AnaRosario
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Pomplano to Santiago (March 29-May 6 2018)
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You should be able to take out local health insurance in Spain to cover your needs within the EU. I think that will probably be cheaper than trying to arrange cover from a US company. If you are retired and not intending to work, you will need to prove you have an adequate income to support yourself. Check out the link below for information on non-lucrative visa.I am a U.S. citizen and once in a while I have entertained the notion of moving to southern Europe. Like you. But these notions have come to a full stop because my health insurance does not provide coverage when I am out of the U.S. And my health insurance has been absolutely invaluable as I aged through my 60s and into my 70s.
Good luck. But research thoroughly.
An easy way to get this information is to do an online search forThe easiest VISA for a non EU citizen who wishes to retire is the one that requires a 500K euro home purchase
You might want to try a long term house sitting position first to see if it's really where you want to be. Just a suggestions.I love the country of Spain, my last journey in 2018… It was decided this is where I want to live, but I don’t know the process, and unfortunately I’m not really good at following instruction nor waiting. So, if you know how to do it, please help me. I am planning on coming back to Spain after January 2023, and will be walking the Camino Frances. Where would I go to begin the process of legally remaining in Spain or Portugal or Italy?
That’s a very good suggestion. I’d also say that a reasonable degree of competence in Spanish is a pre-requisite; as is boundless patience with bureaucracy. Anyone who has dealt with the IRS probably has a head-start.You might want to try a long term house sitting position first to see if it's really where you want to be. Just a suggestions.
Spanish red tape.I’d also say that a reasonable degree of competence in Spanish is a pre-requisite; as is boundless patience with bureaucracy.
Just like home!!Spanish red tape.
I spent most of the summer in Spain (Valencia) and met loads of USA folks that had moved to Spain on a non lucrative visa. Think you get it for an initial period and as long as you don’t mess up you are good to extend. Met one couple who had never been to Europe, but chose Valencia based on YouTube videos of Turia Park! All seemed to love it (I met a regular expat group for a few walks) albeit obsessed with monitoring energy prices and the amount of flesh on beaches!You should be able to take out local health insurance in Spain to cover your needs within the EU. I think that will probably be cheaper than trying to arrange cover from a US company. If you are retired and not intending to work, you will need to prove you have an adequate income to support yourself. Check out the link below for information on non-lucrative visa.
Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) - Guide
The non-lucrative residence residency is a Spanish visa available to non-EU citizens who have sufficient economic means to stay in the country without engaging in any work or professional activity. It is one of the easiest routes to permanent residency in Spain, provided you meet the...www.ageinspain.org
This visa doesn't give you the right to work.
As well as health insurance, you will need to provide a doctor's certificate to say you are in good health and will not be a burden on the Spanish health service.
Yes, as long as you have the required income, you shouldn't have any problems.I spent most of the summer in Spain (Valencia) and met loads of USA folks that had moved to Spain on a non lucrative visa. Think you get it for an initial period and as long as you don’t mess up you are good to extend. Met one couple who had never been to Europe, but chose Valencia based on YouTube videos of Turia Park! All seemed to love it (I met a regular expat group for a few walks) albeit obsessed with monitoring energy prices and the amount of flesh on beaches!
Yes totally agree! Obv. many USA folks have a lot of money so seems relatively straight forward!Yes, as long as you have the required income, you shouldn't have any problems.
From some enquires re residency (EU citizen) it seemed to me whilst there is one official process country wide, it’s application in terms of hurdles does vary by region!That’s a very good suggestion. I’d also say that a reasonable degree of competence in Spanish is a pre-requisite; as is boundless patience with bureaucracy. Anyone who has dealt with the IRS probably has a head-start.
When you are considering a move like this you really need to go through the proper channels!unfortunately I’m not really good at following instruction nor waiting
I’m planning to do this! Re ‘proof’ it’s seems quite vague and amounts/proof seem to vary by region. Did you use a local legal legal person or do it yourself. I don’t speak much Spanish but it a seems easy enough?If you are a EU citizen it is fairly easy to get a NIE (foreign identity card) if:
1) you can prove you have your own health insurance and
2) have some money in the bank.
