Beyond paella, siesta, and flamenco: a complete guide on living in Spain

1. High quality of life. Spain is consistently among the top five best countries to live in, leading in terms of quality of life according to Expat Insider 2024. Foreigners are highly satisfied with the climate, culture, nightlife, public transport, road infrastructure, and overall safety. They also appreciate the sports opportunities, including surfing, diving, hiking, cycling, and volleyball.

2. Easy integration. Spain is home to 6.7 million foreigners, fostering a large and diverse expat community, especially in Madrid, Barcelona, and coastal towns. This welcoming environment makes adaptation and integration easier.

Moreover, Spaniards are known for their friendliness and easy-going attitude, with warm conversations often quickly turning into friendships.

3. Affordable cost of living. On average, a single person in Spain needs around €1,500 per month, whereas in countries like France, Germany, or the Netherlands, living expenses can reach €2,500.

4. Business opportunities. Spain attracts foreign entrepreneurs with its well-developed infrastructure, strong hospitality industry, thriving tourism sector, and robust economy.

In 2024, the country topped The Economist rankings with a 3.5% GDP growth, an average stock market price increase of 17.1%, and a 2.4% inflation rate. This explains why Spain ranks second worldwide among the best economies for facilitating travel and tourism, according to the World Economic Forum 2024.

5. Accessible healthcare. Expats find Spanish healthcare affordable, easily accessible, and of high quality.

Once registered in the Spanish healthcare system — either through employment or residency options — foreigners receive a healthcare card called the Tarjeta Sanitaria. This card grants expats access to doctor visits, hospital care, and medications at reduced costs or free of charge.

6. Pleasant climate. With over 300 days of sunshine in many areas, the climate encourages an active outdoor lifestyle and overall happiness. Locals enjoy year-round leisure activities such as hiking, cycling, and beach outings, while warm evenings promote outdoor dining, festivals, and late-night strolls.

The Mediterranean climate also supports better health, with life expectancy in Spain reaching 84.1 years — well above the EU average of 79 years.

7. Convenient transportation. Spain has a modern and affordable transportation system, including high-speed trains, metro networks, buses, trams, and taxis. Walkable and bike-friendly cities like Valencia, Seville, and Barcelona feature extensive bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly streets.

8. Cultural treasures. Spain is renowned not only for its endless sunshine, beaches, and siestas but also for its rich cultural heritage and iconic landmarks. The country is home to 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the Alhambra in Granada to Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces in Barcelona, Spain is a treasure trove of history, art, and traditions.

9. Attractive residency options. Foreigners can obtain residence permits in Spain through various pathways, including one specifically designed for digital nomads. To qualify, they must demonstrate remote employment and an income of at least €2,762 per month.

Language barrier. While Spanish is the official language, regional ones like Catalan, Basque, and Galician are widely spoken in their respective areas. This linguistic diversity can sometimes create a language barrier for expats, especially in regions like Catalonia, where Catalan is used in daily life and government.

Moreover, while English is widely spoken in tourist areas and larger cities, it is less common in smaller towns and rural regions.

Bureaucracy. Spain’s bureaucratic processes are often slow and complicated. Whether it’s obtaining a residence permit, registering with the town hall, or handling tax matters, the paperwork can be daunting, and appointments are often hard to secure.

Long queues are a common issue in shops, banks, post offices, and popular restaurants. Many businesses tend to be more laid-back and prioritise personal interactions over efficiency. While this reflects Spain’s unhurried lifestyle, it can require patience for those accustomed to faster service.

Challenges in the housing market. Squatters are a major issue in Spain, illegally occupying properties and creating financial and legal challenges for landlords. To mitigate this risk, landlords may require proof of stable income and financial security, such as employment contracts, bank statements, or guarantors. Additionally, they may request a security deposit and references from previous landlords.

Seasonal closures. In August, many businesses, especially family-owned ones, close for the summer holiday period. While this is a cultural norm, it can be inconvenient, especially in smaller towns or for expats unaccustomed to long closures. In some regions, services, shops, and restaurants may also operate with reduced hours.

Extreme weather in some regions. While Spain is known for its sunny climate, some regions, such as Madrid and the southern desert-like areas, can experience extreme heat in summer. Temperatures often soar above +40°C, making it difficult to spend time outdoors and requiring precautions against heatstroke.

