If you’ve ever found yourself searching “how to move to Spain” or daydreaming about long lunches, walkable cities, and a slower pace of life, then you’re in the right place. This complete guide is for Americans considering moving to Spain, whether you’re a remote worker, retiree, long-term expat, or just exploring what life abroad could look like.

Spain consistently ranks as one of the best countries for quality of life thanks to its affordable cost of living, excellent healthcare, fresh food, and deeply social culture. But let’s be real. Moving abroad also comes with bureaucracy, language barriers, and a learning curve. It’s not always easy, but for many people (like myself), it’s absolutely worth it.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to consider when planning a move to Spain. From monthly budgets and housing to healthcare, visas, working remotely, and building a social life, here’s the full scoop so you can decide if Spain is the right move for you.

---

Table of Contents

---

What Is Life in Spain Like as an Expat?

Life in Spain is laid back, warm, and very social. Even living in the capital of Madrid, I feel like life is slower and there isn’t so much of a rush the way I felt in the U.S. Spain isn’t plagued by the same “keeping up with the Joneses” mentality that many experience in the U.S. Instead, I find it very communal and a happy place to live.

With all that being said, I do try to keep it real here. Life in Spain is what you make it, and if you bring all of your old habits with you from the U.S. to Spain, you’re going to be living the same life but in a new country. You have to intentionally participate and take part in life abroad to get the most from it!

Daily Life in Spain vs the U.S.

My typical week working and living in Spain includes working from about 8am-6pm for my American company, meeting up with friends for drinks after work, and grabbing long lunches and tapas with friends on the weekends.

For some expats in Spain, you may not benefit from the same amazing work-life balance that you get working for a Spanish company, but you do benefit from the social culture, happy hours, and late nights around the dinner table with friends.

Pros and Cons of Living in Spain

The pros and cons of living in Spain will depend on your priorities, but for me, here are the most notable differences.

Pros:

• Relatively low cost of living – depending on where you live in Spain and if you earn a U.S. or local salary, the cost of living can be extremely favorable for Americans.
• Universal healthcare – need I say more? While the system isn’t perfect, you can get good quality healthcare without going bankrupt.
• Access to fresh and healthy food – local markets sell produce in-season at a cheaper price than buying processed and junk foods.
• Ability to travel within Europe (and beyond) – speaks for itself! You can get flights for as little as 20-30 euros to visit a foreign country.

Cons:

• Legal hurdles & bureaucracy – Spain is notoriously slow and challenging when dealing with legal issues. This makes applying for and renewing your visa a huge pain.
• Homesickness – living far away from friends and family can be really tough, and never quite gets easier.
• Career limitations – many expats either sacrifice career opportunities or set themselves on a new trajectory in order to live abroad. If you have to find a local job in Spain, it could be tricky.

For more on the reality of life in Spain, make sure to visit my list of 9 culture shocks in Spain or my glimpse into living abroad (full pros & cons list)

---

---

Cost of Living in Spain (With Realistic Budgets)

While the cost of living in Spain has increased dramatically in recent years, it’s still relatively low by American standards. If you make a decent living of over ~€35,000 annually, you should be able to live a comfortable life.

Average Monthly Cost of Living in Spain

According to data from the Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), the average cost of living in Spain increased 4.4% to an annual total of €34,044, which is the highest it has been in decades.

Here’s the breakdown:

	Per household
Alcohol and tobacco	€37
Food and drink	€449
Housing and utilities	€919
Healthcare	€115
Internet and telecom	€92
Clothing and footwear	€119
Transportation	€323
Leisure and culture	€141
Restaurants and hotels	€281
Education	€46
Other	€315
Total	€2,837

Source: https://www.ine.es/dyngs/Prensa/EPF2024.htm

Cost of Living by City (Monthly Estimates)

All figures are approximate and assume comfortable expat living, not luxury. Rent reflects a 1-bedroom apartment in or near the city center.

City	Rent (€)	Groceries (€)	Transport (€)	Dining & Lifestyle (€)	Total (€)
Madrid	900–1,300	200–300	55–70	250–350	1,450–2,000
Barcelona	950–1,400	220–320	50–70	250–350	1,470–2,050
Valencia	650–950	180–260	40–60	200–300	1,100–1,550
Seville	600–850	170–250	35–55	180–280	1,000–1,450
Málaga	700–1,050	190–270	40–60	200–300	1,130–1,680

How Much Money Do You Need to Live in Spain?

