Hello, I am a retired commercial pilot and a USA citizen would like to move to spain. I been in Spain many times and my Spanish is at intermediate level. Can some one who already gone through the process of obtaining residence visa, please clarify the following:

1- Should I apply for residence permit from USA, or after I arrive in Spain? Which is easier & less time consuming?

2- I have no criminal records, however, I realize I will need to provide a Certificate of Criminal Record (clearance). Can this certificate be obtained from local police department in my city in USA which only covers my record history where i reside which only indicate my record within my city, or need to be record coverying national-wide?

3. How long is the process?

Many thanks….

Christopher