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’s 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’s 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’re moving to, while others just want to know what city you’re 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’s 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—I 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’s 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.—you will need to turn in your documents inperson to wherever your Spanish consulate is— I think you’re in Florida? I know there’s a ... Read More
Retiring from US by Mbershod
Hello, we are a married lesbian couple in our late 60’s 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’s daily schedule, especially if you’re heat intolerant. Read More
Retiring from US by Mbershod
Hello, we are a married lesbian couple in our late 60’s 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 😊 Read More
Retiring from US by Mbershod
Hello, we are a married lesbian couple in our late 60’s 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’t 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’s 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 “Janice in France”. 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’s 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—it’s discouraged to feed them during & several hours prior to the flight in case they get motion sickness. Water is ok, although mine didn’t even want to drink. I did try to see if she’d eat a ... Read More
Retiring from US by Mbershod
Hello, we are a married lesbian couple in our late 60’s 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—just make sure the toilet seat is down of course. I didn’t let her get on the ... Read More
Retiring from US by Mbershod
Hello, we are a married lesbian couple in our late 60’s 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—the love of my life that I’ve had since she was 4 months old—does 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’s 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’t be able to get in Spain (or Europe for that matter). Is there a ...
@rbr33, Thank you for that advice! So I’ll make sure to make an attempt to declare the products—definitely not anywhere close to 430 euros, but I just don’t 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’t be able to get in Spain (or Europe for that matter). Is there a ...
@Koko Mthank you—I’m 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’t be able to get in Spain (or Europe for that matter). Is there a ...
@merrittkennedyThank you for sharing that—really good to know & assuages some of the trepidationI’ve had concerning bringing several jars & bottles of product that I know I can’t get there. Good idea: I’ll 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’t 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’m working with a Spanish immigration lawyer (based in Barcelona), and I’ve 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’m working with a Spanish immigration lawyer (based in Barcelona), and I’ve compiled all the necessary documents, done the Apostille for the FBI background check, & had the required ...
Hi all, After trying to get an app’t with the L.A. Spanish for 2 months (!), I finally got an app’t, 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—too bad the subject deteriorated into Spain bashing by one of the respondents. I don’t believe there is a country on earth that doesn’t have some element of corruption—it’s ... 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’s 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’m looking for health insurance that meets the requirements of the non-lucrative visa for retirees for over age 75. I’m 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’t qualify, lol). But yes, I do hear taking the Spanish driver’s 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—I 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—mine 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’m working with a Spanish immigration lawyer (based in Barcelona), and I’ve 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—so sorry to hear you had the same maddening experience I have, but at least I know it’s not just me. I hired a Spanish immigration lawyer, and they haven’t had any luck ... Read More
NLV Health Insurance for over age 75 by Seaandsun4me
I’m looking for health insurance that meets the requirements of the non-lucrative visa for retirees for over age 75. I’m 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’m working with a Spanish immigration lawyer (based in Barcelona), and I’ve compiled all the necessary documents, done the Apostille for the FBI background check, & had the required ...
I was actually in their office—they 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’m working with a Spanish immigration lawyer (based in Barcelona), and I’ve 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—haven't heard back. Lol, I also DM’d them on Twitter—no 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’m working with a Spanish immigration lawyer (based in Barcelona), and I’ve 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’m 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—you can do this through an official “channeler” 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—I’m 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’m 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’m leaning toward hiring an immigration lawyer as well, but I’ve heard through several blogs that (not sure if I’m allowed to mention the name on this site but I’ll 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’m planning on retiring in Spain (Mallorca) in the next year or so—sooner if Spain implements a Digital Nomad Visa—that way I’d be able to continue to work for my current employer remotely & ...
@PBM016newga 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’m planning on retiring in Spain (Mallorca) in the next year or so—sooner if Spain implements a Digital Nomad Visa—that way I’d be able to continue to work for my current employer remotely & ...
@BlueMoonx47 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 Hi—you 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—I’m aware of the paperwork, chipping ... Read More
Logistics of moving to Spain from the USA by rdruby699
Hi! My name is Dayna & I’m planning on retiring in Spain (Mallorca) in the next year or so—sooner if Spain implements a Digital Nomad Visa—that way I’d be able to continue to work for my current employer remotely & ...
Thank you Vero. Yes, I had read those articles prior to posting on this forum; in fact, I’ve 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 I’m not sure what you mean by “declare your job” & go from there?If I declare that I plan on working while residing in Spain, albeit remotely, I won’t be granted a NLV, since Spain won’t ... 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, I am a U.S. citizen currently living & working (full time remote) in the U.S. & beginning to plan on retiring in Spain. I plan to “retire” in 1 1/2 years at the U.S. full retirement age. In reading the above ... Read More
Logistics of moving to Spain from the USA
Hi! My name is Dayna & I’m planning on retiring in Spain (Mallorca) in the next year or so—sooner if Spain implements a Digital Nomad Visa—that way I’d be able to continue to work for my current employer remotely & ... Read More