When my husband and I first announced that we were moving to Spain, I was bombarded with questions from friends, family, and others who were curious about life abroad — everything from “How did you even start planning?” to “Do they have Chipotle over there?”

After lots of conversation and doing my own research through expat Facebook groups, I realized that whether someone is seriously considering a move abroad or just daydreaming about it, the questions are the same. I really didn’t realize how many people were struggling with the same questions that I had when I was going through the immigration process. That’s why I decided to put together this complete Q&A on moving abroad, especially for those thinking about moving to Spain from the USA.

In this blog post, I’ll answer the top 20 most common questions I get about life abroad — covering everything from the visa process, cost of living, and apartment hunting in Spain to how to move abroad with pets and even the emotional side of relocating to another country.

If you’ve ever wondered what expat life in Spain is really like (and what it takes to turn it into a reality), I hope this post is your one-stop shop for the answers.

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Table of Contents

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Q1: Where do I begin with planning a move abroad?

The #1 question I get from others who want to follow a similar path is how to plan a move abroad, and how far in advance to start. The steps to move abroad from the USA will differ depending on what kind of visa you plan to go on, but my advice is to start small and do some research on life abroad first.

Look into the different visa types and requirements and identify a few options that you think could work for you. From there, I would recommend writing down a list of questions to then take to a consultation with a Spanish immigration lawyer.

Once you get legal advice, if you plan to work in Spain, I would recommend engaging your employer next to see what the implications are of a move abroad. This step was especially scary for me, but I was pleasantly surprised when the answer I got was a simple “yes”. Don’t let your fear hold you back!

Q2: Why do people move abroad?

People have a variety of different reasons to move abroad – and all of my expat friends in Spain took different paths to getting here. Whether Spain has always been a dream of yours or if you’re exploring ways to leave the USA, there are no right or wrong reasons to start a new life abroad. While there are benefits of living in Spain, there are also important things to consider like language, lifestyle changes, finances, and more.

It’s important to keep in mind that no country is perfect. And once you move to a new country, you will find its flaws. Don’t let that discourage you, but know that no matter where you go there will be trade offs, and it’s a matter of deciding what’s most important to you in your own life.

If you’re interested, read more about my personal journey to Spain and why I decided to make the move.

Q3: How do I move abroad with pets?

The level of difficulty of moving to Spain with pets depends a lot on the size, age, and health limitations of your pet. The smaller your pet, the easier, and the larger and older your pet, the more complicated. In our case, we moved our 85lb dog and small house cat overseas in cargo — a choice that we didn’t come to easily. At the end of the day it was completely safe and ended up being the most viable option for us.

If your pet is small enough to fit under the airplane seat or if you have a certified service animal, the flight will be much more straightforward. If I can offer any international pet travel tips, just make sure you have the necessary documentation ready (usually rabies vaccine and microchip) and an airline-approved travel carrier.

I dive much deeper on this topic in my guide to moving abroad with pets!

Q4: What is the visa process for an American moving to Spain?

Getting a Spanish visa for Americans can be tricky if you’re doing it on your own. Not only do you need to provide the requested documentation for your visa type, but you also need the proper notaries and translations on each document. If you’re exploring how to get a visa for Spain from the USA, it usually involves these documents:

• FBI background check
• Passport
• Proof of income (either your employment contract or bank statements depending on visa type)
• Declaración Responsable (basically says that you haven’t been convicted of crimes in foreign countries)
• Completed visa application

This list will vary depending on which type of visa you’re applying for, but these documents will be the core of your application. If you are traveling with your spouse or family members, extra documentation will be required to prove the relationship and financial means to move overseas.

Once you file your application, you have to go to your Spanish consulate to complete the process in person and pick up your visa. I usually recommend giving yourself at least 6 months to complete the application from start to finish.

It may seem daunting, but with a good lawyer and taking things step by step, it’s not as bad as it looks!

Learn more about the step-by-step process in my ultimate moving abroad checklist!

Q5: How did your family and friends react to your new life abroad?

When telling our family and friends that we were moving abroad, we got a wide range of reactions. While the paperwork and bureaucracy is the logistical part of the move, this is the emotional part. Naturally our family and friends were sad to see us go, but we were overwhelmed with the amount of support we received.