Regarding point 2, I was never told how much it had to be but I did have to show the balance in my account. Strange thing is that I could have transferred all the funds immediately back out.
Within an afternoon I had my card. Of course it did help that I speak Spanish.
To do anything in Spain (open a bank account, rent or buy property) you need an NIE.
A gestor can help you with any paperwork that needs to be done. They are very knowledgeable and inexpensive.
I did it by myself in Ponferrada back in 2016.I’m planning to do this! Re ‘proof’ it’s seems quite vague and amounts/proof seem to vary by region. Did you use a local legal legal person or do it yourself. I don’t speak much Spanish but it a seems easy enough?
El mío también. Siempre soñando estar en algún Camino.Mi corazon vive en Espana.
Yes, I know loads of people who used the same €4,000 in Greece to get their residence permits after Brexit!Strange thing is that I could have transferred all the funds immediately back out.
My husband and I retired to Spain from the US in 2021. If you have a US passport the first step would be to go to the website of the Spanish consulate that covers the state where you are a resident. If you are not from the US then ignore what I just said. A Google search on 'move to Spain from ______(country)' will get you started. Joining FB groups that relate to retiring in Spain helped us with a lot of questions we had. If you seriously want to move to Spain and aren't good with following instructions or waiting it would be a good idea to use a relocation service or immigration attorney to keep you on task.I love the country of Spain, my last journey in 2018… It was decided this is where I want to live, but I don’t know the process, and unfortunately I’m not really good at following instruction nor waiting. So, if you know how to do it, please help me. I am planning on coming back to Spain after January 2023, and will be walking the Camino Frances. Where would I go to begin the process of legally remaining in Spain or Portugal or Italy?
I am a U.S. citizen and once in a while I have entertained the notion of moving to southern Europe. Like you. But these notions have come to a full stop because my health insurance does not provide coverage when I am out of the U.S. And my health insurance has been absolutely invaluable as I aged through my 60s and into my 70s.
Good luck. But research thoroughly.
Yes it seems there are lots of loopholes re the money situ. Same thing in Thailand for an over 50s visa!Yes, I know loads of people who used the same €4,000 in Greece to get their residence permits after Brexit!
Yes my initial research as a 56 year old UK citizen showed insurance at the €100 a month level.I am a 67 year old US citizen and relocated to Spain this year. Insurance is certainly no reason to not move here. I pay €119 per month is all.
My husband and I lived in Mexico for six years and obtained our permanent resident visas. This video is more true than you can imagine….Spanish red tape.
May I ask which part of Spain, Kevin?I am a 67 year old US citizen and relocated to Spain this year. Insurance is certainly no reason to not move here. I pay €119 per month is all.
I love the country of Spain, my last journey in 2018… It was decided this is where I want to live, but I don’t know the process, and unfortunately I’m not really good at following instruction nor waiting. So, if you know how to do it, please help me. I am planning on coming back to Spain after January 2023, and will be walking the Camino Frances. Where would I go to begin the process of legally remaining in Spain or Portugal or Italy?
your first port of call would be the Spanish Consulate in your country of residence. They’ll want to know things like age, qualifications, financial status, income, pension income, health insurance, ability in Spanish and more. I gave up after 18 months and my father was Spanish, if you think of the worst bureaucracy you’ve ever dealt with and double it you’ll be nearly there, best of luck to you..I love the country of Spain, my last journey in 2018… It was decided this is where I want to live, but I don’t know the process, and unfortunately I’m not really good at following instruction nor waiting. So, if you know how to do it, please help me. I am planning on coming back to Spain after January 2023, and will be walking the Camino Frances. Where would I go to begin the process of legally remaining in Spain or Portugal or Italy?
There is an elderly gentleman who caretakers the cathedral at Molinaseca who moved from US after walking Camino. Maybe chat to him. He looks just like Col Sanders.I love the country of Spain, my last journey in 2018… It was decided this is where I want to live, but I don’t know the process, and unfortunately I’m not really good at following instruction nor waiting. So, if you know how to do it, please help me. I am planning on coming back to Spain after January 2023, and will be walking the Camino Frances. Where would I go to begin the process of legally remaining in Spain or Portugal or Italy?
unfortunately I’m not really good at following instruction nor waiting.
