Thread: American looking to retire in Spain

Hi everyone,
I'm about to retire here in the US and with the whole crisis going on and things looking pretty gloomy I'm considering moving to Spain. Can I retire there without a problem (visas, healthcare, etc.)?

I'm not sure about the health care because of the american system... europeans have no problem because their country pays Spain the money for health care, perhaps u will need an insurance. I don't think visas will be a problem.

David S . I have recently retired at the age of 56 to Spain and although my healthcare will be taken care of in Spain from the age of 65 by the UK, until that time I will have to obtain private insurance as I won't be working. My partner however has just obtained his NIE and social security number and starts work tomorrow. He will be covered by the spanish health system once he starts paying his social security. I am afraid you will have to obtain private health cover for yourself. I would guess as an American a request for a visa would have to be backed up with proof of income. Can you support yourself, etc.
Anyway good luck see you on the beach soon.

Definitely get your visa before you come - you will need to show that you have enough to live on and that your healthcare is taken care of. They don't want anyone who is likely or may look for state assistance.

For various reasons, my mother-in-law (US citizen) couldn't get her visa before coming. We can support her and her health care is covered by the UK as one of my dependants, BUT the authorities are putting every obstaruction in our way we have to prove that she is my wife's mother - we are about to suggest DNA testing!

Hi David,
Just found this thread and wondered if you have made the move, or
are still thinking about it? Where do you want to live in Spain? We are
two Americans, living in Oregon now, wanting to move to Spain in about
a year and a half. We'll visit this summer and check out the area we're
interested in - Murcia, more specifically Lorca. My husband knows
Spanish well, me, I just muddle through at this point but hope to learn
fast. I'm an English teacher, so in the past have been better at teaching
a language than learning one...

Let us know of your thinking and perhaps your experiences in Spain!
Cynthia and Clement

Originally Posted by david_s

Hi everyone,
I'm about to retire here in the US and with the whole crisis going on and things looking pretty gloomy I'm considering moving to Spain. Can I retire there without a problem (visas, healthcare, etc.)?

Hello and welcome David......there are a few Americans who are members and hopefully they will be along shortly to tell you how complex or otherwise it will be for you to retire here......wishing you the best of luck and once you finally get here your'll see it's worth the effort

Hi Jaz and Cynclem
I think this is a dead thread. The originator has not been on the forum since his original post (3rd October 2008)

Of course Jaz, I realise that you may just be replying in order to get your posting count up and widening the gap between us!

Originally Posted by baldilocks

Hi Jaz and Cynclem
I think this is a dead thread. The originator has not been on the forum since his original post (3rd October 2008)

Of course Jaz, I realise that you may just be replying in order to get your posting count up and widening the gap between us!

He he he I did not notice, I just replied to today's post;-))). The iPhone screen is small and it's dark in Paco's bar. Also maybe I've done a little too much celebrating for Three Kings ooops!

Cheers Jaz, done the shopping, got the fire licence renewed, done a few other things as well had my beer when taking the dog out for walk, settling down for a nice quite evening in front of the fire and a few "liquid muscle relaxants"