus eliminating the transmission of disease from country to country. Spain is one of the countries in the scheme. All cats and dogs must:

• be fitted with a microchip that meets an ISO specification so that it can be read by a standard microchip reader;
• be vaccinated against rabies with an approved vaccine and have booster vaccinations as recommended; pets must be at least three months old and be already fitted with a microchip before they can be vaccinated;
• be blood tested about 30 days after vaccination;
• wait at least six months after a successful blood test result before being allowed entry or re-entry into the UK.

Spain also requires an Export Health Certificate to allow a pet to enter the country. It is different from the PETS scheme. When in Spain have the pet fitted with a microchip which gives its new address.

Three documents are required to allow a pet to re-enter the UK:

• the PETS certificate certifying that the above conditions have been met before travel;
• an official Certificate of Treatment against a potentially dangerous type of tapeworm and ticks, which must be carried out by a vet between 24 to 48 hours before re-entering the UK;
• a Declaration of Residence to declare that a pet has not been outside any of the qualifying countries in the six months before entering the UK; this will be available from a transport company or from MAFF.

LETTING THE HOUSE BACK HOME

Some people, with the intention of living in Spain permanently, decide not to sell their old home to generate income. Let it out! It makes sense to put the letting of this property in the hands of experts. The Association of Residential Agents, formed in 1981, regulates letting agents and seeks to promote the provision of high standards of service to both landlords and tenants. Membership is restricted to those letting agents who can demonstrate good financial practices and have a good working knowledge of all the legal issues involved.

If the owner is classed as an overseas resident for tax purposes, the letting company is responsible for deducting income tax at base rate on the rental income, unless the Inland Revenue provides a tax exemption certificate.