rdruby699
American looking for information about Spain
Forum posts
47
Contacts
4
About me
American
Registration: 14 June 2022
Retiring from US by Mbershod
Hello, we are a married lesbian couple in our late 60鈥檚 looking to retire in Spain from the US. Visited twice to Madrid, Alicante, Malaga and Estepone. We are from S. Florida so being close to the ocean is a priority. We want to plan another ...
@MbershodYes, you definitely have to consider your tax liability with capital gains, so timing would be key. As for the car, yes, leasing contracts can be notoriously expensive to get out of.Sounds like you might want to consult an immigration ... Read More
Retiring from US by Mbershod
Hello, we are a married lesbian couple in our late 60鈥檚 looking to retire in Spain from the US. Visited twice to Madrid, Alicante, Malaga and Estepone. We are from S. Florida so being close to the ocean is a priority. We want to plan another ...
@Mbershod No, that is not the case. Some consulates have been known to require having an address in the location you鈥檙e moving to, while others just want to know what city you鈥檙e moving to (the L.A. consulate for example). Check the ... Read More
Retiring from US by Mbershod
Hello, we are a married lesbian couple in our late 60鈥檚 looking to retire in Spain from the US. Visited twice to Madrid, Alicante, Malaga and Estepone. We are from S. Florida so being close to the ocean is a priority. We want to plan another ...
@MbershodYes, the visa process was done before I moved to Spain鈥擨 wanted to make sure it was approved before undertaking all the other planning & rigamarole needed, like the documentation needed to fly my cat over with me, packing, ... Read More
Retiring from US by Mbershod
Hello, we are a married lesbian couple in our late 60鈥檚 looking to retire in Spain from the US. Visited twice to Madrid, Alicante, Malaga and Estepone. We are from S. Florida so being close to the ocean is a priority. We want to plan another ...
@MbershodYes, I am in Spain on a NLV. And yes, you will need to apply for it in the U.S.鈥攜ou will need to turn in your documents inperson to wherever your Spanish consulate is鈥� I think you鈥檙e in Florida? I know there鈥檚 a ... Read More
Retiring from US by Mbershod
Hello, we are a married lesbian couple in our late 60鈥檚 looking to retire in Spain from the US. Visited twice to Madrid, Alicante, Malaga and Estepone. We are from S. Florida so being close to the ocean is a priority. We want to plan another ...
Totally agree with gwynj on adjusting one鈥檚 daily schedule, especially if you鈥檙e heat intolerant. Read More
Retiring from US by Mbershod
Hello, we are a married lesbian couple in our late 60鈥檚 looking to retire in Spain from the US. Visited twice to Madrid, Alicante, Malaga and Estepone. We are from S. Florida so being close to the ocean is a priority. We want to plan another ...
@MbershodYes, strike while the irons hot. Best of luck! If you have any further questions feel free to DM me 馃槉 Read More
Retiring from US by Mbershod
Hello, we are a married lesbian couple in our late 60鈥檚 looking to retire in Spain from the US. Visited twice to Madrid, Alicante, Malaga and Estepone. We are from S. Florida so being close to the ocean is a priority. We want to plan another ...
@MbershodIt was a stab in the dark really. I had spoken to numerous people that loved Valencia, and a few that had moved here from the states. I knew I didn鈥檛 want to be further south, because while yes, most of Spain gets really hot during ... Read More
Retiring from US by Mbershod
Hello, we are a married lesbian couple in our late 60鈥檚 looking to retire in Spain from the US. Visited twice to Madrid, Alicante, Malaga and Estepone. We are from S. Florida so being close to the ocean is a priority. We want to plan another ...
There is a woman who relocated to France from the U.S. at age 70 a few years ago. Google 鈥淛anice in France鈥�. And gwynj says his Dad is a new expat at age 96! Read More
Retiring from US by Mbershod
Hello, we are a married lesbian couple in our late 60鈥檚 looking to retire in Spain from the US. Visited twice to Madrid, Alicante, Malaga and Estepone. We are from S. Florida so being close to the ocean is a priority. We want to plan another ...
