My wife and I are planning a move to Spain over the next year and I am wondering if anyone on the forum could help me with the process of starting an online buisness while living there....Of course we are not part of the EU and it is my understanding that being able to work in the EU being an american citizen comes with some difficulties...

Would it be possible for a US citizen to start an online buisness while living in Spain as long as taxes are being paid?

We would be grateful for any advice that the members here might be able to provide..Thank you and take care......................Chris

Chris, it's very hard for Americans to get in on their own, although I'll be watching your thread closely. My USC folks have just sold their house there but spent the better part of 5 years in Spain.

Look very carefully at the tax situation if you have US or foreign income/assets.. that is the primary reason we never took residencia there.. Spaiin is on that wants you to report your worldwide income (like the US). Don't forget that you have to file US tax returns every year even if you don't live there.

Suerte!

It is very difficult for a non EU citizen to get any sort of work permit in Spain.

You need to check it out with the Spanish embassy in the US and get the necessary visas before you arrive. You cannot get them after you arrive.

It's almost as difficult as an EU citizen getting a work visa in the US.

Thank you for the replies...This is similar to the other answers I have recieved from friends in Holland..

Any loopholes anyone??
I was hoping that with the economy in shambles that they might be more leinient on allowing work permits...Especially bringing the buisness into the country with me instead of taking a job from a citizen..??

Thanks for the comeback fellas.......Anyone else please feel free to add your ideas and/or facts about this situation........................Chris

Hi

Go easy? You have got to be joking, there are not enough jobs for the Spainsh so why would they encourage you to take another job from their nationals?

With the recession starting, may I suggest that it is best to ride it out with a safe job "in your own country". The only ones likely to survive here are those with an alternative income (like a pension).
Sorry don't mean to be negative but don't want you to end up like many others HAVING to return having lost all your life savings

Dave

Why does the online business have to be started from Spain? Is it Spain specific?
Can you explain more about what you would like to do in terms of living situation?

One problem with Spain is that not only does it have its own rules, but it's part of the Schengen zone and you're limited to 3months *total* as a visitor, with 3 months out of the zone before you can return. It makes living as a border hopper a little more challenging/expensive.

I wound up getting my EU family permit based on marriage to an EU citizen, so while I've studied the employment options, I never needed to follow through with them. I rememeber it being just as hard as someone who wants to come to the US.. very few options.

Absolutely!

I cannot understand how US citizens think they have almost a right to come and work in the EU when they make it almost impossible for anyone to work in the US.

You reap what you sow!

Exactly, I had trouble when I lived in Canada and tried to drive into Point Roberts USA for a picnic because I had a toolbox in the car.

Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
Trust me, on this site we get daily inquiries about the local UK sparky or bricklayer or hairdresser who plans to move themselves, their offspring, their parents and the dogs to the US (preferably central Florida for some reason).

I think people in general have no idea how difficult it is to move around.

PS: I personally had nothing to do with it.

Your type we are on the lookout for. In fact, I've forwarded your little gif to the CBP to keep them on their toes for little cuddly bears.
Teddy Bear's Picnic... suuuuure!

The tax on worldwide income in Spain has been abolished as I understand it. Just as a matter of interest why do you want to come to Spain?

If you are a Spanish Resident then the tax on worldwide wealth is in the process of being abolished. I think you will find that the tax on worldwide income is still in place subject to double taxation agreements if you remit that income to Spain.

Yea,thanks for nothing....What a bunch of a-holes...
What is wrong with someone wanting a change of scenery....
I do not understand how I would hurt the jobs of locals bringing a successful online buisness with me..
Thanks for being so friendly

Thank you to the 1 or 2 friendly responses....I guess theres a handful of good people here.......

I'm sorry you feel that way - we are not all a-holes - we are just telling you what the situation is.

If I had a successful online business and wanted to go and live in the US and run it from there - I would be rejected for all sorts of reasons. The US is very protective of immigration now and the EU is just applying the same policy for non EU people.

From my experience most US citizens have now idea how difficult it is to gain work permits in the US (why would they). It always comes as a huge surprise when they have to face the same situation in reverse.

Hi
I will ignore all other comments, You say it is a successful on-line business, does that mean you will employ other people - you will bring wealth to Spain?
I restate - "Many other clever intelligent hard working people have failed in this run up to the recession that is coming to us - have you really got something that no-one else has thought of or that no-one else can do?
I would prefer you to succeed, but know the realities of life here, that there are far too many of my friends returning to their own countries because of the problems here

Dave

Again, it's not just Americans who have no idea ... I've heard the same from people from all over. Europe's response is not solely reciprocal; I guess you know about Spain's (and Italy's and Greece's) southern 'border' issues if you're living there.

Unfortunately, CC's response isn't uncommon. He wanted us to tell him how to get what he wants and the answer isn't that easy.
But that was a very early fold!

btw, after reviewing the Spanish Embassy website for the US, I can understand why he didn't know this info before!