Spain Guides
Spain guides for visas, tax, citizenship, and relocation
Movingto's Spain guides explain how to move to Spain in 2026: the Digital Nomad Visa (€2,442 a month), the Non-Lucrative Visa (€2,400 a month), work and student routes, the NIE number, Spanish tax and the Beckham Law, citizenship, banking and healthcare. The Spain Golden Visa closed to new applications on 3 April 2025, so the guides cover the routes that are still open.
A Spanish residence permit is the authorisation that lets a non-EU national live in Spain beyond 90 days; it is proved by the TIE, the foreigner identity card.
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Visas & Routes
Visas & Routes
Spain Highly Qualified Professional Visa / Work Visa: 2026 Guide
A practical Spain highly qualified professional visa and work visa guide: eligibility, salary thresholds, EU Blue Card rules, UGE timing, documents, family, renewals, and Beckham Law planning.
Read guideSpain Digital Nomad Visa 2026: Official Requirements and Costs
Spain Digital Nomad Visa 2026: the UGE income figure of €2,442/month (200% of the monthly SMI), route-fit checks, documents, fees, social-security evidence and Beckham Law caveats.
Read guideSpain Entrepreneur Visa 2026: Startup Residence Requirements and ENISA
Guide to Spain's entrepreneur and startup residence route in 2026: ENISA report, eligibility, documents, timelines, business-plan evidence and renewals.
Read guideSpain Non-Lucrative Visa 2026: Requirements, Income, Documents and Process
Spain non-lucrative visa 2026: 400% of IPREM (€2,400 a month) plus €600 per family member, income calculator, consulate checklists, documents, insurance, TIE timing, 2-year renewals and tax residence.
Read guideSpain Student Visa 2026: Requirements, Documents, Work Rights and Process
Spain student visa guide for 2026: study eligibility, IPREM means, documents, health insurance, Article 57 work rights, family members, TIE timing, renewals, and post-study options.
Read guideSpain Visa Types and Requirements 2026: Income, Work Rights and How to Apply
Spain visa types for 2026: Schengen visits, Digital Nomad (€2,442/month), Non-Lucrative (€2,400/month), work and Highly Qualified Professional (€41,356.36/year), student, family and startup routes. The Golden Visa closed to new applications on 3 April 2025.
Read guideCitizenship
Citizenship
Dual Citizenship in Spain: Rules, Exceptions and How to Apply
Spain allows dual nationality only in specific cases. See eligible countries, common non-exceptions, residence periods, oath-stage renunciation risks, 2026 checklist items, exams, and source links.
Read guideSpanish Citizenship Requirements 2026: Routes, Documents and Process
A practical 2026 guide to Spanish citizenship by residence, marriage, option and descent, with route periods, documents, exams, costs, appeals and post-approval steps.
Read guideMoney & Setup
Money & Setup
Internet in Spain: Fibre, SIM and Mobile Plans for Expats
Internet in Spain in October 2026: fibre covers 95.97% of people, bundles from about €13 a month on operators' own pages, plus prepaid SIMs, 5G home internet, rural coverage, EU roaming and provider choices.
Read guideSpain NIE Number Guide: How to Get Your Foreigner ID in 2026
How to get a Spain NIE number in 2026: the €9.84 Modelo 790-012 fee, NIE vs TIE, EU registration, documents, cita previa tips and the 5-day decision rule.
Read guideLiving & Lifestyle
Living & Lifestyle
Buying Property Costs in Spain: Complete Guide to Taxes, Fees & Hidden Expenses
Calculate the true cost of buying property in Spain in 2026. Covers regional ITP transfer tax (6-13%), IVA on new builds (10%) plus AJD, notary and registry tariffs, the 3% non-resident withholding, and €200K-€1M examples.
Read guideCost of Living in Spain in 2026: Monthly Budget and Rent
The cost of living in Spain averages about €2,925 a month per household (INE, 2025). Plan €1,400-2,200 a month for a solo renter and €2,200-3,600 for a couple, with rent, utilities, healthcare and city budgets for Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Malaga.
