Spanish Pensions And Living Abroad – Fe De Vida

If you are in receipt of a Spanish pension, but do not live in Spain, you need to provide the INSS with a ´Fe de Vida´/ proof of life every year.

You need to present this proof of life in the first 3 months of every calendar year. Failing to do so can result in your pension being put on hold by the INSS until they do receive the Fe de Vida. They will only resume payments with max. retrospect of 90 days.
You do not need a special form, even a handwritten statement will do, as long as your personal data as the INSS knows them are stated on the document, and the signature/stamp of the person signing it, plus the date of course.

Please note that you need the Fe de Vida to be signed by a public official, so someone from your Town Hall, a police officer or someone from your local social security office.
A notary will do as well, but he will charge for his services.

NB: contrary to the UK, a bank official or a lawyer/solicitor will NOT do.

Experiences/solutions from members, as stated on our facebook page:

I have done this twice already successfully. You need a letter from your GP stating that you are alive, you send this to the Spanish Consulate in London together with a photocopy of your passport and a postal order for 75p and a stamped addressed envelope which they will then post back to you enclosing the necessary Fe De Vida certificate which you then send to the relevant Social Security in Spain.

or:

 A certificate of voter registration from your council, if UK citizen living in UK.

Please note: The information provided is based upon our understanding of current legislation. It is not legal advice but is provided freely to enable you to be properly informed. We recommend that if you are considering taking action, you should seek professional advice.