Vonster.1
Hong Kongese looking for information about Spain
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Hong Kongese
Registration: 08 December 2018
Driving Test in Spain by TinaChico
Hi All, We are hoping to move permanently to Spain this year and have been trying to find out about the driving licence. Some say you can just exchange your English licence for a Spanish one and some say you have to take the driving test agin in ...
IDP is always used with a valid DL hand by hand, never alone. So when I asked if I've could drive in Spain with the IDP renewed year after year, the DL is implied. I had a one year IDP before but never got to use it as my license was ... Read More
Driving Test in Spain by TinaChico
Hi All, We are hoping to move permanently to Spain this year and have been trying to find out about the driving licence. Some say you can just exchange your English licence for a Spanish one and some say you have to take the driving test agin in ...
One can only get an IDP with a valid DL. Read More
Driving Test in Spain by TinaChico
Hi All, We are hoping to move permanently to Spain this year and have been trying to find out about the driving licence. Some say you can just exchange your English licence for a Spanish one and some say you have to take the driving test agin in ...
Apologize for the incorrect wording. Can one keep renewing the international permit instead of going through the Spanish tests? Thanks Read More
Driving Test in Spain by TinaChico
Hi All, We are hoping to move permanently to Spain this year and have been trying to find out about the driving licence. Some say you can just exchange your English licence for a Spanish one and some say you have to take the driving test agin in ...
Hi Simcity Thank you very much for the link. I just spotted that instead of going through the Spanish driving test, one can still drive with an international license after 6 months living here? Do you know if one can keep driving with this ... Read More
Business plan for moving to Spain by TinaChico
Hello, I am hoping to move to Spain this year. I would like to be self employed- teaching piano lessons. I know I have to submit a business plan. Has anyone else done this or doing this? Not sure what the Spanish authorities are looking for. What if ...
You can use your foreign license for 6 months then you need to go through the whole Spanish driving test. Written and practical! Read More
Business plan for moving to Spain by TinaChico
Hello, I am hoping to move to Spain this year. I would like to be self employed- teaching piano lessons. I know I have to submit a business plan. Has anyone else done this or doing this? Not sure what the Spanish authorities are looking for. What if ...
My lawyer charged me 1200鈧� for the investor visa application. No Business plan though. She's spanish based in Madrid and speaks English. Let me know if you want her contact. Read More
Moving to Spain late summer 2021, gay single in my 40s by DavidUK2021
Hello, I have visited Spain several times and I know it pretty well from a tourist point of view but I'd like to hear the point of view of expats who live or have lived there. I am a single gay man, in my 40s, currently living in London (for the ...
I totally understand and agree with you that being single in a new country, a biggish city would be a good starting point. There will be more options socially. Barcelona is fab but it's getting chaotic especially with the covid hitting the most ... Read More
Short Stay Schengen Visa extention by Ana Carolina Fujihara
Hello, I've extended my stay in Spain for another 90 days due to medical reasons. After my 90 day extension, which started on 03/21/21, when would I be able to re-enter any Schengen area again? Please advise! Thank you, Ana
I had to stay out of Schengen (not exactly EU but almost) in order to stay under 90 days. I would highly recommend Croatia and Montenegro!! Very affordable, very beautiful, very nice restaurants and beaches. I would definitely much prefer those ... Read More
Best mobile phone deal? by LisaElf
Hello all I am still using my UK EE service and the roaming is still great (but that may change of course) and as I'm not returning to the UK I'll need to sort something out with a new provider. A little annoying as I have built up great ...
A local friend said he changed from Vodafone to Digimobil and saved heaps. They have English service. www.digimobil.es Read More
Will I be denied a Retirement visa because caution/record by Needtogetoutofhere2021
Have I now ruined any chances of moving to Spain Because of stupid decisions I made getting a conviction as youth for shoplifting over 40 years ago the circumstances I doubt would of got me a criminal conviction but 40 years ago they was so much ...
