Moving to Spain from USA: Everything you need to know

Spain draws Americans for plenty of reasons, including the climate, the slower pace of life, and the chance to live somewhere that values long lunches and late dinners. You may be thinking about moving to Spain from the USA for work, study, or retirement.

Whatever brings you there, you probably have questions about visas, healthcare, and what to expect from Spanish living costs. For example, is healthcare truly free, and what do you need to do to qualify?

This guide covers everything that Americans need to know about relocating to Spain.

We'll also introduce the Wise account, which allows you to send, spend, and receive your money across the globe in over 40 currencies – all at the fair mid-market rate.

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Table of contents
Quick facts about Spain Visa options for Americans in Spain Cost of living in Spain Opening a bank account in Spain Getting accommodation in Spain Healthcare system in Spain Best cities to live in Spain as an expat Is it safe to live in Spain?

Quick facts about Spain

Spain spans diverse regions, and most major cities like Madrid and Barcelona have established expat communities. At the same time, some American expats prefer to settle down in more remote Mediterranean or mountain locations.

Here are a few key facts to know:

Capital	Madrid
Language	Spanish (regional languages include Catalan, Basque, and Galician)
Population	47,878,949¹
Currency	Euro (EUR)
Government type	Parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Religion	Mostly Roman Catholic, with a minority of people practicing other faiths
Weather	Mild winters and hot summers on the coast, colder winters and hot summers inland
Tax treaty	Yes

Visa options for Americans in Spain

Americans can visit Spain with a tourist visa for up to 90 days within any 180 days.² If you want to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a residence visa before you leave the US.

There are a few Spanish visas that US citizens can qualify for, such as a work visa, a student visa, and a Digital Nomad Visa.

Most will require you to show the following documents:

• US passport
• Completed visa application form with your signature
• Recent passport-style photographs
• Financial documentation showing you can support yourself (bank statements, employment contracts, pension letters, or similar proof, depending on your visa type)
• Private health insurance that covers you in Spain
• Criminal background check issued by the FBI
• Medical certificate from a licensed physician
• Evidence of where you'll live in Spain

You'll likely need additional documents depending on your visa type, but these are the basic requirements you'll need for most applications.

For all documents, you'll need to translate them into Spanish with a sworn translator (traductor jurado) and get them apostilled so they're valid outside of the US.

Non-lucrative visa

This visa is for Americans who can support themselves financially without working in Spain.

It's a good option for retirees, people living off investments, and anyone who can prove that they have enough passive income coming in.

The Spanish government sets minimum income requirements that change periodically, but they typically require at least 28,880 EUR per year for one person, with additional amounts for dependents.³

If you use this type of visa to move to Spain, you won't be able to work there, whether employed or self-employed.

After 5 years of legal residence, you may qualify for permanent residency if you plan to stay in Spain long-term.³

Digital Nomad Visa⁴

Spain introduced a digital nomad visa for remote workers whose income comes primarily from outside Spain. This visa is a great option for freelancers and employees who work for foreign companies.

However, you'll need to show that you make enough money from your remote work to support yourself and your family, if they're coming with you. The income requirement currently sits at 2,762 EUR per month, which is double Spain's minimum wage.

You'll also need to show at least 3 months of work history with your foreign employer or clients, as well as a university degree or 3 years of professional experience in your field.

If you're a freelancer, you can work with Spanish clients, but this work can't account for more than 20% of your total income. In other words, Spain wants the majority of your finances to be coming from abroad to approve you for this type of visa.

A big advantage of the Digital Nomad Visa is that you may qualify for a special tax rate of 24% under Spain's Beckham Law instead of Spain's standard progressive tax rates, which are higher.

Student visa

If you're enrolled in a full-time program at a Spanish university, language school, or another accredited institution, you can qualify for a student visa to stay until you finish your studies.

You'll typically need your acceptance letter or another form of proof to confirm your enrollment, as well as enough funds to cover tuition and living expenses for the duration of your studies.