@MbershodAs for feeding her鈥攊t鈥檚 discouraged to feed them during & several hours prior to the flight in case they get motion sickness. Water is ok, although mine didn鈥檛 even want to drink. I did try to see if she鈥檇 eat a ... Read More
Retiring from US by Mbershod
Hello, we are a married lesbian couple in our late 60鈥檚 looking to retire in Spain from the US. Visited twice to Madrid, Alicante, Malaga and Estepone. We are from S. Florida so being close to the ocean is a priority. We want to plan another ...
@MbershodI always have the same worry about secret holes & spaces she can find, but there is absolutely no place to hide in the bathroom on the plane鈥攋ust make sure the toilet seat is down of course. I didn鈥檛 let her get on the ... Read More
Retiring from US by Mbershod
Hello, we are a married lesbian couple in our late 60鈥檚 looking to retire in Spain from the US. Visited twice to Madrid, Alicante, Malaga and Estepone. We are from S. Florida so being close to the ocean is a priority. We want to plan another ...
@Mbershod,I will continue to encourage you. My 17 year old cat鈥攖he love of my life that I鈥檝e had since she was 4 months old鈥攄oes not like change, and will pace for 20 minutes if I move a piece of furniture. She was my primary ... Read More
Retiring from US by Mbershod
Hello, we are a married lesbian couple in our late 60鈥檚 looking to retire in Spain from the US. Visited twice to Madrid, Alicante, Malaga and Estepone. We are from S. Florida so being close to the ocean is a priority. We want to plan another ...
@Mbershod, You did not miss the boat because of your age. I am 67 & just arrived in Valencia, Spain on a NLV from the U.S.And, I brought my beloved 17 year old cat with me (in the cabinof the plane). She did fine. I am renting a lovely furnished ... Read More
Bringing Skincare Products for Personal Use into Spain by rdruby699
I will be moving to Spain on a NLV in Sept 2024. I planned on bringing several jars & bottles of my favorite skincare products in my checked baggage that I know I won鈥檛 be able to get in Spain (or Europe for that matter). Is there a ...
@rbr33, Thank you for that advice! So I鈥檒l make sure to make an attempt to declare the products鈥攄efinitely not anywhere close to 430 euros, but I just don鈥檛 want to get fined for notdeclaring anything. Read More
Bringing Skincare Products for Personal Use into Spain by rdruby699
I will be moving to Spain on a NLV in Sept 2024. I planned on bringing several jars & bottles of my favorite skincare products in my checked baggage that I know I won鈥檛 be able to get in Spain (or Europe for that matter). Is there a ...
@Koko Mthank you鈥擨鈥檓 coming from So. Calif, so a somewhat similar climate, although drier, but yes, I can see where skincare needs would change, and thats good to know. Read More
Bringing Skincare Products for Personal Use into Spain by rdruby699
I will be moving to Spain on a NLV in Sept 2024. I planned on bringing several jars & bottles of my favorite skincare products in my checked baggage that I know I won鈥檛 be able to get in Spain (or Europe for that matter). Is there a ...
@merrittkennedyThank you for sharing that鈥攔eally good to know & assuages some of the trepidationI鈥檝e had concerning bringing several jars & bottles of product that I know I can鈥檛 get there. Good idea: I鈥檒l spread it ... Read More
Bringing Skincare Products for Personal Use into Spain
I will be moving to Spain on a NLV in Sept 2024. I planned on bringing several jars & bottles of my favorite skincare products in my checked baggage that I know I won鈥檛 be able to get in Spain (or Europe for that matter). Is there a ... Read More
Los Angeles Spanish Consulate by rdruby699
I am hoping to retire to Spain in May 2024.I鈥檓 working with a Spanish immigration lawyer (based in Barcelona), and I鈥檝e compiled all the necessary documents, done the Apostille for the FBI background check, & had the required ...
Forgot to add that the Letter of Intent needs to notarized (not Apostilled) & translated into Spanish. Read More
Los Angeles Spanish Consulate by rdruby699
I am hoping to retire to Spain in May 2024.I鈥檓 working with a Spanish immigration lawyer (based in Barcelona), and I鈥檝e compiled all the necessary documents, done the Apostille for the FBI background check, & had the required ...