When the authority asks for a No Criminal Record, they expect exactly it. You need a NO Criminal Record from where you have resided. The police will issue a No Criminal Record for the period that you request. The crimes will be defined by the local ... Read More
Will I be denied a Retirement visa because caution/record by Needtogetoutofhere2021
Have I now ruined any chances of moving to Spain Because of stupid decisions I made getting a conviction as youth for shoplifting over 40 years ago the circumstances I doubt would of got me a criminal conviction but 40 years ago they was so much ...
Spain only ask for the No criminal record for the past 5 years where you reside. At least it's the case a couple years ago when I did it. Read More
Sustainable Living by switch-plan
Hi! Am trying to lead a more sustainable lifestyle in Barcelona - does anyone have any advice about switching to renewable energies/ solar panelling/ general sustainability?! Thanks so much :)
With sustainability efforts, I wouldn't judge what is sufficient what is not. Any effort is much better than none. Most of us recycle paper, tins, drink bottles at least but how many of us give up some flying holidays to save the carbon ... Read More
In regards to working in IT in Spain ( Barcelona ) by Catalin94
How is the quality of life as a developer in Spain, Barcelona? I checked how much I'd make, and it would be less than I make here in Romania, which is surprising since salaries in Eastern Europe are overall the lowest. Since the developers in ...
Why Barcelona? You'll answer your own question :) Read More
Possible move to the Canary Islands by Carlvlae
I am Carl. I am 55 with over 25 years of experience in the hospitality and travel industries. I have worked on cruise ships for more than twenty years and have visited 130 countries. I speak five languages fluently (Dutch, English, French, German ...
If you want to work in real estate, you can look up the agencies there and email them. This is an industry which pays a lower salary plus a commission so relatively to other businesses they're more willing to hire now ( after the lockdown). Your ... Read More
Planning our move to Spain by Ellen1311
Hi Everyone My husband and I are planning to move to Spain. We like the area around Peniscola, but are not finally decided on this, so any advice you can give would be very gratefully received. We want to be within walking distance of the beach, ...
I've heard Dania is really beautiful and there are a lot of yatchs so if you are into sailing it'd be perfect. Read More
Trying to pick a neighborhood by SFAndy
My husband and I have decided to relocate from San Francisco to Madrid as soon as we have things tied up here. If all goes as planned that should be possible by the end of 2021/beginning of 2022. Even though it's still a ways off in the future ...
The OP didn't mention kids / school so not assuming anything. Before settling down I stayed in different areas for 4-5days each and got a feel of everywhere. From the age range and your preference for close to the city but not in the thick of ... Read More
Savings account by Andyviola
Hello Is there such a thing as a "savings account with instant access" in Spain? My wife doesn't need interest paid but she needs somewhere to put 30k savings without needing to feed money into it every month (so not a current ...
Other possible ways to exempt the banking fees 1) set up auto debit for the utilities 2) buy health insurance from them 3) buy home insurance from them, maybe others. Every bank is different though. Caixa and Santander both lost about 40% in the 2-3 ... Read More
Public School by EszterLewis
My Name is Eszter, I am Hungarian leaving in the UK for the past 12 years, my son was born here, speaks English Hungarian and really little Spanish Me and my Partner decided to move to Alicante in January (as we fell in love with the place last ...
I just wanted to say that children can pick a language much faster than we do, not to mention that your boy has such a brilliant attitude! He will be fine especially Spanish is not the most difficult language. I would focus more on helping him on ... Read More
Secondhand furniture. by mannyellis
Hello all. Any help would be appreciated. Could anyone advise me of the best place to buy a cheap secondhand furniture/shops in the Andalucia area. I am currently in the middle of purchasing a house in Andalucia, and would love furnish it ...
Have you tried typing Second hand furniture on Google map while showing your area? I found many in Madrid. Read More
Sustainable Living by switch-plan
Hi! Am trying to lead a more sustainable lifestyle in Barcelona - does anyone have any advice about switching to renewable energies/ solar panelling/ general sustainability?! Thanks so much :)
Hi I have always been interested in solar power and in fact I've checked out when I had a roof top terrace when living in another country years ago but had learned that it'd take 16 years to amortize so didn't do it. Here in Madrid I ... Read More
What US citizen needs to do to get Spanish residency ? by BShargor123
I am a US citizen and I don鈥檛 have EU residency. What steps do I need to take to move to Spain and obtain Spanish residency ? I see a lot of British citizens moving to Spain but they have EU residency which I don鈥檛. All help will be very ...
