Legality
What does the word mean? It turns out that it can be incredibly nuanced from one person to another. There are also differences between American and Spanish versions of legality. I will admit that in my younger days, there were times when I operated in the gray areas of legality, but those days are gone.
There’s something about having a wife and especially kids that tends to nudge one towards being in that band of legality called compliance. After all, a parent should not only tell their kids to operate within the confines of legality, but more importantly, the parent should show it. The old adage of “Do as I say, not as I do!” does not do a good job of instilling a proper sense of legality.
You may be asking, “What the hell are you talking about?!”. That’s a fair question. I guess in my roundabout way, I am saying that…
The Wagoners are LEGAL!
Yes! We finally received our new NIE (residence) cards! So we are no longer worried about being pulled over by the police. We can exceed the speed limit, or go the wrong way down a one-way street without fear of getting deported. Living in the proper area of Spanish Legality feels good. No great! The added benefit is that our visa was extended two years.
Not only are we living the dream, but we’re legally living the dream. Some how the air feels fresher, the food tastier. There is an ineffable quality of life that has pervaded the Wagoner household. Life. Is. Good.
Note to Readers: I have no idea what Heidi put in the Thanksgiving turkey, but I’m blaming that for this post.
Resident Card Renewal Process
Are you just thinking about moving to Spain? Then perhaps our eBook on obtaining your non-lucrative visa or retirement visa is right for you?
Live in Spain – Resident Visa Application Tips and Tricks!
We detail the full visa renewal process in our eBook. Read more here.
Much more information is available on the Non Lucrative Residence Visa Spain (Application, Getting Settled, Renewal, Driving and Education) in our Wagoners Abroad publications.
PUBLICATIONS
Congrats, Wagoners! Out of curiosity, did you specifically apply for a two-year extension or are all long-term visa renewals for that period of time?
Hey Buck, Thanks! We didn’t not apply for 2 years. The standard is your first approval is 1 year and then you may have up to 2 renewals (which are each 2 years) to make a total of 5 years. So we are thinking we need to be back in Spain summer of 2015 and apply for the next renewal too. Wouldn’t that be nice? 🙂
Congratulations!!!
I was in Almunécar only for the weekend last week. It was lovely. Must admit it was not easy going home last monday, but WE WILL BE BACK!!
Thanks! Oh you should have looked us up! Next time you are by, give us a ping.
So now you HAVE TO stay for at least 2 more years haha!
I guess we do, don’t we Serena. 🙂
Hi – I sent you a message from another post in October, but then found this and see that you were granted a 2 year extension. Congratulations.
Thanks Ali! We were glad to be done with that whole process, and the worry of whether or not they will extend our visa or not. It’s good to be legal!