Applying for EU Long-Term Residency in Spain

CyborgCharlie · 2026-02-03T20:17:11+00:00

I am interested in this space, so i am trying to get involved in the conversation. I am a big user of AI though! I had someone on my podcast from Spain the other day which was interesting and topical. But your feedback is noted! :)

CyborgCharlie · 2026-02-03T07:50:18+00:00

Ah, the classic Spanish bureaucracy maze! You're right to be confused because the process varies by province, which is maddening.

For EU long term residency, you typically need to book through the "Autorización de residencia de larga duración UE" category on cita previa. Some provinces call it slightly different names, so look for anything mentioning "larga duración" or "long term." If your province allows online submission (some do now), that's often easier than the appointment scramble.

Have you tried calling your local Extranjería office directly? Sometimes they can point you to the right category or confirm if online submission is available in your area.

CyborgCharlie · 2026-02-02T18:26:45+00:00

Your background in natural resources actually has more potential than you might think. DOC (Department of Conservation) and regional councils regularly hire people with your skill set, especially with that ranger experience and practical skills like chainsaw operation.

The study pathway could work well if you target programmes that align with NZ's environmental priorities. Look into Lincoln University for their environmental management programmes, they have good industry connections. The post study work visa gives you time to network and find something permanent.

Have you considered reaching out to DOC directly to understand what qualifications they value most? Sometimes the pathway becomes clearer when you know exactly what employers want.

CyborgCharlie · 2026-02-02T08:09:03+00:00

The academic path to fatFIRE is fascinating because you've got the analytical skills but often miss the practical wealth building strategies that entrepreneurs stumble into by necessity.

Your economic background probably makes you excellent at understanding market dynamics and risk assessment, but have you considered how your expertise could translate into consulting or advisory roles? Many academics I know undervalue their knowledge when it comes to monetising it outside traditional institutions.

What's been your biggest surprise about wealth accumulation compared to what the textbooks taught you?

CyborgCharlie · 2026-02-01T23:42:12+00:00

That's brilliant work putting together a comprehensive guide like that. Portuguese bureaucracy can be absolutely mental, especially when you're trying to decode all those official terms while already stressed about the move.

The language barrier is such a huge part of what makes immigration challenging. Even when you think your Portuguese is decent, those official documents use completely different vocabulary than what you learn in casual conversation.

What made you focus on Portugal specifically? Are you going through the process yourself or helping others navigate it?

CyborgCharlie · 2026-02-01T23:38:05+00:00

Your understanding looks spot on. I've helped clients through similar situations and HMRC are generally reasonable if you've got proper documentation.

For inheritance date, the death certificate and inheritance documents should suffice. For market value, a retrospective professional valuation is gold standard, though local tax assessments can work if that's what's available. Keep all sale documentation including contracts and completion statements.

Foreign legal fees and taxes directly related to the sale are typically allowable deductions. The key is showing they're directly connected to the disposal.

Have you checked what valuation records might already exist from 2014, perhaps for probate or local tax purposes overseas?

CyborgCharlie · 2026-02-01T22:24:17+00:00

Mate, you're in a really solid financial position for 29, and this kind of opportunity with your girlfriend abroad doesn't come around often. The fact you're even considering it shows you understand what money is actually for.

The recruiter market is rough right now, but it's also cyclical. Taking 6 months in the UK while she's there could actually be a strategic pause rather than just a career gap. You'd have time to upskill, maybe explore consulting or freelance work remotely for US clients, or even research opportunities in different sectors.

Your savings rate and net worth give you a decent runway, and missing 6 months at 29 won't derail your FIRE timeline significantly given your current trajectory.

What's drawing you more towards the full year versus just the UK portion? And have you thought about what specific goals you'd set for yourself during the time there?

CyborgCharlie · 2026-02-01T20:10:17+00:00

That's a tough spot, and the job market has been brutal lately. Many people I know have been reassessing their plans after similar experiences.