Your monthly budget will depend on lifestyle expectations, location, and household size. Here are the minimum comfortable ranges, not survival budgets.

• Low-cost cities / frugal lifestyle: €1,000–1,300
• Mid-range cities / moderate lifestyle: €1,300–1,700
• Major cities / comfortable lifestyle: €1,600–2,100
• High-end lifestyle: €2,300+

---

---

Healthcare in Spain for Expats

When moving abroad, one of the first things to consider is healthcare. Spain’s healthcare system is universal and tax-funded, which means locals and legal residents can access most services with little or no out-of-pocket costs.

How Spain’s Healthcare System Works

Spain’s healthcare system is split between public and private. For expats moving to Spain, you will be required to get private insurance as part of your visa application process.

But to help you better understand, here’s the quick breakdown.

Public healthcare in Spain is reliable and widely respected, covering nearly all medical needs. However, it can involve long wait times for specialists. Expats are not eligible to use the system until they’ve been contributing to Spanish social security for at least a year.

Private care has a reputation of being faster, flexible, and still incredibly affordable compared to U.S. standards. Many Spaniards also choose to supplement their public coverage with private insurance for quicker access to specialists.

For more information on the ins and outs of the system, I recommend visiting Spain’s Ministry of Health website.

How Expats Get Healthcare in Spain

If you are immigrating to Spain on a long-term visa, you are required to purchase private health insurance. Usually this is offered through work if you’re coming over on a work visa. But if you’re a Digital Nomad, Non-Lucrative, or other, you will have to find and purchase a healthcare plan yourself.

Providers like DKV, Sanitas, and Adeslas have great healthcare plans for expats, with prices ranging from €50-100+ per month depending on your situation. Note that with private insurance, you’re limited to a smaller group of in-network providers.

Registration is usually simple, and you can complete the process directly on the company’s website.

Pro Tip: If you’re applying for a Spanish visa, you’ll need proof of private health insurance that meets specific requirements. Here’s a helpful resource on visa requirements.

Cost of Healthcare in Spain

If you have private healthcare, which is required for expats, this is about what you can expect to pay in premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and prescriptions if you visit a doctor in-network:

• Premiums: €50-100+ per month
• Out-of-pocket costs: €0-10+ depending on your plan
• Prescriptions: Full price, however, some providers have a reimbursement system

---

---

Finding Housing in Spain as a Foreigner

Finding a place to live as an expat moving to Spain is actually one of the most challenging steps, depending on where you’re moving. Naturally, cities like Madrid and Barcelona will be more competitive than if you move to a smaller town, but that also means that there are more options.

How Renting in Spain Works

Renting in Spain is a very different experience than what you would find in the U.S. Properties in Spain are (almost) all individually and privately owned, so you aren’t applying through a corporation the same way many apartment complexes are run in the U.S.

Because of this, lease terms, deposits, and requirements can vary a lot from apartment to apartment.

Here are a few general statements I can safely make about renting in Spain:

• Leases range from short-term to up to 5 years. You’ll secure a better deal and avoid annual rent increases if you sign a longer lease, but make sure you love the place (and the landlord) first.
• Most landlords require one month paid in advance and an additional one month security deposit up front. If you are a digital nomad, it is common for landlords to request 4-6 months deposit, and you may have trouble finding an apartment without that requirement.
• Depending on whether you move to a major city or a smaller town, you may or may not have many options for furnished or pet-friendly apartments. In Madrid and Barcelona you’ll naturally have more options, but they’ll also be more competitive.

Best Websites to Find Apartments

You have to be careful in Spain to protect yourself from scams. Websites tend to be the best way to find an apartment in Spain, but be sure to visit the apartment in person before ever transferring any money or paying a deposit.

Here are the best sites to use for your apartment hunt:

• Idealista is easily the most common option in Spain, and where you’ll likely have the most success.
• Spotahome is great for short-term rentals and expat housing. These homes are usually furnished, and are a great option if you’re coming here to study abroad or on a short-term work assignment. In addition to furnished apartments, you can also find individual rooms for rent.
• Facebook groups are a great resource in general when it comes to expat life, but especially if you’re looking for a roommate/temporary apartment. There are many different groups like Madrid Apartments & Madrid Roommate and Flat Search or Madrid Apartment Rentals, Houses, Sublets and Rooms where people are subleasing their rooms or looking for a new roommate.

