Moving to Spain from the United States: tips on residency options, living costs, and smooth relocation

Non-lucrative visa. This option is also called a Spanish retirement visa and is suitable for foreigners with a passive income.

American retirees who do not plan to work or conduct business can obtain a non-lucrative visa to Spain if they have sufficient funds to support themselves. In 2024, the minimum annual income threshold is €28,800, or $31,500.

The non-lucrative visa is valid for one year. It can be extended for two years twice, allowing you to live in Spain for a total of five years with this visa. After five years of living in the country, the retirees can be eligible for permanent residency.

Digital Nomad Visa. Remote workers and freelancers who are not citizens of a European Union or a European Economic Area country can apply for a Spain Digital Nomad Visa.

The applicants must prove they earn an equivalent of at least 200% of the minimum monthly wage in Spain. In 2024, the minimum monthly wage is €1,323, meaning that the digital nomads must earn at least €2,646, or $2,900 to qualify for the visa.

The remote workers are allowed to work for Spanish companies but can only earn 20% of their income from Spain-based sources.

After 5 years of living in Spain, a digital nomad can apply for a permanent residence permit.

Employee visa. There are several types of work permits an American citizen can obtain to move to Spain. They include a long-term work visa, a seasonal work visa, an Au Pair work visa, and an EU Blue Card.

The long-term work visa is a standard permit for those who have secured employment with a Spanish company. Applicants must present a signed work contract, along with qualifications or skills relevant to the job.

Once approved, this visa allows an individual to live and work in Spain for the duration of their contract. Usually, the initial visa is valid for one year, but it can be renewed multiple times.

Self-employment visa. Also called an Autonomo Visa, it is targeted at entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business owners who plan to start or run a business in Spain.

Applicants must submit a detailed business plan, show financial means to support themselves, and demonstrate the viability of their business in the Spanish market.

Golden Visa. Non-EU citizens who invest a minimum of €500,000, or $546,000, in Spanish real estate or other qualified investments like government bonds or Spanish companies can obtain residency in Spain for themselves and their family members.

The Golden Visa holder and their family members can obtain work permits, transfer existing businesses, or establish new companies in Spain.

The first residence permit is issued for 3 years and can be extended for 5 years. To qualify for the renewal, the investor must visit Spain for at least one month during the previous year.

Spain allows foreigners to purchase real estate without restrictions, so this could be a relatively straightforward process for US citizens.

First of all, the prospective buyer obtains a Foreigner Identity Number, or NIE, which is necessary for all property transactions in Spain. Following that step, it is possible to open an account in a Spanish bank to facilitate the payment of property-related costs, taxes, utilities, and other fees.

It is advisable to hire a local real estate agent and a lawyer who specializes in Spanish property law and is not affiliated with the seller or real estate agent.

After selecting the property and agreeing on the price, the buyer and seller sign a preliminary contract. The buyer pays a deposit, normally 10% of the full purchase price. If necessary, the buyer also arranges a mortgage.

The contract of sale is usually signed in front of a notary, at which point the full sale price and all the other costs become due.

The Spain Golden Visa allows foreign investors to purchase a property for at least €500,000 to obtain a residence permit in the country.

Examples of properties for purchase in Spain

Spain, Palma de Mallorca

€398,000 — €430,000

Apartments in a new residential complex with a swimming pool

61 m²

2

2

Spain, Algorfa

€485,000 — €519,000

Modern villa near Golf club

119 m²

3

2

Spain, Benidorm

€340,000 — €650,000

Apartments and villas with sea and mountain view

73 m² — 230 m²

2—3

2—3

1. Unlimited stay in Spain. Without a residence permit, American citizens can only visit a Schengen area country for 90 days in a 180-day period. However, Spanish residents can live in the country uninterruptedly as long as their permit is valid.

2. Lower cost of living. Prices may vary across both countries, but on average, the cost of living in Spain is 42,7% lower than in the United States without rent. Fruits and vegetables, public transport, and the internet are especially cheap in Spain, as compared to the US.

3. Lifestyle. Spanish residents can live in Spain full-time, enjoying its Mediterranean lifestyle and high quality of life. The country offers a range of climates, from the sunny beaches of the Costa del Sol in the south to the cooler climates in the north.

4. Safety. In the 2024 Global Peace Index, Spain is ranked as the 23rd-safest country, while the United States is 132nd. Additionally, Spain has lower crime rates, both overall and in particular categories, such as homicide and robberies.

