Move to Spain
Why people move to Spain, which visa fits your situation, and the practical steps to make the move — from digital nomads to retirees.
Language
Spanish
Currency
Euro (€)
EU member
Yes
Climate
Mediterranean
Why people move here
The case for Spain
- Low cost of living relative to other Western European countries.
- Excellent public healthcare and a famously relaxed pace of life.
- A digital nomad visa and clear residency routes for non-EU citizens.
- 300+ days of sunshine in much of the country.
Spain is one of the most popular destinations for people leaving the US, UK, and Latin America — and for good reason. Here's how a move actually works.
Is Spain right for you?
If you want warm weather, walkable cities, strong healthcare, and a lower cost of living without leaving Europe, Spain is hard to beat. The trade-off is bureaucracy — it's slow, and Spanish helps a lot.
Choosing your visa
Pick the route that matches how you earn money:
- Work for a foreign company or yourself → Digital Nomad Visa
- Live off savings, pension, or investments → Non-Lucrative Visa
- Hired by a Spanish company → Work Visa
The rough timeline
- 1
Choose your visa route
- 2
Gather documents
Income proof, a background check, and health insurance. - 3
Apply at the consulate
At the Spanish consulate in your home country. - 4
Get your residence card
Enter Spain and apply for your residence card (TIE).
Frequently asked questions
Can Americans move to Spain?
Yes. Common routes are the Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers and the Non-Lucrative Visa for those with sufficient passive income.
Does Spain still have a Golden Visa?
No. Spain ended its residency-by-investment Golden Visa on 3 April 2025. You can still buy property in Spain, but a purchase no longer comes with a residence permit. Remote workers now use the Digital Nomad Visa and the financially independent use the Non-Lucrative Visa.
How much income do I need to move to Spain?
It depends on the visa. As of 2026 the Digital Nomad Visa expects roughly €2,850 a month, while the Non-Lucrative Visa expects about €2,400 a month in passive income, with more for each family member. Both figures are tied to Spanish wage and benefit indexes (the SMI and IPREM) and can change when those are updated.
How long until I can get Spanish citizenship?
The standard route is 10 years of legal residence. It drops to just 2 years for nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal, as well as Sephardic Jews.
Does Spain allow dual citizenship?
Only for some. Spain lets nationals of those Ibero-American and a few other countries keep both passports. Others, including Americans and Britons, are formally asked to renounce their prior nationality when they naturalize.
Compare destinations
Other places to relocate
Serbia
Why Serbia has become a magnet for remote workers and entrepreneurs — easy residency, low taxes, and a low cost of living in the heart of the Balkans.
Montenegro
Why entrepreneurs and remote workers eye Montenegro — easy company-based residency, the euro, low costs, and a stunning Adriatic coast inside an EU candidate country.
France
How to actually move to France — the long-stay visitor visa, the Talent Passport, the self-employed route, and the path to citizenship in this founding EU member.
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