International Living Community

I am planning to retire next May and am getting truely obsessed with the idea of moving to Europe (right now it's Portugal, but who knows until I do more research). My plan is to rent out my home here in the US and rent in Europe for 1-2 years (or more if I love it). I want to use it as a base for travel to the rest of Europe. I keep reading that I'll be able to live off my soc security in Europe, I can't do that in the US. And I'm feeling more and more like this country is no longer my heart and soul.

Hi there! That's wonderful! What did your son study in the Netherlands?

The job market in Spain is tough as the country suffers from high unemployment and low wages. Getting a visa sponsorship is difficult, however, some roles that are in demand may qualify for the highly qualifeid visa (tech, finance, senior management).

An easier route to Spain is through the digital nomad visa (DNV). If Chris can get a qualifying remote job that is based outside of Spain, he could apply for the DNV and take his remote job to Spain. In this case he would not require a visa sponsorship. This is the most popular route right now for remote workers who want to move to Spain.

After 2 years on the digital nomad visa in Spain, since he is a Colombian citizen, he could apply for Spanish citizenship. After applying for citizenship the waittime to a response/approval is generally 6 months to 2 years.

I hope this helps! Please le us know if you have any quesitons.

Cepee, IL Correspondent - Spain

Hi there! That's great that you're looking to spend the winter in Spain. Have you been to Valencia and Cartegena yet? If not, both are lovely options and quite different.

Valencia is Spain's 3rd large city (population about 800,000) with a lot of culture, restuarants, arts, and entertainment, as well as mild winters, although lows can get into the 40s and highs are in the 60s.

Cartagena is very lovely, however, a much different lifestyle than Valencia. It's a smaller city (around 200,000) and will be more laid back, and has much less going on. However, there is lots to see in and around the city.

Spain has a wonderful public and private healthare system. Your wife being Italian, she may be able to get on a EHIC: https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/moving-working-europe/eu-social-security-coordination/european-health-insurance-card/how-use-card/spain-european-health-insurance-card_en

Let us know if you have any questions!

Cepee, IL Correspondent - Spain

Hi there, sorry you had some trouble finding the Dream Retirement Project—I realize the website can be confusing at times. You should be able to access it at this link. Let me know if you have any more trouble accessing it.