Language. Spanish is highly expressive and often conveys deep emotions through intonation and phrases. In major cities like Madrid and Barcelona, it’s common to hear a mix of Spanish and English, known as Spanglish, especially among younger generations.

Mentality. Spaniards are known for their relaxed and friendly approach to life. People tend to be laid-back and take the time to savour life, whether through conversation, meals, or celebrations. They prioritise enjoyment and connection over stress.

Work-life balance. Spain highly values work-life balance, with long lunch breaks and a focus on personal time. The traditional siesta, though less common today, reflects a culture that values rest and family. In general, Spaniards work to live rather than live to work, which is why many Americans settle in Spain.

Social life and family values. Family plays a central role in Spanish life. Extended families often live nearby and spend quality time together. Social life revolves around close relationships, community events, and gathering for meals or festivals. Spaniards value face-to-face interactions, and friendships tend to be deep and long-lasting.

Cuisine and dining habits. Spanish cuisine is diverse, with each region offering its own specialities. Meals are often communal, with tapas — small shared plates — playing a central role in socialising. Dinner is typically late, often starting after 9 PM.

Sports and leisure activities. Football is a national passion, with legendary teams like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.

Spain also provides abundant opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and water sports, especially along its coasts. The northern coast of Spain, around San Sebastián and Zarautz, is famous for its surf culture.

Spain’s northern mountain range offers hiking opportunities. The Pyrenees are perfect for trekkers, with routes both for gentle walks and more challenging climbs. The Camino de Santiago, or Way of St James, a centuries-old pilgrimage, attracts thousands of hikers every year.

Madrid is the beating heart of Spain, ideal for expats seeking career opportunities, cultural richness, and a fast-paced lifestyle. As the capital, it has excellent public transport and a strong job market, especially with opportunities in finance, technology, tourism, and international business.

The city has a diverse international community, with over 1 million foreign nationals, representing about 14% of the total population.

Madrid is ranked 7th as one of the best cities for expats worldwide, according to the Expat Insider. The ranking indicates high satisfaction among expats with the city’s overall living conditions and personal finance. They also find it easy to adapt and integrate.

Areas like Salamanca, Chamberí, and Retiro are popular among expats for their central locations and elegant surroundings. These neighbourhoods are characterised by wide, tree-lined boulevards, historic architecture, upscale boutiques, refined cafés, and well-maintained parks.

The city is home to world-class museums like the Prado, lush parks such as Retiro Park, and lively tapas bars in La Latina. Madrid also hosts year-round cultural events, including international film festivals like Madrid International Film Festival and music concerts such as LOS40 Primavera Pop.

Barcelona blends Mediterranean relaxation with an urban cosmopolitan vibe, making it a favourite among creatives, entrepreneurs, and remote workers. In 2023, the city saw a significant influx of digital talent, with 13,500 new professionals joining the workforce.

Barcelona has one of the largest international communities in Spain, with over 400,000 foreigners, accounting for around 25% of the total population.

Areas like Eixample, Gràcia, and El Born are popular among expats for the modernist architecture, trendy cafés, co-working spaces, and boutique shops. All are within walking distance of the city’s beaches and green spaces like Parc de la Ciutadella.

The city is famous for its beaches, Gaudí’s architecture, and active nightlife. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate easy access to hiking in Montjuïc or the Collserola mountains.

Alina Mishurenko,

Editor-in-chief, content creator

Barcelona is a city where life is always in motion. From exhibitions and concerts to tech conferences, there’s something happening year-round. It strikes the perfect balance between urban vibrancy and nature, with the Mediterranean Sea on one side and mountains on the other. In winter, a quick three-hour drive to Andorra makes skiing in the Pyrenees an easy getaway.

The city’s climate adds to its appeal — winters are mild, and parrots soaring through the streets create a unique atmosphere. Locals are generally relaxed and friendly, making it easy to adapt and find like-minded people. Many speak good English, which further simplifies settling in.

The city’s well-developed infrastructure ensures convenience — everything is within walking distance, grocery and restaurant deliveries work efficiently, and shops stay open late. Public transport is highly accessible; for just €2.60 with a special card, you can get to the airport.

Owning a car isn’t necessary, thanks to an extensive public transport network and dedicated bike lanes. The city also prioritises eco-friendly living, with low-emission zones restricting vehicles that don’t meet environmental standards.

Valencia is ranked 1st as the best city worldwide for expats. They are satisfied with the affordability of public transport, opportunities for recreational activities, personal safety, and their financial situation.

