Move to Spain: Complete 2026 Guide

Last updated: February 18, 2026. Sources: Spanish Ministry of Inclusion (Ministerio de Inclusión), Agencia Tributaria (AEAT), Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), Henley Passport Index 2025, Global Peace Index 2025.

What Are the Best Visa Options for Moving to Spain in 2026?

Spain offers six main visa pathways for non-EU citizens: the Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers, Non-Lucrative Visa for retirees and passive income earners, Entrepreneur Visa for business founders, Work Visa for employed professionals, Student Visa, and EU Blue Card for highly qualified workers. The Golden Visa program ended on April 3, 2025.

Which Spain Visa Should You Choose?

Choose the Digital Nomad Visa if: You work remotely for non-Spanish companies or have freelance clients outside Spain. You'll benefit from the 24% flat tax rate under the Beckham Law for up to 6 years. According to Spain's Ley de Startups (Law 28/2022), you need proof of €2,763/month income (twice Spain's minimum wage) and at least 3 months of prior remote work history.

Choose the Non-Lucrative Visa if: You're retired, have investment income, or want to live in Spain without working. The Spanish Consulate requires proof of €2,400/month (€28,800/year) in passive income — pensions, dividends, rental income, or savings. You cannot work for the first year but can apply to modify your status later.

Choose the Entrepreneur Visa if: You're starting an innovative business with economic impact in Spain. The Ministry of Economy evaluates your business plan for innovation, job creation potential, and investment. Processing is fast-tracked for strong applications.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Spain in 2026?

A single person can live comfortably in Spain on €1,200-1,500 per month including rent, or €1,800-2,500 in Madrid or Barcelona. According to Numbeo's 2026 Cost of Living Index, Spain is 25-40% cheaper than the USA, 19% cheaper than the UK, and 25-35% cheaper than Canada. Family of four costs range from €2,200-2,900 depending on city.

How Does Spain Compare to Other Countries?

What Is the Average Rent in Spanish Cities?

Source: Idealista and Fotocasa rental data, January 2026

What Are Typical Monthly Expenses in Spain?

• Complete Spain Cost of Living Guide 2026
• Cost of Living in Barcelona
• Cost of Living in Valencia

How Do You Set Up Your Life in Spain? (First 30 Days)

Your first priority after arriving in Spain is the empadronamiento (address registration) at your local town hall, followed by getting your NIE (tax identification number). According to the Spanish Ministry of Interior, the NIE is required for opening bank accounts, signing rental contracts, getting utilities, and almost every official transaction. Plan 2-4 weeks for the NIE appointment in major cities.

Week 1-2: Essential Admin Tasks

How Do You Open a Spanish Bank Account?

To open a bank account in Spain, you need your NIE, valid passport, proof of address (empadronamiento), and proof of income or employment. According to the Bank of Spain (Banco de España), non-residents can open accounts but may face restrictions on credit products. The major Spanish banks — Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank, and Sabadell — all offer English-language support in major cities.

Digital alternatives: N26 and Openbank (Santander's digital bank) offer faster account opening with fewer documents, useful while waiting for your NIE.

How Does Healthcare Work for Expats in Spain?

Spain's public healthcare system (Sistema Nacional de Salud or SNS) ranks among Europe's best according to the WHO and OECD health data. According to the Spanish Ministry of Health, you can access public healthcare if you contribute to Social Security through employment, or if you pay into the Convenio Especial scheme (€60/month under 65, €157/month over 65).

Pro tip: Most visa applications (Non-Lucrative, Digital Nomad) require private health insurance with full coverage and no copays. Popular providers include Sanitas, Adeslas, MAPFRE, and DKV.

• How to Get Your NIE Number
• Opening a Bank Account in Spain
• Spain Healthcare System Guide

How Do You Buy Property in Spain as a Foreigner?

Foreigners can buy property in Spain without restrictions. According to the Spanish Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad), the process takes 1-3 months from offer to completion. Budget 10-15% of the purchase price for transaction costs including transfer tax (ITP), notary fees, and legal fees. You'll need an NIE before any property transaction.

What Are Property Prices in Different Spanish Cities?

Source: Idealista Price Index, January 2026

What Are the Total Costs of Buying Property in Spain?

Regional ITP rates: Andalusia 7%, Catalonia 10%, Madrid 6%, Valencia 10%, Basque Country 4%.

• Complete Property Buying Guide
• Property Purchase Costs Breakdown
• Getting a Spanish Mortgage

What Taxes Do You Pay in Spain?

Spain uses a progressive income tax system with rates from 19% to 47%, but the Beckham Law offers a flat 24% rate for qualifying new residents for up to 6 years. According to the Agencia Tributaria (Spanish Tax Agency), you become a tax resident if you spend 183+ days per year in Spain or have your primary economic interests there. Tax residents pay on worldwide income; non-residents pay only on Spanish-source income.

