Golden visas and UK driving licence

Wondering what advantage, if any , there is in spending over 500k to live in Spain for 12 months whilst still holding a UK driving licence.

What would be the difference to any other visa? You still have to change your licence within 6 months. Despite the Briish ambassador saying every month that the agreement to swap your UK licence for a Spanish one will happen "in a few weeks" it still hasn't. Once you've been here 6 months you can no longer drive on a UK licence and have to still take a test. Hopefully it will change soon but anyone holding their breath will have expired a long time ago.

Can't see it depending on what type of visa you have.

Like you, I know that mariedav but do those who make such a massive investment ? Have spoken with one locally to whom this rule came as a shock.

Perhaps  they are  living in hope the rules change. Otherwise what idiot would want  this Golden visa when in truth you still cannot spend more than 90 days in 180.

Not me.

I think you're right, floella. Coincidentally I was talking to someone who had just applied for the Golden Visa. He bought a property (built for him) just across the road from us for €670,000 and almost three quarters of a million after taxes, utilities, solicitors and notary fees etc.

Not once did anyone mention to him that he could only drive on his UK licence for 6 months. I did calm him a bit by telling him about the UK ambassador promising it would be "soon" but that's been said since October last year. 

He will be moving in come May but will still need to make an appoinment to get the actual residency documents. He did know he'd have to apply as soon as he moves over but the Golden Visa was quite, he said, a simple process.

Hasn't come up against Spanish red tape as yet, obviously.

Get international driving permit [n England} before your journey to Spain - £5 / year. Job sorted.

Nope. International Driving Permit is not a licence and you cannot drive with one unless you have a national licence to back it up. 

And we aren't talking of visits to Spain as you UK licence is perfectly valid for short stays. We are talking of those taking up residency.

Mariedev - International permit can ONLY be obtained with a national licence - so your point  is ????

Have seen this erroneous idea mentioned elsewhere.

An IDP does not circumvent the 90/180 law although misleading advertisements may make it appear so.

Midasgold.

My point is we are talking of those who are taking up residence. If you are visiting Spain you can drive on a UK licence with no IDP. for your 90 days allowed.  If you are moving to Spain you can drive up to 6 months on your UK licence but must change it for a Spanish one to continue driving either (hopefully) by being exchanged or taking a Spanish driving test. 

My other point is that your post was irrelevant and incorrect.

The Golden Visa for Spain is a residence visa issued to a non-EU national who intends to make a significant investment in the Spanish economy. It does not allow anyone diplomatic status or exemption to Spanish laws.

The Portuguese golden visa is far in front of the Spanish golden visa  for instance the Spanish only have one golden visa on offer €500,000 + proof of income ...Portugal has 3 types of golden visas  €500,000 €350,000 €250,000...and you only need proof of income of approximately €8,500 per year per person this blows any thing that the Spanish have on offer out of the water... also your UK driving license can be exchanged for a Portuguese equivalent without taking a driving test. 

Windy as always you are absolutely correct, but this also applies to Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. This discussion is on EOS and refers to Spain’s immigration rules and laws. Why would a Golden visa be in front if it was so relaxed that many people could get it, or did you mean some other countries have a Tin visa?

After having to go to Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen I wouldnt live their if they gave me ten golden visa's, a million acres of land, new driving licence, and a push bike.

Windy, you forget to mention the lower property purchase prices in Portugal, those less than 500,000, are if you purchase an older property (over 30 years old) that is in need of refurbishment and will have a large amount spent on it. It can be lower if you move to a low density population area. In other words, something like the Italians and Swiss have brought in to regenerate towns where most people have moved out.

Exchanging your UK licence has only just been approved from the beginning of this year. You must apply to exchange it with 60 days and it must be exchanged within 185 days. Something exactly like the Spanish will authorise once parliament gets around to discussing it. 

This news in today from N332: https://n332.es/spain-approves-the-reciprocal-recognition-and-exchange-of-driving-licences-with-the-united-kingdom/ 

And, as if by magic, the Spanish parliament has now met and agreed the arrangements to exchange the UK driving licence for the Spanish one. This can be done from Thursday March 16th and the full details will be published in a BOE later today.

You will have 6 months in which to apply to carry out the exchange. This applies to new residents and current ones who are unable to drive after the time ran out. 

The Spain Golden Visa program offers various investment pathways for non-EU nationals seeking residency and access to the European Union's valuable freedoms and benefits while contributing to the nation's economic growth and employment rates. With its unique combination of lifestyle, cultural richness, and business opportunities, Spain offers an attractive destination for worldwide investors. 

United Kingdom has now been added to the list of countries you can exchange your driving licence. As from today.

Thank you mariedav, it’s wonderful news. Now we seem to have the problem of finding someone who will do the total exchange procedure ‘’ psychotechnical aptitude test and obtain the Spanish licence. Is there anyone you know in the Quesada area or Orihuela City?

Any help appreciated.

I know of several that do the medical type testing in Rojales and La Siesta. Not sure if they do the actual exchange but they will do the renewals. I think you just need to make an appointment with trafico in the area by dialling 060 or using the website to book an appointment which is Cita Previa DGT

There are a couple of places in Quesada which will do it for you (at a price) and one is One Way Services and another the Expat Centre. 

When you go through the (rather convoluted way to choose a centre) you get Alicante, Elche, Murcia and Cartagena in this area. The pages also gives you a link to the request form but only in Castillain or Catalan. Request Form

They also tell you what documents you need to take with you but they will only do it with a prebooked appointment.