My tip from experience is, they only accept the No Crime Record (covering the 5 years where you've lived prior to your application) which is up to 3 months fresh. So plan your process carefully and manage the rythem of everything. The easiest ... Read More
Independent Lawyer by ShazLaz
Hi any recommendations for an independent lawyer to help us with a property sale. I've been speaking to Sun Lawyers but they want 鈧�6650 euros for a 鈧�33,000 sale just seems a lot? Thanks
From my account in transaction experience in Madrid, your legal fee should be about one tenth at the most, of what you're quoted. There should be enough lawyer contacts online and you can just ask around. Make sure the quotations come with ... Read More
Planning to move to Madrid by Melissaharris
Hey, I'm planning to move to Madrid in November and wonder which parts of city are recommended to live in for foreigners?
Hi Melissa, you need to specify what are your priorities or ideal lifestyle in order for us to advise upon. All foreigners are different and therefore we live in all different areas. What is nice to walk in for you? Close to a big park? High street? ... Read More
Public transportation in Madrid by Armand
Hi all, What do you think about the means of transportation in Madrid ? Is the network of means of transportation well developed? What modes of transport are available? Do you use them? How much is a fare? Are they relatively ...
That's weird. The metro in Madrid finishes at around 1:30am and start again at 5:30am depending on the line. You sure you were on a metro at 3am? :)) But yes I agree with you that the metro and the stations are very safe, as well as the city in ... Read More
Typical price for solicitors for conveyancing by merm
Hi am looking for anyone that can provide some clarity as to a typical cost for conveyancing a property purchase in the Valencia region. I have contacted 4 companies in the UK that have offices in Valencia / Alicante I just wondered for those that ...
1200 +VAT is a lot especially when considering that you're not buying a large property. As a percentage of the property value, my Spanish lawyer in Madrid cost a fraction of that. You probably need to keep looking for a local lawyer. There ... Read More
Typical price for solicitors for conveyancing by merm
Hi am looking for anyone that can provide some clarity as to a typical cost for conveyancing a property purchase in the Valencia region. I have contacted 4 companies in the UK that have offices in Valencia / Alicante I just wondered for those that ...
Hi OP Try to get quotes from local Alicante lawyers. I used an English speaking Spanish lawyer in Madrid and thought the rate was very reasonable. I got much higher quotes from foreign lawyers in Madrid. The best is to get referrals from people ... Read More
Finding a job and sorting out accommodation by Mark brckie
Hi all My name is Mark I'm looking at a move to Spain I'm a bricklayer/plasterer and wondering if someone could give me some advice on finding a job and sorting out accommodation Cheers Mark
Hi Mark Which cities are you interested in going? Anyway the construction industry here is full of South Americans on work level so some sort of Spanish language will be really helpful. From my observation the scale of the development projects are ... Read More
Spain - 300 Euros per month fixed tax for self-employed people by MikeGreo
Hi, I've just recently found out that if you want to work as self-employed in Spain, you have to give 鈧�300 per month. I'm told that for new starters of their self-employed company, this is risky because if you are not making more ...
I have talked to a couple of lawyers (unofficially) a while ago. My understanding is that if you register as a limited company the tax rate is at 24% flat. For autonomo the rate is the same as personal income which is lower at lower income level but ... Read More
Spain - 300 Euros per month fixed tax for self-employed people by MikeGreo
Hi, I've just recently found out that if you want to work as self-employed in Spain, you have to give 鈧�300 per month. I'm told that for new starters of their self-employed company, this is risky because if you are not making more ...