Don't you also have an Irish passport Kevin? I know that doesn't matter for insurance, but makes the move to Spain easier.I am a 67 year old US citizen and relocated to Spain this year. Insurance is certainly no reason to not move here. I pay €119 per month is all.
Are you going to stay year-round? i.e., are you aiming for residency? I am curious because I gather that although the people I know with the lovely B&B have the ‘golden ticket’ business property, when I was staying with them, they told me that they were trying to learn Portuguese to acquire permanent residency and then citizenship… and they were finding learning Portuguese to be very difficult. (I can appreciate that is I can read enough to get by, but have been grateful for the prevalence of French and English spoken there because of my sad lack of an ear for the language. I find it as challenging to make out aurally as Catalan.I just relocated from the US to Portugal at the age of 76. It begins with contacting a competent immigration attorney in the country you chose to relocate to who can manage the process and answer all of your questions. Nothing more, nothing less!
Permanently. I will go to school to learn the language but sadly the region I have settled in near Cascias the majority of the population speaks predominately English.Are you going to stay year-round? i.e., are you aiming for residency? I am curious because I gather that although the people I know with the lovely B&B have the ‘golden ticket’ business property, when I was staying with them, they told me that they were trying to learn Portuguese to acquire permanent residency and then citizenship… and they were finding learning Portuguese to be very difficult. (I can appreciate that is I can read enough to get by, but have been grateful for the prevalence of French and English spoken there because of my sad lack of an ear for the language. I find it as challenging to make out aurally as Catalan.
And that‘s part of the reason I‘m looking to retire in Galicia — I can make out a fair amount of Gallego (I know it’s similar to Portuguese, but I can hear it more clearly), and my Castilian is coming along nicely.
And that reminds me! I received the advent lessons in Spanish from my friend, and now I’m looking for an immersive setting this summer for a few weeks.
So… any recommendations for language learning in Galicia I will take them!
I’m rambling a bit, sorry. But still curious about language in Portugal for retirement purposes, given that my Spanish is better and I think I could learn Gallego on the ground… but that I adore both Portugal and Galicia…
I can recommend Academia Iria Flavia in Santiago. I rented an Airbnb in Santiago for the month of August and enrolled in Spanish lessons for the entire month. The instructors were all excellent and it’s a small, friendly organization. I enrolled in the standard group lessons held 9-1 daily, but they also provide individual lessons and intensive lessons. They also have options to stay in shared lodging with other students or with local families if you really want complete immersion. There were afternoon activities like walking tours in town or games or discussions of Galician culture. I also went on a bus tour to Finisterre they organized over a weekend. All in Spanish! I plan to go back again this year. www.ifspanish.comAre you going to stay year-round? i.e., are you aiming for residency? I am curious because I gather that although the people I know with the lovely B&B have the ‘golden ticket’ business property, when I was staying with them, they told me that they were trying to learn Portuguese to acquire permanent residency and then citizenship… and they were finding learning Portuguese to be very difficult. (I can appreciate that is I can read enough to get by, but have been grateful for the prevalence of French and English spoken there because of my sad lack of an ear for the language. I find it as challenging to make out aurally as Catalan.
And that‘s part of the reason I‘m looking to retire in Galicia — I can make out a fair amount of Gallego (I know it’s similar to Portuguese, but I can hear it more clearly), and my Castilian is coming along nicely.
And that reminds me! I received the advent lessons in Spanish from my friend, and now I’m looking for an immersive setting this summer for a few weeks.
So… any recommendations for language learning in Galicia I will take them!
