Complete Guide to Moving to Spain in 2026: Cost, Visas, Healthcare, and Where to Live

Spain is not just a vacation destination — it is the country that more expats choose to call home than almost anywhere else in Europe. With 300–320 days of sunshine per year, a healthcare system ranked in the global top 10, and a cost of living that makes Western European quality accessible on a moderate income, Spain consistently ranks among the top three expat destinations worldwide.

The numbers back up the reputation. A single person can live comfortably in Valencia or Malaga for $1,600–$2,000 a month. Even in Madrid or Barcelona, $2,200–$2,800 buys a quality of life that would cost $4,000+ in San Francisco, London, or Sydney. Spain launched a dedicated digital nomad visa in 2023, and the Beckham Law offers incoming professionals a flat 24% income tax rate for up to six years — one of the most generous tax incentives in Europe.

Whether you are a remote worker seeking year-round sunshine, a retiree drawn to affordable Mediterranean living, or a family looking for excellent public schools and safe neighborhoods, Spain delivers. This guide covers everything you need to know about moving to Spain in 2026 — the real costs, the visa pathways, the bureaucracy, and the cities where expats actually thrive.

At WhereNext, we score every country across seven data-driven dimensions using institutional sources. You can explore the full Spain country profile for real-time data, or keep reading for the comprehensive breakdown.

Cost of Living: Madrid, Barcelona, and Beyond

Spain’s cost of living is one of its greatest advantages — a Western European lifestyle at Southern European prices. The gap between Spain and Northern Europe has narrowed slightly in recent years, but Madrid and Barcelona remain 30–40% cheaper than London, Paris, or Amsterdam. Secondary cities like Valencia, Malaga, Seville, and Alicante are cheaper still, typically 20–30% below the Spanish capitals.

Madrid

Spain’s capital is a proper European metropolis — world-class museums, a thriving food scene, and a nightlife culture that genuinely starts at midnight. A one-bedroom apartment in popular neighborhoods like Malasaña, Chueca, or Lavapiés runs €900–€1,300 per month. In upscale areas like Salamanca or Retiro, expect €1,200–€1,600. Outside the M-30 ring road, rents drop to €650–€900.

Total monthly budget for a single person in Madrid: roughly $2,000–$2,500, including rent, groceries (€250–€350), dining out (€200–€350), metro pass (€55), utilities (€100–€150), and internet (€30–€40). Madrid’s metro system is one of the largest in Europe and runs until 1:30 AM, making car ownership unnecessary.

Barcelona

Barcelona is Spain’s most international city and the default landing zone for many expats. The beach, Gaudi’s architecture, and the blend of Catalan and international culture create an irresistible package. However, Barcelona is also Spain’s most expensive city for housing. A one-bedroom in Eixample, Gràcia, or El Born runs €1,000–€1,500 per month. In Barceloneta or the Gothic Quarter, expect even more. The Poblenou tech district is increasingly popular with remote workers, with rents of €900–€1,300.

Total monthly budget for a single person in Barcelona: roughly $2,200–$2,800. The premium over Madrid is mainly in housing; groceries, dining, and transport are similar. Barcelona’s beach lifestyle, walkability, and international energy justify the premium for many expats.

Valencia

Valencia is the city that consistently tops “best city for expats” lists, and for good reason. It has Barcelona’s beach, Madrid’s food scene, and neither city’s price tag. A one-bedroom in Ruzafa, El Carmen, or near the City of Arts and Sciences runs €700–€1,000 per month. The city is bikeable, has a futuristic Turia riverbed park, and the local paella is the real thing — not the tourist version.

Total monthly budget in Valencia: roughly $1,600–$2,000. That is 20–30% less than Barcelona for a comparable quality of life. Valencia’s expat community has exploded since 2020, with a strong digital nomad scene, excellent coworking spaces, and a walkable city center.

Malaga and the Costa del Sol

Malaga has undergone a renaissance. Once a gateway airport for beach resorts, it is now a vibrant cultural city with a Pompidou Centre outpost, a thriving tech scene, and some of the best weather in mainland Europe. A one-bedroom in the city center runs €700–€1,100 per month. Nearby coastal towns like Fuengirola, Nerja, and Estepona are popular with retirees and offer rents of €600–€900.

Total monthly budget in Malaga: roughly $1,600–$2,100. The Costa del Sol benefits from an enormous existing expat infrastructure — English-speaking doctors, international schools, and established social networks.