What Are Spain's Income Tax Rates?

Note: Rates vary slightly by autonomous community. Catalonia and Andalusia have higher top rates; Madrid has lower rates.

What Is the Beckham Law and How Does It Work?

The Beckham Law (Régimen Especial de Trabajadores Desplazados) is a special tax regime that lets qualifying new residents pay a flat 24% tax on Spanish employment income up to €600,000 for 6 years. According to Article 93 of the Spanish Income Tax Law (LIRPF), you qualify if you haven't been a Spanish tax resident in the previous 5 years and are moving for employment or as a company director.

2023 Expansion (Ley de Startups): Law 28/2022 expanded eligibility to include digital nomads and remote workers for foreign companies. The prior non-residency requirement was also reduced from 10 years to 5 years.

How to apply: Submit form 149 to the AEAT within 6 months of registering with Spanish Social Security. Missing this deadline means losing the benefit permanently.

• Complete Beckham Law Guide
• Spain Tax Guide for Residents & Non-Residents

What Are the Best Cities to Live in Spain?

The best city in Spain depends on your priorities: Madrid for career opportunities and culture, Barcelona for beach lifestyle and startups, Valencia for families and affordability, Málaga for sunshine and digital nomads, or Seville for traditional Spanish culture. According to the 2024 Expat City Ranking by InterNations, Valencia ranks #1 globally for expat satisfaction, with Málaga and Alicante also in the top 10.

How Does Spain Compare to Portugal, Italy, and Greece?

Spain offers stronger tax benefits (Beckham Law) than Portugal (NHR ended) but has a longer citizenship timeline (10 years vs Portugal's 5). According to the 2025 Global Passport Index, Spanish and Italian passports are equally powerful (#3), while Portugal ranks #4 and Greece #5. For cost of living, Greece is cheapest, followed by Portugal, then Spain and Italy.

Spain vs Portugal: Which Is Better?

• Choose Spain if: You want active tax benefits (Beckham Law still active), a larger job market, or are from a country eligible for 2-year citizenship (Latin America, Philippines)
• Choose Portugal if: Citizenship timeline is priority (5 years vs 10), you prefer slightly lower costs, or you want the Golden Visa (funds route still active)

Spain vs Italy: Which Is Better?

• Choose Spain if: You want clearer visa pathways (Digital Nomad Visa is well-established), Beckham Law tax benefits, or easier bureaucracy
• Choose Italy if: You qualify for citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis), want the 7% flat tax (south/islands), or prefer Italian culture

How Do You Get Spanish Citizenship?

Spanish citizenship requires 10 years of continuous legal residence for most nationalities, but only 2 years for citizens of Latin American countries, Portugal, Andorra, Philippines, and Equatorial Guinea, or 1 year if married to a Spanish citizen. According to the Spanish Ministry of Justice, you must pass the DELE A2 Spanish language exam and CCSE civics exam, and have a clean criminal record.

What Exams Are Required for Spanish Citizenship?

DELE A2: Spanish language proficiency exam administered by Instituto Cervantes. Tests reading, writing, listening, and speaking at basic conversational level. Cost: €124-130. Exempt if from a Spanish-speaking country.

CCSE: Constitutional and sociocultural knowledge exam. 25 multiple-choice questions about Spanish government, history, and culture. Need 15/25 to pass. Cost: €85. Questions come from a published list of 300 possible questions.

Can You Have Dual Citizenship with Spain?

Spain only allows dual citizenship with: all Latin American countries, Portugal, Andorra, Philippines, and Equatorial Guinea. Citizens of other countries (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.) must formally renounce their previous citizenship. However, enforcement varies — Spain doesn't verify renunciation, and your home country may not recognize it.

• Complete Spanish Citizenship Guide
• Dual Citizenship Rules

Country-Specific Guides for Moving to Spain

Moving to Spain from the USA

US citizens can stay in Spain for 90 days without a visa. For longer stays, the Digital Nomad Visa (if working remotely) or Non-Lucrative Visa (if retiring) are the main options. The Beckham Law can significantly reduce your tax burden. Note: Spain doesn't allow dual citizenship with the USA — you must formally renounce, though the US may not recognize this renunciation.

→ Complete USA to Spain Guide

Moving to Spain from the UK

Post-Brexit, UK citizens are treated as non-EU nationals and need a visa for stays over 90 days. The Digital Nomad Visa or Non-Lucrative Visa are most common. UK driving licenses can be exchanged within 2 years of residency. ETIAS will be required from April 2027.

→ Complete UK to Spain Guide

Moving to Spain from Canada

Canadians can stay 90 days visa-free. A Working Holiday Visa is available for ages 18-35. For permanent moves, Digital Nomad or Non-Lucrative Visas apply. Cost of living is 25-35% lower than Canada.

