Moving to Spain from the US: the ultimate guide for expats

Thinking about moving to Spain from the US? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Americans are drawn to Spain’s warm climate, affordable cost of living, and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. But relocating to Spain involves more than just booking a one-way flight.

From selecting the right visa to handling taxes, banking, and housing, this guide walks you through every step – designed specifically for Americans planning a new chapter in this beautiful country on the Iberian Peninsula.

Why move to Spain? Benefits for US citizens

For many Americans, Spain means less pressure, more time off, and a culture that values family and community over constant hustle.

The living costs in Spain are significantly lower than in the US. For example, rent in one of the most expensive Spanish cities, Madrid, is around 50-60% lower than in New York City, according to Numbeo.

Spain consistently ranks high in safety and quality of life. In the 2023 Global Peace Index, the country ranked ahead of the US, with lower crime rates and a stronger focus on public well-being. Spanish public healthcare is among the top in the world.

Step 1: Researching visa options

If you're planning to move to Spain, you’ll need a visa – and picking the right one depends on what you’re coming for.

Retiring? The non-lucrative visa might be your best bet. Working remotely? Research the digital nomad visa. Headed to study? Go for the student visa.

Spain Golden visa ending

Until recently, US citizens could obtain residency by investing €500,000 or more in Spanish real estate through the Golden Visa program. However, the Spain Golden Visa ended on April 3, 2025. Applications submitted before that date are still being processed under the previous rules. Existing holders maintain their residency rights.

Non-lucrative visa

The non-lucrative visa for Spain allows you to live in Spain without working. This visa suits retirees or those with passive income. As of 2024-2025, applicants must show proof of at least $32,000 in annual income, plus around $8,000 for each accompanying family member.

Applications must be submitted from the US, typically through an in-person consular appointment before moving to Spain.

The visa is valid for 90 days. After arriving in Spain, you must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within one month at the immigration office or local police station.

Digital nomad visa (DNV)

Spain’s digital nomad visa allows you to live in Spain while working remotely, primarily for non-Spanish companies. Freelancers and independent contractors can still work with Spanish clients, but this work must not exceed 20% of their total business activity.

Applicants need at least three months of work relationship with a foreign company, a monthly income of at least €2,762 (200% of the monthly Spanish national minimum wage) and a university degree or three years of relevant experience.

The DNV is valid for one year if you apply from abroad, or three years if applied for from Spain. It offers a fast-track process (20 working days), and dependents can also join.

Work visa as an employee (trabajo por cuenta ajena)

This visa is for those who have a job offer from a Spanish employer. The employer must initiate the process in Spain and receive approval before the applicant can apply at a Spanish consulate in the US.

Requirements include a valid contract, proof of qualifications, private health insurance, and a clean criminal record. The visa must be approved before entering Spain.

Self-employment visa (trabajo por cuenta propia)

This visa is for self-employed individuals or entrepreneurs who plan to start a business in Spain. Applicants must present a detailed business plan, show financial means, and comply with local licensing and tax rules.

Americans must also file self-employment taxes with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), even after moving to Spain. This includes paying US Social Security and Medicare contributions unless covered by a totalization agreement.

Student visa

Spain’s student visa allows you to stay in the country for over 90 days to pursue full-time studies at an accredited institution, including Spanish language centers, universities, or recognized higher education programs such as master's degrees or professional certifications.

To apply, you must provide proof of enrollment and demonstrate sufficient financial means, among other requirements.

The visa is usually valid for the duration of the academic program and allows part-time work up to 30 hours per week with prior authorization. After completing studies, you can apply for a residence permit to seek employment or start a business.

Step 2: Preparing your paperwork

Each visa type has its own checklist, but most Spanish visas require the same core documents:

• a valid US passport (with at least six months of validity remaining)
• completed and signed visa application form
• recent passport-sized photos
• proof of sufficient financial means (bank statements, pension letters, employment contracts, etc.)
• private health insurance valid in Spain
• FBI-issued criminal background check
• a medical certificate
• proof of accommodation in Spain (permanent or temporary)

The criminal background check must be requested from the FBI. After receiving it, you'll need to get an apostille from the US Department of State. Then, have it translated into Spanish by a sworn translator (traductor jurado).

The medical certificate should be issued by a licensed US physician, stating that you have no serious or infectious diseases. It must also be translated into Spanish. Documents like your financial proof and health insurance certificates may need to be translated as well.

Always consult the latest checklist provided by your local Spanish consulate, as requirements can vary by location.

It’s recommended to start the visa process at least three months before moving to Spain.

Step 3: Finding a place to live in Spain

Housing is one of the biggest ongoing expenses for expats in Spain, often making up 40–50% of monthly living costs. Whether you rent or buy, your location plays a huge role in determining your budget – and lifestyle.

