Question
“For those already living in Spain on the Spain Non Lucrative Visa, what’s one thing you wish you knew before applying or moving? Could be about paperwork, cost of living, or just daily life.”
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
“I wish I’d joined a Spainguru webinar before applying for the NLV.”
“Wish I had decluttered more before moving stuff that don’t need here.”
“I fretted and fretted about whether to move our household goods or not. I’m extremely pleased that we decided to ship them over from the U.S.”
“Our one big learning is to have a plan and sort your finances out before you move as options quickly close when you don’t have a ‘home’ country address. Also, tread carefully with financial advisors who specialize in helping expats. It’s like the Wild West.”
“I wish I would have known how difficult (and long and expensive) it is here to get a driver license. I had no clue!”
“Getting a Spanish Driver’s license was a months-long odyssey of anguish and non-stop study.”
“Buying a place where you truly want to be near. Example: old town or near parks.”
“I wish we had moved over earlier. It is the best of the best over here.”
“Don’t bring the contents of your existing home to Spain. Lots of items don’t fit in your new world. Get a car ASAP or you will be limited to things you can access.”
“Exchange rate fluctuations. I should have moved more dollars into euros when the rates were really low.”
“It is a big life-changing decision. Getting NLV for 1 year is great but then worrying about the 2/3-year renewal hangs like a cloud over your head.”
“Definitely explore different areas. We looked inland and found a town a third of the cost of the coast, flat and with everything we need.”
“It’s not too early to learn Spanish!”
“I wish I would’ve done it sooner!”
Conclusion
The collective wisdom from current Spain NLV holders offers valuable insights to those planning their move.
Key takeaways include the importance of financial planning and understanding tax implications before departure, the challenges of getting a driver’s license (especially for Americans), and the realities of shipping household goods—where emotional and financial value both come into play.
Many expressed regret over not starting the process sooner or not researching local bureaucracy and services thoroughly, including banking and driving rules.
Several highlighted the value of seeking professional help—carefully vetted—and joining informative webinars or support communities early.
Lastly, many expats recommended learning Spanish, decluttering possessions, and being flexible about where to live to find affordable housing. Preparation and adaptability appear to be the golden rules for a smooth transition to life in Spain.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the contributions and experiences of Spainguru community members and is no legal advice. Consider consulting a legal expert for personalized guidance.
