Anyone In Spain on NLV/TIE using an International Driving License?

Joined
Jul 18, 2009
Posts
12,085
Likes collected
20,544
Location
Manchester UK + Javea/Xabia Spain + Abu Dhabi
Funster No
7,543
MH
HYMER B644
Exp
2004
Just been considering residency here in Spain. Talking to one of the Lawyers we use here. He said the problem we may face at the moment is, we cannot exchange our UK License for a Spanish one, common know problem.

He said, UK citizens he is dealing with residency for, are using an international drivers license


 
Just been considering residency here in Spain. Talking to one of the Lawyers we use here. He said the problem we may face at the moment is, we cannot exchange our UK License for a Spanish one, common know problem.

He said, UK citizens he is dealing with residency for, are using an international drivers license


We have just been approved for a NLV by Madrid, and are waiting for our passports back with the visas from the Spanish Consulate in London. Like you, I was concerned about the Driving Licence issue. The rules are that 6 months after gaining your TIE your UK licence is no longer valid to drive in Spain, not after 6 months in country, but 6 months from the grant of a TIE. Take a Spanish test or don't drive. Your first link makes it clear that the IDP will not help you. However, there were very positive statements from the British Embassy in Spain that agreement had been reached and that it was just down to Spanish bureaucracy, this was in December. I believe they were saying it would be resolved in the new year. So we decided to continue and apply for the NLV. I am hoping it was the right call!
 
We have just been approved for a NLV by Madrid, and are waiting for our passports back with the visas from the Spanish Consulate in London. Like you, I was concerned about the Driving Licence issue. The rules are that 6 months after gaining your TIE your UK licence is no longer valid to drive in Spain, not after 6 months in country, but 6 months from the grant of a TIE. Take a Spanish test or don't drive. Your first link makes it clear that the IDP will not help you. However, there were very positive statements from the British Embassy in Spain that agreement had been reached and that it was just down to Spanish bureaucracy, this was in December. I believe they were saying it would be resolved in the new year. So we decided to continue and apply for the NLV. I am hoping it was the right call!
Thank you.

Three Questions: or tell me to mind my own

A Did you apply in London?
B Are you keeping the Liner ?
C Who did you take your medical insurance with (PM me if preferred)
 
Last edited:
Thank you.

Two Questions:

A Did you apply in London?
B Are you keeping the Liner ?
You have to be in the UK when you apply for a NLV; you have to personally visit a Spanish consulate in your native country, London, Manchester or Edinburgh for us. We did it in London. Bit pointless as you just go up to what is a ticket type counter, hand over your documents, go to another office and pay, then come back with the receipt and your application is filed and you get a filing receipt. So 20 mins bar the waiting and you are in and out! Nice staff though and all very painless. Paperwork is gruelling, I used Chris at Upsticks, to guide me down the path which made it comprehensible, he's down to earth and tells it as it is, which could be off-putting to some. He helps through what is a somewhat fluid process, different consulates interpret requirements differently, and has all the contacts you need to get things done. Worth the money. https://upsticks.es/non-lucrative-visa-spain/
No, sadly, sold the Morelo last year, after we bought a house in Estepona.

Michael

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
I just find it amazing that an income of 26,000€ is required when an EU citizen only requires equivalent to the basic non contributory pension amount for a spaniard ,which is under 5,000€
 
What is the rough cost of NLV for a married couple??
Cheers.
 
Just been considering residency here in Spain. Talking to one of the Lawyers we use here. He said the problem we may face at the moment is, we cannot exchange our UK License for a Spanish one, common know problem.

He said, UK citizens he is dealing with residency for, are using an international drivers license



Just been considering residency here in Spain. Talking to one of the Lawyers we use here. He said the problem we may face at the moment is, we cannot exchange our UK License for a Spanish one, common know problem.

He said, UK citizens he is dealing with residency for, are using an international drivers license


Correct me if I'm wrong... I frequently are.
To be granted a IDP you need to be a license holder from your country of residence in your case the UK I presume.

When an application to exchange your license is made, you surrender your UK licence, therefore you will be given a temporary Spanish licence which enables you to drive in Spain only..
Where does the IDP fit into this equation...
Of course to go down the route of obtaining Spanish resident status needs to be a full on commitment..which takes time to obtain Permanent resident Status over the first 5 years...
 
Last edited:
Correct me if I'm wrong... I frequently are.
To be granted a IDP you need to be a license holder from your country of residence in your case the UK I presume.

When an application to exchange your license is made, you surrender your UK licence, therefore you will be given a temporary Spanish licence which enables you to drive in Spain only..
Where does the IDP fit into this equation...
Of course to go down the route of obtaining Spanish resident status needs to be a full on commitment..which takes time to obtain Permanent resident Status over the first 5 years...
Yes. Thank you.

Seems there is a delay in exchanging licenses.