Expat community in the city is growing steadily. Over 130,000 non-Spanish nationals reside in Valencia, comprising around 16% of the city’s population.

Popular expat neighbourhoods are Ruzafa, El Carmen, and Gran Vía. Ruzafa is known for its artistic vibe, trendy cafés, and lively nightlife. El Carmen, located in the historic city centre, attracts expats with its medieval streets and cultural landmarks.

Gran Vía has a more elegant and residential feel, with wide boulevards, upscale dining, and proximity to the lush Turia Gardens. That’s a massive park built on a former riverbed, perfect for jogging, cycling, and picnics. The City of Arts and Sciences and Valencia’s famous Las Fallas Festival bring culture and entertainment year-round.

Málaga is the Costa del Sol’s cultural hub, with over 300 days of sunshine per year, a relaxed lifestyle, and a low cost of living. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs €650—900 per month.

Málaga ranks 2nd globally among the best cities for expats. The city features the happiest expats, in part due to a smooth ease of settling in. The majority of respondents agree they have a personal support network and are happy with their social life. The number of foreigners in Málaga has surpassed 400,000, accounting for around 23% of the total population.

Many expats choose to settle in Torremolinos, Benalmádena, or Mijas, just outside Málaga. A historic old town, lively tapas bars, and a beautiful seafront promenade create a captivating atmosphere, while the Picasso Museum and Alcazaba fortress bring rich cultural experiences. For relaxation, Playa de la Malagueta offers the perfect seaside escape.

Alicante. In contrast to the other Spanish destinations, Alicante is the only one where most respondents say the housing is easy to find and affordable, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costing €600—850 per month. Expats also highlight they have unrestricted access to online services like social media, and it’s easy to pay without cash.

The city has a large foreign population, with nearly 27%, or almost 2 million, of residents being expats, mainly from the UK, Germany, and Scandinavia. Many settle in areas like Playa de San Juan, which is perfect for beach lovers. Cabo de las Huertas, a quieter and more upscale neighbourhood, attracts professionals and families looking for peaceful surroundings with modern amenities.

Alicante is home to Santa Bárbara Castle, with panoramic views of the Mediterranean, while the Explanada de España, a palm-lined promenade, is a favourite spot for leisurely walks by the sea. The city’s old town, Barrio de Santa Cruz, is filled with colourful houses and cosy local restaurants.

Expats also enjoy cultural events such as the Bonfires of San Juan, a spectacular summer festival with fireworks, parades, and beach celebrations.

Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is renowned for Moorish architecture, lively flamenco scene, and festivals like Semana Santa and the Feria de Abril. They bring the city to life with parades, music, and traditional Andalusian celebrations.

At the same time, Seville is one of the cheapest cities in Spain, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costing €650—900 per month.

The expat community in Seville is growing, though smaller than in Madrid or Barcelona. The number of foreigners amounts to around 65,000 people, which is 3.3% of the population.

Neighbourhoods like Santa Cruz and Los Remedios are popular among expats. Santa Cruz is located in the historic centre, with narrow streets, traditional bars, and iconic landmarks like the Alcázar of Seville. Los Remedios offers a residential, family-friendly atmosphere, with parks and a quieter pace of life.

The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person in Spain is around €600—700, excluding rent, while a family of four can expect to spend approximately €2,500 per month.

Rent varies by city, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre averaging €1,000, while the same outside the centre costs €800. Larger apartments, such as three-bedroom units in the city centre, cost around €1,500, while those outside the centre are €1,000.

However, in large cities like Barcelona and Madrid prices are 40—50% higher.

Monthly utility bills, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and waste disposal, average €130 for an 85m² apartment. Internet services with unlimited data cost €30, while a mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data is approximately €17.

As for groceries, a single person can expect to spend between €200 and 300 per month on average, while a family may need around €500—700, depending on shopping habits.

Leisure options are also accessible, with fitness clubs costing €40 a month and tennis court rentals around €13 per hour. Cinema tickets for international releases usually cost €8.

Dining out in Spain is relatively inexpensive, with a meal averaging €14. A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs around €50. Fast food options like a McDonald’s combo meal cost approximately €9. Local beverages such as domestic beer are around €3, and cappuccino costs on average €2.

Market trends. Spain’s property market has experienced significant growth. In the first half of 2024, foreigners purchased 69,412 properties, accounting for 20.4% of all property transactions — a record high. This surge is attributed to Spain’s appealing climate, lifestyle, and relatively affordable property prices compared to other Western European countries.

