When Jesse and Wade first started talking about moving to Spain, it wasn’t about escaping something. It was about moving towards something: a slower pace of life, a stronger sense of community, and a future that felt more intentional.
Like many Americans considering the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa, their journey unfolded gradually—through visits, research, conversations, and eventually a leap of faith. What follows is their story: the practical realities, the emotional moments, and the lessons they wish they had known earlier, based on their own experience of relocating from the United States to rural Málaga province
Before Spain: The Decision That Changes Everything
For Jesse and Wade, the decision to apply for the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa at the Miami BLS came after years of thinking about what they wanted the next chapter of their lives to look like. Spain stood out for several reasons: affordability, climate, food, healthcare, and a culture that values time spent living rather than constantly working.
But knowing Spain felt right didn’t make the decision easy.
Applying for the Non-Lucrative Visa meant committing to a major life transition without guarantees. They had strong finances, savings, and investments, but the emotional weight of the process surprised them. Selling cars, downsizing possessions, and slowly disconnecting from systems they had relied on for decades forced them to confront a simple truth: once you start, there is no halfway point.
One of the hardest parts was waiting for the visa approval. Even with professional legal guidance and complete documentation, the waiting period felt long and uncertain. As the weeks passed, doubts crept in.
“Are we doing the right thing?”
“What if it doesn’t get approved?”
“What happens if we’ve already dismantled our life in the U.S.?”
This emotional limbo is something many Spain Non-Lucrative Visa applicants underestimate.
Visa Approved: Relief, Then Reality
When the approval finally arrived, relief came first—followed quickly by reality. Approval didn’t feel like the finish line. It felt like the starting gun.
There was no more planning in theory. Now it was execution.
Flights were booked. Final paperwork was organized. Jesse and Wade said goodbye to friends, family, and a familiar way of life. They boarded a long transatlantic flight with their dog Scout, knowing that when they landed, Spain would no longer be a destination—it would be home.
Landing in Spain: “We’re Really Doing This”
After landing in Spain and passing through immigration, the moment felt surprisingly simple. A stamp in the passport. A brief welcome. And suddenly, they were residents.
That simplicity stood in stark contrast to the months of preparation that came before it.
Walking out of the airport, Jesse and Wade described feeling a mix of excitement, disbelief, and calm. Despite the magnitude of the move, Spain felt immediately approachable. The stress didn’t disappear, but it softened.
A Common Fear: Is Spain Welcoming?
As a same-sex couple, Jesse and Wade were understandably attentive to how they might be received—both socially and institutionally.
Their experience could not have been clearer.
From the visa process to daily life in rural Málaga province, being a same-sex couple was never an issue. Spain felt open, normal, and genuinely welcoming. They quickly met other same-sex couples—Spanish and international—and felt integrated rather than singled out.
Their takeaway was simple: Spain didn’t just tolerate them. It accepted them without question.
Finding a Home: Relationships Matter More Than Credit Scores
Housing was one of the most challenging—and revealing—parts of the move.
The rental market in Málaga province is competitive, especially outside the city where many foreigners are seeking long-term rentals. Jesse and Wade spent months monitoring listings before arriving, fully expecting the property they liked to disappear.
What surprised them most was how different the process felt compared to the United States.
There were no credit score checks. No automated systems. Instead, landlords wanted reassurance on a human level. They wanted to understand who Jesse and Wade were, why they were moving to Spain, and whether they would respect the home.
Initially, the landlords asked for substantial guarantees and advance rent—something common in Spain. But once they met Jesse and Wade in person, everything changed. Trust replaced formality. Several requirements were waived.
Their biggest lesson?
In Spain, relationships matter. Showing up, communicating honestly, and being respectful often matters more than perfect paperwork.
Smaller Inside, Bigger Life Outside
The house Jesse and Wade rented would feel modest by U.S. standards. The interior was smaller than what they were used to, but the outdoor space completely transformed how they lived.
A garden, terraces, a pool, olive trees, and an outdoor kitchen became central to daily life. Meals moved outside. Evenings stretched longer. The house stopped being just a place to stay and became a space to live.
They quickly realized something important: Spain is designed for outdoor living. Once they embraced that, the smaller interior felt irrelevant.
Banking, Phones, and “It’s Not Bad—Just Different”
If there was one recurring phrase Jesse and Wade used to describe Spanish bureaucracy, it was this: “It’s not bad. It’s just different.”
Opening a Bank Account
Spanish banking felt confusing at first. Credit scores meant nothing. Questions about income were repeated. Processes varied from branch to branch.
Eventually, they relied on international online banks like Revolut to bridge the gap, transfer funds, and simplify daily transactions. Over time, things fell into place—but patience was essential.
Open a Wise account for your international banking.
Phones and Two-Factor Authentication
One mistake they almost made was canceling their U.S. phone number too early.
Many banks and online services still rely on U.S.-based numbers for two-factor authentication. Jesse and Wade strongly recommend keeping a U.S. number, at least initially. They used Google Voice to port their number and combined it with a Spanish SIM card.
Their advice: don’t rush this step. It can save you weeks of frustration.
Cost of Living: Where Spain Truly Shines
One of the most tangible benefits of their move became clear quickly: the cost of living.
Compared to life in the U.S., their monthly expenses dropped significantly—by roughly 40%. Rent, utilities, internet, mobile plans, car insurance, and especially healthcare were all dramatically cheaper.
Private Spanish health insurance, required for the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa, cost them just over €100 per person per month—far less than what they paid in the U.S., even with subsidies.
Dining out, groceries, and entertainment were also noticeably more affordable, without sacrificing quality.
Bringing Their Dog to Spain
Relocating with Scout added another layer of complexity, but it was manageable.
The key challenge was timing. Veterinary paperwork had to be completed and certified within a strict window before departure. Because Scout was small enough to travel in the cabin, Jesse and Wade were able to avoid cargo transport, which eased their anxiety.
Their advice to pet owners: start early, double-check timelines, and choose airlines carefully.
Spainguru’s recommended international moving and pet transport options.
Building a New Community
One of Jesse and Wade’s biggest fears before moving was isolation. Would they make friends? Would they feel connected?
Those fears faded quickly.
They found people open, curious, and eager to connect—both Spaniards and other foreigners. Jesse’s Spanish skills helped, but Wade found that even limited language wasn’t a barrier to kindness.
Hosting an American-style Thanksgiving dinner became a turning point. Spanish neighbors and new friends gathered, shared food, and built connections that turned acquaintances into community.
Spain, they realized, rewards openness.
Mistakes They’d Avoid If They Did It Again
Looking back, Jesse and Wade shared a few clear lessons for future Spain Non-Lucrative Visa applicants:
- Don’t overprint documents—you likely won’t need half of them
- Don’t expect U.S.-style systems or efficiency
- Don’t cancel U.S. banking or phone access too early
- Don’t underestimate the emotional side of the move
- Do build relationships wherever you can
Is the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa Worth It?
For Jesse and Wade, the answer is an unqualified yes.
The process was stressful. The waiting was hard. The bureaucracy required patience. But the reward—a calmer, richer, more connected life—made every challenge worthwhile.
Spain didn’t just give them a new country. It gave them a new rhythm.
And for those considering the same path, their message is simple:
It’s scary. It’s different. And it’s absolutely worth it.