I’ve been studying Spanish residency since the transition period. Unfortunately, we were not in a position to take up residency at that time.

A couple of downsides now. A need to pay for private Spanish medical and B. Ant work in Spain on an NLV.

Otherwise, much the same.
 
I just find it amazing that an income of 26,000€ is required when an EU citizen only requires equivalent to the basic non contributory pension amount for a spaniard ,which is under 5,000€
Hopefully, things may change.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
ASSSA were the preferred option when we looked into it. Around a 1000 euros each.
https://www.asssa.es/en/health-insurance/
They were a good option, but Sally is 76 next birthday, which is a big problem for health insurance, took us to only 3 real options. We went with Sanitas in the end but for the 2 of us that was €3400, Asssa were €700 more!! Sanitas also had a dental centre in Estepona.
 
I just find it amazing that an income of 26,000€ is required when an EU citizen only requires equivalent to the basic non contributory pension amount for a spaniard ,which is under 5,000€
I suppose it's like UK citizens seeing immigrants getting free access to our NHS. Personally I don't mind, the infrastructure that I enjoy in Spain has been paid for by the Spanish taxpayer, I should not be able to just ride in and get it for free? They want to ensure I can pay my way without support from the Spanish taxpayer.
 
They were a good option, but Sally is 76 next birthday, which is a big problem for health insurance, took us to only 3 real options. We went with Sanitas in the end but for the 2 of us that was €3400, Asssa were €700 more!! Sanitas also had a dental centre in Estepona.
Are you not able to use the S1 with a NLV?
And next year are you able to join the Spanish system?
 
Are you not able to use the S1 with a NLV?
S1's are no longer supplied to anyone except those legally resident in another country before brexit & under retiring age. When they become due for a state pension they can claim an S1. all others have been stopped.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Are you not able to use the S1 with a NLV?
And next year are you able to join the Spanish system?
Yes, but I wanted to get the process through quickly, and the S1 thing can be protracted,. Also, there are conflicting views on the quality of care on the public system. Don't get me wrong I am not saying that it's third world, just that they have waiting times too.
 
S1's are no longer supplied to anyone except those legally resident in another country before brexit & under retiring age. When they become due for a state pension they can claim an S1. all others have been stopped.
Sorry but that is wrong.
 
Sorry but that is wrong.
The Gov.uk stopped the supply & use of S1's for under retirement age & persons in receipt of state pensions who did not already have residency abroad some years back.whether they modified it with different countries,as they did for a while with spain ,i have no idea but to my knowledge an S1 for new retiree's who are moving abroad isn't available.
If it was available the requirement for private healthcare surely would not be needed? I'm sure bobandjanie has entitlement when he retires & can confirm if they have changed the rules yet again?

Also, there are conflicting views on the quality of care on the public system.
Most spaniards have private health insurance also so when there is a waiting list for scans etc, they use the Private health cover. most private hospitals earn there main income working for the state health provider. I used a private hospital yesterday . in & out 45miutes. reffered as a state healthcare patient
Don't get me wrong I am not saying that it's third world, just that they have waiting times too.
True but if i had to choose where to be taken ill the last place would be in the Uk.
 
True but if i had to choose where to be taken ill the last place would be in the Uk.
I tried not to get into a p****** contest. Nations have good points and bad points, I try not to emphasize the bad. The third party advice I received, not to rely on Spanish public health, was not verifiable, however it did help to colour my decision for private health. Which interestingly you have confirmed, thank you. But then I also have it in the UK. By the way I may have overstepped on the S1. Having reread your statement. I only went into it so far before I decided it would create potential delay, but I was pressed to use it for the cost saving.
 
S1's are no longer supplied to anyone except those legally resident in another country before brexit & under retiring age. When they become due for a state pension they can claim an S1. all others have been stopped.
The gov site says nothing about needing to be a resident before Brexit deadline.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
I tried not to get into a p****** contest. Nations have good points and bad points, I try not to emphasize the bad. The third party advice I received, not to rely on Spanish public health, was not verifiable, however it did help to colour my decision for private health. Which interestingly you have confirmed, thank you. But then I also have it in the UK. By the way I may have overstepped on the S1. Having reread your statement. I only went into it so far before I decided it would create potential delay, but I was pressed to use it for the cost saving.
I was granted my S1 without any complications or delays....I am on the Spanish Health service together with Judith....our local Centro Salud would give me an appointment to see my GP within 24 hours normally or if required urgently instantly...like the time I walked into reception with a finger that was 90° from it's normal position..
Judith has had a couple of Sport related injuries...broken arm and broken wrist...both times she was admitted into hospital for surgery the following day...we both are 100% satisfied with the Spanish health service..including regular check ups to full on Emergency treatment..
 
I have never been inside a Spanish hospital.

