Spain – Visas
Non-EU nationals planning to settle in Spain will need a long-stay national visa if they intend to remain…
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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.
Spain at a glance
Cost of living
Moderate
Property
Moderate
Healthcare
Strong
Safety
Safe
Climate
Warm (~18°C)
English
Moderate
Expat community
Established
Where Spain is strongest: safety #17 of 77healthcare #23 of 77size of expat community #31 of 80
Worth weighing up: tax friendliness #70 of 81English-friendliness #61 of 81property affordability #50 of 74
TaxWorldwide income; wealth tax applies
Visa / residencyNon-lucrative visa (~€2,400/mo)
General information to compare destinations, not personal financial, tax or immigration advice.
Health insurance in Spain
The dream is the easy part. Make sure you’re covered from day one: compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes, no obligation.
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Your first steps to Spain
Spain – Residency
Spain provides multiple pathways to residency for foreign nationals — including work authorisations, study permits, the non-lucrative (passive…
Read more →A little inspiration, once a month
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Fresh from Spain
Latest articles
Americans In Spain: Your Tax, Visa & Financial Questions Answered
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Real people who made the move
Joe Cawley, Tenerife, Canary Islands
From Bolton’s fish market to Tenerife’s sunshine, Joe Cawley turns expat misadventures into comedy gold with his new…
Read more →Arabella Featherstone, Sotogrande, Spain
Who are you? My name is Arabella Featherstone and I’m a Personal Trainer and expert in fitness, nutrition,…
Read more →Loraine Marshall, Spain
Who are you? My name is Loraine Marshall. Before moving to Spain, I had my own business in…
Read more →Dave Proctor, La Safor, Spain
Who are you? Hi, my name is Dave Proctor. During my working life, I worked as an accountant…
Read more →Laetitia, Barcelona
Who are you? I am Laetitia. I am French-Cameroonian, and I’ve been living in Spain for nearly three…
Read more →Brett Hetherington, Catalonia
Who are you? My name’s Brett Hetherington and I’m a European (Australian/British) journalist, teacher and author (most recently…
Read more →The complete picture
Spain moving guide
Spain – Air Travel
Spain boasts one of the most advanced air travel networks on the continent, administered primarily by the state…
Read more →Spain – Animal Welfare and Cultural Issues
Spain presents a fascinating set of contradictions when it comes to its relationship with animals: more than half…
Read more →Spain – Banking
Spain’s banking sector is mature, thoroughly regulated, and open to both residents and those living abroad. The country’s…
Read more →Spain – Buses and Trams
Spain operates one of the most far-reaching bus networks on the continent, linking major urban centres, mid-sized towns,…
Read more →Spain – Buying or Importing a Car
Purchasing or importing a vehicle in Spain is entirely achievable as a foreign national, though it requires working…
Read more →Spain – Buying Property
Spain places no general legal barriers on foreign nationals seeking to purchase and hold real estate — your…
Read more →Spain – Car Rental
Hiring a car in Spain is a relatively simple process, but understanding the key requirements before you collect…
Read more →Spain – Citizenship
Spanish citizenship (nacionalidad española) is most commonly acquired through naturalisation following a qualifying period of legal residence —…
Read more →Spain – Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has a strong presence in Spain, encompassing therapies as varied as acupuncture, homeopathy,…
Read more →Spain – Cost of Living
Spain ranks among the most budget-friendly destinations in Western Europe, with day-to-day expenses considerably lower than in comparable…
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Spain has become an increasingly compelling destination for cyclists, blending a thriving recreational scene, steadily improving urban infrastructure,…
Read more →Spain – Dentists and Dental Treatment
Spain’s dental landscape is one where private funding dominates. The national public health system — known as the…
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