Hi all, After trying to get an app鈥檛 with the L.A. Spanish for 2 months (!), I finally got an app鈥檛, and: my NLV was approved in 17 business days!The L.A. Spanish consulate will accept the FBI background check up to 5 1/2 months;its the ... Read More
Cultural offerings in Spain by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Expatriation in Spain presents a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture. Let's explore the local cultural scene together through the eyes of expats: practical advice, essential institutions, and different ...
Wonderful topics that Cheryl suggested鈥攖oo bad the subject deteriorated into Spain bashing by one of the respondents. I don鈥檛 believe there is a country on earth that doesn鈥檛 have some element of corruption鈥攊t鈥檚 ... Read More
Process of getting non lucrative visa and suggestions about villages/towns by Bevclarke
We are in the process of getting our non lucrative visas. Looking at the area inland from Malaga within a 20 minute drive to the coast. Can anyone suggest some towns/villages that would be worth looking at please?We are going to rent for a year ...
Hi @ neilfrost38, I obtained my non-lucrative visa from the Los Angeles (California) Spanish consulate. It鈥檚 my understanding that it is common practice for any of the consulates to keep your passport until a determination is made. Read More
Process of getting non lucrative visa and suggestions about villages/towns by Bevclarke
We are in the process of getting our non lucrative visas. Looking at the area inland from Malaga within a 20 minute drive to the coast. Can anyone suggest some towns/villages that would be worth looking at please?We are going to rent for a year ...
Just completed the visa process from the U.S., and the consulate kept my passport until my visa was ready for pick up (roughly 3 weeks). Read More
NLV Health Insurance for over age 75 by Seaandsun4me
I鈥檓 looking for health insurance that meets the requirements of the non-lucrative visa for retirees for over age 75. I鈥檓 struggling to find a plan for over 75. Does anyone have experience with this? Is there a Spanish insurance that ...
Hi Norman, I sent you a private message with name of the private Spanish insurer I went with, in addition to the names of several other main insurers in Spain. Also, make sure the insurer you choose is accepted in the region of Spain you plan on ... Read More
Spanish Tax Form for treaty tax exemption by chasleslieb
What Spanish tax form is used to claim exemption from Spanish taxes as per dual tax residency provisions in the tax treaty with the U.S. I cannot get any accurate information from a Google search.It's like it is some big secret.
Thank you @chasleslieb. I too am not concerned about the wealth tax (since I don鈥檛 qualify, lol). But yes, I do hear taking the Spanish driver鈥檚 test is not a walk in the park. Thanks again! Read More
Spanish Tax Form for treaty tax exemption by chasleslieb
What Spanish tax form is used to claim exemption from Spanish taxes as per dual tax residency provisions in the tax treaty with the U.S. I cannot get any accurate information from a Google search.It's like it is some big secret.
This sounds unbelievably complicated. Please do keep us updated on this subject鈥擨 will be in a similar situation in a few months when I move to Spain on a NLV from the U.S. Read More
Can I delay my entry into Spain after NLV approval? by lmurphy213
I was approved (yay!) for my NLV, 10 days after my appointment (Los Angeles consulate). While I am happy that I was approved, it was not the timeline I was shooting for. I hired a law firm/ lawyer to help facilitate the process and made it clear ...
Hi @lmurphy, I recently submitted my visa documents to the L.A. consulate. As you know, on the visa application, there is a required space for your anticipated date of entry into Spain鈥攎ine is also the beginning of Sept. I had expressed some ... Read More
Los Angeles Spanish Consulate by rdruby699
I am hoping to retire to Spain in May 2024.I鈥檓 working with a Spanish immigration lawyer (based in Barcelona), and I鈥檝e compiled all the necessary documents, done the Apostille for the FBI background check, & had the required ...
@michaelbrourmanHi Michael, Thanks so much for all this info鈥攕o sorry to hear you had the same maddening experience I have, but at least I know it鈥檚 not just me. I hired a Spanish immigration lawyer, and they haven鈥檛 had any luck ... Read More
NLV Health Insurance for over age 75 by Seaandsun4me
I鈥檓 looking for health insurance that meets the requirements of the non-lucrative visa for retirees for over age 75. I鈥檓 struggling to find a plan for over 75. Does anyone have experience with this? Is there a Spanish insurance that ...
