Potential move to Spain

GuestPoster8320Guest12 February 2026 11:08:14

Good afternoon all

Firstly, many thanks for accepting me onto the forum.聽 This is a very new experience for me.聽

I am a 62 year old divorcee looking at moving to Spain on an NLV Visa next year and now taking the time to carry out my research.聽 I will be going through a qualified agent, who will assist me with the process but all the same, it is not quite as straight forward as I anticipated.

My main concerns are the Tax elements, as although I will be retired, I will have a passive Taxable income and securing a long term rental to satisfy the Embassy.聽 Also, I understand I would need to sell my current home within this Tax year to avoid paying CGT on my home next year, if sold then.聽 Is the Health Service there easy to register with etc.

Moreover, I am wanting to ensure that my new life is filled with activities and a warm welcome.聽 I am a very active and social person who enjoys walking, dancing, cooking, reading and would also love to immerses myself in the Spanish culture and learn the language.聽 I do on occasions also enjoy solitude and peace.聽 Having visited Spain numerous times over the years and feeling as though this is a second home for me, I still wish to ensure I head to the right area for long term.聽 I was initially interested in Benalmadena聽 Pueblo due to its locality to Malaga and excellent train/bus transport, however I have since been highly recommended the Murcia region as one filled with culture and a good balance of ex pats without the constant stream of holidaymakers.

Any views would be most welcome.聽 My understanding is that you have a MeetUp Spain group along with Internations that I could join, which could potentially get me started in making new friends.

If anyone has any suggestions regards accommodation information, best areas etc., that would be most helpful.聽 I would not be wishing to locate to a Golf complex as I feel this would be too insular for my tastes.

Many thanks everyone.

Belinda

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Blancas Blogger Member

Member since 09 April 2022

Blancas BloggerMember02 March 2026 20:53:36

Do NOT try Murcia. It is the smallest region in Spain and is a law unto itself. Paperwork is a nightmare and corruption rife. The Malaga area is more cosmopolitan and therefore more cultured.

My opinion comes from personal experience. But wherever you end up, I wish you luck 馃檹

coletteab88 Member

Member since 06 October 2018

coletteab88Member03 March 2026 16:42:47

Hello,

As far as your property/tax concerns; best to speak to someone with expertise in US and Spain rules.聽 Also, keep in mind that the regions vary as far as those rules.聽 There are many beautiful areas in Spain, it really depends on what your specific life style is.聽 Public transit is excellent all over most of the country with the exception of smaller villages.聽 Are you wanting to live by the coast? You can also find youtube content for just about every area and also other countries (Italy, France, etc) with many very helpful step by step guides.聽

I moved to the Costa Blanca a little over a year ago so I got to go through all the fun bureaucracy.聽 You have to be very, very patient.聽 The Spanish way is the Spanish way馃槑.聽

There are lots of meetups and where I live there is a club for international residents, both long and short term.聽 There is no shortage of activities for just about every interest.聽聽I have resources that I used for getting my flat, setting up utilities, etc. in the spot where I landed.聽聽Feel free to DM me if you would like to know more.聽 Since you have a bit of time, why not try a scouting trip or two?聽 I traveled all over the country when I was considering my move.聽 You just about can't go wrong, but of course it's very individual.聽

Cheers, Best of luck!