→ Complete Canada to Spain Guide

Moving to Spain from Australia

Australians can stay 90 days visa-free. A Working Holiday Visa is available for ages 18-30. Same visa pathways apply as other non-EU nationalities.

→ Complete Australia to Spain Guide

Moving to Spain from EU Countries

EU citizens have full freedom of movement — no visa required. Register at your local town hall (empadronamiento) after 3 months. Immediate access to public healthcare and employment rights.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Living in Spain?

Pros of Living in Spain

• ✅ Affordable cost of living: 25-40% cheaper than USA, 19% cheaper than UK — stretch your income further
• ✅ Excellent healthcare: SNS public system ranked #6 in Europe, private insurance from €50/month
• ✅ Mediterranean climate: 300+ sunny days in southern regions, mild winters
• ✅ Quality of life: Strong work-life balance culture, family-oriented, outdoor lifestyle
• ✅ World-class food and wine: Tapas culture, Michelin-star restaurants, affordable dining
• ✅ Excellent transport: Europe's longest high-speed rail network, cheap EU flights
• ✅ Clear visa pathways: Digital Nomad Visa with 24% tax rate is well-established
• ✅ Powerful passport: #3 globally with 189 visa-free destinations

Cons of Living in Spain

• ❌ Bureaucracy: Government processes slow and paper-heavy — expect delays
• ❌ Job market: 11-12% unemployment rate, difficult for non-Spanish speakers
• ❌ Language barrier: Less English spoken than Portugal or Netherlands — Spanish essential long-term
• ❌ Late schedule: Dinner at 10pm, siesta closures — adjustment period needed
• ❌ Hot summers: Interior and south regularly hit 40°C+ in July-August
• ❌ Competitive rental market: Madrid/Barcelona require 2-3 months deposit, extensive documentation
• ❌ Long citizenship timeline: 10 years vs 5 in Portugal or 7 in Greece
• ❌ Limited dual citizenship: Must renounce for USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and most countries

What Should You Do in Your First 90 Days in Spain?

How Does Education Work in Spain?

Spain offers free public education (colegios públicos) up to age 16, government-subsidized semi-private schools (concertados), private Spanish schools, and international schools following British, American, or IB curricula. According to the Spanish Ministry of Education, public school enrollment uses a lottery system in competitive areas — apply early.

Top international school networks: British Council Schools (Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao), American School of Madrid/Barcelona, Caxton College (Valencia), King's College, International School of Barcelona.

• Complete Education System Guide

How Do You Move to Spain with Pets?

Pets entering Spain from EU countries need an EU pet passport with microchip and rabies vaccination. From non-EU countries (USA, UK, Canada, Australia), you need an ISO-compliant microchip, rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), and a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of departure. Some countries require a rabies titer test 3 months in advance.

Pet-friendly Spain: Many outdoor restaurants allow dogs, dog parks in most cities, beaches have designated dog areas or off-season access. Always disclose pets when renting — some landlords prohibit them.

Work with Spain Relocation Experts

Moving to Spain involves immigration law, tax planning, property transactions, and bureaucratic navigation. Working with licensed professionals saves time and prevents costly mistakes — especially for Beckham Law applications (strict 6-month deadline) and property purchases (10-15% in transaction costs).

Movingto Services

• ✓ Visa applications: Digital Nomad, Non-Lucrative, Entrepreneur with attorney-led preparation
• ✓ Beckham Law coordination: Ensure you meet the 6-month deadline and eligibility requirements
• ✓ Property search and purchase: Vetted agents, legal due diligence, transaction support
• ✓ Banking and healthcare setup: Account opening, insurance selection, SNS registration
• ✓ Relocation logistics: Shipping, temporary housing, arrivals support

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Spain

Visa and Residency Questions

Can I move to Spain without a job?

Yes. The Non-Lucrative Visa allows residence without work if you have passive income of €2,400/month (€28,800/year) from pensions, investments, or savings. The Digital Nomad Visa allows remote work for non-Spanish companies with €2,763/month income.

How long can I stay in Spain without a visa?

Most nationalities (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.) can stay 90 days within any 180-day period. From April 2027, you'll need ETIAS authorization (€7, valid 3 years).

Can I work remotely in Spain on a tourist visa?

Technically no — tourist status doesn't permit work of any kind. For legal remote work, apply for the Digital Nomad Visa before or shortly after arrival.

Is Spain's Golden Visa still available?

No. Spain's Golden Visa program ended on April 3, 2025 and is no longer accepting new applications. Alternatives include Portugal's Golden Visa (funds route) or Greece's Golden Visa (€250,000+ real estate).

What's the easiest visa to get for Spain?

The Non-Lucrative Visa is the most straightforward — it requires proof of €2,400/month passive income and health insurance, with no business plan or job offer needed. Processing takes 2-3 months.

