Hello soon to be fellow expats!
My husband and I are in the beginning stages of the tedious and frustrating steps to retire in the south of Spain. Most of the information and help I have received was from searching several web sites and downloading a informational booklet online called "An Expat's guide to living in Spain" however I still have a few gray areas and would hope I can receive some help from those of you already in Spain or that have already investigated these areas of question I have.
First of all we have been working with the Spanish Consulate in Washington D.C., I must say it is much easier to convey your needs if one or both of you are fluent in the language, my husband is and for this I am very thankful as I stand in silence while they converse rather quickly back and forth (gee, I wonder is he selling me off as the consulate agent smiles at me every once in a while ) ;-) Our visa we are applying for is a Visa to Retire in Spain, we have complied with all required paperwork, however they have requested a more "Official" looking paper to indicate the amount of income we will be receiving, which has become more difficult due to the new age technology of everything going to web access including our pay stubs! If there is anyone that is retired Armed Forces that has retired in Spain may I ask what you used as evidence of income for your residence visa?

My second gray area is bringing a small dog with us to Spain, I understand she will need the microchip implanted and update on all shots, we have again obtained the forms but they are in Spanish and I need to know if we will have to have the Health Certificate translated into Spanish as well? If so can anyone recommend a smooth process to bringing her with us? She is small enough to fit into a carry on pet carrier on the plane with us.

Lastly, we are having our vehicle shipped over to us, we have already contacted USAA and arranged for insurance coverage in Spain, what steps must we make in regards to licensing the vehicle once we are there and what kind of costs are we looking at? I appreciate in advance anyones suggestions or experiences. Our plans are to be enroute to Spain by the first week of January to begin our new journey!
Thanks !
Roxann

[%sig%]

 

K~
Thank you for your suggestions and information and the link to the web site, our only struggle is the time factor due to our household goods being picked up in December and us travelling thru the US to visit family before leaving the first week of January. I will have to find out if we have to use the Official Vet in our state or if I can use one while we are travelling .
Good Luck and thank you again for your information!

Roxann :thumbsup:

[%sig%]