I’m rambling a bit, sorry. But still curious about language in Portugal for retirement purposes, given that my Spanish is better and I think I could learn Gallego on the ground… but that I adore both Portugal and Galicia…
Oh, and I discovered that outside of the tourist places surrounding the cathedral, almost nobody in Santiago speaks English! But people were always super nice and helpful when they saw I was trying to speak a little Spanish.I can recommend Academia Iria Flavia in Santiago. I rented an Airbnb in Santiago for the month of August and took enrolled in Spanish lessons for the entire month. The instructors were all excellent and it’s a small, friendly organization. I enrolled in the standard group lessons held 9-1 daily, but they also provide individual lessons and intensive lessons. They also have options to stay in shared lodging with other students or with local families if you really want complete immersion. There were afternoon activities like walking tours in town or games or discussions of Galician culture. I also went on a bus tour to Finisterre they organized over a weekend. All in Spanish! I plan to go back again this year. www.if Spanish.com
I’m not worried about the citizenship part. I’ll need the correct documents to reside in Spain as an EU National, but for me the whole relocation process is easier on account of that.Usually you don't need language proficiency for the residence permit, but you do for citizenship. Lots of people live in another country for decades and never seek citizenship, but obviously there are huge advantages to EU citizenship, specially if you want to live and work in other EU countries.
I have 3 EU residence permits, and every time I want to live, work or study in another country I have to go through the whole process again. However, if you are content to live in one country and only visit other EU states for recreational purposes, you probably don't need to worry about citizenship at all.
You are right. It is a struggle. I have EU citizenship but my partner is Japanese and it is a very arduous process as you suggest.You begin the process at the Spanish consulate in your home country, a lot depends on your age, employment qualifications, income, nationality, accumulated wealth, pension, ability to speak Spanish, health insurance. You name it and the Spanish authorities will want it. I started the process 18 months ago and gave up, even though my father was Spanish.. think of the worst beuro
your first port of call would be the Spanish Consulate in your country of residence. They’ll want to know things like age, qualifications, financial status, income, pension income, health insurance, ability in Spanish and more. I gave up after 18 months and my father was Spanish, if you think of the worst bureaucracy you’ve ever dealt with and double it you’ll be nearly there, best of luck to you..
Yes. Relatively easy for me. But my partner is Japanese. It’s been an ongoing struggle for her.Don't you also have an Irish passport Kevin? I know that doesn't matter for insurance, but makes the move to Spain easier.
Don just noticing your name change!!!I just relocated from the US to Portugal at the age of 76. It begins with contacting a competent immigration attorney in the country you chose to relocate to who can manage the process and answer all of your questions. Nothing more, nothing less!
GaliciaMay I ask which part of Spain, Kevin?
You have had many helpful posts. The process of getting residency is time consuming and requires a great deal of patience. It can be done but must be done from your current country of residence. I have considerable experience in this regard having become a permanent resident of Spain as a non-EU citizen, and more recently relocating to the Azores in Portugal. Not for the faint of heart, I assure you.So, if you know how to do it, please help me.
This was so accurate we were dying laughing (that being said we’ve dealt with lovely people every time)Spanish red tape.
I was under the understanding that they have excluded purchasing in some of the larger cities (Lisbon, Porto etc). Airbnb caused a similar issue here in Barcelona. I read recently that 40% of properties in the city are owned by individuals or companies with 10+ properties. I don’t have a reference for that so not 100% sure of of the veracity.I hear your wishes, but can add the following insight:
When visiting last month, the ex-pat papers were all up in arms about the planned removal of an easy route to residence rights in Portugal - it appeared that all you had to do was to buy a property with a minimum value of something like 250,000 euros and you were welcomed.
This policy was also controversial and unpopular because it had artificially raised the cost of property which was excluding Portuguese nationals.
Check your sources. Golden Visas in Spain and Portugal are quite different. In Portugal the Golden Visa requires an investment in a less populated area, while the D7 allows renting anywhere, That is a big deal.I was under the understanding that they have excluded purchasing in some of the larger cities (Lisbon, Porto etc). Airbnb caused a similar issue here in Barcelona. I read recently that 40% of properties in the city are owned by individuals or companies with 10+ properties. I don’t have a reference for that so not 100% sure of of the veracity.
Hi AnaRosario,I love the country of Spain, my last journey in 2018… It was decided this is where I want to live, but I don’t know the process, and unfortunately I’m not really good at following instruction nor waiting. So, if you know how to do it, please help me. I am planning on coming back to Spain after January 2023, and will be walking the Camino Frances. Where would I go to begin the process of legally remaining in Spain or Portugal or Italy?
