seamus452
American looking for information about Spain
Forum posts
64
Contacts
1
About me
American
Speaks English and Spanish and a very little German
Registration: 01 December 2023
Expats and the Public Health Care System in Spain by seamus452
Hello, Expats!Here is my situation: I am 62 years old, born in the United States were I lived and worked until 2022, after which I retired. By virtue of my grandparents, I also have an Irish passport, therefore, I am living in Spain with a green ...
@SergioCDM Thank you very much for your answer. It was very helpful.Seamus Read More
Expats and the Public Health Care System in Spain
Hello, Expats!Here is my situation: I am 62 years old, born in the United States were I lived and worked until 2022, after which I retired. By virtue of my grandparents, I also have an Irish passport, therefore, I am living in Spain with a green ... Read More
Spain 2 month stay by looneytoones
Hi has anybody just stayed in Spain for 2 months to 鈥榣ive like a local鈥�. We are New Zealanders living in Australia and are thinking about doing this in a year or so. We do not speak the language. Have travelled a lot in the past. Thanks
@looneytoones HelloAbsolutely. This is something we did twice before finally moving here from the USA.聽 Two months is a good amount of time to experience the local vibe.聽 聽In two months,聽 you will be able to see local ... Read More
Learning Spanish by AlbuquerqueAce99
Hello All-I鈥檓 considering a move to Spain within about 6 months to a year and would like to begin learning basic Spanish. Do any of you have experience with Babble, Duolingo, etc.? If so I鈥檇 be curious to know what you think of those ...
@KEEPER The killer You cannot learn Spanish in 1 month. I taught Spanish for 30 + years. In time, you can learn with almost any program you choose, as long as it has a good balance of grammar: vocabulary: communication (in other words, isn't just ... Read More
Moving money from the USA by seamus452
HelloWe're getting ready to move a large-ish amount of money (usd)聽 from our bank in the USA to euros in Spain.聽 We have both WISE and REVOLUT accounts, as well as a Spanish bank account. Some friends have told us about LUMON.Does anyone ...
@simpleenglishadvice thank you! Read More
Moving money from the USA
HelloWe're getting ready to move a large-ish amount of money (usd)聽 from our bank in the USA to euros in Spain.聽 We have both WISE and REVOLUT accounts, as well as a Spanish bank account. Some friends have told us about LUMON.Does anyone ... Read More
New members of the Spain forum, introduce yourselves here - 2025 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Spain forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your expat ...
@Se帽or Nico Hello, Se帽or!聽 聽 Andalucia is a good choice for many reasons. However, it is also a big region with a lot of choices: mountain, city, small town, large city, countryside.... My husband and聽 chose ... Read More
no de soporto / NIE by GuestPoster100027
hi guys. trying to register on cl@ve but can't find no de soporto. I have NIE (a A4 page) but no such number present ...upper right or next to QR code or anywhere.wher ecan I find this no de soporto?
@bubalus2003 can you please clarify what you mean by "no" de soporto? Read More
Okkupa problem by gianniboni58
Hi since the new law the okkupa problem decreased or is still the same.Thanks Gianni
From my reading and research, the occurrence of illegal squatting is actually quite rare, though it does exist, and there are anecdotal cases of it that through one person telling another portray it as more wide spread than it is. Not to diminish ... Read More
Dual USA/ Ireland citizens Needing Health Insurance in Spain by seamus452
Hello, All,For a few days now I have been in contact with two brokers and collecting information in order to get quotes and details for the health insurance my husband and I need to stay in Spain indefinitely, obtain the NIE, etc.It is my ...
Thank you so much for this information! Read More
Dual USA/ Ireland citizens Needing Health Insurance in Spain
Hello, All,For a few days now I have been in contact with two brokers and collecting information in order to get quotes and details for the health insurance my husband and I need to stay in Spain indefinitely, obtain the NIE, etc.It is my ... Read More
Gay Married Couple Looking to Relocate to Spain by markegoldstein
The question is where in Spain would a gay married couple in their 60s feel more comfortable?聽The choices are :Malaga/Torremolinos, Alicante, or Valencia.We like to make gay friends and have all the amenities that a decent-sized city would have ...