You can work part-time for up to 30 hours per week on a student visa, but you'll need to get authorization from Spanish immigration authorities before you start.⁴

Work visa

To get a work visa in Spain, you'll need a job offer from a Spanish employer before you apply.

Your employer will need to start the authorization process and receive approval from the government first. Then, you'll use that approval to apply for the work visa at a Spanish consulate in the US.

This can be a tricky visa to get, since it's not always easy for the Spanish employer to get approval.

It may also be difficult for you to get a job offer in Spain if you don't speak Spanish fluently or have a specialized, in-demand skillset that makes you extremely valuable to Spanish companies.

Self-employment visa

If you're an entrepreneur who wants to run a business in Spain, you can apply for this type of visa.

But it's not the easiest type of Spanish visa to get—you'll need a detailed business plan that explains your services, target market, and projected income, plus proof that you can financially support your business venture.

You'll also need to take care of important paperwork to get your business established in Spain, such as complying with business licensing requirements and registering with the tax agency.

You'll be taxed progressively based on your earnings, and you may still owe US self-employment taxes on your Spanish business income, depending on your total earnings and other factors.

Spain Golden Visa

Spanish Golden Visa program allowed non-EU citizens to get residency by investing 500,000 EUR or more in Spanish real estate or other qualifying investments.

However, it's not an option anymore.

This program ended on April 3, 2025, and new applications are no longer accepted.⁵

💡 Learn more about the Spain Golden Visa and other routes of getting EU residency through an investment.

Cost of living in Spain

Spain costs less than most major US cities, with living expenses running about 25% lower on average.⁶

That said, Madrid and Barcelona can be quite pricey, especially for families. Cities like Valencia, Seville, and Málaga are more affordable options that still come with good infrastructure and amenities.

Here's what you can expect to pay for common expenses in Spain:

Expense	Average cost⁶
1-bedroom apartment (city center)	877 EUR/month
3-bedroom apartment (city center)	1,379 EUR/month
Meal at inexpensive restaurant	14 EUR
Meal for 2, mid-range restaurant (3 courses)	50 EUR
Monthly transport	30 EUR
Utilities	133 EUR/month
Mobile phone plan (monthly)	16 EUR
Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or equivalent new car)	31,500 EUR
International school (annual per child)	9,132 EUR

Rent usually takes up the biggest chunk of most budgets, especially in Madrid and Barcelona, where demand keeps prices high.

If you plan to send your children to private international schools, education will also become a major expense. Many expat families choose Spanish public schools instead, which are free, but your children will need to speak Spanish to keep up with the coursework.

Also, Spain's lower costs look appealing when you're planning from abroad, but Americans who earn Spanish salaries often find their purchasing power diminished.

Your income might not stretch as far as the raw numbers suggest if you're not bringing in US income or remote work wages.

Opening a bank account in Spain

A Spanish bank account makes your daily life much easier. You'll need it to pay rent, set up utilities, receive salary payments, and handle many other important financial tasks.

Even if you'll be living off foreign-earned income, it's still very practical to open a Spanish bank account for daily transactions.

You'll need the following documents to open a bank account at most Spanish banks:

• Valid passport
• NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)
• Proof of address in Spain
• Employment contract, proof of income, or student enrollment
• Tax identification number from the US

Many Spanish banks have English-speaking staff and are used to dealing with foreigners, especially big names like BBVA and Santander.

The NIE is a registration number that foreigners need for almost everything in Spain, including opening a bank account. However, it can take multiple appointments to get one. Spanish bureaucracy often moves slowly, so be prepared for a little bit of a wait.

Tax implications for Americans in Spain⁴

You become a Spanish tax resident if you spend more than 183 days per year in the country. In other words, most American expats who live in Spain full-time become tax residents.

Spain taxes residents on their worldwide income using progressive rates that range from 19% to 47%, depending on how much you earn and where you live.

