Come Retire in Spain - A European Retirement Paradise 
When you retire in Spain you will be able to put your feet up like never before.
Learn more about a retirement in Spain in IL Postcards. Retiring in Spain is an increasingly popular option for many expats looking for a retirement that combines first-world European luxuries and charms with the sun and sand of Spain's famous beaches. Healthcare in Spain
Unlike 25 years ago, there is no shortage of good hospitals and private clinics along the southern Costas. However, costs for private health insurance vary enormously-though you're likely to find it far less expensive than at home, which is a big draw for many who are considering a retirement in Spain. Comprehensive policies for people 55 to 60 years old go from $860 annually up to $2,000. A routine visit to a private doctor is normally $35 to $55; home visits are from around $50 to $110, depending on whether it's day or night. The cost of a bed in a private hospital is in the region of $135 per day. Include doctor fees and you can reckon on about $275 per day for the duration of any stay. State health care is considered good and available for free or at reduced costs. However, you must be contributing to Spanish Social Security or be receiving a state pension from another EU country to benefit. Capital gains exemption 
Retire under the beautiful Spanish sun.
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Over-65s are exempt from capital gains tax on the sale of their home if it's their primary residence. Otherwise residents are taxed at 20%; non-residents at 18%. To ensure the tax is paid, Spanish law requires that you pay 5% of the total purchase price directly to the tax agency if you're a non-resident. So, only 95% of the selling price goes into the vendor's bank account. If the tax turns out to be less than this deposit, the balance can be reclaimed.
Retire in Spain on the Costa del Sol
For Europeans, the Costa del Sol is the most popular part of the Spanish coastline to buy, rent, or invest in real estate. Part of Andalucia province, its infrastructure is excellent: there are international schools, first-class medical facilities-and there's certainly no problem finding real estate agents, doctors, and lawyers who speak English. But for North Americans looking to immerse themselves in Spanish culture, it might not have the same appeal as it holds for sunshine-seeking British, Germans, and Scandinavians. The region has exclusive areas such as the smart marina resort of Puerto Banus, but it encompasses the high-rise horrors of Torremolinos too. Many coastal resorts feel as Spanish as Manchester or Munich Retiring on the Orange Blossom Coast
Travel an hour north of Valencia and you're in the heart of the Costa del Alhazar-the Orange Blossom Coast. Still largely untargeted by foreign vacationers and home buyers, it boasts acres of orange and almond groves as well as sandy beaches like those of the Costa Blanca. And it must be said that it shares some of the same highrise developments… though that doesn't deter hordes of summertime vacationers from Madrid and other large Spanish cities. With a population of just 12,000, Benicassim feels totally Spanish. Five wonderful sandy beaches stretch for almost five miles. And although there are some unattractive tower blocks, the backdrop of green mountains is unscarred by ribbon developments of bungalows. Criss-crossed with ancient pilgrim paths, these sierras are especially lovely at sunset when they take on a rosy pink glow. Learn more about a retirement in Spain in IL Postcards.
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Read related IL Postcards: 01/30/2007 - Retire in Jaén Province-Andalucia
The Costa del Sol in Andalucia has always been a favorite playground for Brits and northern Europeans thanks to its minimum 300 days of sunshine a year and warm winters.
06/05/2006 - Threading the Bank in the Footsteps of Hemingway
Given the chance to create Utopia, any fly fisherman would opt for the ideal stream.
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