Moving to Spain had always been a dream of ours, and we had been vocal about wanting to make the move for years. Our loved ones weren’t surprised when we told them, but they still had big reactions at times.

Depending on where you’re moving from, people may not understand why you would ever possibly want to leave the USA to start a life abroad. While most people were understanding, occasionally we’d get a few intrusive questions or negative comments. If you have this experience, don’t let it deter you or get in your head. You’re taking a huge leap to live your dream life abroad, and you don’t need to explain why to anybody.

Q6: How do you handle finances and banking after moving abroad?

One of the first things we looked into after arriving in Spain is how to open a Spanish bank account. Having a Spanish bank account is a requirement if you want to rent an apartment or open a phone plan in Spain — so it should be a top priority once you arrive.

Expat banking in Spain can be difficult, but I recommend downloading Wise or Revolut to transfer money from your U.S. accounts to your new Spanish account. These services can do instant transfers with very low fees, which is a game changer when you’re making the transition.

We use Santander as our primary bank in Spain and have had no issues with them so far. They have tons of locations throughout Spain and good customer service — I’d recommend them if you’re about to start your life abroad in Spain!

Q7: Should I hire a lawyer for my move abroad?

If you’re debating “do I need a lawyer to move abroad”, I would say 100% yes. There are some relatively affordable options for immigration lawyers in Spain that you can find online, and it’s certainly worth spending on.

My case was seemingly very straightforward – I had an employer sponsoring me and helping prepare the necessary paperwork, but even then, we ran into some serious legal challenges. My company changed ownership after I got my visa approval and I had to update my paperwork, and in that time, the competent authorities in Spain changed their requirements for my visa type, which complicated the process immensely. While our life abroad had a rocky start, we were glad to have the legal support to worth through any challenges.

For this reason — the unforeseen challenges that pop up — I think a lawyer is necessary and will save you a ton of headaches. We used Nodisea, which I can’t recommend enough!

Q8: What visa type should I apply for in Spain?

There are a few types of viable visa options to start your life abroad in Spain, including the non-lucrative visa, digital nomad visa, and work visa in Spain. For the latest options and requirements, make sure to visit the official government website.

Here are a few questions you should ask yourself to determine which one might be right for your life abroad:

• Do you plan to work in Spain? If yes, look at digital nomad, highly skilled worker or work visa options in Spain. They all grant you work authorization, but have slightly different requirements. If you don’t plan to work, look at non-lucrative (good for retirement) or student visa options depending on why you’re planning a move abroad.
• If you’re working, will you be working for a Spanish or American company? This is important when deciding between a regular work visa or digital nomad. For digital nomad, no more than 20% of your professional activities can take place in Spain.
• Are you a freelancer? This likely puts you in the digital nomad category, as long as you follow the 20% rule above.
• Do you have a company willing to sponsor your work visa? Talk to your company and immigration lawyer, but you can likely apply for the highly skilled worker or Intra company transfer visa.

Some visa types are harder to get than others, but they each come with their own implications and trade offs. Speak with your lawyer to get the best, personalized legal advice on which visa is right for you!

Read more about the most common visa types, and which one might be right for you.

Q9: What is the cost of living like in Spain?

The cost of living in Spain (in 2025) varies greatly depending on where exactly you live. It’s naturally higher in places like Madrid and Barcelona than it is in smaller pueblos. For the purposes of my blog and personal experience, I focus on the cost of living in Madrid vs USA in general.

If you want to start your life abroad in a major Spanish city, cost of living on a Spanish salary can be pretty tight. If you have a dual income household with decent salaries, you can afford to have your own apartment in the city center without much stress. But for individuals to afford rent in Madrid on their own, it’s a little bit harder. You way want to consider having a roommate if you live in the center, or moving a bit farther out of the city center if you want to live alone. Of course this depends greatly on how much you’ll be making and what kind of lifestyle you’re looking for.

Here’s a deeper dive into my perspective on the cost of living in Madrid (2025).

Q10: What are Spanish salaries like?