Thank you Elle. So you are talking about an autonomo (sole trader) not a Sociedad Limitada ( private limited company)? Read More
N26 Spanish account by jackhall4321
Thinking of setting up a N26 account which will have a Spanish IBAN, will the spanish authorities accept 3 months payments of my UK state pension as acceptable in regards to an application for residency on Spain. Many Thanks
N26 is easy to set up and they have very good customer service. Read More
Spain - 300 Euros per month fixed tax for self-employed people by MikeGreo
Hi, I've just recently found out that if you want to work as self-employed in Spain, you have to give 鈧�300 per month. I'm told that for new starters of their self-employed company, this is risky because if you are not making more ...
Thank you@Elle for the information and the link. I checked with an accountant who has worked in Madrid for 20 years but she said it's not true. It's the same rate with no discount. Be lucky if it's not higher after the pandemics! While ... Read More
Internet + TV in Bu帽ol, Valencia
I use DigiMobil in Madrid, 36鈧� per month for house wifi and mobile phone. I highly recommend it but not sure if it covers your city. Not sure what TV you want to cover. My smart TV comes with a lot of stuff and it works on WiFi. Best of luck Read More
Become official 'resident' or not?
Or you spend 15 minutes on a video call to open an account with a virtual bank. The only document needed is your passport and you'll get a Spanish account number. They have excellent customer service on live chat and free calls. The name of the ... Read More
chinese trying to open a spanish bank account by elreysimom
any banks recommendation which is friendly to chinese?
The Spanish banks absolutely have policies against the Chinese even you process all the tax papers. I was told so by the banking staff who didn't make the policy. Things get easier after getting the residency card but some banks still would say ... Read More
Moving to Alicante In 2021 by Adlingtonfamily81
Hi People, Myself and my wife are planning to expatriate to Alicante in Spain in June/July 2021 when this silly Corona virus has gone away and we can live our lives again. As you can imagine we have a lot to organise and sort, especially as we ...
Hols Have you tried the website /app Idealista for properties? It's got the largest coverage in the country. Definitely a good starting point to get a flavour on how the market is like, which is what I did before moving to Madrid just a year ... Read More
Payment methods in Spain by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Once you聮re settled in Spain, you will need to make some basic purchases, like groceries or pay bills. Hence, it is essential to know the payment methods available in your host country. Which are the most common payment methods ...
Hola @Paperdetective, I will try the virtual banking. Could you or anyone confirm this is the legitimate website please ... Read More
In Madrid Are there any Exercise classes in English? by Gymrat
Hello I have recently moved to Madrid and still learning the language. In the mean time I am looking for any good exercise classes that are done in English. I find it hard to get motivated when I don鈥檛 understand the language. Would be ...
There's an Internations running group if you run. You can also check on Meetup or Internations for their sporty activities. Read More
Family Relocation to Madrid by Dorit_35
Hello, We are a small family (husband, 4 year old son and myself) looking to relocate from Israel in 2020, to Madrid. I have done a small research about long term visa documents, but i still have a few questions: 1. Is the best way of filling a long ...
I can recommend the immigration lawyer that I'm using now in Madrid. She's process driven, knowledgeable and proactive. Reasonably priced after asking a couple others. Of you still need one you can PM me Read More
I just enquiring about bank in Spain with the NIE by Kim naim
My name is kim There a catch 22 which you can or can鈥檛 open a bank account unless you apply NIE You need to put money in a bank account for 3 months before NIE how can you do this please help
Santander allows foreigners without NIE to open accounts. I was there half an hour ago. They monthly fee is 10鈧�. For residents it's 8鈧�. Read More
Over 90 days in Spain by Spitfire617
For the last three years I have spent part of the winter in Spain, always less than 90 days, next year I plan to spend 98 days there. Has anyone on here done similar and do the Spanish turn a blind eye. I鈥檒l be travelling in and out of Malaga ...
It does actually, as my investments in London are negatively affected until things are clear either way. Can still make fun though. :D :D:D Read More
Over 90 days in Spain by Spitfire617
For the last three years I have spent part of the winter in Spain, always less than 90 days, next year I plan to spend 98 days there. Has anyone on here done similar and do the Spanish turn a blind eye. I鈥檒l be travelling in and out of Malaga ...
