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Navigating the Spanish Visa: The Legal & Bureaucratic Reality
Spain offers a beautiful lifestyle, but the path to residency is paved with bureaucracy. For non-EU citizens, success depends on a clear strategy and a deep understanding of the country's unique legal and administrative landscape. This is where the journey from dream to resident begins, often with a Paperwork Mountain to climb.
Staff
Nov 214 min read


Spain: The Expat Reality Check— Costs, Contracts, and Culture
Moving to Spain is a dream for many, conjuring images of affordable tapas, endless sun, and a laid-back lifestyle. While much of this is true, the notion of "Spain is cheap" is a myth that requires a Financial Reality Check. From wildly fluctuating costs of living to nuanced legal contracts and banking hurdles, success as an expat depends on being prepared for the country's unique realities.
Staff
Nov 215 min read


The ViaMonde Relocation Playbook: Your 12-Month Checklist for Roots, Ready, and Reality
Moving abroad isn't a quick change of address; it's a marathon, not a sprint. It’s roughly a 12-month process divided into two critical phases that determine your success. My own journey—from securing my citizenship to renovating my home in Sicily and now closing on a property in Guillermo’s hometown in Spain—has shown me that the difference between an exciting adventure and overwhelming stress is preparedness.
Jennifer Sontag
Oct 313 min read


The 'Trial Run' Advantage: Why an Immersive Stay is Crucial Before You Make the Move
The quest to plant roots abroad is often fueled by a powerful, beautiful vision. On vacation, or even through a screen, it’s easy to find yourself entranced by sunny piazzas, the relaxed pace, and the novel charm of starting a new life. But here’s the crucial distinction: a short trip shows you the beautiful façade; an immersive stay reveals the soul of a place.
Staff
Oct 314 min read


Considering Moving Abroad?: Why Portugal isn't the best move for Expats
For those who started with a dream of life on the Iberian Peninsula but faced the reality check in Portugal, Spain frequently emerges as the logical and more satisfying choice. It offers a compelling, well-established alternative for happy expats, digital nomads, and families alike.
Staff
Oct 274 min read


Spanish Gastronomy: A Tapestry of Heritage, Innovation, and Unique Habits
Spanish food has garnered global recognition, consistently demonstrating consistency, innovation, and avant-garde techniques. The country's prominence on the world stage is highlighted by having the same number of 3-Star Michelin restaurants (15) as the US and strong representation in the Top 50 Best Restaurants worldwide over the last two decades.Â
Staff
Oct 273 min read


The Strategic Advantage of EU Access
As a planner, an entrepreneur, and someone who successfully navigated the complex path to Italian citizenship by descent, established residency first in Spain then Italy, purchased a home and started an international business with offices in Italy, Spain, and the US. I can tell you from experience: you’re not looking for an exit strategy.
You're looking for a strategic generational asset that diversifies your family’s opportunities and secures their options against global
Jennifer Sontag
Oct 25 min read


The Unwritten Blueprint: How to Manage Aging Parents, Long Distance Friendships, and Combating Expat Loneliness
The hardest part of trading the American Dream for European well-being isn't the paperwork, the visas, or even the property search. From my own experience and watching countless clients, I know it’s the quiet ache of guilt and worry about loved ones left behind, and the dread of expat loneliness. This relocation anxiety often stalls on a profound emotional barrier: How do I build a new life without sacrificing my existing one?
Jennifer Sontag
Oct 26 min read


Meet the Team: Jennifer, Founder & CEO at ViaMonde
Meet the Team: Jennifer, driven by a singular vision: to create the comprehensive guide and all-inclusive relocation company she desperately wished she'd had at the beginning of her journey.
Staff
Sep 264 min read


The Uncomfortable Truth: Some People are Not Ready to Move Abroad
Let's address the elephant in the room. Mindset is key when considering a move abroad. People motivated by a desire to escape something are often less successful at assimilating into their new life than those who are running towards a new opportunity or experience. Here ours list of top things to keep in mind when considering your move abroad.
Staff
Sep 263 min read


From Catfish to Clarity: How ViaMonde Can Help You Navigate European Property Searches
Our firsthand encounters with ‘catfish’ properties perfectly illustrate why we launched our property search and purchase services. With so many new visa applicants preparing for their adventures this fall and next spring, we want to offer a transparent look at what the property acquisition process truly entails, emphasizing the importance of the small details that can be easily missed in photos.
Jennifer Sontag
Sep 183 min read


What Americans Can Learn from the Mediterranean: 5 Simple Habits to Adopt Before You Move
Based on the real-world experiences of our team, we've identified five simple habits that can make all the difference. These aren't just tips; they're a mindset shift that will help you transition from a visitor to a resident, navigating the quirks and charms of your new home with grace.
Staff
Sep 184 min read


Gluten-Free in the Land of Pasta: My Experience Navigating Celiac Disease in Italy and Spain
While the general knowledge about Celiac disease in Southern European countries is far ahead of many others, it isn't always easy. It's not like you can just waltz into any trattoria or tapas bar and expect to find safe options, especially in smaller, more rural towns. It takes a little preparation, a healthy dose of caution, and a lot of asking questions. This is my guide, from one traveler to another, on how to navigate the highs and lows of being a Celiac in the land of pa
Staff
Sep 185 min read


The Smart Expat's Financial Toolkit: Why Wise is Your Go-To for Life in Europe
Free yourself from the stress about transferring your savings, if your card will work, or the dread of potential hidden fees. Through our partnership with Wise, we offer a streamlined, cost-effective, and transparent solution with Concierge level assistance.
Staff
Sep 43 min read


Meet the Team: Guillermo, Abogado & Legal Coordinator at ViaMonde
As ViaMonde’s in-house Legal Coordinator, Abogado Guillermo Iso Floren’s extensive experience affords one of a kind perspective. In addition to his long-term residencies in Spain, Germany, Belgium, Italy, and China, he has also spent shorter periods of study in Austria, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, along with formative youth exchanges in the US. With law degrees from both Spain and Germany, Guillermo has the perfect mixture of lived experience as an expat and lega
Staff
Aug 293 min read


Beyond the Visa: How a Move to Spain Taught Me the Art of Living
Life in the US can feel like a ruthless rat race. My American diet, defined by impossibly long work hours and the need for convenience, relied heavily on take-out and processed foods. This is how my move to Spain taught me the art of living.
Staff
Aug 294 min read


Beckham's Law Revisited: A Modern Tax Haven for Spain's Digital Nomads and Entrepreneurs
The Beckham's Law, officially introduced by Royal Decree 687/2005, has long been a feature of the Spanish tax landscape. Originally designed to attract high-earning expatriates—and no, you don't have to be a soccer star at Real Madrid to qualify—it offers a highly advantageous 24% flat tax rate on income up to €600,000 for the first six years of residency (income exceeding this threshold is taxed at 47%).
Guillermo Iso
Aug 294 min read


Sun, Strategy, and Stability: the Spanish real estate market is a hidden gem
Zaragoza, Spain The Spanish real estate market is experiencing a significant boom, drawing in a record number of international investors...
Guillermo Iso
Aug 195 min read


Spain's Digital Nomad Visa: Your Gateway to Three Years of Iberian Living
Dreaming of working remotely from a sun-drenched Spanish balcony? Spain's Digital Nomad Visa (DNV), introduced under the Startup Law,...
Staff
Jul 112 min read
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