Congratulations on your retirement! Enjoy it, you have earned itIf you can pull this off, please let the Forum know how you did it! My own casual inquiries have suggested that retiring to Spain is not as easy as we (meaning Americans) might like it to be ---- for all kinds of reasons!
I'm retiring after many years of active diocesan parish ministry effective Dec 25, and if I were to lose my beloved wife of 40+ years (Anglican Catholic clergy can/do marry, FYI!) then I would try and relocate to someplace on the Camino Frances as fast as I could -- Pamplona or Burgos or Leon perhaps, but more likely some smaller town like Najera, or Carrion de los Condes, or Villafranca del Bierzo. And spend my twilight years sipping wine on terraces and waving at the passing peregrinos....! Mi corazon vive en Espana.
To get Irish citizenship by ancestry it may be possible that your birth or birth of a parent or a grandparent in Northern Ireland may qualify you also (I saw something about great-grandparent too). So don't give up on Ireland if only NI is in your blood; check the rules.You should also look to see if your ancestry would allow you to get a passport from any European Union country.
Enjoy retirement Rev. I ended work 5 months ago and have been learning Italian in Italy for the past two. Cannot recommend the change more highly!If you can pull this off, please let the Forum know how you did it! My own casual inquiries have suggested that retiring to Spain is not as easy as we (meaning Americans) might like it to be ---- for all kinds of reasons!
I'm retiring after many years of active diocesan parish ministry effective Dec 25, and if I were to lose my beloved wife of 40+ years (Anglican Catholic clergy can/do marry, FYI!) then I would try and relocate to someplace on the Camino Frances as fast as I could -- Pamplona or Burgos or Leon perhaps, but more likely some smaller town like Najera, or Carrion de los Condes, or Villafranca del Bierzo. And spend my twilight years sipping wine on terraces and waving at the passing peregrinos....! Mi corazon vive en Espana.
I didn’t quite understand that about just having the money in the bank. That’s great , probably makes it a lot more doable for people if they have a nest egg. And I assume once you’re a resident you become a Spanish taxpayer? Not sure if Spain collects taxes on money that’s earned in overseas for non-citizens, but some countries do?As an addendum to Stephan’s post above you can have the ~30k euros/dollars in savings rather than as income. However the trick is after one year you get to apply for a 2 year extension where you’d have to show over 60k euros/dollars. After that there is one more 2 year extension (60k again). Then you can apply for permanent residency. This is the route I’ve been fortunate enough to go down due to the sale of my house. So basically if you can have 60k just sitting in an account for around 4 years the process is pretty easy. I didn’t have to do it with the monthly income route so I can’t comment on the ease of going that way but I imagine with something as regular as pensions it would also be quite easy.
Yes, you will then be a Spanish tax resident. Depending upon the country where your income is earned, there may be a dual taxation agreement to avoid paying taxes twice. In most instances you still need to file an annual tax return in both countries and credit is given to avoid the aforementioned dual taxation.I didn’t quite understand that about just having the money in the bank. That’s great , probably makes it a lot more doable for people if they have a nest egg. And I assume once you’re a resident you become a Spanish taxpayer? Not sure if Spain collects taxes on money that’s earned in overseas for non-citizens, but some countries do?
As above; you’ll be taxed on worldwide and it’s for you to demonstrate that you’ve already been taxed in another jurisdiction with whom a 2-tax agreement exists. Blame the IRS.I didn’t quite understand that about just having the money in the bank. That’s great , probably makes it a lot more doable for people if they have a nest egg. And I assume once you’re a resident you become a Spanish taxpayer? Not sure if Spain collects taxes on money that’s earned in overseas for non-citizens, but some countries do?
It’s one grandparent born on the island of Ireland. If a great-grandparent were permissible then half the population of the UK would be holding a European passport - just like Boris Johnson’s father and Nigel Farage’s children.To get Irish citizenship by ancestry it may be possible that your birth or birth of a parent or a grandparent in Northern Ireland may qualify you also (I saw something about great-grandparent too). So don't give up on Ireland if only NI is in your blood; check the rules.