Thank you all.. as I麓m in the middle of this 90 days thing.. And I just love the saying "The UK is NOW leaving on ddmmyy UNLESS a deal can be made. :D :D :D Almost sadder than Bieber and Gomez Read More
Over 90 days in Spain by Spitfire617
For the last three years I have spent part of the winter in Spain, always less than 90 days, next year I plan to spend 98 days there. Has anyone on here done similar and do the Spanish turn a blind eye. I鈥檒l be travelling in and out of Malaga ...
It麓s in her first reply, the shorter one. Yes that麓s what i thought. Thank you @ Johncar Read More
Over 90 days in Spain by Spitfire617
For the last three years I have spent part of the winter in Spain, always less than 90 days, next year I plan to spend 98 days there. Has anyone on here done similar and do the Spanish turn a blind eye. I鈥檒l be travelling in and out of Malaga ...
Hi @eliwh, can you confirm this statement "According to the rules, you actually have to leave the country and return to your residential address before the 90 days." Can one not just go anywhere outside of Schengen but must go home? Can ... Read More
Obtaining Padron and residency by digger79
Hi, Moved over in Jan and am in a short term let until I get everything sorted. I have opened a bank account and obtained my NIE. Next step is the Padron which is causing a bit of a problem. I know what is needed but what I don't have is a ...
Regarding the costly NIE application handled by a lawyer mentioned by OP...I just wanted to say the best way is to apply at the Spanish Consulate in your home city before coming over to Spain. Mine cost about 9 euros and they sent me an email 11 ... Read More
visiting costa del sol by j1970
Hi there, I am visiting the costa on the 19th of march for a week with the aspiration of buying a business. I would welcome any advice,either by this forum,or any hints as to where the expat communities tend to frequent,so I could test the water and ...
Have you tried internations.org meetup.com They are platforms with events which many foreigners join and meet. Not sure how active in the areas of your interests but no harm to try. Best of Luck! Read More
Renting our Villa by Rachdav80
Does anyone have any advise they could offer us regarding the best way to renting our villa out, good or bad advice would be gratefully received as we have never done this before Many thanks
Idealista is the most widely used platform for renting or selling and I have seen plenty of owners advertise their properties without using agencies. Whether using agencies or do it your own also depends on how well you know the market, the process ... Read More
Moving from USA to Madrid by andresko
Hello Everyone! My family (wife and 3yr old) will be making a giant leap from Los Angeles to Madrid in about 4 months! I was hoping to get a few tips regarding areas to live between Madrid (centro) and Fuenlabrada. Work will be in Fuenlabrada but ...
Salamanca is full of people your parents age and boring international brands. If you have a 3 years old, go to Plaza de Olavide and your kid wouldn't want to go home. It's full of young families with kids that age play together and the ... Read More
Opening a Bank account in Madrid
Thank you Andrea. I expected as much and went to another branch and the man there was helpful by typing the required documents on Google Translate and showed me the screen. Read More
I hope I can meet new friends by winkydaisy
I come from Shanghai, China, I am a businessman, of course, can also be understood as an investor. I have many friends from different countries. I like to make friends. I think if I have more friends, I can learn a lot of new knowledge, and I like ...
Hello Daisy it's great that you reached out :) How can we send private messages? Read More
Opening a Bank account in Madrid
Hello I just went to the Sabadell next to Loewe on Gran Via trying to open an account. The older lady at the desk said in Spainish that she didn't speak English. I asked her if anyone who spoke English could help. She spoke more Spainish and ... Read More
Possible early government elections in spain by Johncar
The Spanish government have just been defeated on their budget plans. This probably means new elections in the near future A new government might change a lot of things for people living, or wanting to live, in Spain More unknowns to add to the ...
Thank you so much @SimCityAT! I will study them and hopefully understand better. Read More
schengen issues by Adam De
Hello everyone, I am trying to obtain some clarification regarding the following. My wife and I are NON EU citizens, we frequently visit various parts of Europe, especially Spain and are considering purchasing a small property in Spain which we ...