Seville and Alicante

Seville is Spain at its most authentically Andalusian — flamenco, tapas culture, orange-tree-lined streets, and summers that genuinely exceed 40°C (104°F). Rent for a one-bedroom runs €600–€900. Alicante, on the Mediterranean coast, offers excellent weather, a compact beachside city center, and rents of €600–€850. Both cities deliver total monthly budgets of $1,500–$1,900.

Visa Options: How to Legally Move to Spain

Spain offers several visa pathways, and choosing the right one depends on your income source, employment situation, and long-term goals. Here is a breakdown of the main options for people moving to Spain in 2026.

Digital Nomad Visa (Visa para Teletrabajo)

Spain launched its digital nomad visa in January 2023 as part of the Startups Law (Ley de Startups), targeting remote workers and freelancers who earn their income from companies or clients based outside Spain. This visa was a direct response to Spain’s growing appeal among location-independent workers.

The key requirements: you must demonstrate that you work remotely for a company registered outside Spain, or that at least 80% of your freelance income comes from non-Spanish clients. The minimum income threshold is not formally fixed but applicants typically need to show earnings of at least €2,520 per month (200% of Spain’s minimum wage). You must also have no criminal record and carry health insurance valid in Spain.

The visa grants an initial one-year residence permit, renewable for up to three additional years. A major perk: digital nomad visa holders are eligible for the Beckham Law tax regime, which means a flat 24% income tax rate on Spanish-source income up to €600,000 for the first six years — rather than the standard progressive rates that top out at 47%.

Non-Lucrative Visa (Visa No Lucrativa)

The non-lucrative visa is Spain’s pathway for retirees and people living on passive income. The critical restriction: you cannot work in Spain on this visa — not even remotely for a Spanish employer. Your income must come from pensions, investments, rental income, savings, or other passive sources.

You need to demonstrate sufficient financial means, which in practice requires approximately €2,300 per month (€27,600 annually) for a single applicant, with an additional €575 per month for each dependent family member. You also need private health insurance with no co-pays and no coverage exclusions, plus a clean criminal record certificate.

The non-lucrative visa grants an initial one-year residency, then renewable for two-year periods. After five years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency. After ten years, citizenship is possible — or after just two years if you are a national of a Latin American country, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Andorra, or Portugal.

Golden Visa (Investment Visa)

Spain’s Golden Visa program grants residency through significant investment. The most common route is a real estate purchase of at least €500,000. Other qualifying investments include €1 million in Spanish company shares or bank deposits, €2 million in government bonds, or a “business project of general interest.”

The Golden Visa provides a two-year residence permit, renewable in five-year increments as long as the investment is maintained. It does not require you to live in Spain full-time — just a single entry is needed during the validity period. Family members (spouse, children, dependent parents) can be included. However, note that the Spanish government has been discussing potential reforms to the Golden Visa program — changes are possible by late 2026, so verify current rules before applying.

Beckham Law (Régimen Fiscal Especial)

Technically a tax regime rather than a visa, the Beckham Law is one of Spain’s biggest draws for high-earning expats. Named after footballer David Beckham, who benefited from it when he joined Real Madrid, it allows qualifying new tax residents to pay a flat 24% income tax rate on Spanish income up to €600,000 for up to six years. Income above €600,000 is taxed at 47%.

To qualify, you must not have been a Spanish tax resident in the previous five years, and your move must be linked to an employment contract with a Spanish company, a posting by a foreign employer, or (since 2023) holding a digital nomad visa. The Beckham Law also means you are taxed only on Spanish-source income, not worldwide income — a major benefit for people with international investments or rental properties.

EU Citizens

Citizens of EU and EEA countries can live and work in Spain freely. After 90 days, you must register in the Registro Central de Extranjeros and obtain a green NIE card — a straightforward process that requires proof of employment, self-employment, or sufficient financial means plus health insurance.

Healthcare: Spain’s World-Class System

Spain’s healthcare system is consistently ranked in the top 10 globally by the World Health Organization, and it is one of the strongest reasons to consider the country for relocation. The system operates on two tiers: public (Seguridad Social) and private, and both deliver high-quality care.