The Valencian Community, particularly Alicante, leads in foreign property purchases, with expats acquiring around 40% of homes in the province. Andalusia, especially the Costa del Sol, also attracts numerous international buyers, with Málaga accounting for a significant share of luxury property transactions. Catalonia and the Balearic Islands are other popular regions among foreign investors.

Property prices vary by region. As of Q2 2024, the national average stood at €1,896 per square metre.

Coastal areas and major cities often have higher prices due to demand. Luxury properties in Marbella, for example, have risen by 4.5% in 2024, fuelled by demand from North American and Chinese buyers.

Steps to purchase property as a foreigner include:

1. Obtaining a foreign tax identification number — Número de Identificación de Extranjero, NIE.

2. Opening a Spanish bank account.

3. Signing a reservation contract, which usually requires a deposit of 5—10% of the property price.

4. Signing the purchase agreement.

5. Finalising at the notary by signing the deed and transferring the property.

6. Registering the property at the Land Registry.

Mortgage. Foreign buyers can apply for a Spanish mortgage, usually covering 60—70% of the property value. Interest rates are relatively low, averaging 3—5%. Banks require proof of income, credit history, and tax residency.

Non-residents face stricter requirements primarily due to the increased risk associated with lending to individuals residing abroad. In the event of a default, recovering debts from non-residents poses significant challenges, as seizing assets located in foreign jurisdictions is legally and logistically complex.

Banks mitigate this risk by offering lower loan-to-value ratios — around 60% of the property’s value — and by requiring more comprehensive documentation to assess the applicant’s financial stability.

Taxes and fees on real estate in Spain include:

• a property transfer tax of 6—10% for resale properties;

• VAT of 10% on new builds plus stamp duty of 1.5—2%;

• notary and registration fees of 1—2% of the purchase price;

• an annual property tax of 0.4—1.3% of the cadastral value.

Pros and cons of buying a home in Spain. Property prices in Spain are often lower than in France, Germany, or the UK. Even in high-demand areas like Valencia, Alicante, and Andalusia, real estate remains relatively affordable. The average price to buy a house in Spain is around €450,000, whereas in France, it’s about €50,000 higher.

Spain is also a top tourist destination, meaning short-term rentals can generate strong rental yields. In Madrid, they range from 2.35 to 7.15% per year. Barcelona has yields between 3.74 and 10.32%. Marbella presents average yields of 4.94%.

One unique risk in Spain is the issue of squatters. Spanish law provides strong tenant protections, which can make it extremely difficult to evict illegal occupants. If someone enters a vacant property and establishes residence, legal eviction can take months or even years, requiring court proceedings. In some cases, owners must offer a financial settlement to persuade squatters to leave.

Spain’s public healthcare system is free or low-cost for:

• Spanish residents and EU citizens registered in the social security system;

• expats with a residence permit and working in Spain;

• pensioners from EU countries with the European Health Insurance Card.

Non-working expats with residence permits also can get access to free public healthcare in Spain if they contribute to social security or register for the Convenio Especial — a public healthcare plan for non-working residents. It costs around €60 per month under 65 and €157 a month for those over 65.

Many residents opt for private health insurance to access shorter wait times and English-speaking doctors. The cost of private health insurance in Spain varies by provider and coverage, with basic one costing €50—100 per month and comprehensive plans reaching €300 per month.

Some of the best private health insurers are Sanitas, Adeslas, DKV, and Mapfre.

Top-rated hospitals in Spain include:

• Hospital Universitario La Paz in Madrid;

• Hospital Clínic de Barcelona;

• Clínica Universidad de Navarra in Madrid;

• Hospital Quirónsalud Madrid & Barcelona.

Spain’s healthcare system ranks 26th among 167 nations, according to Statista, with universal access, well-trained professionals, and modern facilities.

Spain has a diverse education system, combining public, semi-private, and private schools, with options for both residents and non-residents.

Schools are often located near residential areas, ensuring that children don’t have to travel far for their education. In coastal cities, it’s not uncommon to find schools just a short walk from the sea, offering students a learning environment with scenic surroundings.