Read guideEducation System in Spain: Key Insights for Parents
School in Spain is free and compulsory from 6 to 16 (Primaria then ESO), with free Infantil from 3. Stages, PAU university entry, homologation and 2026-27 international school fees.
Read guideLiving in Barcelona: The Complete Expat Guide for 2026
Living in Barcelona in 2026: about €1,600-5,200 a month by lifestyle, neighbourhood rents, TMB fares, Digital Nomad (€2,442/month) and Non-Lucrative visas, CatSalut healthcare and practical tips.
Read guideLiving in Madrid: The Complete Expat Guide for 2026
Everything you need to know about living in Madrid as an expat. Comprehensive guide covering neighborhoods (Salamanca, Malasaña, Chueca), cost of living (€2,000-2,500/month), visa options including digital nomad visa, healthcare, transportation, and practical tips for your move to Spain's capital.
Read guideMoving to Spain from the UK in 2026
A practical 2026 guide for UK citizens moving to Spain: 90/180 rules, visa routes, documents, costs, healthcare, tax, driving licences and first steps.
Read guideMoving to Spain from the US
How Americans can move to Spain in 2026: visa options, costs, taxes, documents, healthcare, schools, and what to do before leaving the US.
Read guideRetiring in Spain: Complete Guide for US, UK, and International Retirees
Retiring in Spain in 2026: Non-Lucrative Visa rules, living costs, healthcare access, tax issues, best locations, and country-specific notes for US, UK, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand retirees.
Read guideSafety in Spain: Essential Tips for Secure Living in 2026
Is Spain safe? It ranks 27th of 163 on the Global Peace Index 2026 and is US Level 2. Official 2026 crime figures, areas to watch, police, emergency numbers and tips.
Read guideSpain Healthcare System for Expats and Foreigners
Spain's public healthcare system (SNS) is free at the point of use for entitled residents; others can join the convenio especial for €60 a month under 65 or €157 from 65, and visa applicants need private insurance with no copayments.
Read guideTax & Working
Tax & Working
Spain Beckham Law (Ley Beckham) 2026: Requirements, Tax Rates, Forms and Traps
English guide to Spain's Beckham Law, also called Ley Beckham: who qualifies, 24% and 47% rates, Modelo 149, Form 151, digital nomads, family rules, U.S. caveats and filing traps.
Read guideTaxes in Spain 2026: Guide for Residents and Non-Residents
Spain taxes residents on worldwide income and non-residents on Spanish-source income. This 2026 guide explains tax residence, IRPF, IRNR, rates, forms, deadlines, property tax, wealth tax, VAT, social security and when to get advice.
Read guideKey figures
Spain residence and tax figures for 2026
| Topic | 2026 figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Nomad Visa income | €2,442 a month (200% of the €1,221 minimum wage) | UGE digital nomad FAQ and Real Decreto 126/2026 |
| Non-Lucrative Visa income | €2,400 a month (400% of the €600 IPREM), plus €600 per family member | Real Decreto 1155/2024 art. 62 |
| Highly qualified professional salary | €41,356.36 a year | UGE salary-threshold notice |
| Beckham Law rate | 24% up to €600,000 of employment income, 47% above | LIRPF art. 93 |
| Golden Visa | Closed to new applications from 3 April 2025 | Ley Orgánica 1/2025 |
Official figures checked 18 October 2026 at the BOE consolidated texts and the UGE notices.
Common questions
Spain guides: common questions
What is the easiest way to move to Spain from outside the EU?
For most people it is the Non-Lucrative Visa if you will not work (€2,400 a month in passive income or savings) or the Digital Nomad Visa if you work remotely for employers or clients outside Spain (€2,442 a month). Both are checked against the 2026 IPREM and minimum wage (checked 18 October 2026).
Do I need an NIE to live in Spain?
Yes. The NIE (número de identidad de extranjero) is the identification number Spain gives foreigners, and you need it for tax, banking, property and residence steps. Our NIE guide explains how to get one.
Can I still get a golden visa in Spain?
No. Ley Orgánica 1/2025 ended the Spain Golden Visa for new applications from 3 April 2025 (BOE, checked 18 October 2026). The open Spain routes are the non-lucrative, digital nomad, work, student and entrepreneur visas.