Unless your parents born in another country were still granted Irish citizenship by birth as noted in the foreign registry. For those in the USA, it would not apply because the American government does not allow an American born citizen to hold a second citizenship (my step-nieces both tried to acquire Canadian citizenship through their father, but were informed they would have to give up US citizenship, and so they did not take the leap).It’s one grandparent born on the island of Ireland. If a great-grandparent were permissible then half the population of the UK would be holding a European passport - just like Boris Johnson’s father and Nigel Farage’s children.
That’s absolutely not true anymore. From my understanding of it, the US government has different agreements with different countries. I’m not sure about the situation in Canada, but I definitely have an Italian citizenship and an US citizenship and it’s not a problem with either country. And I only pay taxes in the country I reside in.For those in the USA, it would not apply because the American government does not allow an American born citizen to hold a second citizenship .
Well, then it might be something to look into. It was not that long ago when step-brother renounced his Canadian to become a US citizen. And more recently that his kids found they could not seek Canadian without giving up American. I have a pile of cousins by marriage in that boat too. Maybe they will be able to look into it… though I think they’d mostly be looking for Portuguese citizenship. At any rate, I digress.That’s absolutely not true anymore. From my understanding of it, the US government has different agreements with different countries. I’m not sure about the situation in Canada, but I definitely have an Italian citizenship and an US citizenship and it’s not a problem with either country. And I only pay taxes in the country I reside in.
However, My mother was a German national when I was born, and I could’ve applied to get German citizenship, but I would’ve had to disavow my US citizenship to get it. That was Germany’s rule at least at the time about 20 years ago. These things can change.
There’s many dual citizens living in the United States and abroad. What the United States used to do is insist that people disavow their previous citizenship when they naturalized. But nowadays they don’t insist on that with every country anymore.
What you do have to do as a US citizen or green card holder, Is always file a US tax return, no matter which country you reside in. Usually non-resident citizens of countries do not have to file tax returns.
No necessarily. You can choose to pay tax elsewhere if you want. My parents have Greek permanent residence permits and still pay tax in the UK.I didn’t quite understand that about just having the money in the bank. That’s great , probably makes it a lot more doable for people if they have a nest egg. And I assume once you’re a resident you become a Spanish taxpayer? Not sure if Spain collects taxes on money that’s earned in overseas for non-citizens, but some countries do?
That was also possible when I lived in the Netherlands, although not for income tax. But they gave me the option to pay my social security (pension) portion of my taxes to the US instead of the Netherlands. On the assumption that I would be going back there and collecting in retirement.You can choose to pay tax elsewhere if you want. My parents have Greek permanent residence permits and still pay tax in the UK.
Sipping wine whilst waving at Peregrinos - sounds perfect!If you can pull this off, please let the Forum know how you did it! My own casual inquiries have suggested that retiring to Spain is not as easy as we (meaning Americans) might like it to be ---- for all kinds of reasons!
I'm retiring after many years of active diocesan parish ministry effective Dec 25, and if I were to lose my beloved wife of 40+ years (Anglican Catholic clergy can/do marry, FYI!) then I would try and relocate to someplace on the Camino Frances as fast as I could -- Pamplona or Burgos or Leon perhaps, but more likely some smaller town like Najera, or Carrion de los Condes, or Villafranca del Bierzo. And spend my twilight years sipping wine on terraces and waving at the passing peregrinos....! Mi corazon vive en Espana.
RE: Americans and dual citizenship. The rules for that changed during my lifetime. I was told that I would have to choose between American and Canadian citizenship when I came of age, having been registered for both at birth. I don't remember if it was 18 or 21 or some other age. It was decades ago. By the time I reached that age, the rules had changed and I was allowed to keep both citizenships. So to some extent, the US does accept dual citizenships now. Now, if I want to avoid the hassle of filing taxes in both countries, I will have to renounce my American citizenship formally. I'm looking into what that would involve, since I don't see myself ever taking up residence in the States.Unless your parents born in another country were still granted Irish citizenship by birth as noted in the foreign registry. For those in the USA, it would not apply because the American government does not allow an American born citizen to hold a second citizenship (my step-nieces both tried to acquire Canadian citizenship through their father, but were informed they would have to give up US citizenship, and so they did not take the leap).
