Your life in Spain starts here
Make your move to Spain
Sun, beaches and long lunches keep drawing people to Spain, backed by strong healthcare and moderate costs. A dedicated route suits those with steady means and no need to work.
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Photo: Santiago Boada / Pexels
At a glance
Spain, in brief.
How Spain compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. Spain ranks among the best for safety (18th of 78) and healthcare (23rd of 78) and size of expat community (31st of 81).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- Moderate
- Property
- Moderate
- Healthcare
- Strong
- Safety
- Safe
- Climate
- Warm (~18°C)
- English
- Moderate
- Expat community
- Established
Non-lucrative visa (~€2,400/mo)
Worldwide income; wealth tax applies
Life in Spain
Discover why Jurrien Korkers swapped life in the Netherlands for sunny Alicante, the challenges he faced along the way, and what he loves most about living in Spain with his family.
Health insurance in Spain
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
Get health insurance quotes In partnership with Moving your belongings too? Get up to five free quotes from international moversSending money abroad? Use a currency specialist
Your move plan
Spain, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
Save 10%* for lifetime of your international health policy today!
Your discount lasts as long as your policy does. Eligible new customers purchasing a Cigna Global Health Options Silver, Gold or Platinum plan between 1–30 November 2026 will receive an additional 10% discount for the lifetime of their policy. *Terms and conditions apply
Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about Spain into clear answers.
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- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in Spain.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Move money abroadTransfers with a currency specialist.05
The complete picture
The Spain moving guide.
56 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
Moving guide sponsored by- Start here · 01
Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02
Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03
Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
6
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in Spain share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All Spain stories
- Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
Lukas Thies
From Germany to Gibraltar and family life in Jerez de la Frontera, discover how Lukas embraced Andalucia's laid-back lifestyle, navigated bureaucratic hurdles…
- Tenerife, Canary Islands
Joe Cawley
From Bolton’s fish market to Tenerife’s sunshine, Joe Cawley turns expat misadventures into comedy gold with his new sitcom Ketchup, launching at…
- Sotogrande, Spain
Arabella Featherstone
Read an interview with Arabella Featherstone about her life as an expat in Spain.
Fresh from Spain
Latest articles.
Americans In Spain: Your Tax, Visa & Financial Questions Answered
A panel of cross-border experts join the 2026 US Expats Financial Conference to answer questions about moving to and living in Spain as an…
France Or Spain – Which Country Offers Better Healthcare For The Over-60s?
Over 60 and planning to move abroad? Compare healthcare in France and Spain to find the best fit for your needs!
A Comprehensive Guide To Healthcare For Expats In Spain
Read our guide to healthcare for expats moving to Spain, covering everything from eligibility and costs to international health insurance and emergency care.
Hear it first hand
The podcast on Spain.
Conversations with people who've made the move, and the experts who help them. All Spain episodes
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Boxes, shipping, the lot. Get up to five free quotes from movers who know the route to Spain, and compare them side by side.
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