I’m going to be brutally honest — Spanish salaries compared to US are extremely low. The average salary in Spain is currently €28,049, which is almost unfathomable by US standards. A few things to keep in mind:

• Cost of living is proportional – your rent, bills, and groceries will be much cheaper.
• This average is for all of Spain. If you live in Madrid or Barcelona, you’ll likely find higher wages.
• If you’re a digital nomad keeping your American income, this can be a big advantage. To make an American income and live in Spain where cost of living is low, you’ll save a lot more money during your life abroad.

At the end of the day you can live a good life abroad in Spain on a Spanish salary — once you’re here you’ll find that it’s much more doable than it appears.

Q11: What is the healthcare system like in Spain?

The healthcare system in Spain is one of the best in Europe, but it can feel a confusing at first if you’re an expat. Spain offers both public healthcare (la sanidad pública) and private healthcare, and many foreigners end up using a mix of both depending on their needs.

From my own experience, I’ve had nothing but positive encounters so far. With private health insurance in Spain, it’s extremely affordable compared to the U.S., and getting appointments is fast and easy. For example, my husband and I receive free private healthcare through his employer, and we’ve almost always been able to schedule doctor’s appointments within the same week.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Public healthcare in Spain is universal and available to all residents who pay into the social security system. Expats with long-term visas may also qualify after registering locally. Public healthcare is excellent for emergencies, hospitals, and general care, but wait times can sometimes be long for specialists.
• Private healthcare in Spain is very common for expats and often included in visa requirements (like the non-lucrative visa). Private insurance gives you quicker appointments, English-speaking doctors, and more flexibility with choosing hospitals and clinics.

Overall, healthcare in Spain for expats is reliable, affordable, and much less stressful than in the U.S. — a huge relief when starting your life abroad!

Q12: How do taxes work as an expat in Spain?

Taxes are one of the trickiest (and least glamorous) parts of moving abroad to Spain. The short answer: if you live in Spain for more than 183 days per year, you’re considered a tax resident in Spain and will need to file Spanish taxes on your worldwide income.

For expats, that means you may have to file in both Spain and the U.S. Here’s how it works:

• Paying taxes in Spain as an expat: Spain has a progressive tax system, with income tax rates ranging from about 19% to 47% depending on how much you earn. Expats also need to be aware of wealth tax and the Modelo 720 (foreign assets declaration) if you have money abroad.
• U.S. taxes while living abroad: Unfortunately, U.S. citizens are still required to file a tax return every year, no matter where they live. The good news is that you can usually avoid double taxation through tax treaties, the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), or foreign tax credits.
• Do you need help? Honestly, most expats (myself included) find it overwhelming to handle this alone, especially in the first year. Many people hire a Spanish gestor (tax advisor) or a cross-border accountant who specializes in U.S. expats in Spain to make sure everything is filed correctly.

My advice? Don’t stress too much about figuring it out on your own. Taxes in Spain can be confusing, but once you establish a trusted advisor, it becomes much more manageable.

Q13: Do you have to speak Spanish to move to Spain?

Moving to Spain without speaking Spanish is certainly an option — but you should make an effort to learn the language. I have a few friends in Madrid who didn’t know Spanish until after they moved here, and it’s easier to learn when you’re immersed in the language and culture.

There aren’t necessarily language requirements to move to Spain, but you will likely have more difficulty navigating the process if you don’t understand Spanish. Cities like Madrid and Barcelona will be more English-friendly compared to other places in Spain.

If you don’t speak Spanish, I’d recommend getting a jumpstart on your language skills before you move. Apps like Duolingo or getting a private tutor on Preply will be a huge help as you start your Spanish journey. Once you arrive in Spain, there are all kinds of language exchanges and Spanish conversation groups you can join to get some practice in a safe space! Putting in the effort will make your life abroad that much more fulfilling.

Q14: How much did it cost to move to Spain?

The cost to move to Spain from the USA will vary greatly based on how many people are in your family, if you have pets, if you hired a lawyer, and how much you plan on bringing with you.

Here’s a breakdown of the key moving expenses to Spain:

• Lawyer fees ~€800
• Visa application fees/costs ~€100
• One-way airfare ~€500
• Extra luggage or shipping fees ~€100 (for one overweight bag)
• Pet relocation costs (depends on size/mode of transport)
• Restarting your life abroad (phone plan, bank accounts, apartment deposit, etc.)