Here’s a quick comparison of average rent prices across various locations as of March 2025, based on data from Fotocasa:

Location	Apartment (80 m²)
A Coruña	€781,60
Asturias	€864,00
Balearic Islands	€1.432,80
Barcelona	€1.605,60
Bizkaia	€1.296,00
Granada	€796,00
Madrid	€1.668,80
Málaga	€1.227,20
Santa Cruz de Tenerife	€1.140,00
Valencia	€1.157,60

Madrid and Barcelona remain the top-tier regions for expats seeking an urban experience, but this comes at a cost – rents are the highest in the country.

Barcelona, Spain. Source: Pexels.

Valencia and Andalucía offer a more affordable mix of coastal living and modern convenience, making them increasingly popular with digital nomads and families. Meanwhile, regions like Galicia or Asturias provide more budget-friendly and authentic alternatives.

For those planning to buy, Spain’s coastal property market varies widely. These differences highlight the gap between tourist hotspots and more accessible coastal towns. Here's a quick look at average costs per square meter in some of the country's most popular coastal areas:

• San Sebastián (Basque Country): most expensive coastal city at €5,882/m²
• Santa Eulària des Riu (Ibiza): close behind at €5,230/m²
• Santiago del Teide (Tenerife): more affordable at €2,117/m²
• Gijón (Asturias) and Alicante (Valencia): ranging from €2,400–€2,900/m²

Asturias, Spain. Source: Pexels.

Renting is the most practical starting point for most newcomers. It offers flexibility while you get settled, explore different neighborhoods, and finalize your residency paperwork. Buying becomes more appealing if you plan to stay long-term.

Here’s what else to consider when planning your move to Spain:

• Lifestyle: City lovers might opt for Barcelona or Bilbao. Prefer coastal living? Málaga, Tenerife, or Marbella deliver beaches and sunshine. If you're after slower, quieter days, explore inland cities like Granada or Lugo.
• Community: In international hubs like Madrid, Valencia, or Málaga it is easier to find English-speaking circles. In smaller towns integration may take longer and you'll have to learn Spanish.
• Climate: Spain’s weather varies more than you might expect! The Canary Islands are mild year-round, while Galicia and Asturias are cooler and rainier. Madrid gets intensely hot in summer – with average highs around 34°C (93°F) in July 2024. Southern Spain, including Córdoba and Seville, can exceed 40°C.
• Connectivity: Consider proximity to major transport hubs, healthcare, and internet access – especially if you're working remotely.

To search for housing, use platforms like Idealista or Fotocasa. They list both rentals and sales, with filters for location, price, and property type.

If you're unfamiliar with the language or legal system, a local real estate agent (inmobiliaria) can help navigate the process. Many work with expats and speak English.

Step 4: Managing finances and taxes in Spain

Cost of living in Spain

The cost of living in Spain varies widely depending on the city. Madrid and Barcelona are the most expensive, with average monthly costs for solo living exceeding €3,000 due to high rent and service prices.

Other costly cities include San Sebastián, Palma de Mallorca, and Bilbao. In contrast, places like Zamora, Ciudad Real, Lugo, and Cáceres are among the most affordable, offering lower rents and everyday expenses – ideal for remote workers or retirees.

As we mentioned earlier, housing is often the largest expense, though groceries, utilities, and public transport remain affordable by European standards.

Opening a bank account in Spain

To open a bank account in Spain, you'll typically need the following documents:

• passport
• NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)
• proof of address in Spain
• proof of employment, income, or student status
• tax identification number from your home country

Expats recommend BBVA, CaixaBank, Sabadell, and Santander banks. Online alternatives such as N26 or Revolut are popular for their ease of use and low fees.

Bank branches typically open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., though some open one afternoon a week. Many require a cita previa (appointment), and hours may differ for non-clients.

Currency exchange and international transfers

You can exchange currency at the Spanish postal service, Correos, banks, ATMs, or by using credit cards.

To send money to Spain, online services like Wise, Currencies Direct, and Ria Money Transfer offer affordable options. Western Union and Money Exchange also operate in major Spanish cities for in-person transactions.

Overview of the Spanish taxes for expats

Spain has a progressive tax system where residents are taxed on worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed only on income sourced in Spain.

Income tax rates range from 19% to 47%, depending on taxable income level and autonomous community. Capital gains, interest, and dividends are taxed separately. Spain also has a value-added tax (IVA), typically at 21%, and various local taxes, such as property and vehicle taxes.

Expats who qualify under the Beckham Law (mainly newly relocated professionals) can opt to be taxed only on Spanish income at a flat rate of 24% for up to five years.

Tax obligations for Spanish residents and non-residents

• Spanish tax residents (anyone spending over 183 days a year in Spain) must file an annual tax return and report global income.
• Non-residents are taxed only on Spanish-sourced income, such as rental income from Spanish properties, at a flat rate of 24%. They must file a non-resident tax return (Modelo 210).

Spain has a tax treaty with the US to prevent double taxation, but you still need to file taxes in both countries.