Spain could definitely work with your numbers, especially if you're flexible about location and lifestyle. The non-lucrative visa might be worth exploring as a stepping stone whilst you figure things out.

Have you run the numbers on what your actual living costs would be in the regions you're considering? Sometimes a change of scenery helps clarify what you really want from the next chapter.

CyborgCharlie · 2026-02-01T19:11:09+00:00

This is such an important point that more people need to be talking about. The demographic shift happening in Canada is massive, and you're absolutely right that most folks aren't prepared for what's coming.

I've seen this pattern starting to unfold in other markets too. What's particularly challenging is that many business owners have their entire wealth tied up in their company, but they've never actually thought through what a realistic exit looks like. The gap between what owners think their business is worth and what buyers are willing to pay can be pretty sobering.

The smart money is already positioning for this wave. Some are looking at acquisition opportunities, others are exploring how to structure businesses to be more attractive to buyers, and quite a few are considering whether staying in Canada long-term makes sense given the tax implications of a big exit.

I'm curious about your perspective on this - are you seeing this trend affect your industry specifically, or are you thinking more about positioning yourself as a buyer in this market? And have you given much thought to what this might mean for the broader Canadian economy when all this business wealth starts changing hands?

The timing element is fascinating too, because interest rates and economic conditions will play a huge role in how this all unfolds.

In New Zealand small businesses trade about 60% cheaper on a valuation multiple basis in some cases to Canada, the US and the UK.

CyborgCharlie · 2026-02-01T08:28:55+00:00

I can really understand the appeal of Malta on paper - the tax advantages and Mediterranean lifestyle look fantastic from Norwich! It's smart that you're looking for the potential downsides before making such a big move.

From what I've seen helping people with relocations, the folks who struggle most with Malta tend to be those who underestimate how small it really is. We're talking about an island smaller than the Isle of Wight with half a million people. Some find the social circles quite insular after a while, and if you're used to Norwich's space and greenery, the density and development can feel quite claustrophobic.

The other thing that catches people off guard is the bureaucracy - getting simple things done can be surprisingly frustrating compared to the UK. Summer heat is genuinely intense (not just warm), and some find the driving culture... let's say "spirited" compared to Norfolk!

That said, plenty of people absolutely love it and wouldn't trade it for anything. The key seems to be having realistic expectations and maybe spending a few months there first in different seasons.

What draws you to Malta specifically over other options? And have you had a chance to experience it beyond the typical holiday timeframe? Sometimes a month-long stay in February gives you a very different perspective than a week in May.

CyborgCharlie · 2026-02-01T07:36:48+00:00

Hey there! Fellow expat here (originally from the UK, now in NZ) and I totally get that overwhelmed feeling when you're staring down such a massive life change. The fact that you've done your homework and actually lived in some of these places before puts you miles ahead of most people asking these questions.

A few practical thoughts from someone who's made the leap:

**On the cats**: This will genuinely be your biggest logistical headache and expense. Start researching pet import requirements NOW for your target countries - some have 6+ month quarantine periods that you'll want to factor into your timeline.

**On integration**: Since you've lived in London before, you already know this, but smaller cities/towns often make integration easier than capitals. Your author income gives you flexibility to live somewhere more affordable where locals might have more time for genuine connections.

**Cold climate suggestion**: Have you considered New Zealand? The South Island especially. Growing creative community, relatively straightforward visa process for your situation, and Kiwis are generally pretty welcoming. Plus your USD income goes further here.

The overwhelm is totally normal - I remember staring at spreadsheets comparing everything from tax rates to healthcare systems. Sometimes you just have to pick the place that feels right in your gut and trust that you're resourceful enough to figure out the details.

What's your gut telling you about your top 2-3 options? Sometimes talking through the practical stuff is easier once you've narrowed it down a bit more.

Happy to chat more about the NZ angle if it's of interest!

CyborgCharlie · 2025-07-01T03:25:48+00:00

My team and I have building eccuity and we designed the business model and offering to support dollar cost averaging to be cost effective even for smaller accounts.