5. Pathway to citizenship. After five years of living in Spain, a foreigner is eligible for permanent residency. Five years later, they can apply for citizenship.

However, Spain only recognises dual citizenship with several countries, including France, Portugal, and Latin American countries. It means that US nationals in Spain would have to renounce their first citizenship to obtain a passport in Spain.

6. Language and culture experience. Becoming a resident allows an American citizen to immerse themselves in Spain’s rich history, art, food, and traditions. It will also be an opportunity to learn or improve your Spanish, a skill valuable both personally and professionally.

7. Work and business opportunities. Provided that the US citizen did not move to Spain with a non-lucrative visa, they are entitled to work or start their own business in Spain. This can be particularly appealing for freelancers, entrepreneurs, or those seeking career opportunities in the European market.

Climate. Spain has a diverse climate depending on the region. Coastal cities like Barcelona, Valencia, and Malaga enjoy warm temperatures for most of the year, while inland cities like Madrid and Seville can be sweltering in the summer but offer pleasant spring and autumn seasons.

In the north, Bilbao and San Sebastián are cooler and greener, with more frequent rainfall but milder summers, with averages ranging from +9°C in January to +21°C in July.

Transport. Spain has a highly developed and efficient public transport system, especially in larger cities. Madrid and Barcelona have extensive metro systems, buses, and trams.

The Renfe high-speed train system connects major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia. For example, it is possible to travel from Barcelona in the northeast to Seville in the south in less than 6 hours.

Major cities have international airports, and domestic flights are frequent. Low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Vueling make flying between Spanish cities and to other European destinations easy and cheap.

Culture. Spain is known for its varied culture. Each region has distinct traditions, festivals, local customs, and even languages, such as Catalan, Valenciano, Basque, and Galician.

There are plenty of lively festivals, such as the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, La Tomatina in Buñol, Las Fallas in Valencia, and the Feria de Abril in Seville.

In daily life, Spanish culture emphasizes family, socializing, and a relaxed pace of life. Siestas are still observed in smaller towns, and evenings are for long meals with friends or family.

Food. Spanish cuisine is diverse and regional. Each area has different specialties, from paella in Valencia to jamon and tapas in Andalusia. Barcelona’s trademark dish is the crema catalana, while the Basque country is famed for its pintxos and excellent seafood.

It is customary for Spaniards to dine late; most restaurants don’t even open until around 8 p.m.

Healthcare. US expats can access Spain’s universal healthcare system if they work and pay taxes in Spain. A part of their monthly salary goes to taxes, which fund the national healthcare system. This way, Spain offers almost free medical care to all those who qualify.

Many expats opt for private health insurance to avoid wait times in the public system and access English-speaking doctors.

US health insurance plans, including Medicare, do not cover American citizens living in Spain, meaning they have to find an alternative insurance plan.

Banking. Expats can open a bank account relatively easily in Spain, either as a resident or non-resident. Popular banks include Banco Santander, BBVA, and CaixaBank. Applicants need to provide a passport, proof of address, and a Foreign Identity Number, or NIE.

Most banks offer excellent online and mobile banking services, with apps available in English for ease of use.

Retiring in Spain. American citizens can spend their retirement years in Spain thanks to the non-lucrative visa. The applicant must have an annual passive income of €28,800 for a single applicant, plus an additional €7,200 per year for each dependent, including a spouse and children.

Spain is an attractive destination for American retirees thanks to a lower cost of living and geographical variety: one can always find a suitable place to live, whether it is in a bustling city, quiet countryside, by the sea, or in the mountains.

In 2024, the cost of living in Spain is more than 40% lower than in the United States without rent. The estimates show that a family of four would spend around $2,700 per month in Spain, as compared to approximately $4,150 in the US.

The difference in rental prices is even more significant: on average, rental property in Spain is worth 83% lower than in the United States.

With rare exceptions, groceries also cost significantly less in Spain thanks to the fact that this country is a major producer of fruits and vegetables.

US citizens become Spanish tax residents if they live for more than 183 days within a calendar year in the country.

Double taxation. The tax treaty between the United States and Spain ensures that American citizens living in Spain are relieved from double taxation.

Specifically, if a US citizen is also a Spanish resident with personal income taxed in the European country, they can apply for a foreign tax credit to significantly reduce their tax liability in the United States.

The treaty addresses other income types. For example, passive income such as dividends and rental income may benefit from lowered tax rates or exemptions. Social security benefits are fully exempt from double taxation.

The treaty’s application to state-level taxes in the US may vary, as some states may not recognize all provisions.

