The necessity to get a Certificate of Life, or a Fe de Vida, as it is also known, is a common problem for Spanish retirees. If you are a Spanish expat planning on living abroad, you may want to know how to get a Certificate of Life. To continue receiving your pension, you must get a Certificate of Life during the first quarter of the year (January through March).
Having the freedom to enjoy living abroad is fantastic, so it is best to ensure you swat up on all the requirements to limit any issues. This blog covers information on obtaining your Certificate of Life.
Visiting The Spanish Consulate General
If you live in a nation like Australia, you must fly to Sydney and present yourself to the Spanish Consulate General to receive a Certificate of Life. A valid Spanish ID, such as a passport or DNI, is required; however, an expired ID will not be accepted. The original Certificate of Life must be delivered to the relevant Social Security office in Spain. You must go to the Spanish Consulate General in London if you’re in the UK. If you are unsure where to go, contact a local council or embassy for further information and guidance.
Certificate of Notarisation
If you are unable to appear before a Spanish Consulate General because one is not located there or because you are unable to travel to one owing to health concerns, the Notarial Certificate of Life is your best alternative. Forms may be obtained and filled out by representatives of your town hall or another local agency, like the police, before being signed and sealed. This must be presented, along with a copy of your ID or passport, to the relevant Social Security Office in Spain.
A Public Notary may be able to issue you a certificate as proof of your existence in some countries. It must be sent to the appropriate Social Security Office, and a Hague Apostille must be included.
If you do not show your Fe de Vida during the first quarter of the year, your pension will be suspended until you do. If your pension is stopped, they will pay you back for up to 90 days, so if you wait four months, you will lose one month of your pension, which is why you should act quickly.
For professional probate advice, contact Probate a Will on 0203 9859554.