Public Healthcare

If you are legally employed in Spain or are a registered resident paying into the social security system, you gain access to free public healthcare through the Sistema Nacional de Salud. This covers GP visits, specialist referrals, hospital treatment, emergency care, and heavily subsidized prescriptions. The quality of public hospitals in major cities — particularly Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia — is excellent by any international standard.

Retirees and non-workers can access public healthcare by paying the convenio especial — a monthly fee of roughly €60 per month for those under 65 and €157 per month for those 65 and over. This grants full access to the public system. Not all regions offer the convenio to all visa types, so check your specific situation.

Private Healthcare

Many expats in Spain opt for private health insurance, either as a supplement to the public system or as their primary coverage (required for some visa types). The major providers — Sanitas, Adeslas (SegurCaixa), ASISA, and DKV — offer comprehensive plans starting at €70–€100 per month for a healthy adult under 50. Coverage typically includes GP visits, specialists without referral, dental, and private hospital access.

Private care in Spain offers shorter wait times and more flexibility in choosing specialists. English-speaking doctors are available in all major cities and expat-heavy coastal areas. For Americans accustomed to paying $500–$800 per month for health insurance with $5,000+ deductibles, Spanish private healthcare feels like a revelation.

Expat tip: if your visa requires private health insurance (non-lucrative visa, digital nomad visa), the policy must have no co-pays and no coverage gaps. Budget plans with high deductibles will not satisfy the visa requirement. Sanitas and Adeslas both offer visa-compliant plans — confirm compliance before purchasing.

Where to Live in Spain: Best Cities for Expats

Spain offers a remarkable diversity of cities — from cosmopolitan capitals to sun-drenched coastal towns to historic Andalusian gems. Here are the most popular destinations for expats, with honest assessments of each.

Barcelona

Barcelona is Spain’s most international city, with the largest concentration of foreign residents and a buzzing startup and digital nomad scene. The blend of beach, mountains, Gothic architecture, and Catalan culture creates a city that feels uniquely energetic. The best neighborhoods for expats include Gràcia (village-like charm, independent shops), Eixample (wide boulevards, central location), Poblenou (tech hub, modern apartments), and El Born (trendy, historic, excellent dining).

The trade-offs: Barcelona is the most expensive city in Spain for housing, tourist crowds can be intense from May to October, and the Catalan independence movement creates a political dynamic that some expats find either fascinating or exhausting. The local language is Catalan (not Spanish), though everyone speaks both.

Madrid

Madrid is the true heart of Spain — the political, financial, and cultural capital. It is less touristy than Barcelona, more authentically Spanish, and has a depth of museums, restaurants, and nightlife that few European cities can match. The best expat neighborhoods include Malasaña (hip, walkable, great cafes), Chueca (LGBTQ+-friendly, vibrant), Lavapiés (multicultural, edgy), and Retiro (quiet, family-friendly, near the park).

Madrid’s main drawback is climate: summers are brutally hot (regularly 38–40°C) and the city is inland, so there is no coastal escape nearby. But the metro system is outstanding, Madrid-Barajas is a major international hub, and the food scene is among the best in Europe.

Valencia

Valencia has emerged as Spain’s most popular city for expats and digital nomads. It offers the best balance of affordability, climate, beach access, and quality of life. The City of Arts and Sciences is a stunning architectural landmark, the Turia Gardens running through the city center make it exceptionally green, and the local food scene — birthplace of paella — is exceptional. Popular neighborhoods include Ruzafa (foodie paradise, lively nightlife), El Carmen (historic old town), and Benimaclet (bohemian, affordable, near the university).

Malaga

Malaga has transformed from a forgotten transit point into one of Spain’s most dynamic cities. Google has a cybersecurity hub here, a Pompidou Centre satellite attracts culture seekers, and the old town has been beautifully renovated. With an average of 320 days of sunshine per year, Malaga may be the sunniest major city in Europe. The expat community skews slightly older than Valencia or Barcelona, with a strong contingent of British, Scandinavian, and German residents along the Costa del Sol.

Alicante

Alicante is an underrated gem on the southeastern coast. It offers excellent weather (arguably the mildest winters in mainland Spain), a compact and walkable city center, affordable rents, and a growing digital nomad community. The nearby university city of Elche and the small-town charm of Altea and Javea attract different types of expats, from young professionals to retirees.

