Expat Life

A Blog for Remote Professionals Worldwide.

All en español freelancing in spain living in spain

Spain Non-Lucrative Visa: Which IRS Tax Documents You Really Need

July 13, 2026 at 10:00 PM

The IRS only lets you download a transcript, not your full return, and US non-lucrative visa applicants panic. Here is which tax document each consulate actually wants, transcript vs. Form 4506, and the sworn translation nobody warns you about.

Read more
Spain Digital Nomad Visa Income Requirements: the 2026 Numbers

July 6, 2026 at 10:00 AM

The exact 2026 income numbers for Spain's digital nomad visa, where they come from, and what actually counts as proof.

Read more
Apostilla de La Haya, traducción jurada y homologación de títulos en España: guía 2026

July 3, 2026 at 12:00 PM

He pasado papeles de dos continentes por este circuito. Esta es la guía de la apostilla, la traducción jurada y la homologación, en el orden correcto.

Read more
Cómo empadronarse en Madrid en 2026

July 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Me rechazaron el contrato de alquiler cuatro veces antes de lograr empadronarme. Esta es la guía que me habría ahorrado un mes de idas y vueltas.

Read more
How to Get Your Social Security Number in Spain (2026)

May 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM

How to get your Spanish Social Security number — who needs it, what documents you need, and where to apply in Madrid.

Read more
How to Automate Your Business with AI in 2026 (No Coding Required)

June 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM

You've tried ChatGPT. Here's the level underneath: AI agents and automations that quietly handle your busywork. No coding required.

Read more
NIE Verde in Spain: Documents & Process for EU Citizens (2026)

May 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Complete guide to getting your NIE Verde (CUE) in Madrid. Required documents, step-by-step process, common mistakes, and where to apply.

Read more
How to Open a Bank Account in Spain as an Expat (2026)

May 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Complete guide to opening a Spanish bank account as an expat in 2026. Required documents, best banks for foreigners, and step-by-step process.

Read more
How to Get Your Tarjeta Sanitaria in Madrid (2026)

May 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Complete guide to getting your Spanish health card (tarjeta sanitaria) in Madrid. Who qualifies, what you need, and where to apply.

Read more
How to Collect Your TIE Card in Spain (the Step Nobody Explains)

July 4, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Complete guide to collecting your TIE card in Spain after your residency is approved. What to bring, how to book the appointment, and what to do if there are delays.

Read more
How to Get Empadronamiento in Madrid (2026 Guide)

May 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Everything expats need to know about getting empadronamiento in Madrid: documents, appointment booking, online options, and what to expect on the day.

Read more
Arraigo Social en España 2026: Documentos y Proceso

May 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Todo lo que necesitas saber sobre el arraigo social en España 2026: requisitos, documentos, dónde solicitarlo y cómo preparar tu expediente.

Read more
Cita para Huellas Dactilares en Madrid: Guía 2026

May 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Todo lo que necesitas saber para reservar y preparar tu cita de huellas dactilares en Madrid: documentos, proceso y qué esperar.

Read more
How I Use AI to Run the Back-Office of Busy Entrepreneurs

The honest behind-the-scenes of how I use AI for bookkeeping, data, documentation and social media, plus a free checklist and a full installation guide so you can do it yourself.

Read more
Reforma de Extranjería 2026: Arraigo y Asilo | Guía Actualizada

El 15 de abril de 2026 se ha publicado en el Boletín Oficial del Estado el Real Decreto 316/2026, una norma que marca un antes y un después en la política migratoria de España. Esta reforma modifica el Reglamento de Extranjería con el objetivo de reducir l...

Read more
US–Spain Relations in 2026: Does It Affect Americans Moving to Spain?

As tensions between the US and Spain make global news, many people are asking whether this could affect Americans living or moving abroad. Here’s the context behind the headlines.

Read more
Move to Spain from the US or Canada

Heads up: some links in this post are affiliate links. If you buy through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend things I would tell a friend to use.The Complete Guide to the Spain Digital Nomad VisaIf you have been searc...

Read more
Spain Extraordinary Regularisation 2026: Requirements & Timeline

February 1, 2026 at 11:00 PM

Spain has announced an extraordinary regularisation for people already living in the country. This article explains what is confirmed, what is still pending, and how to prepare responsibly.

Read more
Build a Website Without Coding — My Experience as a New Freelancer in Madrid

April 24, 2025 at 10:00 PM

Learn how I built a professional website in just one afternoon using B12 — no coding needed. Ideal for freelancers, expats, and small business owners looking for an easy website builder with integrated tools.

Read more
How to Get Your Empadronamiento in Madrid (Cita, Documents, Certificate)

Empadronamiento in Madrid, explained by someone who has done it: how to book the cita, which documents to bring, and the difference between the volante and the certificate.

Learn more
How to Book Your Fingerprint (Huellas) Appointment in Madrid | TIE Guide

July 2, 2026 at 10:00 AM

TIE fingerprint appointments in Madrid are released in limited slots and disappear fast. This guide explains when they usually open, how to book one, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Read more
Spain’s power outage: how it got me thinking about emergency kits for remote workers (Without going full survivalist)

April 28, 2025 at 12:30 PM

Yesterday’s power outage across Spain left me literally in the dark—and got me thinking: am I actually ready to keep working if it happens again? In this post, I share what happened, why it could happen again, and the simple tools I’m using as a freelancer in Madrid to stay connected, calm, and caffeinated during blackouts.

Read more
This Quiet Workaround Is Helping Remote Workers in Spain Avoid Freelance Bureaucracy

May 3, 2025 at 10:00 PM

Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed trying to stay legal as a freelancer in Spain? Same here. Over coffee with a friend who’s also a remote worker, I learned about something that honestly changed the way I see remote work here — it’s called an Employer of Record (EOR), and it might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

Read more
How to Get a NIE in Madrid: Complete Guide for Expats

April 13, 2025 at 11:30 AM

Planning to move to Spain? This guide explains how to get a NIE in Madrid, what documents you need, how to book your NIE appointment, and how to avoid delays during the NIE Spain process.

Read more