Once we arrive in Spain we have 30 days to request a Residence Card at the Subdelegación del Gobierno (Oficina de Extranjeros). We will also need an NIE (Numero de Identification de Extranjeros), and ID number for foreigners, which will allow us to rent an apartment and open a bank account. I believe we have 90 days to get an NIE but we’ll likely need it sooner so that we can find housing. We will likely live in a hotel the first several weeks while we look for an apartment to rent.
Obtaining health insurance is another item on the list of things to accomplish before we leave. We will qualify for Medicare but it won’t cover us in Spain so we’ll have to find other insurance.
I made a friend on a travel forum who helped me quite a bit when I was planning our two trips to Spain. When it came time to go to Málaga for our anniversary he suggested that we meet and we did and had a lovely time. We met him and his wife at the AC Palacio Hotel for drinks and found them to be very warm, generous and helpful people. 
My friend thought we’d be interested in purchasing property so he offered his lawyer’s name to me in case we need it. I have made other friends via my blog who live in Spain that I hope to meet once we get there.
We are so looking forward to this new chapter in our lives. It likely won’t be easy even with careful planning and preparation. But once we’re there and settled in I’m sure we will find it very relaxing and rewarding. What’s not to love with beautiful scenery, good food, warm and sunny days and the lovely Spanish people? Indeed. And it will be a dream come true!
February 29, 2016 at 12:42 pm
Currently living in Benalmádena at Sensara retirement complex. We want to move to Málaga as it is close to everything and since we are not driving, taxis are readily available. Pease send us the information as our lease will be up at the end of June. Would yo let us know what the cost would be if we paid a year’s rent to begin as of July 1st.
Thanks
April 7, 2016 at 11:38 am
Looking for a retirement place like Sensara in Benalmadena also in Málaga
April 20, 2016 at 5:46 pm
Looking for a retirement complex for 0ver 55s in Málaga. We plan on staying in Spain for 7 to 8 years.
August 23, 2016 at 11:40 am
Sandra and Michael have you tried KEI homes in Benalmadena? I am currently looking, as I am struggling to find anything else nearer to Malaga or the East side of Malaga. Sensara is not the same place I believe? that looks lovely but very expensive – have you enjoyed your time there?
September 26, 2016 at 3:05 pm
Clare, Sensara is not expensive at all. In fact, the rentals even in Málaga are not expensive. We pay 600 Euros per months. Mind you we paid the first time a year in advance then now paid up from June to December. Rentals also come furnished. Our place in Los Angeles rents for 4 times more than we are paying here and definitely not furnished except for appliances; so we have no complaints. We are moving to Málaga in January as it is more con-venient for us as trains stop at 11:30 p.m. and most places you do not start eating until around 10 so it is a hassle to rush to catch the trains.
March 20, 2018 at 11:45 am
Hello Micheal and Sandra, Malcolm here. I’m pleased you managed to find a place in Malaga and are settling in OK. Im wondering if its the retirement complex in the centre?