If you don’t have any luck finding an apartment through these websites, you may want to try contacting a local real estate agency. Just keep in mind that they may charge a fee if you secure an apartment or home through them.

Common Rental Scams & Red Flags

Unfortunately, you have to be on lookout for scams when searching for an apartment in Spain. Due to the high demand and hectic search process, people tend to get desperate and sign contracts without visiting the apartment in person or reading through the contract, which is a big no-no.

Here are the things you should look out for:

• Fake listings – oftentimes scammers will pull images from the internet and create a fake listing for an apartment that doesn’t exist.
• Landlord makes it impossible/difficult to view the apartment in person. This is a huge red flag that something is wrong, and it’s crucial to trust your gut.
• High-pressure tactics and asking for an immediate deposit. The landlord should be vetting you as well, and require paperwork and documentation that should be approved before funds are ever transferred.
• Bait-and-switch where the apartment looks beautiful and perfect online, but it’s either a different place or not in the same condition when you see it in person.

Now that you know what to look out for, here’s how to protect yourself:

• Always tour the apartment in person (and bring someone with you).
• Never pay upfront before a contract is signed.
• Ask for documentation (Nota Simple) if you’re wary of who owns the apartment .

---

---

Visas & Residency for Living in Spain

In order to build your life abroad in Spain, you first need to complete the visa process. The type of visa you decide to move abroad on depends on your work situation, financial stability, your family situation, and whether or not you’re looking for a path to legal residency.

Do Americans Need a Visa to Live in Spain?

Short answer? Yes, Americans need a visa to live in Spain if you plan on staying for more than 90 days. This means if you plan to study abroad for longer than 90 days, you’ll also have to get a student visa to do so.

Some visa types, like the student visa, do not offer a clear path to legal residency, while other types, like a work visa, do. If your goal is a permanent move to Spain, it’s important to take this into consideration from the start.

Most Common Spain Visas for Expats

While there are a number of different visa options for Americans moving to Spain, these are the most common.

Digital Nomad Visa

This is a great option for remote workers to get a visa in Spain. In the last year, Spain has broadened the criteria to include contractors and W-2 employees in addition to freelancers or entrepreneurs. This is huge, because it means you can keep your full time work contract in your country of origin and work in Spain (with your employer’s approval).

For this visa type, the majority of your professional activity has to be performed for clients/contracts outside of Spain. Basically, this requirement is in place because they don’t want digital nomads competing with local jobs.

For more on income requirements and tax implications, read my guide to the 5 most common Spanish visa types.

Student Visa

This is a common (and relatively easy) option for students who want to study abroad in Spain for longer than 90 days. You can get a Spain student visa for a language school, university, au pair, voluntary internship, or study abroad program under this visa type.

Note that this visa type does not grant you work authorization. This is a major downside for most people who need to continue making income abroad.

For this visa, you must show enrollment with a program meeting the criteria above, and the financial means to support yourself during the duration of the program. Your spouse and children will also be granted approval to come with you if you are approved for a student visa.

Work Visa

While the Spain work visa or employment visa can be difficult to find, it’s one of the smoothest routes you can take to get abroad.

For the Spain employment visa, you must have a job offer and visa sponsorship from a Spanish company. If you work for an international company that has an entity in Spain (they don’t need a physical office, just enough employees here to create an “entity”), you can also transfer to a Spanish contract if your company allows it.

While this might not be possible for everyone, this is a great route if you work for a large international company that can relocate you to Spain.

Non-Lucrative

The Spain non-lucrative visa is ideal if you want to retire in Spain or take a gap year abroad. Since this visa type does not grant work authorization, this is best for those who have built up savings or can live on consistent investment income.

With this visa type, no income from Spanish sources are allowed.

The income requirement is equivalent to 400% of Spain’s Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM), which is essentially a cost of living index. You must add 100% of the IPREM for each additional family member who will be joining you. For context, in 2025 the Spanish IPREM was about €600 per month, making the income requirement €2,400/month + your dependents.

For the latest visa requirements, make sure to check out the official government website.

How Long Does It Take to Get Residency in Spain?

The amount of time it takes to get your residency in Spain depends on your visa type. If you come here on a student visa, for example, there is not a direct path to residency (although there is a bridge to a work visa).

If you’re here as a digital nomad or have a work visa, you can apply for permanent residency after 5 years of continuously living and working in Spain.

On the non-lucrative visa, there is also a clear path to residency if you’ve been living (and not working) in the country for a continuous 5 year period, and meet minimum annual income requirements.