Hi @Seaandsun4me, I am looking at moving to Spain from the U.S. on a NLV. I recently purchased private Spanish health insurance as part of the requirement for a NLV, and I did a ton of research before the purchase. I am 66 & have two ... Read More
Los Angeles Spanish Consulate by rdruby699
I am hoping to retire to Spain in May 2024.I鈥檓 working with a Spanish immigration lawyer (based in Barcelona), and I鈥檝e compiled all the necessary documents, done the Apostille for the FBI background check, & had the required ...
I was actually in their office鈥攖hey will not make appointments in person. Read More
Los Angeles Spanish Consulate by rdruby699
I am hoping to retire to Spain in May 2024.I鈥檓 working with a Spanish immigration lawyer (based in Barcelona), and I鈥檝e compiled all the necessary documents, done the Apostille for the FBI background check, & had the required ...
Thank you @gwynj, Thank you for your response. I have emailed the consulate & explained the problem鈥攈aven't heard back. Lol, I also DM鈥檇 them on Twitter鈥攏o response. I guess I could try one of the other consulates & see ... Read More
Los Angeles Spanish Consulate
I am hoping to retire to Spain in May 2024.I鈥檓 working with a Spanish immigration lawyer (based in Barcelona), and I鈥檝e compiled all the necessary documents, done the Apostille for the FBI background check, & had the required ... Read More
Non-lucrative visa where do we start ? by Seaandsun4me
Hi, I鈥檓 an American moving to Spain hopefully by the end of May. Our next step is applying for visas. we want to do the non-lucrative visa. My closest consulate is Washington DC. My question is where do I start? Who do I call? Do I ...
You will need to get a Hague Apostille for the FBI background check鈥攜ou can do this through an official 鈥渃hanneler鈥� which is costly but quick, or mail the document to Washington DC for the Apostille, which can take weeks but is far ... Read More
U S Medicare Cancellation by Michael McProuty
AUDIENCE: For those Americans who have moved to Spain with an NLV for at least 12 months.Please share any suggestions for either maintaining or canceling Medicare when moving to Spain for at least 12 months. Should Medicare be canceled entirely, ...
Thanks for posting this Michael, because I have the same questions as well鈥擨鈥檓 eager to hear what respondents say. Read More
Process to move permanently to Spain from the US by beeeventura
Can anyone provide information on how to navigate the visa process to move permanently to Spain from the US? The consulate office in NY does not have a live person, they don't respond to emails or messages. What do the expats living in Spain ...
Lol, yes, the YouTube Corto 036 is absolutely priceless! Read More
The cost of Living in Spain in 2023 by Mickael
Hello everyone, As every year, we invite you to share your experience on the evolution of the cost of living in the region or city where you live in order to answer future requests for information from new members of the site who would like to ...
@Ckinney Thanks so much for the info. I鈥檓 just trying to get a ballpark idea of what I can expect to pay in private Spanish health insurance, since it will likely be one of the highest expenses aside from rent. Read More
The cost of Living in Spain in 2023 by Mickael
Hello everyone, As every year, we invite you to share your experience on the evolution of the cost of living in the region or city where you live in order to answer future requests for information from new members of the site who would like to ...
@tomwins Hi @tomwins,I'm trying to get some idea of what private Spanish health insurance will cost-- I see you pay $1600 annually. Can I ask which insurer you're with & whether you're in a high-risk group (age, pre-existing conditions)?I ... Read More
Renting in Valencia with a pet cat by NomadWriter
I have been looking online to gauge apartment rental costs and every place I look at states they don't accept pets. I am moving to Valencia with a cat. What is the best way to find an apartment to rent that accepts pets? Is there perhaps an agency ...
Agree: Idealista frequently lists pet-friendly rentals. Additionally, I've even seen ads on Idealista that specify a preference for older, stable individuals (some actually say retirees!). Read More
What company (that isn't a law firm) helped you obtain your NLV? by NomadWriter
I am retiring and planning to move to Valencia from the United States next year. I know hiring a lawyer is an expensive way to get your NLV and I don't believe my personal circumstances are complicated enough to warrant one. What company (such as ...
