Moving to Spain as an American or someone from a different country is an exciting option for anyone looking for a better lifestyle, lower living costs, and access to Europe. To move to Spain, you will need a long-term visa, such as the Digital Nomad Visa or Non-Lucrative Visa, along with a NIE, which is a foreigner ID, and private health insurance. Some of the best cities to live in, like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, cater to different lifestyles and living costs, so make sure to choose the right location for you and your family.
This article will present the details of moving abroad to Spain and explore the choices available to American citizens and other non-EU nationals pursuing their Spanish dreams.
Moving to Spain: Key Takeaways
Can Americans move to Spain?
Yes, Americans can move to Spain. U.S. citizens can enter Spain without a visa for up to 90 days under the Schengen rule, but they cannot work during this time. To live in Spain long-term, you must apply for a residence visa. The most common options are the Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers, which requires a minimum monthly income of about €2,850 and comes with tax benefits, and the Non-Lucrative Visa for those with passive income of around €2,400 per month, which does not allow work but can lead to permanent residency.
Benefits of Moving to Spain as a US Expat
- Lower cost of living: Spain is about 30% cheaper than the U.S. A single person can live comfortably on €1,200–€1,500 per month, while a couple can maintain a good lifestyle for $2,500–$3,500.
- Affordable housing: Rent is one of the biggest savings. Outside Madrid and Barcelona, housing is often 50–70% cheaper than in similar U.S. cities.
- Affordable healthcare: Private health insurance costs around €60–€120 per month with little to no out-of-pocket costs, which gives you access to high-quality care at a much lower price than in the U.S.
- Tax benefits (Beckham Law): Eligible expats can apply for the Spain special expat tax regime and pay a flat 24% tax rate for up to six years instead of higher progressive rates, which can reach 47%. Many types of foreign income, such as U.S. investments, are also not taxed in Spain under this regime.
- No double taxation: The U.S.–Spain tax treaty means you don’t pay tax twice on the same income. Taxes you pay in Spain can be used to reduce what you owe in the U.S., which will lower U.S. taxes.
- High safety ranking: Spain is considered one of the safest countries in the world and ranks 25th on the Global Peace Index, which is far ahead of the U.S., which ranks 128th.
- Reliable public transport: Spain has one of the largest high-speed rail networks in the world, so it will always be easy to travel between cities quickly and affordably.
- Car-free living: Big cities like Madrid and Barcelona have great metro and bus systems, so many residents live comfortably without a car, which saves them thousands each year.
Best Visas for Americans Moving to Spain
1. Spain Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is best for remote workers, freelancers, and business owners who work with clients or companies outside of Spain. You have to earn at least €2,850 per month. One great benefit is access to the Spain Beckham Law, which allows a 24% flat tax rate on Spanish income for up to six years.
2. Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa is targets for retirees or people with passive income, such as pensions, dividends, or savings. You need to show at least €2,400 per month or €28,800 in yearly savings. You are not allowed to work during the first year, including remote work, but you can later switch to a work permit if your situation changes.
3. Highly Qualified Professional (HQP) Visa
The Spain Highly Qualified Professional Visa is for skilled workers with a job offer from a Spanish company. You need a salary of at least €54,142 for managers or €40,077 for technical roles. This visa offers fast processing of around 20 days, allows spouses to work, and provides access to the 24% flat tax under the Beckham Law.
4. Entrepreneur / Self-Employed Visa (Autónomo)
The Entrepreneur Visa, also known as the Spain Self-Employed Visa, is for people who want to start and run a business in Spain. You must submit a detailed business plan approved by a Spanish organization. This visa gives you full rights to live and work in Spain and is best suited for businesses that will operate within the Spanish market.
How to Move to Spain: Step by Step Process
- Step 1: Choose the right visa: You first have to find the right long-term visa before moving to Spain, such as the Digital Nomad Visa, Non-Lucrative Visa, or Highly Qualified Visa. Applications can be submitted at a Spanish Consulate in the U.S.
- Step 2: Prepare the documents: All long-term visas require a few important documents that must be apostilled and translated into Spanish by a sworn translator. These include a background check, a medical certificate confirming you do not have any public health risk diseases, and proof of funds, such as bank statements or an employment contract.
- Step 3: Get private health insurance: You must get a Spanish health insurance policy with no copay and no deductibles. U.S. insurance plans are not accepted.
- Step 4: Attend your consulate appointment: You will submit your application and pay a fee of about $160 to $190. Processing takes 2 to 8 weeks.
- Step 5: Register your address (Padrón): After arriving in Spain, you have to register your address at your local town hall (Ayuntamiento). This proves where you live and is required for things like healthcare and schooling.
- Step 6: Apply for your residency card (TIE): The next step after arrival is to book an appointment (Cita Previa) at a police station to provide fingerprints and collect your TIE card, your official residence permit.
- Step 7: Set up your tax and social security details: You will need a NIE (tax identification number), which is issued with your visa. If you are working or a digital nomad, you need to also register for social security to contribute to the system.
- Step 8: Open a Spanish bank account: You will need a local bank account (IBAN) to pay rent and bills. As a U.S. citizen, you will also need to complete FATCA forms.
- Step 9: Understand your tax residency: If you stay in Spain for more than 183 days per year, you become a tax resident. If you qualify, you should apply for the Beckham Law within your first 6 months to benefit from a reduced 24% tax rate.