But completely off topic. See how clean Alicante airport is and how clean the cleaners look. Arrive at Manchester and it’s a shit hole with mainly scruffy employees.

I suspect Spanish hospitals are spotless
 
I have never been inside a Spanish hospital.

But completely off topic. See how clean Alicante airport is and how clean the cleaners look. Arrive at Manchester and it’s a shit hole with mainly scruffy employees.

I suspect Spanish hospitals are spotless
Totally and very professional and super caring..
 
The gov site says nothing about needing to be a resident before Brexit deadline.
that is 'how to register' one if you are entitled.
You need to start here

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/healthcare-in-spain-including-the-balearic-and-canary-islands

& find out whether you have any entitlement first. The gov.uk definitely stopped issuing them for under age people moving abroad & at the time they stated people in receipt of state pensions who do not come under the WA( withdrawal act) I.e those who had no residency & were moving abroad after brexit. When I have 5 minutes I will clarify it with the OHCBteam
I was granted my S1 without any complications or delays..
& that was because you had been here a long while & before brexit
I suspect Spanish hospitals are spotless
As said ,they are. Use the toilets after the cleaners have been & for the chlorine fumes you'll need BA:giggle:
 
The S1 was stopped for NLV applicants but then a U-turn was made. You can now ask for a S1 sent to you in the UK to use as your health cover if you are applying for a NLV and are receiving a UK pension.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
The S1 was stopped for NLV applicants but then a U-turn was made. You can now ask for a S1 sent to you in the UK to use as your health cover if you are applying for a NLV and are receiving a UK pension.
Thanks Judith That saves me bothering.
A 'U' turn ,who¡d believe it:laughing:
 
Thanks Judith I wasn't sure, :unsure: its almost 5 years since we got our residency, and just over a year drawing my state pension so got the S1 that enabled myself and Janie as my dependent to our SIP cards for Spanish health care. 😀

We started paying private health care to get residency, and decided to continue with it for the time being, the health centre is very good I've not seen our lady doctor but Janie says she is very good. 🙂
At the private hospital waiting time for my hip surgery was 3 to 4 weeks, I'm seeing the doctor in about a week to see about another operation and hopefully have the same waiting time, can't fault the hospital and the care, its modern and the nurses are happy and appreciated having a job there, I've been twice and had a mri scan the next morning, but although you pay its fast and efficient. 😁 Bob.
 
Thanks Judith I wasn't sure, :unsure: its almost 5 years since we got our residency, and just over a year drawing my state pension so got the S1 that enabled myself and Janie as my dependent to our SIP cards for Spanish health care. 😀

We started paying private health care to get residency, and decided to continue with it for the time being, the health centre is very good I've not seen our lady doctor but Janie says she is very good. 🙂
At the private hospital waiting time for my hip surgery was 3 to 4 weeks, I'm seeing the doctor in about a week to see about another operation and hopefully have the same waiting time, can't fault the hospital and the care, its modern and the nurses are happy and appreciated having a job there, I've been twice and had a mri scan the next morning, but although you pay its fast and efficient. 😁 Bob.


Many of our Spanish friends use both private and public health services.
 
You have to be in the UK when you apply for a NLV; you have to personally visit a Spanish consulate in your native country, London, Manchester or Edinburgh for us. We did it in London. Bit pointless as you just go up to what is a ticket type counter, hand over your documents, go to another office and pay, then come back with the receipt and your application is filed and you get a filing receipt. So 20 mins bar the waiting and you are in and out! Nice staff though and all very painless. Paperwork is gruelling, I used Chris at Upsticks, to guide me down the path which made it comprehensible, he's down to earth and tells it as it is, which could be off-putting to some. He helps through what is a somewhat fluid process, different consulates interpret requirements differently, and has all the contacts you need to get things done. Worth the money. https://upsticks.es/non-lucrative-visa-spain/
No, sadly, sold the Morelo last year, after we bought a house in Estepona.

Michael
Thank you for providing the contact details. Don't mean to be crude but could you give a ball park figure for their costs in helping gain the NLV
 
Thank you for providing the contact details. Don't mean to be crude but could you give a ball park figure for their costs in helping gain the NLV
Something like 1100€ for both of us, including a personal rep at TIE application and collection, and Padron. I did not have to think about it, just concentrate on the snagging of the house reform! Also there was a big error on Sally's TIE that made her male! Picked up before we got off the chair but button already pressed. Complete application had to be cancelled. Took 2 days and Upsticks handled it all and got another hens teeth appointment to in effect do it all again. In my eyes worth every euro. They knew the system, what to expect, how to tackle the inevitable errors. Sure we would have got there in the end, but .....

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

Join us or log in to post a reply.

To join in you must be a member of MotorhomeFun

Join MotorhomeFun

Join us, it quick and easy!

Log in

Already a member? Log in here.

Latest journal entries

Back
Top