Hello, Have you spent much time in the Sitges area?It is a lovely spot, definitely gay friendly with close proximity to Barcelona. I have been visiting Spain regularly since the mid 1980s. I do not know much about Valencia or Alicante, ... Read More
Shipping my personal belongings from Florida to Spain
We are looking for guidance on the best way to ship our belongings from Fort Lauderdale Florida to Torremolinos Spain. Any tips or recommendations would be appreciated. We are planning to move this fall. Read More
Keeping an American phone number by seamus452
Hello,We are moving to Spain in September. Does anybody use Google Voice as a way of keeping your American phone number? If so, what have been your experiences, both positive and negative? Also, does anybody recommend alternatives to google ...
@gwynj Thank you. After some research, it seems that the Numero app does not allow one to keep one's current phone number. Did you find that to be the case? Were you assigned a new and different phone number? Read More
Keeping an American phone number by seamus452
Hello,We are moving to Spain in September. Does anybody use Google Voice as a way of keeping your American phone number? If so, what have been your experiences, both positive and negative? Also, does anybody recommend alternatives to google ...
Thank you. That is good information. Read More
Keeping an American phone number
Hello,We are moving to Spain in September. Does anybody use Google Voice as a way of keeping your American phone number? If so, what have been your experiences, both positive and negative? Also, does anybody recommend alternatives to google ... Read More
New members of the Spain forum, introduce yourselves here - 2025 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Spain forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your expat ...
Hello, Greetings to all!My husband and I are in Torremolinos right now. Leaving April 30 to head home to the USA (South Florida).We'll be back in October for an extended stay, and would like to introduce ourselves to the forum.Our long term plan is ... Read More
Apostille of the Hague? by seamus452
Hello, allA Spanish tax attorney mentioned having our American ( New York State) marriage certificate validated through a process called "apostille of the Hague" which I had never heard of. Has anyone out there, when becoming a Spanish tax resident, ...
@gwynj HelloNo need to apologize.As always, your answers are super informative and we appreciate the time and effort you put into each and every response. :)Gracias! Read More
Apostille of the Hague? by seamus452
Hello, allA Spanish tax attorney mentioned having our American ( New York State) marriage certificate validated through a process called "apostille of the Hague" which I had never heard of. Has anyone out there, when becoming a Spanish tax resident, ...
@gwynj Thank youI have a husband, not a wife. And he is a EU citizen as well. We both have our Irish passports.I wondered about the marriage certificate both for tax reasons and for reasons or permanent residency.Seamus Read More
Apostille of the Hague? by seamus452
Hello, allA Spanish tax attorney mentioned having our American ( New York State) marriage certificate validated through a process called "apostille of the Hague" which I had never heard of. Has anyone out there, when becoming a Spanish tax resident, ...
@Cesar Alejandro Yepez Hola @CesarThank you for your reply.I thought I saw a reply of yours in which you suggested an email contact, but that seems to be gone.Did you edit your response or did this site edit?No worries, it's OK, but I just want to ... Read More
Apostille of the Hague?
Hello, allA Spanish tax attorney mentioned having our American ( New York State) marriage certificate validated through a process called "apostille of the Hague" which I had never heard of. Has anyone out there, when becoming a Spanish tax resident, ... Read More
NIE health insurance requirement by seamus452
Hello,Just wondering if anyone here has had the experience of providing proof of health insurance coverage when applying for the Green NIE? I am here in Spain barely two months and want to get the NIE. Currently I am covered by my American Health ...
