RSHSBS
2/18/2017 15:03 EST
We are a family of three and U.S citizens who want to move to Europe (prefer Spain) next fall for a year or possibly two. I am 65 and retired, my wife is 39 and works and our son is 8 and will be in 4th grade next year. My wife and I have both traveled extensively and I have lived overseas before (albeit in Asia) and we want our son to be exposed to and experience other cultures, languages and peoples in depth.
My wife is a mortgage broker and works from home and her job is such that while the hours would be horrible due to the time zone difference she could easily do her job from anywhere in Europe as long as the internet and phone connections are reliable. We would plan to immerse our son in local schools if possible and if not then we would home school.
I know all that is probably TMI but I’m trying to set the stage for the next question which is what is the simplest, easiest and quickest type of visa would we need to get to simply live in Spain for a year or two given our perimeters? Neither of us would be looking for a job in Spain and between us we have a very solid and quite good income stream. I have no intention of formally retiring in Spain. From what I understand that is just a nightmare of paperwork with horrible tax implications. Obviously we would need to purchase health insurance and that is no problem.
I have done a lot of research for Spain and various other EU countries and can’t seem to find a viable solution that quite fits our situation or at least one that doesn’t involve one or two years worth of preparation, tomes of paperwork and a half dozen frustrating trips to a consulate somewhere that is in a galaxy far far away. If anyone has any input/suggestions I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you!
Post a Reply
 0 0 abuse
|
|
cwells67
2/19/2017 12:29 EST
Hi, your best option would be for a "visado nonlucrativo" or non-lucrative visa. I suggest that you start on this page: http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/SANFRANCISCO/en/Pages/PasoaPaso.aspx
There is a step-by-step process that you can follow. Please note that this is the San Francisco website, but you MUST visit the consulate that applies to your region. For example, I live in Atlanta and I had to go to Miami for the consulate there.
I lived in Spain for two years on a non-lucrative visa while I worked in the US with an online job and lived in Spain. It's very do-able and I found it a great experience... so great, in fact, that I am making plans to go back and do it again! Let me know if you want more info through a private message.
Best,
Christopher
Post a Reply
 0 0 abuse
|
|
|
|
BigWorld
2/19/2017 13:18 EST
Christopher, I looked into this visa briefly about one year ago. Perhaps you can provide more detail as I understood that 1) there is an income requirement of approx. $30,000 per year (not sure if this is per person or not) 2) have this sum set aside in a bank account 3) the visa issued in the US is good for only 90 days at which time you must move to Spain, obtain a permanent residence and then apply for the one year permission.
Also, may I ask if the visa gives you permission to freely travel in the Schengen without restriction and whether the visa is a path towards permanent residence and/or citizenship?
Thanks.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
RSHSBS
2/20/2017 10:47 EST
Thanks! Great info. We live in Tampa so getting to the consulate isn't all that hard (although you can get there quicker from ATL than we can drive it - lol). From what we've read the consulate in MIA is a nightmare to deal with but it sounds like there is no way around it. Also thanks for the offer of additional help. We might take you up on that and drop you a private note as things progress.
Regards. Rick
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
Dhw
2/20/2017 12:09 EST
I've rentals retired to Seville from Tampa so applied for my visa through the Miami consulate. They were not particularly difficult to deal with if you follow the procedure exactly as outlined in their website. I would be happy to answer any specific questions you gave as you proceed with your application. Though I applied for a reiteres visa, the requirements are quite similar to those for a non-lucrative visa.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
Dhw
2/20/2017 12:11 EST
Sorry, typing with my thumbs.... my previous message should have said I have recently retired from Tampa to Seville ??.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
|
|
asturunidense
2/21/2017 16:20 EST
RSHSBS
Climate.
Where do you live in the US? Cold or hot? Norther Spain is cooler, central Spain can be brutally cold in the winter, and southern/eastern Spain in temperate, while hot in summer time.
Health care
You know the costs of health care in the US. Any health insurance acquired in Spain will enable you to save enough to send your child to college several times.
Schools
There are bilingual schools in Spain. Search for them. But move based on climate, not schools.
Food
Most of the food you eat now will be available, not all. Make adjustments. Not hard.
Language
English is not foreign is Spain, but you will encounter barriers. Sign language is still universal. Try to acquaint yourselves with English speakers close by, and don't be shy about asking for help. Spaniards are usually friendly and helpful.
Transportation
Go to AAA and get an IDL before coming here. Learn standard transmission, but automatics are are available.
Banking
ID banks that have branches in both countries, like Citibank. Inform your credit card companies you are residing in another country. You may be subject to income taxation in both countries.
The nightmares you mentioned are mostly based on language barriers. Communicate with the embassy/consulate nearest you, and your questions will be answered.
If you want more information, I will try to answer or help you. Message me and we can share emails. Good luck!
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
RSHSBS
2/27/2017 11:49 EST
Thanks to all above for their insights and the great information. It has been a tremendous help. :-)
Cheers
Rick & Heidi
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
|
|