If you have a passport from a Latin American or Spanish-speaking country, these requirements are cut significantly. In this case, you only need to live here for 2 years before applying for permanent residency.

With any visa or residency application process, I highly recommend hiring a lawyer to guide you. We used Nodisea, which was a game changer for our visa application.

---

---

Banking, Taxes & Money in Spain

One of the most common questions I get is about how to organize your finances as an expat. While your exact needs will depend on your situation in life and what visa you’re on, some requirements are universal.

Opening a Bank Account in Spain

The first thing you need to do when you arrive to Spain is open a local bank account. This is necessary for securing an apartment and paying bills in Spain.

Santander is the most common bank that expats use in Spain. To open a bank account, here’s what you need to provide:

• Passport and NIE (Foreigner Identification Number)
• Work contract or proof of income
• Proof of address – this can be temporary housing while you work to find a permanent home
• Spanish cell phone #

Visit my blog about what to do in your first week abroad for tips on the best way to set up your life abroad (and what order to tackle the to-do list).

Do Expats Pay Taxes in Spain?

Taxes – everyone’s favorite topic! Unfortunately, as an American expat you do have to pay taxes in Spain. Luckily, there is a double taxation treaty called the Beckham Law that prevents you from paying taxes on the same income twice.

Requirements for the Beckham Law:

• Not having been residents in Spain during the five previous tax periods.
  • As a consequence of carrying out an economic activity in Spain by a highly qualified professional who provides services to emerging companies.
• That your transfer to Spanish territory occurs for the following reasons:
  • As a consequence of an employment contract.
  • As a consequence of the acquisition of the status of administrator of an entity.
  • As a consequence of carrying out an entrepreneurial economic activity in Spain.

Tax season in Spain runs from April to June, with the deadline occurring on June 30th of each year. It’s important to note that the U.S. requires you to file annually if you are an American citizen, even if you earned your income abroad. You may not owe taxes on that income, but you do still have to file.

Managing Money Between the U.S. and Spain

For many expats, it’s important to maintain U.S. and Spanish bank accounts for a variety of different reasons.

To move money between accounts, we use Revolut. This online bank allows you to transfer money internationally without added fees.

Just keep in mind that the exchange rate locks in when you hit transfer, not when the money lands in your account. Make sure to monitor exchange rates so you know the best time to transfer your money.

Lastly is credit card usage. I still use my Capital One Venture card that gives me points that I can redeem when I travel to the U.S. In Spain, most people use cash, debit cards, or Visa or Mastercards. As long as your credit card works abroad, there’s no need to open a new one when you get to Spain.

---

Working in Spain as a Foreigner

Working in Spain can take on a variety of shapes and forms. Eligibility to work in Spain depends on your visa type (see above), and when living in Spain, you’ll likely run into people that have a variety of different work situations.

Can Expats Work in Spain?

Whether or not you can work in Spain depends on your visa type. Most expats who move to Spain for the long haul are either on a Digital Nomad Visa or a Highly Skilled Worker/Work Visa, and have authorization to work while in Spain – but under certain circumstances.

For example, if you’re a Digital Nomad, your income must come primarily from clients outside of Spain. If you’re on a work visa with a Spanish contract, the opposite is true.

If you are working on a Spanish contract, you have all of the same worker protections as a Spanish citizen would. This includes setting a maximum of 40 hours per week, at least 30 days of annual leave, and strong protection against unfair dismissal.

See all of the worker protection laws here for more context.

Working Remotely in Spain

The majority of expats that move to Spain work remotely. This could either be due to their client base being abroad in the case of digital nomads, or it could be that your Spanish employer has a hybrid or remote work policy. Either way, working remotely will depend on your exact situation, and permission from your employer.

Major cities like Madrid and Barcelona have many coworking spaces that are perfectly suited for expats working remotely in Spain.

Freelancing in Spain (Autónomo System)

If you are a freelancer (autónomo) in Spain, you likely qualify for the digital nomad visa. What this means, is that your client base comes primarily from outside of Spain.

Freelancing in Spain is extremely common, and Spain has seen a huge rise in immigration since introducing the digital nomad visa.

Before considering this a done deal, you should know that autónomos pay an exorbitant amount in taxes, and sometimes have a more difficult time securing housing and rental contracts.

While some portray it as easy and glamorous, there are certainly downsides as well. Make sure to speak to a lawyer and do thorough research before making the leap!