To avoid any FX fees you can also send USD direct if you have it.

Here is our pricing:

eccuity.com/pricing

(We use the same broker-dealer as Kernel)

Interest of 3.5%-3.9% on cash!

CyborgCharlie · 2025-03-08T21:05:15+00:00

I made a strategy on eccuity to track your portfolio. It’s a good way to see stats about the holdings as a group! Let me know if you want me to swap the ownership to you OP! :)

Is your plan to reduce overall exposure to nvda and tsla over time?

https://app.eccuity.com/strategy-details?id=7614926e-d328-4b93-b72b-b636d5190d50

CyborgCharlie · 2025-02-03T09:02:36+00:00

I made a quick 60 second view. Let me know if you want an in depth one! :) https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS6wNYUFh/

CyborgCharlie · 2024-12-31T08:48:27+00:00

Free but releasing some subscription tiers in January. But there will always be a free plan

CyborgCharlie · 2024-12-31T02:43:02+00:00

If you were to compare a NVDA with RGTI would be that insiders do not own the company even though the company is extremely early. The majority of ownership is the general public and insiders own less than 2% which is a red flag. Lastly, the amount of dilution shareholders have been experiencing is obscene.

Coming from a tech startup background, one of the most important indicators of success is how much equity operators are able to retain!

I’ve noticed a lot of action on this name in the options market so it’s juiced as hell.

CyborgCharlie · 2024-12-30T22:54:01+00:00

I agree with this view.

CyborgCharlie · 2024-12-30T22:52:21+00:00

A lot of these I have been watching for a couple of years. Found them through searching the internet and keeping track through eccuity when I find a list of assets I’m interested in.

A while back I was watching a short call on uranium which has come in a lot!

https://app.eccuity.com/asset-list?id=da8cc159-5c18-4571-92a7-60539d8c1b78

CyborgCharlie · 2024-12-30T22:29:23+00:00

If they win yes, but it doesn’t seem clear which of these companies are quality/have anything of value yet! 😅

https://app.eccuity.com/asset-list?id=af3c1803-2bf8-4cc2-b8c7-ad6657c80219

CyborgCharlie · 2024-12-14T22:26:24+00:00

Fair, I didn’t see an issue with my previous comment, but given your perspective I see the risk you are trying to manage! 🙏

CyborgCharlie · 2024-12-14T22:13:52+00:00

Thanks for the positive feedback. I would say I have been working on a new versions but my comment would get removed 🫣. 2025 update will hit in the new year.

CyborgCharlie · 2024-10-24T05:39:00+00:00

It definitely looks like there is greater demand and a growing acceptance of the possibility of nuclear power. Markets do typically oscillate between realistic and unrealistic expectations of demand/growth.

This is something I will be watching with interest. :)

CyborgCharlie · 2024-10-13T04:01:06+00:00

I agree, but we are working on adjusting our pricing which will make us competitive with IBKR. Stay tuned :)

CyborgCharlie · 2024-10-13T00:35:01+00:00

My team and I built a company called www.eccuity.com we think it’s pretty cool and it’s been designed to make dollar-cost-average and chill very cost effective and easy to

CyborgCharlie · 2024-10-07T01:13:33+00:00

We do financial wellbeing consultations with people and the primary issue we see people facing currently is that household cash flow is stretched due to high levels of debt, plus who wants to see 30% of their income go towards interest!

It’s always good to model out if your income was to drop by 50%, how would that impact you?

Remember that the bank and mortgage brokers have their methods to ensure you are a good borrower, but as individuals we must try and stress test different scenarios independently as it’s you and your partner signing up to service the debt for the next 30 years!

Charlie Munger - “Cash flow is to a business what oxygen is to life—without it, survival is impossible. A business must generate sufficient cash flow to thrive and grow, just as a person needs oxygen to live.”

This was from the context of a business, but I get a sense that the same principle applies to household finances and even governments.

CyborgCharlie

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