How to Move to Spain from the US: A Beginners Guide

We’ve helped hundreds of Americans move across the Atlantic to start a new life in Spain. They’ve come for many reasons, including exceptional healthcare, low cost of living, a peaceful and laidback lifestyle, and much more.

So, if you want to join them, where does a US citizen wanting to move to Spain start?

We think there are five steps to get started, and while there is a lot to consider, if you take it step-by-step with the proper support, you can add yourself to the list of happy folks who make the move.

So, what are the five steps that you’ll take?

Here’s an overview:

How to Move to Spain from the US

1. Immigration, Visas, and Residency

All US citizens coming to live in Spain will need some type of immigration permission.

If you are lucky enough to have a European Union (EU) second citizenship, like an Italian or Irish passport, then you have it easy and can move to Spain without a visa. If, like most Americans, you only have a US passport – what are your options?

Spain has many immigration options and visa types, all with different rights and requirements.

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Pro Tip: Speak to a good Spanish Immigration Lawyer to find the right option. They’ll ensure the visa suits your requirements and, importantly, that you can successfully apply.

2. Healthcare and Private Health Insurance

Almost all Americans applying for a visa must have private health insurance. And, not just any policy will do. The policy must be with a company registered in Spain without co-payment or exclusions.

The bad news is that you can only get a visa with a qualifying policy.
The good news is that Spain is exceptionally cheap compared to the US cover.

Here are a few examples of ANNUAL healthcare premiums that our partner insurance companies quoted in the last few months. And, yes, as I always have to confirm with our American clients, these are annual premiums for standard cover, not monthly.

Singles

38 Years Old – €683
54 Years Old – €1015
63 Years Old – €1263
73 Years Old – €2200
76 Years Old – €2525

Families

Family of 4 (41, 39, 8, and 4) – €2141

Family Of 3 (44, 41 and 7) – €1793

These policies are all standard covers that meet Spanish immigration requirements. They cover all specialists and doctor visits as an outpatient, unlimited operations including medication, 30 massages, and physiotherapy sessions per year, plus dental treatment including check-ups, dental cleaning, extractions, and X-rays.

Pro Tip: Find companies that work with Expats and check that they have English language support. Many companies in Spain work primarily with locals and are not used to issuing certificates for immigration applications. They offer administrative and medical support only in Spanish. You can use our easy tool to get quotes from highly regarded insurers.

3. Make a List of Places to Live in Spain

Spain is enormous – around the size of Texas and home to around 65 million people.

Spain’s geographical diversity means US expats have a wide range of lifestyle options, from bustling cities to remote, quiet regions; for those who prefer city life, Madrid and Barcelona offer vibrant urban environments, while areas like Extremadura, with its low population and vast rural landscapes, provide a more peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience. If nature is your thing, the country offers everything from the snowy peaks of the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada mountains to the hot, dry plains of Andalusia.

The climate and coastal options are also varied. The Mediterranean coast (Valencia, Alicante, and Malaga) offers warm, sunny weather and calm seas. In contrast, the Atlantic coast (Galicia, Basque Country) is more relaxed, greener (and wetter), and has a rugged, dramatic coastline. Whether you prefer mountain snow in winter or year-round beach weather, Spain’s regions offer a staggering range of climates and environments.

There are also regions with higher Expat populations; in these, you’ll find more English spoken and more facilities and services that cater to Expats. If you want to really dive into the Spanish language and culture, there are places where you’ll be the only non-local in the village!

Given all that variety, why do we suggest you pick a short list so early?

Spain has 13 Autonomous Communities, and much like the US States, these governments set tax policies, and they differ considerably. Narrowing down some options will make the next step much more straightforward.

Pro Tip: Visit several places before deciding where to settle and try to speak with Expats who made the move. Each area has its own pace and feel, and if you can rent a place for a few weeks before you lock in a choice, it is all the better. And remember, given the changing seasons and high tourist numbers, a place can feel very different in January vs August!

Day trips from Barcelona to Sitges — Sitges beach

4. Find Out About Your Taxes – US and Spanish

US citizens living in Spain for over 183 days are usually classified as Spanish tax residents, meaning they are subject to Spanish taxes on their global income.

However, the US-Spain tax treaty prevents double taxation, so you will only pay tax on the same income once.

As we mentioned, Spanish income tax rates vary by region and income level, with national rates ranging from 19% to 47%. Additionally, specific taxes on wealth, property, and capital gains exist, though some regions offer exemptions and, in some cases, 100% rebates to Expats.

Programs like the Beckham Law can help you significantly bring your tax bill down, but you need to get your planning all lined up as early as possible.

And remember, US expats must file US tax returns annually, even if they pay taxes in Spain. This often means that you’re submitting a US tax return with zero assessable income – thanks, Uncle Sam, for the additional paperwork!

Pro Tip: You need to chat with a Spanish taxation specialist to understand how much tax you’ll pay. But there is another service you should consider. A cross-border financial advisor can ensure your investments and income are managed smoothly between the two countries to maximize returns and minimize tax.

5. Get Excited About Your New Life in Spain

Our business is all about the nuts and bolts of a move. We talk about visas, healthcare, taxes, rentals, foreign exchange, and pet relocations all day long.

But that’s our job. In the morning before work, I’ll either hike in the hills behind our house, swim in the sparkling Mediterranean or take my kayak out for a paddle. In summer, the chiringuitos (beach bars) have live bands and tapas in the long evenings; all year long, there are festivals, fireworks, and fiestas.

We’re surrounded by friendly Spanish people, staggering architecture, and some of the world’s best food and wine.

I can fly to 13 other European capitals within two and a half hours from an airport 30 minutes from my home. I can catch high-speed trains around the country and explore cultures and areas I have barely ever heard of.

I’ve lived in four countries and traveled to dozens more. I can’t think of any place I’d be happier living in than here.

If you don’t believe me, check out our article. We interviewed a wide range of Americans living in Spain to hear firsthand how life here compares to the US.

Pro Tip: Start learning a little Spanish using platforms like Duolingo or iTalki. Even a few words will be useful, and they will help get you excited!

So, Are You Ready to Get Started?

I won’t lie; there’s more to moving to Spain from the US than just those five steps. But if you get started, it will be manageable. There are fantastic resources and services to help you through the process.

And, once you’re sipping sangria with your toes in the sand and a warm Spanish sun on your back, it’s all so worthwhile!

Alison and Alastair, a couple of expats who have made Barcelona their home since 2015, share insider tips and valuable resources on relocating from the USA to Spain.

View all posts Alison and Alastair, a couple of expats who have made Barcelona their home since 2015, share insider tips and valuable resources on relocating from the USA to Spain.