It's actually quite simple but as I mentioned above in order to do so you must pay the US government about $2,300.Now, if I want to avoid the hassle of filing taxes in both countries, I will have to renounce my American citizenship formally. I'm looking into what that would involve, since I don't see myself ever taking up residence in the States.
I will have to renounce my American citizenship formally. I'm looking into what that would involve, since I don't see myself ever taking up residence in the States.
I have a friend in that situation, and he married an American who lives in Canada. He was born in the States while his father was in medical residency… now he’s in a massive problem around taxation (having not lived in the US since he was a newborn).RE: Americans and dual citizenship. The rules for that changed during my lifetime. I was told that I would have to choose between American and Canadian citizenship when I came of age, having been registered for both at birth. I don't remember if it was 18 or 21 or some other age. It was decades ago. By the time I reached that age, the rules had changed and I was allowed to keep both citizenships. So to some extent, the US does accept dual citizenships now. Now, if I want to avoid the hassle of filing taxes in both countries, I will have to renounce my American citizenship formally. I'm looking into what that would involve, since I don't see myself ever taking up residence in the States.
I think you still have to file and pay taxes for a few years after renouncing.
If you renounce your US citizenship you are no longer required to file taxes with the IRS.
So… in addition to not taking up residency in the US… don’t marry an American who has residency in Canada?
So so so complicated.
I never lived in the States and never worked there. I was born in Canada but was registered as American at birth. Now I have to file taxes there and keep them up to date on my financial assets.I have a friend in that situation, and he married an American who lives in Canada. He was born in the States while his father was in medical residency… now he’s in a massive problem around taxation (having not lived in the US since he was a newborn).
So… in addition to not taking up residency in the US… don’t marry an American who has residency in Canada?
So so so complicated.
If you renounce your US citizenship you are no longer required to file taxes with the IRS.
Nothing better than waving at passing peregrinos especially if one has already finished walking for the day!If you can pull this off, please let the Forum know how you did it! My own casual inquiries have suggested that retiring to Spain is not as easy as we (meaning Americans) might like it to be ---- for all kinds of reasons!
I'm retiring after many years of active diocesan parish ministry effective Dec 25, and if I were to lose my beloved wife of 40+ years (Anglican Catholic clergy can/do marry, FYI!) then I would try and relocate to someplace on the Camino Frances as fast as I could -- Pamplona or Burgos or Leon perhaps, but more likely some smaller town like Najera, or Carrion de los Condes, or Villafranca del Bierzo. And spend my twilight years sipping wine on terraces and waving at the passing peregrinos....! Mi corazon vive en Espana.
I don't know much about moving to Spain but I have looked a bit into Scotland. If my grandparents instead of my great grandparents had been the ones to leave the old country, I'd be able to apply for citizenship. Same for Italy, so perhaps other countries have that set up as well. In Scotland they recently changed the amount you need in the bank to 2 million so that lets me out!I love the country of Spain, my last journey in 2018… It was decided this is where I want to live, but I don’t know the process, and unfortunately I’m not really good at following instruction nor waiting. So, if you know how to do it, please help me. I am planning on coming back to Spain after January 2023, and will be walking the Camino Frances. Where would I go to begin the process of legally remaining in Spain or Portugal or Italy?
Having been recognized as an Italian citizen I can tell you that whether it’s your grandparents or great grandparents doesn’t matter. If you have a direct direct line with an Italian ancestor after 1861, when Italy actually became a nation and created a constitution, you can be recognized as an Italian citizen.If my grandparents instead of my great grandparents had been the ones to leave the old country, I'd be able to apply for citizenship. Same for Italy, so perhaps other countries have that set up as well.
Yes, my mum has hers but I can't get it.Just. heads up for anyone going the Irish route. I was happy to get my Irish passport but sad to learn that my children were ineligible. If I had received citizenship prior to their birth, however, they would have been eligible.
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