---

---

Making Friends & Building a Life in Spain

Moving abroad is one thing, but building a life abroad and finding your community is another. Here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned from my first year abroad in Spain.

Making Friends as an Expat

If you live in a major city like Madrid or Barcelona, you’ll naturally meet a ton of other immigrants and foreigners who are also trying to build their lives abroad.

What people don’t tell you is that you probably won’t make any Spanish friends at first. In general, Spaniards tend to have already-formed friend groups from childhood that they rarely deviate from. Usually, they aren’t as open or approachable as other expats may be.

If you’re just starting to build your circle, here are a few ways to meet new people:

• Take Spanish classes or go to language exchanges
• Join a coworking space and attend their networking and social events
• Become a regular at your favorite bar or coffee shop and chat with familiar faces
• Use Facebook groups or BumbleBFF to connect with other expats
• Volunteer or join a cause to meet people who share your values

Loneliness, Homesickness & Culture Shock

While moving abroad can feel like an extended vacation at first, the reality of daily life abroad and trying to figure out your new routine slowly sets in.

From time zone issues to emotional distance and feeling disconnected at times, it’s not easy. But there are practical ways to stay connected without being glued to your phone.

While no solution can truly replace presence, here are some ways I cope with homesickness abroad:

• Showing up for milestones in alternative ways. Find personal ways to connect with family and friends through FaceTime, contributing to honeymoon funds/baby showers, or calling into events.
• Sending packages/small unexpected gifts to loved ones back home
• Sending letters – snail mail feels fun, personal, and extra special

For more on navigating the universal experience of homesickness abroad, read this blog post.

---

---

Language & Integration in Spain

If you don’t already speak Spanish, it might be harder to integrate into life in Spain at first. Here’s how not to let this become a barrier for you.

Do You Need to Speak Spanish to Live in Spain?

As with everything related to life abroad – the answer depends. If you live in a city like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, or even Málaga, you’ll get by fine with only English.

However, I don’t think you should use this as an excuse not to learn the local language.

Best Ways to Learn Spanish in Spain

If you’re planning a permanent move to Spain and plan to eventually get your citizenship, basic Spanish proficiency will be a must.

Here are a few ways you can improve your Spanish while in Spain:

• Take classes – either find a tutor through Preply, or find a local, in-person class to attend. I used Preply after moving to Spain, and it helped me gain so much more confidence in using Spanish in my day-to-day life
• Immersion – after the move to Spain, this one becomes easier. Try to strike up a real conversation at the grocery store or introduce yourself to a neighbor.
• Attend a language exchange – in most major cities in Spain, you’ll be able to find a recurring language exchange at a local bar or coffee shop. These are great, low-pressure opportunities to learn.

---

Best Places to Live in Spain for Expats

Big cities or small pueblos, beach or mountains, tapas or paella – you have a lot of decisions to make when moving to Spain! To help you get started, here are some of the most popular destinations in Spain for expats.

Best Cities for Expats in Spain

Spain has a wide range of subcultures and lifestyles. From vibrant cities to laid-back coastal towns, there’s a perfect destination for anyone moving to Spain. Whether you’re relocating for work, retirement, or adventure, these are some of the best cities for expats in Spain:

Top Spanish Cities for Expats

• Madrid – Spain’s capital with a huge international population, career opportunities, and culture
• Barcelona – Beach-meets-city lifestyle with a strong international community
• Valencia – Affordable, family-friendly, and coastal
• Málaga – Warm climate, relaxed pace, and large English-speaking population
• Mallorca – Island living with stunning beaches and a growing retirement community
• Alicante – Budget-friendly and family-oriented coastal city with excellent quality of life

Best Spanish Cities For…

• Best for Families: Alicante or Valencia
• Best for Retirees: Málaga or Mallorca
• Best for Digital Nomads: Madrid or Barcelona
• Best for Budget Expats: Alicante or Valencia
• Best for Beach Lovers: Mallorca or Barcelona

---

FAQs About Living in Spain

---

Final Thoughts

I know this all seems like a lot, and it is. But if you decide that a move to Spain is right for you, don’t let the bureaucracy and paperwork hold you back! Once you get past all the setup, life abroad is truly magic.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward the big move, subscribe below to get my free Moving Abroad Checklist. This is a printable quick-reference to-do list covering what to do before and after you arrive.

What other questions do you have about life in Spain? Comment on this post or reach out to me directly with your thoughts & ideas!

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share products and experiences I genuinely love.