Hi everybody, I am quite confused about what to do about my state pension contributions as I have been living in Spain for 2 years (and intend to do so for the rest of my life) working as an English teacher, but paying next to nothing in taxes as most of the Language Academies here operate. This concerns me as I am unsure as to whether I should continue paying a little to the Spanish State and also to start making VOLUNTARY NATIONAL INSURANCE CONTRIBUTIONS to Great Britain. I have already paid 15 years of contributions in England and I am wondering which is the best way forward for me with regards to my situation.
I would be very grateful for any suggestions.
Thanks.

You need I think 35 years of contributions to get a UK state pension.
Best call the UK International Pensions Office in Newcastle for advice…their tel. number is 0044 191 218 7777

Pretty sure that you should be paying the full whack of Social Security payments to the Spanish totalling around 250? a month…
Unless you have private health insurance you should be paying this anyway to ensure medical services are available to you. A UK E 111 doesn’t provide cover for people employed here.

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foxbat - 29 September 2010 06:18 AM

You need I think 35 years of contributions to get a UK state pension.

30 years contributions for full state pension, otherwise you get pro rata i.e. 5 years contributions you get 5 thirtieths of full pension.

Yes it is now 30 yrs

Suggest you look here

http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/living-in-spain/pensions-benefits/working-in-spain/

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/policy/pensions-reform/the-pensions-act-2007/

and here

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/international/insurance-and-contributions/working-in-another-country/eea-countries/