Hi everyone, I am brand new to this site. My Wife and I met in Spain on a school trip over 11 years ago and have always toyed with the idea of living the dream. However, it hasn’t been until recently that I have decided to just take a chance and go for it, consequences be damned. We are trying to do this the smart way and have given ourselves 18 months to prepare and brush up on the language etc. We aren’t sure where to start so this site is a big help. My wife is former military so there is a chance she could get a civilian posting at a U.S. Facility, which might be a good way to start, and get us over there that much sooner. She has her Masters degree in Business Admin. and I am finishing my BS in Business Mgmt.
    These are exciting times for us as we are commited to this 100%. We will be more than willing to take any job just to get there and get started, fully willing to sacrafice our professional careers in order to do so.
On a side note I have a pre-existing medical condition, which requires pretty consistent follow up and meds. for my heart. Insurance that covers specialists is a great concern and I am wondering ig I pay into the social security in Spain if these needs will be covered?

I look forward to talking with you all and sharing the experience. Hasta Luego.
-Chris in Denver.

Thank you for reading my post and replying. I am looking in all areas. I am currently trying to work on a company transfer, but unfortunatly our Madrid office is a small sales office of ten, and they are having a hard enough time keeping their own heads above. My wife is looking at jobs on the Navy base in Rota, she is former military so that could be an option. I know Rota isn’t too far from Sevilla so that would be great.
I have heard that the Barcelona area is great for shared service centers (whatever this means).
When I spent my time in Spain I resided in Salamanca, so I know this is also an ideal area.
I would be happy just about anywhere to start laying roots.
The hardest part right now is just putting everything into motion and ignoring that voice that keeps saying this will be too difficult.
Thanks for your insights.

I’m doing the same thing, coming from Ohio with my boyfriend and planning to go in about.. 14 months.  My plan is to enroll in a graduate school program, and then try and find a job after that. My boyfriend should be able to get a residency permit to join me.  He is looking to see if he can secure a job ahead of time though, which would make things a lot easier and more comfortable!

The work route is obviously ideal, but if you’re just looking to find a way to legitimately live in Spain, going back to school is one option.  I’m planning to take out loans to cover the cost. And hang on to my savings to pay off my loans after I graduate in case I’m not able to find a good job right away! We know it’s risky, but what the heck.

I am planning to do an MBA in English. There are several good programs tought in English, especially in Barcelona.

As for medical stuff, I’m no expert on that. No idea what we’re going to do in that department… cept I think I’ll be required to buy insurance in order to enroll in school..

all i can say is good luck and hope it all works out for you.

Sally@, sounds like a great plan. I hope we can share our progress and advice with each other. I expect this transition will be difficult, but I am really worried about the unexpected difficulties.
I am almost at a loss as where to start. We are looking at the job situation ans sprucing up our resumes, beyond that we are about to begin the downsizing, moving into a smaller place to save some money for the big move. I have looked into Visas, but haven’t really done any leg work on this yet. I have been using Rosetta stone to brush up on my Espanol, but its pretty elementary at this point. a year seems like forever, but I know this time is valuable for planning, and if we get jobs before that year and a half I know we will jump on the opportunity. Aye yi yi, where to begin?

When you are ready and if you still need information on medical insurance call Catalunya Insurance Services. They can help. 0034 977493607 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)