This as-told-to essay is predicated on a dialog with Giovanna Gonzalez, a 35-year-old who moved from Chicago to Valencia, Spain, in April 2025. The dialog has been edited for size and readability.In faculty, I wished to check overseas in Italy or Spain, however I did not have the means. I used to be a low-income, first-generation Mexican American pupil, going to highschool completely on pupil loans.Learning overseas would have meant borrowing an extra $5,000 to $10,000, and since I used to be already graduating with debt, I felt it could have been reckless to tackle extra.Nonetheless, over time, I got here to remorse that call.
Gonzalez throughout her faculty internship.
Courtesy of Giovanna Gonzalez
In 2019, I returned to my former hometown, El Centro, California — a small agricultural border city — for a highschool profession day.I am a monetary educator and influencer who presents profession tricks to first-generation professionals. On the college, I spoke with Algebra 2 college students about my path since leaving faculty and my profession.
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We mentioned methods to navigate faculty, and I inspired everybody to check overseas if they’d the chance. I shared how the folks I do know who did nonetheless gentle up after they discuss their expertise — being younger, freed from main tasks, and surrounded by different younger folks in a brand new tradition.After profession day, I had a second of self-reflection. Was my present life actually for me? Would I ever get to expertise life overseas?I knew it was time to make a change.Shifting to Spain was a quick however costly processMy husband and I’d have left the US round 2022, however the world was nonetheless within the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, and issues hadn’t returned to regular. We determined to attend a number of extra years, whereas persevering with to reside in Chicago.When 2024 got here round, we had a dialog concerning the presidential election and determined that, whatever the final result, we have been going to maneuver to Spain. It felt like a now-or-never second.
Gonzalez in downtown Chicago, throughout from the Tribune Tower.
Courtesy of Giovanna Gonzalez
My husband and I researched methods to get a Spanish visa. The best possibility was for me to use for a digital nomad visa and add him as my dependent.That is as a result of by then, I had left my desk-bound company job and had been operating my very own enterprise for 4 years. Whereas my husband’s employer was open to transferring him to their Spanish department, they weren’t keen to sponsor his visa.
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To assist us by the method, we labored with an immigration lawyer who guided us each step of the way in which.
Gonzalez at a Madrid restaurant.
Courtesy of Giovanna Gonzalez
I am a twin citizen of Mexico and the US, so I used my Mexican passport when making use of for the digital nomad visa. As a result of Mexico was as soon as a Spanish colony, Mexican residents can apply for Spanish citizenship after simply two years of authorized residency, in comparison with 10 years for US residents.We flew to Spain to use, which certified us for a three-year visa as an alternative of 1. We have been authorised in about two and a half weeks.The method was quick however costly. Flights alone price us round $3,590, and the Airbnb we stayed in whereas making use of for the Visa was about one other $652. We additionally paid roughly $4,000 in authorized charges and spent extra money on issues like apostilles, licensed translations, and different required paperwork.Valencia was the right metropolis for usI wished to reside in a giant metropolis so I might simply journey to different components of Europe. Madrid got here to thoughts, however housing could be very scarce and aggressive there. The identical factor is true in Barcelona, if not worse. I discovered that the subsequent greatest metropolis that we preferred was Valencia.Valencia is true on the seashore. It has a Mediterranean local weather, and is sunny virtually on daily basis — a giant change coming from Chicago. The town has quite a lot of lovely structure and a wealthy historical past.It is walkable, has nice public transportation, and is clear and protected.We lived in a pleasant neighborhood in Chicago, however even there, I needed to consistently test my shoulder when it was darkish. Right here, I have been capable of go for a stroll within the park at 10 p.m. and have by no means felt unsafe. I am very grateful for that.
Valencia, Spain.
Sergio Formoso/Getty Pictures
We reside in a multi-unit constructing subsequent to the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències, and now we have a lovely view of it from our terrace. We reside on the highest flooring in a two-story condominium, which prices €1,900 ($2,226) a month.In Chicago, we have been bougie and lived downtown in a high-rise constructing with a doorman and facilities in a two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence.Though our hire in Valencia is considerably cheaper than what we paid within the US, our utilities will not be. Summers in Spain are extraordinarily sizzling, and since houses right here aren’t as well-insulated as within the US, you need to run the air con virtually consistently. Our electrical energy invoice alone has been over €500 ($586) for every of the previous two months.It is tougher to be an entrepreneur in SpainLiving in Spain has had some challenges. My husband does not communicate Spanish fluently, so it has been an adjustment for him to make physician’s appointments or reservations at eating places in Spanish. I communicate Spanish, so it has been a lot simpler for me to combine.I’ve made a buddy in Valencia who was launched to me by one other buddy. We have met twice for espresso and to go for a stroll within the park. However actually, I have never put an excessive amount of effort into making extra pals but as a result of I am so centered on the immigration course of.I nonetheless must get my residency card, and as soon as that occurs, I am going to really feel like I actually have the free time to place myself on the market, go to meetups, and meet extra folks.
Gonzalez contained in the Royal Alcázar of Seville.
Courtesy of Giovanna Gonzalez
I’ve not too long ago discovered that Spain is not as entrepreneur-friendly because the US, particularly in relation to taxes. Many bills I used to deduct with out subject are both not allowed right here or have stricter necessities.For instance, throughout a current work journey, I submitted an Uber receipt to my Spanish accountant, solely to be advised I wanted a proper bill, one thing that is not usually required within the US. And meals throughout journey can solely be written off in case you’re eating with a shopper.Within the US, there is a bit extra grace whenever you’re beginning a enterprise. That first yr, you are not usually required to pay quarterly taxes, because you’re simply getting began.Often, you file your full-year return first, then start making quarterly estimated funds within the following years. I anticipated one thing comparable in Spain, however on the finish of the second quarter of this yr, my accountant knowledgeable me that I wanted to pay my taxes immediately.I do not plan on transferring again to the USGiven the political local weather within the US and my Mexican background, my long-term aim is to remain in Spain. There’s lots to like right here. The climate is nice, and we have been very welcomed by the locals. It has been fairly straightforward to combine thus far.
Gonzalez in entrance of the Assut de l’Or Bridge and the L’Àgora constructing in Valencia.
Courtesy of Giovanna Gonzalez
I’d undoubtedly say that residing overseas is kind of completely different from what my expertise would have been learning overseas, however I am actually grateful for that.I’ve quite a lot of pals who studied overseas of their 20s, and I do know their time was full of wild nights, partying, assembly new folks, and touring. I will be turning 36 this week, and I am married and a homebody who enjoys stress-free and watching TV at dwelling.I’ve undoubtedly discovered the artwork of slowing down. Chicago was a fast-paced, big-city life the place you have been power-walking in all places — that is simply not a factor right here.With the marginally decrease price of residing in Spain, I am working part-time. As an alternative of working 30 to 40 hours every week like I did within the US, I now work 15 to twenty hours and am nonetheless sustaining an ideal life.
