Our Move To Spain
More Things To Know
World Galgo Day
February 1 is World Galgo Day World Galgo Day, observed each year on February 1, exists because the treatment of galgos in Spain remains a serious animal-welfare failure.
US Expat Voting
US citizens living overseas do not give up their right to vote in US elections. Americans abroad can vote using an absentee ballot with eligibility tied to the last place they lived in the US. This becomes their voting residence even if they no longer own property there.
Credit Cards: US vs Spain
Credit cards in Spain work differently than in the US. In the US, credit cards are used for everyday spending and are built around rewards and flexibility. In Spain and much of the EU, daily spending is mostly debit-based, credit limits are lower, and cards are designed to be paid off in full each month.
House Hunting Tracking Form
As we get ready for another house-hunting trip to Jávea in early February, we wanted to come up with an easy and consistent way to keep track of the houses we see. In past relocation moves, we’ve never done a great job of capturing the details.
Purchasing A Car In Spain
Over the past month, we’ve been doing some research on the process related to purchasing a car in Spain. Once we officially move, we know it’s going to have to be one of our first tasks. It looks like the purchasing process is somewhat similar, however there’s less negotiation on price. New car prices are somewhat similar or a bit higher than the US.
2026 Spanish Taxes for Expats
The good news is that Spain is not introducing a sweeping nationwide overhaul of income tax rates in 2026. According to the Agencia Tributaria, the core tax rate structure and module reductions applicable to IRPF and VAT continue into 2026 from 2025 under the published 2026 tax orders.
Guide to Jávea from Villalux Estate Agent
The estate agency we’re working with in Jávea, VillaLux, just published this really great video guide to Jávea and the surrounding area. It does a wonderful job of giving you an intro to all the things you need to know about buying and relocating to the Jávea area.
V16 Car Safety – Spain Law Change
Spain’s V16 Emergency Beacon Law Started January 1 Spain requires safety equipment to be carried inside your vehicle at all times. This is different from the U.S., where these things are optional and drivers are generally expected to pull onto the shoulder and rely on hazard lights or roadside assistance.
2026 Spanish Visa Process Changes
The Spanish visa process is changing for 2026. Spain is rolling out a new centralized digital system that will change how visas are applied for and managed. Instead of the current patchwork of different regional processes, applicants will be able to submit documents, track status, and receive official notices through a single online portal.
Lawyers in Spain
As we’ve mentioned in the Prep page of the site, for lawyers in Spain we’re going to use Pellicer & Heredia to help us with all of our legal needs as we move to Spain. The have offices throughout Spain, but are based in Alicanté and have an office in Jávea, so they’ll be close by.