@gwynj Thanks again for your response, you're always very helpful.Just to clarify I would be applying for the green NIE.I am fully retired and do not plan to work. I will not be a tax resident until 2026 (183 days ).I did open a PO box at a local ... Read More
NIE health insurance requirement by seamus452
Hello,Just wondering if anyone here has had the experience of providing proof of health insurance coverage when applying for the Green NIE? I am here in Spain barely two months and want to get the NIE. Currently I am covered by my American Health ...
Thanks again for your response, you're always very helpful.Just to clarify I would be applying for the green NIE.I am fully retired and do not plan to work. I will not be a tax resident until 2026 (183 days ).I did open a PO box at a local MailBox ... Read More
NIE health insurance requirement by seamus452
Hello,Just wondering if anyone here has had the experience of providing proof of health insurance coverage when applying for the Green NIE? I am here in Spain barely two months and want to get the NIE. Currently I am covered by my American Health ...
Thank you for your answers.I am a dual Ireland / USA citizen.So, now having that information, as far as you know, what parts of your above very comprehensive information pertain to me.Do I need the NIE at all if I am not yet planning to buy property ... Read More
NIE health insurance requirement by seamus452
Hello,Just wondering if anyone here has had the experience of providing proof of health insurance coverage when applying for the Green NIE? I am here in Spain barely two months and want to get the NIE. Currently I am covered by my American Health ...
Thank you for this information, this is what I was looking for, Read More
NIE health insurance requirement
Hello,Just wondering if anyone here has had the experience of providing proof of health insurance coverage when applying for the Green NIE? I am here in Spain barely two months and want to get the NIE. Currently I am covered by my American Health ... Read More
Retired Gay American Expats in Spain? by RickyP3
Hello,I'm researching places to emigrate to in Spain, maybe Portugal in the coming year. We are a retired gay male couple in California, and would like to hear from similar folks who have found comfortable places in Spain for their new homes. It's a ...
@RickyP3 Hi, my name is James, Have you explored Malaga and the Costa del Sol? Large gay community in Torremolinos, though while not a very pretty town may have what you are looking for. There a many good points : (1) ideal climate (2) major train ... Read More
New members of the Spain forum, introduce yourselves here - 2025 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Spain forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your expat ...
@bobvogelaar4 Where in Spain have you been living, Bob? Read More
New members of the Spain forum, introduce yourselves here - 2025 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Spain forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your expat ...
@Matthew (Mateo) Hello MateoMy name is James and my husband and I planning to move to Spain in the fall from South Florida (Fort Lauderdale.). We have done a few trips to Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol. Our destination will be Torremolinos for ... Read More
Quakers in Spain
Hello I will move to the Costa del Sol in the fall. I am from the United States, speak Spanish, retired, and 60 years old. I am also a Friend, as in a Quaker, though I currently do not belong to a Meeting. I am wondering if there are any meetings ... Read More
Relocation agent versus real estate agent by seamus452
Hello,Does anyone in this community have any leads on a relocation agent? We have been told that hiring a good relocation agent is a better option than a local real estate agent when moving to Spain and looking for satisfactory housing. We are ...
@Devonlass Thank you very much for your response and for sharing your ideas as any and all information is useful.James Read More
Relocation agent versus real estate agent
Hello,Does anyone in this community have any leads on a relocation agent? We have been told that hiring a good relocation agent is a better option than a local real estate agent when moving to Spain and looking for satisfactory housing. We are ... Read More
art classes near Malaga
Hello,I am an American planning to reside on the Costa del Sol and wonder if anyone has leads on any art classes - preferably watercolor or drawing in or near Malaga either privately or at an academy. Read More
Expat Acceptance by ABQAce
Hello All-I'm an American woman researching retiring in Spain. Here in the US, we're seeing some news stories about Spain's housing shortage and the political response to protests. From the reports I've seen, it seems as though many Spaniards bear a ...
