Just found this forum…seems to have lots of useful information.

My wife and I lived in Spain in the 1970s and are now retired.  We are planning to buy an apt. there and spend part of the year there. Questions:

-As retirees, are we also allowed to stay only 90 days for one visit?  If we leave after the 90 days, when can we return without problems?  (Under the dictatorship, we left for a trip to North Africa and immediately returned for another 6-month stay).

-We want to purchase an apt. including the names of our children (both adults and both dual citizens (EU and US) as co-owners on the Escritura. Is that possible nowadays?  Or do we have to buy in our names and leave it to them in a Will?

-I have heard that Visas for retirees are virtually impossible for US citizens to get (even those fluent in Spanish who have contacts in the country).  Is that true?

Thanks for your patience.

Jeannot

Hello Jeannot:

I am not sure what the formalities might now be for U.S. citizens.  You will find many changes in Spain since the 1970s, and in my own view, not all for the better either.  I also first arrived in Spain in the 70s.

I am giving you this link for the American Club (Costa del Sol.  This was founded 35 years ago and is very active. They will surely be able to provide you with the information you require.  They have four chapters, from M?laga to Sotogrande.

http://www.americanclubcostadelsol.com/component/option,com_contact/Itemid,3/

Here are the phone numbers:

Estepona-Sotogrande Pres. Joanne Wynne-Hughes 952 802946
FMB Pres. David Kylen 653 274392
Malaga Pres. Rosella Parmiter 952400006
Marbella Pres. George Begley 625 268 594

Regards,
Patricia

From http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1024.html  -
1. “ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS: Spain is a party to the Schengen Agreement. This means that U.S. citizens may enter Spain for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. You need sufficient funds and a return airline ticket. For additional details about travel into and within Schengen countries, please see our Schengen fact sheet.

The Spanish Government scrutinizes visitors who overstay their visas or their visa-free entry per the Schengen Agreement. Immediate deportation after spending a number of days in jail is not uncommon. You should leave Spain promptly at the end of the 90-day visa-free travel period or at the end of the time stated on your visa. ” More follows click on above link….

2. You can add the names of your children as co owners, or put their names solely and you take a usufruct (the right to remain in residence) Take professional advice.

3. Availability of visas - sorry no idea. As things are so difficult at the moment, wouldn’t be surprised. But maybe your dual citizenship will help - again get good professional advice. And maybe buying a property will also help.

Jeannot:

Here is the link for the U.S. Embassy Consular Services in Spain

https://spain.cms.getusinfo.com/citizen-services.html

They will have the correct information you need as regards visa requirements.

Another option is to contact the Spanish Embassy/Consular Offices in the U.S.A.

Aside from the Embassy in Washington D.C. there are consular offices in a number of cities throughout the U.S.A.

http://www.maec.es/subwebs/Embajadas/Washington/es/MenuPpal/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Direc. Serv. Consulares.aspx

Patricia