US tax obligations for Americans

As a US citizen or green card holder, you must file an annual US tax return, reporting your worldwide income regardless of where you live. Besides your federal return, you may need to file a state tax return.

You may also need to file FBAR (FinCEN 114) if your foreign financial accounts exceed $10,000 or FATCA (Form 8938) if you’re a foreign resident and your foreign assets exceed $200,000 on the last day of the tax year or $300,000 at any point ($400,000 and $600,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly).

Key tax deadlines for US citizens and resident aliens:

• Apr 15, 2025 – 2024 tax return due
• Jun 16, 2025 – filing deadline for Americans living abroad
• Oct 15, 2025 – final deadline for expats who filed an extension + FBAR deadline
• Dec 15, 2025 – last chance for filers with an additional 2-month extension

Step 5: Exploring work and career options

Spain’s job market is gradually recovering from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent inflationary pressures, with unemployment at 11.8% in early 2025 – still higher than the EU average but showing improvement.

Sectors with the highest demand in Spain include healthcare, information technology, engineering, and education. Tourism and hospitality also continue to offer many job opportunities.

Expats can find jobs through platforms like InfoJobs, Indeed España, and LinkedIn.

Pro tip. Your language skills matter: While some international companies operate in English, fluency in Spanish significantly expands your options.

Starting a business in Spain is possible through a self-employment visa (visado por cuenta propia). Applicants must submit a viable business plan, register with the Spanish tax agency (Agencia Tributaria), and contribute to the social security system.

Work culture in Spain

Spanish work culture places a strong emphasis on personal relationships, aligning with what Erin Meyer describes as a relationship-based rather than task-based trust culture in her book The Culture Map.

In Spain, trust is built gradually through conversation, shared experiences, and informal interactions – not just by proving competence or delivering results. Colleagues often invest time in getting to know one another personally before diving into business, which can feel slow-paced to Americans used to more transactional professional dynamics.

Feedback in Spain is usually more indirect, using softened language to avoid confrontation. Persuasion tends to follow a principles-first style, beginning with theory before moving to conclusions – unlike the US, where people often start with practical recommendations.

Expect long lunches, siesta in summer, and emphasis on work-life balance. Spain’s roughly 30 days of combined paid leave and public holidays puts it among the top in Europe for time off – on par with France, Austria, and the Nordic countries.

Step 6: Navigating healthcare and insurance

Spain has one of Europe’s best public healthcare systems – affordable, high-quality, and widely accessible.

If you're employed or self-employed, you’ll be automatically enrolled in the public system and eligible for subsidized prescriptions. Once registered with your local town hall (empadronamiento) and social security system, you can get a health card (tarjeta sanitaria) to access services at a public health center.

Many expats use public healthcare for general needs and private plans for extras and speed. In Spain, when choosing private health insurance, you’ll often see two common terms: copago and sin copago.

• Copago means co-payment. With this type of policy, you pay a small fee each time you use a healthcare service. Monthly premiums are lower, but you pay more as you use the services.
• Sin copago means no co-payment. You pay a higher monthly premium, but all covered services are fully included at no extra cost per visit.

Many private insurers like Sanitas or Adeslas offer both options. If you prefer predictable costs, sin copago might be better. If you're budget-conscious and use healthcare sparingly, copago plans could save you money.

Step 7: Choosing education for families and students

Spain offers three types of schools:

• public (públicos)
• semi-private (concertados)
• private

Public schools are free and follow the national curriculum, taught in Spanish or co-official languages like Catalan in Catalonia or Gallego in Galicia. Concertados are partially funded by the government and may charge fees. Such centers often have smaller class sizes and sometimes offer religious or bilingual education.

Learning Spanish is key for integration, though many universities and international schools offer English-language programs. Children often adapt quickly, especially with language support.

Private international schools offer British, American, or IB curricula in English or bilingual formats. Fees vary widely, from €6,000 to over €20,000 per year.

Spain has respected public universities like Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Universitat de Barcelona, and Universidad de Salamanca, with tuition starting around €1,000 per year. Private universities offer more flexibility and English-language programs but charge high fees (up to €20,000/year).

Pro tip. Two private Spanish universities are recognized as qualified educational institutions for US tax purposes: Universidad de Navarra – IESE Business School in Barcelona and Universidad de Navarra in Pamplona. If you're claiming education credits or deductions on your US tax return, check if your school qualifies through the Federal School Code List.

Moving to Spain without tax headaches

Planning to move to Spain or already living your expat dream under the Spanish sun? As an American abroad, navigating US tax obligations can be confusing – but it doesn’t have to be.

At Taxes for Expats, we specialize in helping US citizens living in Spain stay compliant, informed, and stress-free. With over 20 years of experience supporting Americans overseas, we understand the specific challenges expats face – from reporting foreign income and pensions to filing FBARs and avoiding double taxation through the tax treaty.Whether you're retiring, working remotely, or starting a business in Spain, we’ve got your back.