Personal income tax. In general, Spain has a progressive tax scale for its residents, based on the level of their income:

• 19% is on an income of up to €12,450;

• 24% — on €12,451 to 20,200;

• 30% — on €20,201 to €35,200;

• 37% — on €35,201 to €60,000;

• 45% — on €60,000 to €300,000;

• 47% — on an income over €300,000.

Tax benefits. Foreigners can access the benefits of the so-called Beckham Law if they reside in Spain for over 183 days annually and not have held Spanish tax residency in the previous five years.

Under the Beckham Law, for the initial six years, foreigners are taxed at the non-resident income tax rate, which is 24% on annual incomes up to €600,000. Any income exceeding this threshold is taxed at a rate of 45%.

Madrid. The capital city offers excellent job opportunities, particularly in finance, technology, and government sectors, as well as places to relax, such as the Retiro Park or the Museo del Prado in the city center.

The public transport system is well-connected, including 300 stations in the third-largest metro network in Europe.

On the other hand, Madrid is one of the most expensive places to live in Spain. Additionally, the heat can be scorching in the summer.

Barcelona. The capital of the autonomous community of Catalonia is one of the most popular places for expats in the world. In 2024, the number of foreign citizens living in Barcelona exceeded 400,000, which makes up around 25% of the city’s total population.

Such popularity has adverse effects: thousands of native Barcelona residents have joined anti-tourism protests, with some of them reflecting on long-term expats living there.

Despite all of that, Spain’s second-largest city remains an attractive destination due to its mild climate, plenty of historic landmarks, and strong economy.

Valencia. The third-largest city in Spain is more affordable than Madrid and Barcelona but still offers a high quality of life. It is also one of the major gastronomic centers of the country, particularly famous for being the home of paella.

Valencia was also named the European Green Capital in 2024 thanks to promoting sustainable tourism and projects like Turia Park, a riverbed converted into a communal space.

The city has fewer international job opportunities compared to Madrid and Barcelona, which may make it less attractive for employees but not for digital nomads or retirees.

Seville. The Andalusian capital is one of the oldest cities in Spain, having been founded approximately 2,200 years ago.

It is also one of the warmest cities in Europe: in December and January, the average temperatures vary between 6 and 16 °C. On the other hand, temperatures often exceed 40 °C in summer, making it a considerably less attractive place to live in July and August.

Still, Seville is a place worth visiting to experience the traditional Spanish lifestyle, flamenco, and tapas culture most closely associated with this city.

Malaga. The largest city on the Costa del Sol is still a relatively small one in comparison to other popular expat hubs. However, the expat community in the Malaga province has grown exponentially: in April 2024, around 25% of residents in Malaga were born abroad.

In 2023, Malaga was placed first in the Expat City ranking, scoring high in categories like local friendliness, quality of life, and work-life balance.

The coastal city is one of the major tourist attractions in Spain, which may be a problem for those who want to avoid large crowds, especially in summer.

American citizens with pets coming to Spain from a non-EU country can only enter Spain from one of the appointed Points of Entry: the airports of Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Tenerife, and Malaga.

The most common pets transported to Spain are dogs, cats, and ferrets. Owners of potentially dangerous dogs must get a license and register their dog at the local municipality within 1 month of their arrival. The list of breeds considered potentially dangerous dogs varies between regions.

As a general rule, the pet must be at least 12 weeks and 21 days old. No more than five pets per person are allowed to enter the country, except for a competition or a showcase. There is no need to quarantine the pet after arriving in Spain.

The following documents are required for moving to Spain with a pet from a non-EU country:

• microchip;

• vaccination against rabies;

• European pet passport;

• health certificate by a veterinarian translated into Spanish;

• declaration that the relocation of the pet is for non-commercial purposes.

1. American citizens can move to Spain through various visa options, including the non-lucrative visa for retirees with a passive income or the digital nomad visa for remote workers.

2. The Spain Golden Visa allows non-EU citizens to obtain residency by investing a minimum of €500,000 (or roughly $546,000) in Spanish real estate. The investors can obtain the permit in just 5 months, and there is no minimum stay requirement if they want to renew it.

3. Other pathways include the employee visa for those with a job offer in Spain and the self-employment visa for entrepreneurs or freelancers looking to start a business.

4. After five years of residency in Spain, foreigners can apply for permanent residency, with the possibility of citizenship after an additional five years, though Spain generally does not allow dual citizenship with the US.

5. Spain offers various benefits for US citizens, such as a lower cost of living, visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, and access to universal healthcare through tax contributions.