Can I convert a tourist stay to a residence visa?

Generally no — you must apply for residence visas from your home country. However, some people apply for the Non-Lucrative Visa from within Spain using the arraigo social pathway after 3 years of presence, though this is complex.

Cost of Living Questions

How much money do I need to live in Spain?

A single person can live comfortably on €1,200-1,500/month including rent in cities like Valencia, Málaga, or Seville. In Madrid or Barcelona, budget €1,800-2,500/month. A family of four needs €2,200-3,500/month depending on location.

Is Spain cheaper than Portugal?

Portugal is about 4% cheaper on average according to Numbeo 2026 data. However, Lisbon is more expensive than most Spanish cities except Madrid and Barcelona. Valencia and Málaga offer similar or better value than Porto.

What's the cheapest city to live in Spain?

Granada, Seville, and Alicante offer the lowest costs among major cities. A single person can live on €1,000-1,200/month including rent. Smaller towns in Andalusia and Extremadura are even cheaper.

Are salaries in Spain good?

Average salary is around €2,250 gross (€1,800 net) per month according to INE 2025 data. Salaries are 20-30% lower than Germany or UK, but the lower cost of living often compensates. Tech and finance roles pay significantly above average.

Healthcare Questions

Can I use Spain's public healthcare as an expat?

Yes, if you contribute to Spanish Social Security through employment, or pay into the Convenio Especial scheme (€60/month under 65, €157/month over 65). Most visa applications require private insurance initially.

How good is Spanish healthcare?

Excellent. Spain ranks #6 in Europe in the 2024 WHO and OECD health rankings. Public hospitals in major cities are well-equipped with short emergency wait times. Specialist appointments may take weeks-months in the public system.

How much does private health insurance cost in Spain?

€50-100/month for basic coverage, €100-200/month for comprehensive plans with dental and specialists. Major providers include Sanitas, Adeslas, MAPFRE, DKV, and Asisa.

Tax Questions

What is the Beckham Law?

A special tax regime offering a flat 24% rate on Spanish employment income up to €600,000 for 6 years. Available to new tax residents who haven't lived in Spain for the previous 5 years. Since 2023, digital nomads and remote workers also qualify.

Do I have to pay tax on worldwide income in Spain?

If you're a Spanish tax resident (183+ days/year), generally yes. However, the Beckham Law exempts most foreign-source income for qualifying individuals. Non-residents pay only on Spanish-source income.

How do I apply for the Beckham Law?

Submit form 149 to the Agencia Tributaria (AEAT) within 6 months of registering with Spanish Social Security. Missing this deadline permanently disqualifies you from the regime.

Is there wealth tax in Spain?

Yes — 0.2-3.5% on net assets above €700,000, varying by autonomous community. Madrid is exempt from wealth tax. Catalonia and Andalusia have higher rates.

Citizenship Questions

How long until I can get Spanish citizenship?

10 years of continuous residence for most nationalities. 2 years for citizens of Latin American countries, Portugal, Philippines, Andorra, and Equatorial Guinea. 1 year if married to a Spanish citizen.

Can I keep my current citizenship when I become Spanish?

Only if you're from a country with a dual nationality agreement: all Latin American countries, Portugal, Andorra, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea. Citizens of USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and most other countries must formally renounce.

What exams do I need to pass for Spanish citizenship?

DELE A2 (Spanish language proficiency, €124-130) and CCSE (constitutional and cultural knowledge, €85). Both administered by Instituto Cervantes. Spanish-speaking country citizens are exempt from DELE A2.

How powerful is the Spanish passport?

The Spanish passport ranks #3 globally on the 2025 Henley Passport Index with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 189 countries, tied with France, Germany, Italy, and Japan.

Practical Questions

Do I need to speak Spanish to live in Spain?

You can get by with English in major cities and tourist areas, but Spanish is essential for bureaucracy, healthcare, and daily life outside expat bubbles. Long-term, learning Spanish dramatically improves your experience and integration.

What's the rental market like in Spain?

Competitive in Madrid and Barcelona — expect 2-3 months deposit, proof of income (3x rent), and extensive documentation. Mid-sized cities like Valencia and Málaga are easier. Furnished apartments are common for expats.

Can I drive with my foreign license in Spain?

EU licenses are valid indefinitely. Non-EU licenses (USA, UK, Canada, Australia) are valid for 6 months, then you must exchange or take the Spanish driving test. Some countries have exchange agreements.

Is Spain safe to live in?

Very safe. Spain ranks #25 on the 2025 Global Peace Index. Violent crime is rare. Petty theft (pickpocketing) is the main concern in tourist areas of Barcelona and Madrid.

What's the internet like in Spain?

Excellent. Fiber optic (300-600 Mbps) is widely available in cities for €30-50/month. Mobile coverage is strong nationwide. Major providers: Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, MásMóvil.