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Want to move

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andariel
  7/5/2017 12:54 EST

Hi All,

I'm looking to shake up my life and move to Spain. I'm thinking a metropolitan city like Barcelona or Madrid is more my speed. It can be forever or for a year (I don't have anything home keeping me where i'm at). Can I get some advice as to how to make this move happen starting from scratch? For example where do I search for a job, what kind of jobs are available for americans, what is the average rent costs. I have no kids so it would just be me, myself, and I

AlPavarotti
  7/5/2017 13:28 EST

You're not even saying whether or not you've ever been to Spain. And what kind of college degree you have. Obviously you know very little about Spain and have not taken the time to start researching on line. For instance, did you know that Spain has one of the highest unemployment rates in Europe, about 22%. And that in recent years spaniards have been leaving the country by the thousands to other countries with better job opportunities. That's why is not worth it to buy any of the hundreds of abandoned/foreclosed pieces of real estate own by the banks because the rents are so low nowadays. You probably are going to have to have a work visa if you'll be staying for more than 90 days, unless you'll be retiring with a fixed income. I'm sorry if I'm telling it like it is. Good luck.

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andariel
  7/5/2017 13:39 EST

Of course I've been to Spain and my family lives and is from there so I'm well aware of the situation. I'm looking for general information from people who are willing to provide it. My family has already given me some information but I'm reaching out to expats to see their take. Your "telling it like it is" told me what I already know so again I'm asking with all that being said, can someone please help guide me

TOONZ
  7/5/2017 14:24 EST

The most impotant thing is the visa restrictions for Non-EU members. Depending on your profession, you need to find a company willing to offer you a work visa or apply for a self-employed business visa.

Do some research and see what options you have available!!

LovetheBeach
  7/5/2017 14:55 EST

andariel, instead of only thinking about "getting a job", have you thought about creating your own work? Freelancing, teaching English, etc? What kind of work experience do you have? Education? Languages you speak? It's difficult to give a constructive answer to your question when you have given us so little to go on. I know quite a few people who have relocated to countries outside the US who earn a full time living doing freelance work or teaching English for only about 20-25 hours a week. And we're not talking third-world countries either. Start thinking outside the box about how you can earn a living in ways other than depending on the job market in whatever country you want to hang your hat.

russkulow
  7/6/2017 05:14 EST

Where to begin? I agree with the post below about thinking outside of the box, but you should not ignore more conventional routes as well, such as your own company's position in Spain or LinkedIn, which currently lists something in excess of 14,000 jobs in Madrid alone. Obviously, facility with the language will help immensely. Spain is not a country where you can count on English-speaking contacts...particularly in local government offices. You will also need to do the considerable amount of preperatory legwork needed from a legal perspective. You will need to apply for a long-term visa (the Spanish government website has a list of all of the requirements, which include proof of health insurance, financial stability, proof of marital status, housing arrangements, etc.) This process alone will take up to six month's prior to visa issuance and will require several visits to your local Spanish Consulate. My wife and I moved here a year ago in retirement, so we didn't have the work-transference hang-up. You will want to pre-plan your financial arrangements appropriately, as there is alway a bank fee to move moneys from the US to here and you will not want to do it all that often. Later on, once your work-related visa has been issued (you have three months from issuance to arrive in Spain), you can begin to think about what to bring with you, what to leave in storage, what to get rid of. In short, this is a viable, but not insignificant life-design choice and you need to understand the requirements as well as the potential pitfalls. Good luck.

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JohnStokes112
  7/6/2017 05:31 EST

If you're interested in teaching in English, there are plenty of British Schools in Madrid. I know about King's College Schools as having very good reviews across their 3 Madrid schools.

cwells67
  7/7/2017 09:40 EST

Hi - I moved to Valencia for two years, mainly because I had a job that allowed me to work at a distance. If you have (or can get) a job like that, then apply for a non-lucrative visa, you really will be in a good situation for living in Spain long-term. Valencia is a cheap place to live, with plenty to do and the amenities of a big city... but with much less stress that Madrid and Barcelona offer. Regardless, it sounds like you are making a good decision for you, so some diligence on your part will make it possible. For me, rent was 500EUR or less per month in very nice apartments, and utilities were minimal. Almost everything is within walking distance, and the overall cost of living means you can have a good life for $1200/mo or less. Private insurance was around $100/mo, and I didn't have or need a car, either. Best of luck, and if you want to see my journal of Valencia, check it out on www.ValenciaAtLast.com. Good luck!

andariel
  7/7/2017 09:50 EST

Thank you all for you feedback I really appreciate it ! I'm sorry I didn't elaborate on some key information about myself that would've helped you all give appropriate suggestions. The information you all provided is plenty and much appreciated

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