Costa Blanca Magazin

Costa Blanca life certificate - how it works for pensioners

Lebensbescheinigung an der Costa Blanca

Certificate of residence for residents on the Costa Blanca: where to get it, who needs it and what deadlines apply

Those who spend their retirement on the Costa Blanca live where others go on holiday - between the sea, mountains and mild light. Many northern and central Europeans have settled in the Marina Alta and Marina Baixa to enjoy their retirement under the southern sun. But as relaxed as everyday life is, there is always a bit of bureaucracy when travelling. Pensioners in particular should be aware of a formality that regularly causes uncertainty - the life certificate.

It serves as proof to pension funds that a person is actually alive and therefore still entitled to payments. The background is simple: the insurance providers want to prevent pension fraud, which could occur if no notification is made after a death.

Who must submit a life certificate? Not all countries handle it the same way.
German, Austrian and Swiss pensioners are obliged to submit a life certificate once a year. The relevant form is usually sent automatically - usually in the summer.
British residents, on the other hand, only receive the so-called Life Certificate on a random basis. If you do not receive a form, you do not have to do anything.
Scandinavian countries such as Sweden, Norway and Denmark use digital population registers; a separate certificate is therefore only required in exceptional cases.

Where can I get the certificate?
For pensioners from German-speaking countries, there are several options in the Marina Alta and Marina Baixa:
1st consulate
The German Consulate General in Alicante is the most important point of contact for official confirmations. The life certificate can be signed there in person by presenting the form and a valid identity document.
Appointments are made exclusively online:
https://spanien.diplo.de/es-de/vertretungen/generalkonsulat-alicante

2. notary (Notario Público)
Many notaries in Dénia, Jávea, Calpe, Altea or Benidorm are authorised to issue life certificates. This is the most convenient solution for many residents, as they can usually be issued within a few minutes. An identity card or passport and the form sent by the pension fund are required.
3. ayuntamiento (town hall)
Some municipalities also issue the certificate - especially if you are registered in the local population register (Padrón Municipal). Not every town hall offers this service, so it is advisable to enquire in advance.

Important notes
- Appointment: Arrange early, especially at the consulate.
- Form: Only use the original form sent by your pension insurance company.
- Costs: Notaries usually charge a small fee, the consulate usually confirms free of charge.
- Dispatch: The signed original should be sent immediately by post to the pension fund to avoid any interruptions in payment.

And if no form arrives?
If you do not receive a life certificate during the year, it is advisable to call the pension fund. Sometimes the letter gets lost or is not delivered due to a change of address. A replacement form can be requested at any time.

For many residents on the Costa Blanca, the life certificate is not a bureaucratic stumbling block, but a simple routine. If you have your documents ready and act in good time, it can be done in a matter of minutes - at the notary round the corner or at the consulate in Alicante.

And then there is time again for what everyday life here is really all about: enjoying life between the sea and the mountains - without any paperwork in your head.