I鈥檓 leaning toward hiring an immigration lawyer as well, but I鈥檝e heard through several blogs that (not sure if I鈥檓 allowed to mention the name on this site but I鈥檒l try it) a company called Atlys basically walks you through ... Read More
Visa for Spain: how to pay fee 052? by Lorenzo Fabbri
I am applying for a Visa for Spain (for my PhD). One of the documents required is the form [url=https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/pagina/index/directorio/tasa052/language/en]790-052[/url], which is available online and also as a PDF sent ...
How difficult is it for an American ex-pat to finance a car in Spain?is that even possible? Read More
Covering Pre-existing Conditions by adamsmit
I am reading ambiguous information about private health insurers covering people with pre-existing health conditions. Please anyone with confirmed information report if you know individuals with pre-existing conditions and the outcome either: 1) ...
Great info, thanks so much Al SAmD!Can I ask what your monthly premium is, and which insurer you ended up with?I also have a joint replacement, and I know it'll be an exclusion.--Dayna Read More
Logistics of moving to Spain from the USA by rdruby699
Hi! My name is Dayna & I鈥檓 planning on retiring in Spain (Mallorca) in the next year or so鈥攕ooner if Spain implements a Digital Nomad Visa鈥攖hat way I鈥檇 be able to continue to work for my current employer remotely & ...
@PBM016newga聽Yikes!Thanks Brooks.Yes, it sounds as though if one is extremely thorough, it can be done without legal assistance.I've read of some people using agencies (not sure if it's allowed on this forum to cite names--you can DM me),but ... Read More
Logistics of moving to Spain from the USA by rdruby699
Hi! My name is Dayna & I鈥檓 planning on retiring in Spain (Mallorca) in the next year or so鈥攕ooner if Spain implements a Digital Nomad Visa鈥攖hat way I鈥檇 be able to continue to work for my current employer remotely & ...
@BlueMoonx47聽Thank you BlueMoon.That helps a lot: I figured that it might pose a dilemma that one has to have an addressin order to qualify for a visa, and that it would likely be a very temporary living arrangementuntil I find a long-term ... Read More
The best age to move to Spain by Cheryl
Hello everybody, No two people experience expatriation in Spain in the same way, depending on their age and personal situation. We would like to know more about you and ask you to share with us when you decided to move to Spain. How old were ...
@Zdravich聽Hi鈥攜ou moved from the U.S. with a cat! I would love to correspond with you directly.I have a cat also, & I have questions about the logistics of getting my cat over there鈥擨鈥檓 aware of the paperwork, chipping ... Read More
Logistics of moving to Spain from the USA by rdruby699
Hi! My name is Dayna & I鈥檓 planning on retiring in Spain (Mallorca) in the next year or so鈥攕ooner if Spain implements a Digital Nomad Visa鈥攖hat way I鈥檇 be able to continue to work for my current employer remotely & ...
Thank you Vero.聽Yes, I had read those articles prior to posting on this forum; in fact, I鈥檝e scoured & devoured every website & article available on the trials & tribulations of moving overseas, & there is some valuable ... Read More
1st year of private insurance with preexisting conditions by goodstafford
Hello everyone, I am hoping to hear from someone who's walked this path. I am trying to move to Spain on a Golden Visa. I have preexisting conditions that don't hurt my health at present but require me to take some very expensive ...
@Lmflmf1聽I鈥檓 not sure what you mean by 鈥渄eclare your job鈥� & go from there?If I declare that I plan on working while residing in Spain, albeit remotely, I won鈥檛 be granted a NLV, since Spain won鈥檛 聽 聽 ... Read More
1st year of private insurance with preexisting conditions by goodstafford
Hello everyone, I am hoping to hear from someone who's walked this path. I am trying to move to Spain on a Golden Visa. I have preexisting conditions that don't hurt my health at present but require me to take some very expensive ...
Hello,聽I am a U.S. citizen currently living & working (full time remote) in the U.S. & beginning to plan聽on retiring in Spain. I plan to 鈥渞etire鈥� in 1 1/2 years at the U.S. full retirement age.聽In reading the above ... Read More
Logistics of moving to Spain from the USA
Hi! My name is Dayna & I鈥檓 planning on retiring in Spain (Mallorca) in the next year or so鈥攕ooner if Spain implements a Digital Nomad Visa鈥攖hat way I鈥檇 be able to continue to work for my current employer remotely & ... Read More