Yes that's what I meant, if the purpose of your extension is to have a longer holiday. That way you can spread the 90 days in Schengen over a longer period of time. Read More
schengen issues by Adam De
Hello everyone, I am trying to obtain some clarification regarding the following. My wife and I are NON EU citizens, we frequently visit various parts of Europe, especially Spain and are considering purchasing a small property in Spain which we ...
Another way to extend the 90 days is to insert some trips outside the Schengen countries but close enough, I'll be doing this in the next few months and I will probably do 10 days in Morocco, the UK, some time in Croatia (EU but not Schengen) ... Read More
Accomodation
idealista is the most used platform /app. They have hundreds of rooms for long short rental Read More
Possible early government elections in spain by Johncar
The Spanish government have just been defeated on their budget plans. This probably means new elections in the near future A new government might change a lot of things for people living, or wanting to live, in Spain More unknowns to add to the ...
If anyone could explain the possible implication of this earlier election in April, or provide some links, it would be greatly appreciated! Read More
I hesitate between Valencia and Malaga by European521
Hola todos Am a Canadian retiree and am planning to move to Spain. I hesitate between Valencia and Malaga and would like to have the opinion of other retirees who are living in either city. Muchas gracias!! D.
Places far away from the sea will also mean colder winter for the same reason. Seville and Madrid are two examples. Read More
I hesitate between Valencia and Malaga by European521
Hola todos Am a Canadian retiree and am planning to move to Spain. I hesitate between Valencia and Malaga and would like to have the opinion of other retirees who are living in either city. Muchas gracias!! D.
Seville is far away from the sea so the weather is not conditioned by the sea water so it was brutally HOT from 3pm to 9pm when I was there in late September last year. No such problem in coastal cities I visited such as Malaga, Valencia and ... Read More
Holiday letting business by Gliet
Hi all, can anyone give an informed view on the holiday letting business in Spain, particularly Andalusia? Is it highly competitive as the gite/B&B business in France is? Apologies if I have posted in the wrong area of the forum. Regards
I have read that the condition in theory is that if the property has a direct access from the street (most likely on the street level), it's possible to get a tourist license in Madrid. Is it true though? Does anyone have a recent successful ... Read More
Accomodation by Serverina
We have joined the forum today. I did ask this question on introduction, but am asking again in case it does not get picked up there. We have been looking on a site called Xpat. Who advertise accomodation, if you like the look of a place, you pay ...
There are plenty of rooms available in that budget range and directly from the owner I think https://www.idealista.com/alquiler-habitacion/madrid/centro/huertas-cortes/con-bano-privado/ Read More
Retiree Visa by Jerry4usa
Hello Everyone! This week I finally obtained permission from the Spain consulate in Miami to travel to Spain. I was issued a 3 month visa, a NIE number (Numero de Identification de Extrangero), on my US Passport. Now, I was told that I have to go ...
With this visa you are not supposed to take a job in Spain. But can you do an Air BnB (licensed) which will generate passive income? Read More
Property prices in Madrid
I would like to hear this. Thank you. Read More
Retiree Visa by Jerry4usa
Hello Everyone! This week I finally obtained permission from the Spain consulate in Miami to travel to Spain. I was issued a 3 month visa, a NIE number (Numero de Identification de Extrangero), on my US Passport. Now, I was told that I have to go ...
Hi Jerry, how are you settling in Madrid? Did you stay after the initial 3 months of visa period? Actually I'm not sure why you need a visa for a 3 month stay as I understand citizens of many countries including the US would not need a visa to ... Read More
Where to go this winter break? by nuenisAli
Hi, I'm a Malaysian student who's currently living in UK. Winter break is coming and I still can't decide where to go for a holiday. I've been thinking of going to Spain or Germany. But I still need opinions and more suggestions; ...
As someone has pointed out correctly, it depends on what you like. I personally would always go to a warm place for holiday in my winter. Cape Town, Australia, Cuba for example. Went to Cape Town as a solo (petite) female traveler (and ran my first ... Read More