That said, some expats qualify for the Beckham Law, which lets newly relocated professionals pay a flat 24% tax rate on Spanish income only. This can help you save quite a lot on taxes.

It's also important to remember that Americans living in Spain still have US tax obligations.

The US taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live, and you'll need to file a US tax return every year. Luckily, Spain and the US have a tax treaty, and the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and foreign tax credits can reduce your US tax burden.

But you'll still need to do all of the US tax paperwork on time.

Getting accommodation in Spain

Most expats rent when they first move to Spain.

Buying property takes time, especially if you need to get a mortgage. Banks typically require several years of tax returns and proof of stable income before approving a mortgage for foreigners.

Buying property also puts you on the hook for property taxes in Spain.

Idealista is one of the biggest latforms for searching rental properties. You can also work with a real estate agent (agente inmobiliario) for convenience.

In competitive cities like Madrid and Barcelona, it's not always easy to find a good apartment, especially if you have a family and need a lot of space.

Spanish apartments come with quirks that catch many Americans off guard. It's important to remember that many Spanish cities were built centuries before things like central heating and air conditioning, and many buildings lack proper insulation.

You also may struggle to find amenities like walk-in closets, built-in storage, and open-plan kitchens in apartments close to the city center. Newer buildings further out are often more modern, but the trade-off is that your commute will be longer.

Overall, you'll need to weigh convenience, comfort, and location against your budget.

Healthcare system in Spain

Spain has a universal healthcare system that's funded through social security contributions. It's one of the best in Europe with well-trained doctors and modern facilities, especially in larger cities.

Spanish residents can access public healthcare at little to no cost for most services.

Americans moving to Spain for work typically gain access to public healthcare through their employer's social security contributions.

But expats on non-lucrative visas, student visas, and other non-employment visas often can't access public healthcare because they don't contribute to social security. This is why these visa categories typically require private health insurance as a condition of residency.

The good news is that private healthcare in Spain usually costs less than in the US. It's still something to budget for, but the cost is usually between 50 EUR and 100 EUR per month, though it ultimately depends on your plan's coverage.⁷

Best cities to live in Spain as an expat

Madrid

Madrid is very popular with expats, both because of its cultural attractions and work opportunities. The city stays lively year-round, with museums, theaters, and restaurants, and the dry climate often feels more comfortable than coastal humidity.

Barcelona

Barcelona gives you beach access as well as urban amenities. Many American expats in creative industries and tech startups move here, but you'll want to learn some Catalan.

Rent also costs more than in most Spanish cities, and the tourist crowds can feel overwhelming in popular neighborhoods.

Valencia

Valencia is a good middle ground between Madrid and the smaller coastal towns. The city has beaches, a historic center, and a growing expat population that hasn't yet reached Barcelona's density. The cost of living is also lower than in Madrid or Barcelona.

Is it safe to live in Spain?

Spain is largely safe for Americans.

You don't really have to worry about gun violence or random street crime, but petty theft happens, especially in tourist-heavy zones. Keep your phone and wallet secure in these areas. If something happens, Spanish police are usually visible and responsive.

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Moving to Spain from the US offers a slower pace of life, and there are many visa options that Americans can choose from, including the Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers.

That said, you can't just pack up and move on an impulse.

Every visa category has certain requirements, such as proof of income and health insurance, and it can take a few months to gather your documents and get approved.

It's also important to remember that Spanish salaries typically don't match American wages, so if you're planning to earn locally, you may need to adjust your lifestyle.

But overall, the more relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle and Spanish culture make the move worth it for many US expats.

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Sources

1. Worldometer - Spain Population
2. US Department of State - US Travelers in Europe
3. Immigrant Invest - Spain Non-Lucrative Visa
4. Taxes for Expats - Moving to Spain from the US
5. Get Golden Visa - Is the Spain Golden Visa ending?
6. Numbeo - Cost of Living in Spain
7. Feather - How health insurance in Spain works

Sources checked 01/29/2026