By far our biggest expense was to pay for pet relocation support — but there are certainly cheaper ways to navigate moving your pets. In total, we spent a few thousand dollars from start to finish.

It isn’t cheap, so if you’re planning a move abroad, I would budget about €5,000 per person in your family to be safe. This is likely overkill, but better to be prepared for any unexpected costs along the way.

Q15: What should I pack for a move abroad?

When creating our moving to Spain packing list, we weren’t sure where to begin. It was daunting to look at all of our possessions and decide what to pack for Spain and what to leave behind.

Ultimately, my advice is less is more. You’ll likely be moving to a much smaller space in Spain, and it’s better to have less than you need than to lug everything to Spain only to find out it won’t all fit in your new apartment. Focus on the meaningful keepsakes and essentials, and try not to overpack on the rest. It felt nice to start a new life abroad without the burden of all of our extra stuff.

Plus, it’s much more affordable to replace your things in Spain. Who doesn’t love a good shopping spree?

Get your packing list and tips in my blog about what I packed and didn’t pack for my move abroad.

Q16: How did you find an apartment in Spain?

Apartment hunting in Spain can be super competitive depending on what time of year you move. During the summer and early fall is the most competitive due to the study abroad programs and the school year beginning, but it doesn’t mean it’s impossible to find your dream apartment. If you’re wondering how to rent an apartment in Madrid, my biggest advice is to NOT secure an apartment until you can come tour it in person, as you can run into scams on even the most trustworthy platforms.

When we moved to Spain, we booked 2 weeks in an Airbnb to get settled and do an in-person apartment hunt. Idealista is the #1 platform to use when trying to fid an apartment, and it allows you to contact the apartment owner directly to set up a viewing.

We downloaded Idealista the week before our flight to Spain and set up 3-4 apartment tours for our first few days once we arrived, and we ended up getting one of the first ones we looked at.

Apartments go fast in Madrid, so try not to get too attached and just know that it might take a few tries to find the right place. Be prepared for your arrival in Spain by investigating which areas you’d like to live in and what the average rental prices are — that way you can hit the ground running when you land and know what to expect (without having your heart sold on one particular apartment).

Get more information on finding housing in Madrid through my recent blog post.

Q17: Do you need to have a lot of money to set up your life abroad in Spain?

While there are different financial requirements for Spanish visa types, you don’t need to be rich to move abroad. As long as you can prove consistent monthly income that meets your visa’s financial requirements, then you’re set. For context, the digital nomad visa requires you to make at least 200% of Spain’s minimum income, which is currently about €2,762.66 per month.

Other expenses to consider include moving expenses, lawyer fees, and taxes in Spain. If you’re looking for a budget for moving abroad, see my answer to question #14 above!

Q18: How do you meet people after moving abroad?

The idea of being alone in a new country is enough to deter most people from making the leap, but I’m here to tell you that expat social life in Spain is very vibrant. If you’re wondering how to make friends abroad, I think there are a variety of different ways you can go about building your community.

If you’re trying to learn Spanish, language exchanges and conversation groups are a great way to meet new people. These are often free social events at local bars and pubs, providing a very laid back environment to meet someone new.

The European lifestyle is more conducive to walking everywhere and making connections in your neighborhood. You’ll start to see the same people at your favorite cafe, or get to know your local bartenders or restaurant owners. Strike up a conversation with them and you never know where it will lead you!

Quick sidebar — some of our best friends are the bar owners across the street. We now do group trips together and have an amazing little friend group that hangs out at the neighborhood bar. Once you meet one or two new people, your group will continue to grow from there!

Lastly, I’d recommend Facebook groups and apps like Bumble BFF to meet new people. I’ve had a lot of success with a Facebook group called Ladies Moving to Spain — people will post about workout classes they want to try or events they want to go to, and it’s easy to meet someone new and tag along for the ride.

It can be scary at first, but if you put yourself out there it will pay off! If this is a concern of yours, read my dedicated blog about how to make friends abroad.

Q19: Can you find American foods and products in Spain?

While it’s not always the exact same, it’s easier than I expected it to be to find American food in Spain. If you’re looking for where to buy US products in Spain, grocery stores like Prima Prix and Taste of America have all the classic American grocery items, and even chain grocery stores like Día have a few American snacks and candy items. If you’re worried about finding peanut butter — don’t fret! Spain has come a long way with American products and grocery items.