Taxes: What Expats Need to Know

Spain’s tax system is progressive, with rates ranging from 19% to 47%. The first €12,450 of income is taxed at 19%, rising through several brackets to 47% on income above €300,000. Additionally, each autonomous community (region) can adjust regional tax rates slightly, so your effective rate varies by where you live — Madrid tends to be the most tax-friendly region, while Catalonia and Andalusia are at the higher end.

The headline incentive is the Beckham Law: qualifying new residents pay a flat 24% on income up to €600,000 for up to six years. For a remote worker earning €80,000, the Beckham Law saves roughly €5,000–€8,000 per year compared to standard progressive rates. Combined with Spain’s lower cost of living, your net purchasing power can increase dramatically.

Other tax considerations: Spain levies a wealth tax on net assets above €700,000 (your primary residence up to €300,000 is exempt). Rates range from 0.2% to 3.5%, though Madrid offers a 100% rebate on this tax. VAT (IVA) is 21% (10% on food and restaurants, 4% on basic necessities). Capital gains are taxed at 19–28% depending on the amount.

For US citizens: you will still file US taxes regardless of where you live. The FEIE (Foreign Earned Income Exclusion) allows you to exclude over $126,000 of foreign-earned income in 2026, and the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) prevents double taxation on income taxed in Spain. Spain and the US have a bilateral tax treaty. The interaction between the Beckham Law and US tax obligations can be complex — consult an international tax advisor before making the move.

How Spain Compares to Rival Destinations

Spain’s main competitors for expats are Portugal, Italy, and France. All four offer Mediterranean lifestyles, but the details matter. Here is a side-by-side comparison on the metrics that actually drive relocation decisions.

For a deeper dive, see our Portugal vs. Spain head-to-head comparison.

Language and Integration

Spanish (castellano) is the primary language across most of the country. In Catalonia (Barcelona), Catalan is co-official and widely used in daily life, signage, and government services. The Basque Country has Euskara, and Galicia has Galician. For practical purposes, learning Spanish opens every door.

English proficiency varies significantly by city and generation. In Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia’s expat-heavy neighborhoods, you can manage daily life in English. But outside these bubbles — in markets, government offices, banks, and smaller cities — English is limited. Spain ranks 35th in the EF English Proficiency Index, well behind the Netherlands, Scandinavia, and Portugal.

The honest advice: learn Spanish. Even basic conversational Spanish transforms the quality of your experience, earns respect from locals, and is essential for navigating bureaucracy. Spanish is also one of the easiest languages for English speakers to learn — most people reach conversational level within 6–12 months of consistent practice. In-person classes run €10–€20 per hour, and intercambio (language exchange) meetups happen weekly in every major city.

Internet and Infrastructure

Spain’s infrastructure is excellent by global standards. The country has the largest fiber optic network in Europe, covering over 85% of the population. Average broadband speeds in cities range from 100–600 Mbps, with symmetric fiber plans starting at €30–€40 per month from providers like Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, and MásMil.

The AVE high-speed train network connects Madrid to Barcelona (2.5 hours), Seville (2.5 hours), Valencia (1.5 hours), and Malaga (2.5 hours). Domestic flights are cheap and frequent, and Spain’s position makes weekend trips to anywhere in Europe, North Africa, or the Atlantic islands easy and affordable.

Coworking spaces are plentiful: WeWork, Impact Hub, Spaces, and MOB operate in Madrid and Barcelona, while local coworking brands like Wayco (Valencia), La Nave (Madrid), and The Living Room (Malaga) cater specifically to digital nomads. Monthly hot-desk memberships run €120–€250 depending on city and space.

Getting There and Getting Around

Spain has excellent international connectivity. Madrid-Barajas (MAD) is a major transatlantic hub with direct flights to dozens of US cities. Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) serves most European destinations and select long-haul routes. Malaga (AGP) has strong connections throughout Europe. Budget carriers like Ryanair, Vueling, and EasyJet make domestic and European flights remarkably affordable — Madrid to Barcelona from €20, Spain to anywhere in Europe from €30–€80.

Within cities, public transport is outstanding. Madrid’s metro has 302 stations across 13 lines. Barcelona’s metro and tram system is comprehensive. Valencia has an efficient metro and tram. Monthly transport passes range from €40–€55. Cycling infrastructure is improving, particularly in Valencia (excellent), Seville (good), and Barcelona (growing). Car ownership is unnecessary in any major city.

Is Moving to Spain Right for You?

Spain is an exceptional destination, but no country is perfect for everyone. Here is an honest assessment of who thrives here and who might look elsewhere.

