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Expats moving to Spain must prove finances
| Published: | 2 Aug at 3 PM |
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Europeans who opt to head to Spain to begin a new life must now prove they have the funds to support themselves so as not to end up being a burden to the government of one of the EU’s most financially troubled countries.
Expats moving to the Iberian country for employment reasons or to enjoy a retirement in the sun must now be able to provide proof of a work contract or show that they have enough money to adequately support themselves and will not need to rely on the support of the Spanish government.
EU citizens who have retired or, for one reason or another, cannot work, must prove they have health insurance cover. This may come as a blow for many ‘health tourists’ who have headed to Spain over the years to enjoy its excellent hospitals, cheap treatment and short waiting lists. However, the Spanish government believes it can save one billion euros a year by not providing such treatment to expats.
Opponents have claimed the move does not comply with the ‘free movement principle’ of the EU, which states that citizens of the bloc are entitled to health care in any other EU country. However, article of the 2004 EU directive movement gives any member state the power to apply entry conditions on citizens of the EU.
Expats moving to the Iberian country for employment reasons or to enjoy a retirement in the sun must now be able to provide proof of a work contract or show that they have enough money to adequately support themselves and will not need to rely on the support of the Spanish government.
EU citizens who have retired or, for one reason or another, cannot work, must prove they have health insurance cover. This may come as a blow for many ‘health tourists’ who have headed to Spain over the years to enjoy its excellent hospitals, cheap treatment and short waiting lists. However, the Spanish government believes it can save one billion euros a year by not providing such treatment to expats.
Opponents have claimed the move does not comply with the ‘free movement principle’ of the EU, which states that citizens of the bloc are entitled to health care in any other EU country. However, article of the 2004 EU directive movement gives any member state the power to apply entry conditions on citizens of the EU.
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