Question 1

Can Americans move to Spain?

Accepted Answer

Yes, through the Non-Lucrative, Digital Nomad, Golden, work or student visa.

Question 2

Can Brits move to Spain after Brexit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with a long-stay visa — most commonly the NLV or DNV.

Question 3

Can EU citizens just move?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You only need to register your residency (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión) within 90 days of arrival.

Question 4

Is Spain safe?

Accepted Answer

One of the safest countries in Western Europe. Pickpocketing in tourist areas is the main risk.

Question 5

Do I need to speak Spanish?

Accepted Answer

Not to start — but life is much easier with even basic Spanish. On the Costa Blanca many services run in English.

Question 6

Which visa is easiest?

Accepted Answer

For retirees, the NLV. For remote workers, the DNV — fast processing and great tax regime.

Question 7

Can my family come?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all long-stay visas allow family reunification.

Question 8

What's the difference between NIE and TIE?

Accepted Answer

NIE is your ID number; TIE is the plastic residency card.

Question 9

How long can I stay as a tourist?

Accepted Answer

Non-EU: 90 days in any 180 in Schengen. EU: indefinitely (but register after 90 days).

Question 10

Does time count toward citizenship?

Accepted Answer

Yes — 10 years of legal residence, or 2 for Ibero-American nationals.

Question 11

What's the 183-day rule?

Accepted Answer

Spend over 183 days in Spain in a calendar year and you become a Spanish tax resident — taxed on worldwide income.

Question 12

What is the Beckham Law?

Accepted Answer

A special expat tax regime: 24% flat on Spanish income up to €600k, foreign income largely exempt, for 6 years.

Question 13

Is there wealth tax?

Accepted Answer

Yes, on net assets above a regional threshold. The rules vary by autonomous community.

Question 14

What taxes do retirees pay?

Accepted Answer

Worldwide pension income at progressive Spanish rates, minus any treaty credits.

Question 15

Can I keep my US/UK pension?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and double-taxation treaties prevent paying tax twice — but you'll usually declare it in Spain.

Question 16

Is healthcare free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, on the public system for contributors and S1 holders. Convenio Especial covers others for €60–€157/month.

Question 17

Do I need private insurance?

Accepted Answer

Mandatory for most long-stay visa applications. Many keep a small private policy alongside public care.

Question 18

Do doctors speak English?

Accepted Answer

In expat-heavy areas like the Costa Blanca, very often — especially in private clinics.

Question 19

How do I get my SIP card?

Accepted Answer

Once registered for social security, visit your local centro de salud with TIE and padrón.

Question 20

Can foreigners buy property?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with very few restrictions. You only need a NIE and a Spanish bank account.

Question 21

What are the buying costs?

Accepted Answer

Add 10–13% to the purchase price for taxes (ITP or VAT), notary, registry and legal fees.

Question 22

Can I get a Spanish mortgage?

Accepted Answer

Yes — typically 60–70% LTV for non-residents, 80% for residents. Rates similar to home country euro-denominated loans.

Question 23

Should I rent or buy first?

Accepted Answer

Almost always rent first to learn the area. Buy after 6–12 months once you know which town fits you.

Question 24

Can I bring my car?

Accepted Answer

Yes — within 6 months of becoming resident, register and re-plate it in Spain. Costs vary; sometimes cheaper to sell at home and buy locally.

Question 25

Can I drive on my foreign licence?

Accepted Answer

EU licences are valid permanently. Non-EU (US, UK, CA) must exchange or retest within 6 months — rules depend on bilateral agreements.

Question 26

How's the internet?

Accepted Answer

Excellent. Fiber 600Mb–1Gb is widely available for €30–€40/month on the coast.

Question 27

Can I bring my pets?

Accepted Answer

Yes — EU Pet Passport, microchip and up-to-date rabies vaccination.

Moving to Spain — Every Question, Answered

General

Visas & residency

Money & taxes

Healthcare

Property & housing

Day-to-day

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