The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Our Move To Spain from California
Answering Your Top Questions!
Since we made the leap from California to Spain, one of the most common things people ask is: How did you do it? From visas to finances to how our daughter adjusted, these are the questions we get the most—and today, I’m answering them all.
Are We Residents? Are We Interested in Citizenship?
Yes, we are legal residents of Spain, but not citizens. We moved here under the Golden Visa, which grants residency in exchange for a real estate investment of at least €500,000. Since we were already planning to buy a home here, this visa was the best fit for us. It offers more flexibility than some other visa options, as it allows us to live and work in Spain without the strict financial restrictions of other residency visas. However, the Golden Visa is being cancelled as of April 2025 due to housing market concerns, but, existing holders will retain their residency rights and benefits.
Before settling on the Golden Visa, we considered the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), which is a popular choice for retirees or those with passive income. However, it does not allow for employment or running a business in Spain, making it less ideal for anyone who still wants to work in some capacity.
Spain has also recently introduced the Digital Nomad Visa, which is a fantastic option for remote workers who want to live in Spain while working for a company outside of the country. Had this been available when we moved, it might have been a strong contender, but the Golden Visa ultimately aligned with our plans and long-term goals.
As for citizenship, it’s not something we’re currently pursuing. Spain requires at least 10 years of residency before applying (unless you’re from Latin America, where the timeline is shorter), and there are tax considerations to take into account. For now, we’re content with our residency status. And who knows? Once Alyssa graduates in two years, we’re open to exploring other areas in Europe—our adventure doesn’t necessarily end in Marbella.
What Do We Do for Work?
Since we’re on the Golden Visa, we have more flexibility with work than we would have on an NLV. We still own and manage our business, Romp-o-Rama, in California—a children’s indoor playground—which we oversee remotely with a strong team in place.
Also, while living in Spain, we have ventured into real estate investing, completing our first project of purchasing, renovating, and selling a home. Home renovation and design have always been a passion of mine, so this experience has been both creatively fulfilling and a valuable learning opportunity. Throughout the process, we’ve gained insight into the local market, navigated Spain’s bureaucratic landscape, and begun building connections and relationships within the industry. With this first successful project behind us, we’re excited to explore future opportunities in this space.
Reconstruction Process
Finished Project
Additionally, we remain involved in passive online businesses. This balance allows us to maintain financial stability while fully embracing life abroad. Despite these commitments, Spain’s slower-paced lifestyle—where siestas, extended lunch hours (referred to as sobremesa), and businesses closing on Sundays are the norm—offers us the time and space to pursue our passion projects. Steven spends extra time to focus on his music, currently crafting a set to start performing at local gigs, bars, and restaurants. Meanwhile, I’m dedicating my time to writing, creative endeavors, and growing Abroader Perspective as a platform.
How Did Alyssa Adjust to School? How Old Was She When We Moved?
Alyssa was 12 years old when we moved—right at the pivotal transition from elementary to middle school. She left behind lifelong friends, a familiar school system, and everything she had ever known. So, was she immediately on board? Absolutely not. She’s never been one to embrace change easily, but after we subtly (and not-so-subtly) highlighted the excitement of life abroad, she slowly opened up to the idea.
The adjustment, however, wasn’t easy. She had to transition into a completely foreign environment, adapt to the British school curriculum, navigate a different grading system, and immerse herself in a rigorous, structured academic setting alongside students from all over the world. It was a steep learning curve, but after the first year, she found her rhythm—and ever since, she has truly flourished.
Today, she’s built an incredible, tight-knit international friend group and speaks conversational Spanish. Her perspective has expanded in ways she never imagined, and she’s thriving in this globally diverse environment—and let’s be honest, having the Mediterranean as her backyard doesn’t hurt! But beyond academics, I’ve watched her grow into a young woman with unshakable confidence, a daring spirit to take on challenges, and a deep sense of compassion and humanity—traits that seem to be fading in today’s world. Seeing this transformation reassures me that we made the right decision.
Originally, Alyssa had her heart set on attending university in New York, with two dream schools firmly in mind. However, as she watches the shifting social and political landscape in the U.S., she’s increasingly drawn to staying in Europe for university. With its world-class institutions and a more balanced approach to work and life, she’s seriously considering alternative paths— a true testament to her growth, expanded mindset, and adaptability.
How Much Did It Cost to Move to Spain?
This is a loaded question, and the answer depends on so many factors. While Spain is generally much more affordable than California in terms of day-to-day expenses from groceries and dining out, utilities, transportation and gas prices, leisure and entertainment (gym memberships, social activities, concerts, cinema, etc.) to medical costs, the upfront moving costs can be significant. Here’s a general breakdown based on our personal experience:
📌 Visa & Residency Costs:
• Golden Visa requires a €500,000 real estate cash investment
• Additional fees for lawyers, document translations, background checks, application processing: ~$5,000-$8,000
📌 Moving Expenses:
• We sold almost everything we owned and didn’t ship furniture, which saved us thousands
• One-way flights for three: ~$1,500 – $2,000
• Temporary rental costs while house-hunting: ~$2,500/month
📌 Pet Relocation Expenses:
• Full Veterinary Examination – Health Inspection Report, USDA Endorsement, vaccinations and pet passport. Yes, you read correctly, a passport for your pet!: $400 – $600
• In-Cabin Travel: For small pets meeting airline size and weight restrictions; fees range from $300 to $500, depending on the airline. For transatlantic flights, most airlines don’t allow in-cabin pets, like in our case. We had to do a Cargo Hold Transport which is typically between $500 and $1,500
• Customs Clearance and Handling Fees: Upon arrival in Spain, pets will usually require customs clearance. Professional services offer comprehensive handling of all logistics; fees range from $1,200 to $4,500 depending on services provided
📌 Housing Costs:
• Renting in the city of Marbella can be pricey, but there are many more affordable options throughout Spain and within the province of Málaga, which is part of the Andalusia region in Southern Spain. Family-sized rentals in the prime areas typically range from €2,500 to €6,000/month
• Purchasing varies widely—new builds and luxury properties are in high demand
📌 Healthcare & Insurance:
• Spain requires private health insurance for residency
• Costs range from approximately €100-€250 per person per month, depending on coverage. We personally have premium global family insurance that provides comprehensive healthcare worldwide, including dental, orthodontics, emergency care, hospital stays, and more, at a total annual cost of €3,000 for all three of us. Prescription costs are out-of-pocket but are typically only €5-€10
Moving abroad isn’t just about logistics—it’s a lifestyle shift. It requires some planning, a LOT of patience, and a willingness to adapt. But for us, it has been an experience that has broadened our perspective (literally and figuratively).
Without a doubt, we’d do it all again in a heartbeat!
If you have more questions, drop them in the comments—I’d love to answer them in a future post!
4 Comments
Donna Schwarz
This was wonderful and so informative!!
Erica Schein
Thanks Donna, glad you enjoyed!
Lucy Wright
Thank you Erica for sharing your journey. I am so happy for your family. I did have all those questions! The renovation is beautiful.
Linda Rodriguez
You guys have been very busy. I’m glad you are adjusting. You did a beautiful job on your renovation!! My husband and son just became dual citizens of Spain and America. It’s a long process. Best of luck.