Hello,Wow, these very interesting questions! We are two Americans planning a similar move to Spain this year. In the last two years, we have spent periods of time in Spain and so far, have experienced zero feelings of resentment or contempt directed ... Read More
Keeping a us residence versus a virtual address by seamus452
Just wondering what folks experiences have been with virtual addresses (ie. mailbox services)聽 as opposed to actually maintaining a home or apartment in the states while living in Spain.聽 聽Thank you.
@SimCityAT it shows the user profile of the sender, plus an option to DM. Read More
Keeping a us residence versus a virtual address by seamus452
Just wondering what folks experiences have been with virtual addresses (ie. mailbox services)聽 as opposed to actually maintaining a home or apartment in the states while living in Spain.聽 聽Thank you.
@electra777 Thank you. I have looked at their website. Read More
Keeping a us residence versus a virtual address by seamus452
Just wondering what folks experiences have been with virtual addresses (ie. mailbox services)聽 as opposed to actually maintaining a home or apartment in the states while living in Spain.聽 聽Thank you.
@electra777 Would you feel comfortable sharing the name of the virtual address company that you are using?Thank you Read More
Keeping a us residence versus a virtual address by seamus452
Just wondering what folks experiences have been with virtual addresses (ie. mailbox services)聽 as opposed to actually maintaining a home or apartment in the states while living in Spain.聽 聽Thank you.
@electra777 Thank you. Luckily, we do not own a home in the U.S, Read More
Keeping a us residence versus a virtual address by seamus452
Just wondering what folks experiences have been with virtual addresses (ie. mailbox services)聽 as opposed to actually maintaining a home or apartment in the states while living in Spain.聽 聽Thank you.
@heapophoto Thank you so much for your advice. I am not sure how to contact you directly. Read More
Expat happy hour? by Amkect6486
Hello all! My husband and I live in Iowa City (go Caitlin) but we plan to retire abroad. Spain is at the top of the list of possibilitIes.We are flying into Malaga in November but haven鈥檛 booked accommodations because we want to be free to ...
@Amkect6486 We also will be retirng to Malaga area, organzing a happy hour for American expats seems like a super idea. If anyone knows of this, please post. Thank you! Read More
Medical practice recommendations Malaga area
Hello, we are retiring to Spain soon in 2025 from the US and would like a few good recommendations for a medical practice / family care in the Malaga region preferably in the city of Malaga or points west along the Malaga < --> Fuengirola ... Read More
Retiring to Spain from South Flroida. Need a virtual address. by seamus452
Does anyone have any recommendation on how to choose a virtual address company and/ or which ones to avoid. We are retiring from the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood/Miami area.
Hello, thank you. May I enquire why you prefer the address be in Boca Raton rather than FTL or MIami? Read More
Retiring to Spain from South Flroida. Need a virtual address.
Does anyone have any recommendation on how to choose a virtual address company and/ or which ones to avoid. We are retiring from the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood/Miami area. Read More
Keeping a us residence versus a virtual address by seamus452
Just wondering what folks experiences have been with virtual addresses (ie. mailbox services)聽 as opposed to actually maintaining a home or apartment in the states while living in Spain.聽 聽Thank you.
I am curous which US virtual mailbox companies are best if anyone has a recommendation on how to choose one. 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 Where in south Florida are you? My husband and I are in Ft Lauderdale and have a very similar goal for the same reasons. We spent the month of November in Torremolinos, cool, quiet and beautiful. We explored much of the costa del sol ... 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 ...
Thank you! Alessandra. We are an older couple with no children. I can't imagine taking on this process with small ones. Kudos to you! Our current topics of interest, since we are at the beginning, in addition to housing, include banking and ... Read More
Mortgages in Spain by seamus452
Any insight on getting a mortgage in Spain would be helpful like which brokers or banks, time frame, necessary documentation, etc. would much appreciated.Thank you!