Spain is ideal for:

• Remote workers and digital nomads earning in USD, GBP, or EUR who want maximum sunshine, culture, and quality of life
• Retirees with passive income who want excellent healthcare, a social culture, and Mediterranean weather
• Families looking for safe cities, good public schools, and an outdoor lifestyle
• People who value food, social life, and a pace of life that prioritizes enjoyment over hustle
• High earners who can leverage the Beckham Law for significant tax savings

Spain may not be ideal for:

• People who need to conduct all daily business in English — learning Spanish is important outside the biggest cities
• Anyone with low tolerance for bureaucracy — Spanish administrative processes are notoriously slow and paper-heavy
• Those who need the non-lucrative visa but want to work — the no-work restriction is strictly enforced
• People who struggle with heat — inland cities (Madrid, Seville) regularly exceed 40°C in summer
• Those on a very tight budget — Spain is affordable by Western European standards but not as cheap as Southeast Asia or Latin America

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do I need to move to Spain?

For the non-lucrative visa, you need to demonstrate approximately €2,300 per month (€27,600 per year) in passive income. For the digital nomad visa, plan on showing at least €2,520 per month in remote work income. Beyond visa requirements, a realistic comfortable budget is $1,600–$2,800 per month depending on the city. Factor in an additional $3,000–$5,000 for initial setup costs: rental deposit (two months), NIE application, health insurance deposit, and furnishing.

Can I work remotely in Spain on a tourist visa?

Technically, no. A Schengen tourist visa (90 days) does not grant work authorization. The digital nomad visa was specifically created for remote workers. Many people do work remotely during tourist stays, but doing so is not legally sanctioned and does not provide a path to residency, tax registration, or healthcare access.

How long does it take to get Spanish residency?

Processing times vary by visa type and consulate. The non-lucrative visa typically takes 1–3 months from application to approval. The digital nomad visa currently takes 2–4 months. The Golden Visa is usually faster, at 1–2 months. Once in Spain, you have 30 days to apply for your TIE (foreign identity card), which can take another 1–3 months.

Is Spain safe for expats?

Yes. Spain is one of the safest countries in Europe for violent crime. Petty crime (pickpocketing) exists in tourist-heavy areas of Barcelona and Madrid, but is easily avoided with basic awareness. Smaller cities like Valencia, Malaga, and Alicante feel exceptionally safe. Spain consistently ranks in the top 30 on the Global Peace Index.

What is the Beckham Law and do I qualify?

The Beckham Law allows qualifying new tax residents to pay a flat 24% income tax on Spanish income (up to €600,000) for six years, instead of the standard progressive rates of 19–47%. You qualify if you have not been a Spanish tax resident in the previous five years and your move is linked to an employment contract, a company posting, or a digital nomad visa. Self-employed individuals and investors can also qualify under certain conditions added in the 2023 Startups Law.

Do I need to speak Spanish to live in Spain?

You can survive without Spanish in Barcelona, Madrid, and the Costa del Sol expat communities. But you will not thrive. Government offices, banks, landlords, and most local services operate in Spanish. Learning conversational Spanish is strongly recommended and will transform your experience from “expat in a bubble” to genuinely integrated resident.

Your Next Steps

Spain is not just another expat destination — it is the destination that consistently ranks at the top because it delivers on the fundamentals: sunshine, healthcare, safety, food, and a culture that values living well. The Beckham Law and digital nomad visa have made it more accessible than ever for remote workers and professionals. Here is how to move from reading to action:

• Explore Spain’s country profile — real-time data on cost, safety, healthcare, visas, and more.
• Read our Portugal vs. Spain comparison — a detailed head-to-head on the two most popular European expat destinations.
• Calculate your cost of living — personalized estimates for any Spanish city.
• Take the WhereNext quiz — 2 minutes to get a personalized country ranking based on your priorities.
• Do a trial run — spend 1–3 months in your target city before committing. Rent short-term in Valencia or Malaga, explore neighborhoods, test the internet, and experience the lifestyle. Spain’s tourist visa gives you 90 days to decide.

The data says Spain is one of the best destinations in the world for expats. Three hundred days of sunshine, world-class healthcare, and a culture built around enjoying life — that is a hard combination to beat. Start with the numbers, factor in your non-negotiables, and go experience it firsthand. The sangria can wait — but the Spanish sun will not.