Cost of Living in Spain vs USA
The cost of living in Spain is much lower than in the U.S. in almost every area, except for things like fuel and some electronics. In fact, Spain is one of the cheapest countries in Western Europe, with a couple needing about €1,850–€2,600 per month for a comfortable lifestyle, depending on where you live.
| Category | Spain (Avg. USD) | USA (Avg. USD) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City Center) | $1,060 | $1,700 | ~38% lower |
| Rent (1BR Outside Center) | $825 | $1,380 | ~40% lower |
| Utilities (Electricity/Heat) | $140 | $210 | ~33% lower |
| Groceries (Monthly) | $250 | $400 | ~37% lower |
| Healthcare (Private Insurance) | $90 | $500+ | ~80% lower |
| Public Transit Pass | $45 | $90 | ~50% lower |
| Gasoline (Per Gallon) | $6.55 | $3.20 | ~105% higher |
Property Prices in Spain
Property prices in Spain are still going up because there are not enough homes, and there is high demand from international buyers. While prices grew very quickly in 2025, the increase is expected to slow down slightly, with prices rising by about 5% to 7% in 2026. On average, anyone buying property in Spain can expect property prices to be around €2,300 per m² to €2,600 per m², depending on the region.
| Region / City | Profile | Avg. Price per m² | Trend Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madrid (Salamanca) | Luxury / Prime | €8,500 – €11,500 | Highest prices in Spain with limited supply |
| Madrid (Villaverde) | Entry / Value | €2,300 – €3,200 | Strong growth (15%+) due to affordability |
| Barcelona (Eixample) | Expat / Popular | €5,300 – €7,200 | High demand with strong rental potential |
| Valencia (City) | Lifestyle | €3,900 – €5,300 | Rapid price growth and popular with digital nomads |
| Málaga (Centro) | Coastal Hub | €3,500 – €4,700 | Performing above national averages |
| Castile-La Mancha | Rural / Inland | €900 – €1,000 | Most affordable with slower, stable growth |
5 Best Cities in Spain to Live
1. Valencia
Valencia is one of the best cities to live in Spain because of its focus on sustainability and big infrastructure upgrades. The city is expanding its Metrovalencia system, so it is becoming easier to travel between the city center, beaches, and other places. Life in Valencia is very comfortable, with over 160 km of bike lanes, a lower cost of living than Madrid, and more affordable property prices. It is especially loved by remote workers because of fast 5G internet, a digital nomad community, and over 300 days of sunshine each year.
2. Málaga
Málaga has become a fast-growing tech city that has attracted international companies and professionals working in AI, technology, and research, such as Vodafone and the Google Safety Engineering Center (GSEC). Property prices have increased to around €4,100 per m², but Málaga still has a growing expat community, which makes it easier for new residents to settle in and find both social and professional opportunities.
3. Madrid
Madrid is the economic center of Spain, which has some of the best job opportunities, especially in finance, tech, and services. Getting around is easy with options like the BiciMad electric bike system, but if you have children, it is important to know that many international schools are located in northern suburbs like Alcobendas. This means you might need to choose between living in the busy city center or a quieter suburban area. Although rent is higher, Madrid is the most connected city in Spain, so it’s perfect for international travel, business, and networking.
4. Bilbao
Bilbao is seen as a place with a high quality of life and some of the highest salaries in Spain. The city has a clean and efficient metro system, which connects the city center to nearby beaches in under 30 minutes. Living in Bilbao means adapting to a cooler, wetter climate, so good waterproof clothing is essential. The city is perfect for people looking for a stable lifestyle with reliable public services, although housing costs can be higher. Abando and Indautxu expect buying prices of between €4,900 and €5,000 per m². Rental prices in these central areas also range from €1,200 to €1,600 for a one-bedroom apartment.
5. Zaragoza
Zaragoza is an underrated city that has a great quality of life at a much lower cost than coastal cities. Monthly living costs excluding rent are between €900 and €1,400, so it’s much more affordable than other cities. It is also very well located, with high-speed AVE trains connecting to Madrid and Barcelona in about 75 minutes, which is good for people who travel or work between cities.
Taxes in Spain for Americans and Non-Residents
If you stay in Spain for more than 183 days in a year, you will be considered a tax resident, even if the days are not consecutive, and you will have to report your worldwide income, including U.S. assets. In other cases, you can still be seen as a resident if your immediate family or life ties are in Spain. As a U.S. citizen, you still have to file taxes with the IRS, but you can avoid double taxation by using credits like the Foreign Tax Credit, which lets you offset taxes paid in Spain. There is also a totalization agreement that helps prevent paying Social Security taxes in both countries at the same time.
| Tax Category | Standard Resident | Beckham Law” (Expat) | Non-Resident (IRNR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criteria | Stay more than 183 days per year | Move to Spain for work and apply within 6 months | Stay less than 183 days per year |
| Spanish Income Tax | Progressive rates from 19% to 47% | Flat 24% rate (up to €600,000) | Flat 24% rate |
| Foreign Income | Taxed in Spain | Not taxed in Spain | Not taxed in Spain |
| Wealth Tax | Applies to worldwide assets | Applies only to Spanish assets | Applies only to Spanish assets |
| Reporting (Model 720) | Required for assets over €50,000 | Not required | Not required |
| U.S. Tax Filing | Required (use FEIE or FTC) | Required (use FEIE or FTC) | Required (standard filing) |
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