Thank you.We are both EU citizens. So that is a plus.We do plan on renting at first, and then either to continue to rent or to buy. The rental market in Spain seems very limited compared what we're used to here in the states. We don't see any rental ... Read More
Keeping a us residence versus a virtual address by seamus452
Just wondering what folks experiences have been with virtual addresses (ie. mailbox services)聽 as opposed to actually maintaining a home or apartment in the states while living in Spain.聽 聽Thank you.
Thank you very, very much. That was indeed very useful information. Read More
Keeping a us residence versus a virtual address
Just wondering what folks experiences have been with virtual addresses (ie. mailbox services)聽 as opposed to actually maintaining a home or apartment in the states while living in Spain.聽 聽Thank you. 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 We are watching this thread closely. We are a gay couple both in our early 60's also from S. Florida planning our third trip to Spain with hopes of relocating there this year or next. Good luck! Read More
Mortgages in Spain
Any insight on getting a mortgage in Spain would be helpful like which brokers or banks, time frame, necessary documentation, etc. would much appreciated.Thank you! Read More
Health care policy by seamus452
Hello all,I have a very good US health insurance plan that is provided to us from my former employer at affordable rates; I am currently retired.While residing abroad, I would like to maintain this health care policy, that is, pay the premium to ...
@Lmflmf1 Yes, good advice. If we decide to stay in Spain then having the American plan is pointless.For the first year, in the experimental stage, I think it's good not to burn bridges.Thank you for your reply. Read More
Health care policy by seamus452
Hello all,I have a very good US health insurance plan that is provided to us from my former employer at affordable rates; I am currently retired.While residing abroad, I would like to maintain this health care policy, that is, pay the premium to ...
@gwynj Thank you for your reply. Read More
health care
Hello all,I have a very good US health insurance plan that is provided to us from my former employer at affordable rates; I am currently retired.While residing abroad, I would like to maintain this health care policy, that is, pay the premium to ... Read More
Dual Citizenships
Hello,I'd love to connect with people who have relocated to Spain, not as US citizens residing abroad, but those of us who are dual citizens. I have my citizienship through Ireland, retired receiving a public pension here in the USA, and ... Read More
Housing in Spain
Hello, I wonder if someone can direct me to the most useful sites to search for homes in Spain, specficially Andalucia and the Costa del Sol.Thank you Read More
Health care and American investment funds by seamus452
Hello EverybodyWe are thinking seriously of moving to Spain within the next year or two on a trial basis.We are both dual US/ Ireland citizens.Our major concerns are health care and our American investment funds. We are entitled to and currently use ...
Your replies are extremely helpful! Thank you so much. I will keep the forum- and you - posted. Happy New Year. Read More
Health care and American investment funds by seamus452
Hello EverybodyWe are thinking seriously of moving to Spain within the next year or two on a trial basis.We are both dual US/ Ireland citizens.Our major concerns are health care and our American investment funds. We are entitled to and currently use ...
That is very helpful. I am still a little confused by some aspects of your very complete reply. For example "DTA"? When you say "taxed more generously" do you mean that for those aspects of income that US tax may be less or more than Spain?Also it ... Read More
apartment listing
Can anyone in Spain tell me which sites (other than VRBO or AirBnB of course) residents of Spain use to find housing?Thank you! Read More
New to forum
Hello EverybodyWe are thinking seriously of moving to Spain within the next year or two on a trial basis.We are both dual US/ Ireland citizens.Our major concerns are health care and our American investment funds. We are entitled to and currently use ... Read More
Health insurance - Keeping it while living abroad by seamus452
Does anyone know one can keep one's American healthcare plan whilst residing overseas? In tihs particular case, the heatlthcare coverage is provided through a former employer and once given up cannot be reinstated. Any information is helpful.
@Perpetual_traveler Thank you! This is the kind of advice I was seeking. Read More
Health insurance - Keeping it while living abroad
Does anyone know one can keep one's American healthcare plan whilst residing overseas? In tihs particular case, the heatlthcare coverage is provided through a former employer and once given up cannot be reinstated. Any information is helpful. Read More