Education in Spain is divided into several key stages:

• Infantil, early childhood education, — non-compulsory but widely attended by children aged 0 to 6;

• Primaria, primary school, — a compulsory stage from 6 to 12 years old, where students focus on core subjects like Spanish, math, and science;

• Educación Secundaria Obligatoria — compulsory secondary education for children aged 12 to 16, after which students can choose to continue academic studies or enter vocational training;

• Bachillerato, upper secondary education, — an optional two-year program between 16—18 years, necessary for university admission;

• Formación Profesional, vocational training, — an alternative to Bachillerato, preparing students for specific careers through hands-on learning.

Public schools are free for Spanish residents and EU citizens. These schools follow the Spanish curriculum and are often close to residential neighbourhoods, making them convenient for families. Madrid, Catalonia, and the Basque Country have some of the best public education.

Semi-private schools are partially funded by the government but require a small monthly contribution, usually €100—300 per month. They offer a mix of public and private education benefits, often having better facilities than public schools.

Private and international schools are popular among expat families. These schools often follow British, American, French, or International Baccalaureate curriculum, providing a globally recognised education. Tuition fees vary but generally range from €5,000 to 20,000 per year.

Some of the best international schools in Spain include:

• The British School of Barcelona;

• International College Spain;

• Sotogrande International School;

• Lycée Français de Madrid.

Higher education in Spain is accessible, with both public and private universities offering a range of academic programs. Public universities provide primarily Spanish-taught programs, with some English options. Private universities offer more bilingual and English-taught degrees.

Getting into a Spanish university is straightforward for residents who complete Bachillerato and pass the Selectividad entrance exam. For international students, admission requirements vary — some programmes require entrance exams, while others accept international qualifications like the IB Diploma or A-Levels.

Some of Europe’s oldest and most respected universities in Spain are:

• Universidad Complutense de Madrid;

• University of Barcelona;

• IE University;

• Universidad Autónoma de Madrid.

Public universities charge €700—2,500 per year, making them affordable compared to other European countries. Private universities can cost between €5,000 and 20,000 per year.

According to the Expat Insider Survey 2024, over 80% of respondents find public transport in Spain both accessible and affordable. They also appreciate the well-developed road infrastructure and the ease of getting around safely on foot or by bicycle.

Metro and trains. The Madrid Metro is one of the largest and most efficient in Europe, with over 300 stations connecting the city and suburbs. It’s affordable, punctual, and safe, making it a go-to choice for commuting. A 10-ride ticket costs €12.20.

The Barcelona Metro is also reliable, covering the city and surrounding areas. Trains are frequent, and the system is well-connected to buses and trams, making it easy to navigate the city. Price for a 10-ride card is €11.35.

Spain is known for its high-speed AVE trains, which connect major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville in a matter of hours. They are fast, comfortable, and a popular way for both locals and tourists to travel between cities. Prices vary between €30 and 120.

Buses. Most Spanish cities have efficient bus networks that are well integrated with metro and tram services. In large cities like Madrid and Barcelona, buses complement the metro system and help cover areas not served by trains. A 10-ride ticket costs around €7.50.

ALSA and other regional operators provide intercity bus services that are an affordable and convenient alternative to trains for travelling across Spain. Ticket prices range from €15 to 50, depending on cities and how early you book.

Taxis are readily available in cities, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Cabify operate in many urban areas. The average taxi start cost is around €3.60, with an additional €1.30 per kilometre.

Trams. Most cities provide tram services, with Valencia and Barcelona standing out for their modern tram systems that complement metro services. A 10-ride ticket costs €9—12, depending on the city.

Popular banks in Spain include Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank, Sabadell, and Bankinter.

Most banks operate on a limited schedule, with working hours from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Weekends are non-working days. In some cities, for non-clients, access to bank services is restricted to specific hours, usually between 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM.

ATMs are accessible 24/7. However, one of the major inconveniences of banking in Spain is the prevalence of long queues. Individuals without a Spanish bank account who need to conduct transactions — such as paying rent — may experience significant wait times, sometimes exceeding one or even two hours, when processing payments through a bank teller.

Opening a bank account in Spain for residents. Individuals holding a Spanish residence permit generally face fewer challenges when opening a local bank account. The process can often be completed entirely online, provided the applicant possesses a valid residence card.

To initiate the application, banks typically require the following information:

• full name;

• phone number;

• NIE;

• residential address;

• email address.

After submitting these details, a bank representative will contact the applicant to arrange video identification, during which the applicant must state the document number, display the document on camera, and verify their identity.

