We all dream of a life in paradise.
But is it achievable? The answer is yes.
Depending on your nationality, family situation and financial status the process of becoming a resident in Lanzarote can vary quite a lot. But, the good news is we can all do it. Here are some key points to get you started.
Finding a home in Lanzarote
Depending on whether you want to rent or buy a property in Lanzarote, there are various points to consider.
If buying, you may want to rent for a while to make sure you’re happy with the area you’ve chosen or you may be bolder and jump into buying directly.
Remember that living here isn’t the same as being on holiday, so you may want to be a little further away from the main resort. Also, it’s strongly advisable to have someone do your surveyance before purchasing, to make sure there are no debts against the property and that everything is legal (it’s not uncommon for homes in Lanzarote to have been extended illegally). We can support you with this service if you want to look at buying from the get go.
If renting, it’s always good to have someone on the island go and check the property out for you before you agree to renting it. You don’t want any nasty surprises if it turns out the photos are ten years old and the property has a lot more wear and tear than you originally realised!
The minimum rental contract is normally around 6 months, anything less can be a problem for your official registrations for your Residencia or TIE etc. Rentals are approx. €600-€800 per month for a 2 bed property, depending on location and facilities, with a security deposit of one month up front as well as the first month’s rent. We’re on hand to read through your contract and check out the property in advance of your arrival if you need some support getting yourself set up.
Working in Lanzarote
There are always jobs available and the minimum wage is just over €1000/month.
Speaking Spanish is clearly an advantage but many foreign businesses who target tourists will happily offer you a job with only English (or English and another language). The main jobs available to non Spanish speaking workers are in hospitality, cleaning, excursion selling, English teachers, tour reps for large travel companies such as TUI or Jet2, handy man/ woman, painter & decorator, gardener etc.
Getting a job with a contract will mean you’re covered on the national health system and after a minimum time period be entitled to unemployment benefits and so on.
You’ll need to register in the social security system and have an NIE to accept a contracted position here on the island. We can set that up for you as soon as you arrive, so you can get job hunting straight away.
Setting up your own business in Lanzarote
There are so many business opportunities on Lanzarote, we’re always thinking of something new we could do with! Being your own boss suits some people very well, especially when it comes to working around your family.
You’ll have to be registered in the social security system and have your NIE before you can start, and you’ll need to either set yourself up as Autonomy (Self-employed) or with a company.
Many businesses require licenses and permissions and of course staff will need to be put on a contract. We can help guide you as to what you may need and when, to get your idea off the ground and make it a success.
Healthcare in Lanzarote
Under normal circumstances you’re only entitled to healthcare in Lanzarote if you’re working or paying into the system. If you’re working, your direct family members (i.e. spouse and children) will also benefit from free healthcare.
If you’re not working and paying social security contributions, we can help you set up access to state healthcare for a fee, called convenio especial, once you’ve been in the system for a minimum of one year.
If you’re a state pensioner in your home country (EU or UK) you can also import your healthcare from your country and register it here via a document called an S1. If you’re married or have young kids they will also benefit from this free healthcare.
Having lived here all my life, I’ve seen many people around me go through pretty much every illness in the book and I can confidently say they’ve been well looked after, so don’t be scared of leaving your health in hands of the professionals on the islands.
Above all, moving to Lanzarote should be an adventure, not a hassle. We’re here to make sure things run as smoothly as possible and take the stress out of the paperwork, so you can focus on building that dream life in the sun.
Ready to get started? Book a consultation either in person or via zoom if you’re still in the UK, and let’s go over your personal needs and what your next steps should look like for a smooth transition.
