Every week, I get messages from families saying, “We’re thinking about moving…maybe in the next year or two.” Immigration laws are changing; don’t wait too long to make a move.

My cousin, who lives legally in the U.S. and is a single mom of an American citizen, is considering leaving the U.S. because of constant stress over deportations. “ICE doesn’t discriminate”, she said. She, like so many other Spanish speaking south Americans, is looking to Spain. My advice? Upskill, figure out how to make location-independent income, and do it quickly.

You wait to make the move, give yourself an overly generous timeline, and then, something changes. Visa requirements. Income requirements. Housing. Processing times. Suddenly, what was possible 12 months ago becomes much harder now. Visa requirements are changing, and Americans will soon be required to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) before traveling to 30 European countries. It is not a traditional visa, but rather a pre-travel security waiver similar to the U.S. ESTA. However, a step never before needed to travel will be required for 30 countries, and counting.

This week, immigration experts in Spain reported that Digital Nomad Visa applications are being reviewed more carefully than before. Authorities are asking for stronger documentation and more proof that applicants truly meet the requirements. It’s not impossible, but it isn’t the “easy visa” many YouTube videos still make it sound like.

Here’s what this actually means:

Waiting rarely makes immigration easier.

Countries adjust visa rules all the time.

Processing times can change.

Documentation requirements can change.

Income requirements can change.

The families who usually have the smoothest move are the ones preparing months before they actually plan to leave, still have an income while abroad, but don’t wait too long.

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Something I’ve noticed as a mom who successfully moved abroad with her two daughters almost a year ago…

Families spend months researching visas… but almost no time building income they can actually take with them.

Here is the truth about moving abroad, how to make more money should be priority #1.

Your visa is only one piece of the puzzle. Your income is what gives you options. Period.

Three Income Questions Everyone Should Ask

✅ Can I work remotely from another country?

✅ Could my current skills become freelance services?

✅ If I lost my job tomorrow, how long would my income last?

You don’t need to become an influencer. You don’t need millions of followers.

You need a portable income.

That could be:

• freelancing

• consulting

• virtual assistance

• digital products

• affiliate marketing

• online bookkeeping

• project management

• customer success

• copywriting

• AI implementation for businesses

The goal isn’t becoming famous online. The goal is to make your location irrelevant when it comes to your income.

Before moving to Spain, I realized something…

Depending on one employer in one country gave me very little freedom.

I didn’t just want to move.

I wanted income that could move with me.

That mindset changed everything.

This week, do these three things:

1. Download your last three months of bank statements.
2. Calculate the minimum monthly income your family actually needs. (This was my formula: Add your estimated regional housing costs (idealista.com) to your baseline lifestyle expenses (groceries, utilities, health insurance, and transit) and factor in an extra buffer for visa compliance or emergency savings.) Depending on the city, I would estimate a minimum of €2,500 per month for a family of four.
3. Write down three skills someone would pay you for online.

You don’t need to build a six-figure business overnight.

You just need to start creating income that isn’t tied to your ZIP code.

If you’re planning a move to Spain and you’re unsure where to start, or you’re trying to figure out how to earn income you can take anywhere, book your 60-minute 1:1 Moving Abroad with Kids consultation call with me, or just reply to this email.

I read every response, and your questions often become future newsletters that help the entire community.

My goal wasn’t just to get to Spain, but also to build a sustainable life here. And I did! 🙂

Cheers to new beginnings!

xoxo,

V