When it comes to American skincare products and brands, I’ve found a lot of the classics at Druni and Primor (the Ulta and Sephora of Spain). While you might not find everything you’re used to in the US, brands like CeraVe, The Ordinary, Kiehl’s, Kerastase, and Olaplex are all easy to find.

If there’s a smaller brand that you’re loyal to, make sure to stock up before your move as you may not find it in Spain. But if it’s a bigger, more widely known brand, you may be able to find it pretty easily.

Q20: How is the quality of life abroad better or different in Spain?

I am a firm believer that the lifestyle in Spain is much healthier, laid back, and stress-free compared to how I was living in the US. If I had to compare the quality of life in Spain vs. USA, here are a few things I’d call out:

1. Walkable cities & good public transportation really add to the quality of life in Spain. You see people enjoying green spaces like parks and plazas, and it’s easy to get from point A to point B without needing a car, making the city more accessible for all.
2. Healthier food and ingredients. I’ve found here that the price of meat and produce is lower, and the price of highly processed foods is higher, whereas it tends to be the reverse in the US. Plus, the food doesn’t have all kinds of additives and preservatives like the food in the US.
3. Community — Spaniards tend to have vibrant social lives and are very oriented around their family and community. You’ll see people sitting at dinner until midnight on a Monday, enjoying the company around them and in no rush to end the night. People are a priority.
4. Affordable restaurants/cafe culture adds a lot to quality of life in Spain. Compared to the US, it’s very affordable to grab dinner or drinks with friends, vs. in the US the whole experience is much more expensive.
5. Lastly, and most importantly, affordable healthcare (and pet healthcare)! If my husband and I have an emergency and need medical attention, we don’t need to worry about going into crippling medical debt. We have free private health insurance through Sam’s employer, and rarely have to pay out of pocket. The same goes for our pets — the cost of their vet visits are incremental compared to what we used to pay in the US. This is a major relief for us as we moved our entire lives abroad.

I could honestly go on and on about the differences I see in Spain vs. the US in terms of quality of life. I have neighbors in their 90s who live alone and have healthy, fulfilling lives at their age, and the biggest thing they attribute their health and happiness to is community. In my opinion, this is one of the most magical parts of living abroad.

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Quick FAQ Recap: Life Abroad in Spain

Is it expensive to move abroad to Spain?
The cost of moving to Spain from the USA depends on your family size, pets, and legal help. Most expats spend around €5,000 per person on visas, airfare, legal fees, and setup costs.

What is the cost of living in Spain compared to the US?
On average, the cost of living in Spain is much lower — groceries, rent (outside Madrid/Barcelona), and healthcare are especially affordable. Dining out and transportation also cost far less than in the USA.

Do I need to speak Spanish to live in Spain?
You can move to Spain without speaking Spanish, but life will be easier if you learn the basics. Apps like Duolingo or Spanish conversation groups can help expats adjust quickly.

What is healthcare like in Spain for expats?
Spain has both public and private healthcare. Private insurance (often required for visas) is very affordable and gives faster access to English-speaking doctors. Public healthcare is excellent but may have longer wait times.

How do taxes work for Americans in Spain?
If you spend more than 183 days in Spain, you’re considered a tax resident. That means filing taxes in both Spain and the USA — but thanks to treaties and exclusions, most expats avoid double taxation.

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Final Thoughts on Life Abroad

Moving abroad is one of the most exciting — and sometimes overwhelming — things you can do in life. There’s paperwork, culture shock, packing stress, and maybe a few “What am I doing?” moments along the way. But there’s also the thrill of starting fresh, meeting people from all over the world, and discovering a lifestyle you can’t find anywhere else.

Whether you’re in the early stages of planning or already booking your one-way ticket, I hope this post has answered your biggest questions about moving to Spain and becoming an expat.

My best advice? Take it one step at a time. Figure out your visa, set a realistic budget, and keep an open mind. Spain has a way of surprising you — and once you’re here, you might just wonder why you didn’t make the move sooner.

If you’re ready to dive deeper, check out my posts on the cost of living in Spain, packing tips for your move abroad, and how to find an apartment in Madrid — they’ll save hours of research and make your transition much smoother.