Once verification is complete, the bank sends the account agreement and account details via email, which the applicant must sign in their online banking portal. Subsequently, the bank may request proof of income, such as an employment contract or an income statement.

The cost of opening and maintaining a bank account in Spain varies by institution. For example, BBVA offers one year of free account maintenance, after which an annual fee of €35 is charged for the associated debit card.

Opening a bank account in Spain for non-residents. Those without a Spanish residence permit may open a bank account in Spain; however, not all financial institutions provide this service.

Santander and Sabadell are among the banks that allow non-residents to open accounts, subject to additional documentation requirements:

• full name;

• passport number;

• date of birth;

• phone number;

• email address.

In addition, banks may require a Non-Resident Certificate, which can be obtained in approximately one week from the General Directorate of Police, the Foreigners' Office, or the local police station. The applicant must be legally present in Spain at the time of the application.

Bank fees for non-residents are higher, with Sabadell charging €160 per year for account maintenance and Santander — €16 per month.

Digital banking services. Most Spanish banks provide mobile banking applications, enabling clients to:

• transfer funds;

• set up automatic bill payments;

• monitor account activity;

• request new debit or credit cards;

• pay utility bills.

These digital platforms allow users to conduct nearly all routine financial transactions remotely, minimising the need for in-branch visits.

Income tax is progressive, with rates ranging from 19 to 47%, depending on the income bracket:

• up to €12,450 — 19%;

• €12,451 to 20,200 — 24%;

• €20,201 to 35,200 — 30%;

• €35,201 to 60,000 — 37%;

• €60,001 to 300,000 — 45%;

• over €300,000 — 47%.

Property transfer tax is between 6 and 10%, depending on the region. Annual property tax is paid to the local municipality and is based on the cadastral value of the property. Rates range from 0.4 to 1.1%.

Wealth tax is imposed on individuals whose assets exceed €700,000. This tax is progressive, with rates ranging from 0.2 to 3.5%.

Capital gains is taxed between 19 and 28%.

Inheritance and gift taxes are progressive, ranging from 7.65 to 34%. However, spouses and children can benefit from higher exemptions, while non-family heirs face higher tax rates.

Corporate tax rate is 25%. However, new businesses can benefit from tax reductions during their first few years. In addition, there are taxes on dividends, capital gains, and financial activities.

VAT rate is 21%, which applies to most goods and services. However, some items, such as food, books, and medical supplies, are taxed at a reduced rate of 10% or even 4%.

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is designed for non-EU citizens who wish to live and work remotely from Spain. This visa grants the right to obtain a residence permit for remote workers, self-employed individuals, and employees of foreign companies.

To qualify, a digital nomad must possess either a higher education degree or at least three years of work experience in their field.

The income threshold is €2,762 per month, which is twice the Spanish minimum wage in 2025. Besides, applicants are required to either rent or purchase property in Spain.

Family members can also obtain residency with the main applicant, including:

• a spouse;

• children under 18;

• financially dependent children over 18;

• parents;

• grandparents;

• siblings.

For families, the income requirements increase by €1,035 for an adult relative and €346 for each child under 18.

Digital Nomad Visa is issued for a year, allowing to enter Spain and legally reside. During this period, visa holders submit documents for a residence permit. The residence card is issued for an initial period of 3 years, with the possibility of extension for two more years.

After five years, digital nomads are eligible to apply for permanent residency, provided they have spent at least 183 days per year in Spain during that period. After another five years, digital nomads can apply for Spanish citizenship.

Digital nomads benefit from a fixed income tax of 24%, provided their total income does not exceed €600,000 per year. Income above this threshold is taxed at a higher rate, up to 47%.

1. Spain is the best country for expats to settle. It offers high quality of life, with convenient infrastructure, accessible healthcare, appealing business environment, pleasant climate, slow pace of life, numerous leisure options, and welcoming locals.

2. Spain is also home to 6.7 million foreigners, making it easy to integrate and find friends.

3. Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Málaga are among the best cities in Spain to move to, with diverse expat communities. Seville is another attractive option, however with fewer foreigners.

4. Cost of living in Spain is affordable, with a single person needing around €1,000—1,500 per month to live comfortably.

5. Cons of living in Spain include language barrier, bureaucracy and long queues, seasonal closures, real estate challenges, and extreme heating weather in some regions in summers.

6. Spain is one of the best countries for digital nomads. They can obtain residence permits, if they confirm income of at least €2,762 per month.