Retire in Spain
Retire in Spain — Healthcare, Visas, Pensions & Lifestyle
Why hundreds of thousands of British, Dutch, German and American retirees have made the move — and what to plan before joining them.
Spain has been the retirement destination for Europeans for decades, and Americans/Canadians are catching up fast. The reasons are obvious: sunshine, affordable healthcare, real community and a slower pace of life.
Pros & cons of retiring to Spain
Pros
- Free or low-cost world-class healthcare
- Cost of living 25–40% below UK / NL / US
- Mild winters, long warm shoulder seasons
- Established expat communities — easy to make friends
- Excellent food, wine and slower lifestyle
- Path to permanent residency after 5 years
Cons
- Pensions taxed in Spain once you're tax-resident
- Inheritance planning becomes more complex
- Bureaucracy can be slow and Spanish-only
- Driving licence rules for non-EU pensioners
- Summer heat — especially inland
Visa options for retirees
| Visa | Best for |
|---|---|
| Non-Lucrative Visa | Standard route — passive income or pension |
| Golden Visa (where still open) | If you'll invest €500k+ in property |
| EU citizens | Just register — no visa needed |
Healthcare as a retiree
- • UK / EU pensioners: S1 form gives free public healthcare, funded by your home country.
- • Non-EU pensioners (US, Canada): private insurance for the visa, then Convenio Especial (€157/m at 65+) once eligible.
- • Many retirees combine public + a small private policy for fast specialist access.
Best regions to retire
- • Jávea / Moraira: beautiful coastline, lots of expats, premium prices.
- • Altea: picture-postcard old town, big international community.
- • Calpe: beach lifestyle and excellent value.
- • Torrevieja / Orihuela Costa: the most affordable, huge British/Dutch communities.
- • Inland (Jalón, Polop): traditional villages and bigger plots for less money.
Frequently asked questions
Need help moving to Spain?
Our local team helps with visas, NIE, healthcare, housing and more. One friendly point of contact for your whole relocation.