Lifestyle Travel

Moving to Spain: Reasons, Tips, and Ideas

Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr
Advertiser Disclosure

This blog post may contain references to products or services from one or more of our advertisers or partners. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products or services.


Spain is a renowned tourist destination for many reasons: its impressively well-preserved architecture and historical landmarks, atmosphere of the Mediterranean Sea, diverse landscape, delicious food, and deep culture. 

It is situated on the Iberian Peninsula. Tourists can spend a marvelous time in Barcelona, Granada, Madrid, Seville, Valencia, Malaga, or Pamplona. Although Spain was hit hard by the global economic crisis in 2008, its real estate market has since recovered and rebounded. Therefore, Spain real estate for sale temps more and more people.

If you’re thinking about a move to Spain, there are a few things you should know. 

First, the cost of living can be expensive, depending on which city you choose. But still, it is 10% lower than in the United States. Housing is typically the biggest expense, but if you’re living on your own, it can be as cheap as $200 per month. Cost of Living in Spain You can live comfortably in Spain for $1,000 per month for a single person. To increase your budget to $1,500 per month, you’ll need to move to the capital city of Madrid. 

Second, the weather is generally mild, but there can be extreme heat in some areas. Third, the people are friendly and welcoming. Fourth, the food is delicious. And finally, there is a lot to see and do in this beautiful country. 

Spanish real estate agents are hard at work renovating and modernizing properties in Spain while also keeping a sharp eye out for any bargains and real estate sales. The Spanish government is trying to encourage investment, so it’s making many improvements to infrastructure. Many vacationers are beginning to recognize how attractive Spain is, and they`re lining up to invest in Spanish real estate. And who can blame them?

How to get a residency visa for Spain?

In order to get a residency visa in Spain, there are a few requirements that will need to be met. First, you need to have a valid passport for at least six months. Second, you will need to prove that you have enough money and sources to support yourself and your family, as well as a health insurance policy. Third, you will need to have an address in Spain. Finally, you will need to prove that you have no criminal history. This includes proving that you have never applied for a residency visa in another country. 

In addition, you will need to provide a letter from an employer or university stating your professional status and work/study condition. Once you have all of the paperwork in order, you will need to submit an application at a Spanish consulate. If your application is approved, you will be issued a visa that is valid for three years. After your visa has been issued, you will need to apply for residence in Spain within 90 days of your arrival. 

Afterward, you have applied for residency, you will be issued a temporary residency card and a certificate stating that you are authorized to reside in Spain. If you are married to a Spanish citizen or have a child who is a Spanish citizen, you may be able to obtain residency on humanitarian grounds. If you are granted residency under humanitarian grounds, your visa is valid for five years. If you have been living in Spain as a tourist, student, or temporary worker and would like to continue living there on a permanent basis, you will need to apply for a residence permit.

How to move to Spain?

Moving to Spain can be a challenging task, but with a little planning, it can be a smooth transition. Here are a few ideas on how to make the move to Spain less difficult.

Get a job

The first step in moving to Spain is to get a job. Finding the right employment will make your move much easier. First of all, it will help you to get a visa easily. Spain has a large ex-pat community and there are many jobs available. You can find job postings online and in local newspapers. It is a wonderful idea to start searching for jobs before moving to Spain.

Find housing

When you find a job, the next step is finding a place to live. You have a few options: Renting an apartment in Spain is similar to renting an apartment in other countries. Renting from a private landlord or agent will be cheaper than renting from a real estate company. But do not underestimate safety issues. Sometimes it is better to pay extra, but be on the safe side. 

Buying a house in Spain is a common option for ex-pats. Most houses do not have elevators, so if you have mobility issues you should look for an apartment or condo instead of a house. There are many furnished apartments available for rent in Barcelona and other major cities. There are also many ex-pats who rent apartments in Spain and furnish them. Most landlords expect a deposit equal to one- or two months’ rent and require that you pay the first month’s rent and a security deposit of several months’ rent. It is common for landlords to require a deposit equal to the first month’s rent. If you decide to leave before your lease is up, it is best to find new tenants or try and sell or give away furniture in order to avoid paying penalties.

Paying taxes in Spain

In Spain, residents are required to file an annual tax return if their income is above a certain threshold. The tax year in Spain runs from January 1 to December 31. Self-employed individuals must file their tax return by June 30, while employees have until March 31 of the following year to file. Taxes are paid in advance, with taxpayers making quarterly estimated payments based on their income from the previous year. 

Spain has a progressive income tax system. It is based on the number of personal exemptions, which vary according to the taxpayer’s family situation and other circumstances. The tax liability is calculated by applying the applicable rate to the taxable base. Personal income tax rates are as follows: 

19% for the first EUR 6,000 of taxable income.

21% for the following EUR 6,000 to EUR 50,000 of taxable income.

23% for the following EUR 50,000 to EUR 200,000 of taxable income.

26% for any amounts over EUR 200,000.

However, the tax rate for non-residents is different, as the general rate equals 24%. 

Best places for living in Spain

Whether you’re looking for a bustling city or a quiet town, there’s a place for you in Spain. Here are three of the most popular places to move to in Spain. 

Madrid 

Madrid is Spain’s capital and largest city. It has a population of just over 3 million people, but it’s believed to be one of the world’s most densely populated cities. Madrid is known for its culture, art, and nightlife. It’s also a center for business, finance, and technology. If you’re looking to move to Spain, you’ll find a diverse population of ex-pats living in Madrid. It’s easy to get around the city because it has an extensive public transportation system. Madrid is also a great city to live in if you want to learn Spanish. The city’s population is mostly Spanish, but there are also plenty of ex-pats living in Madrid who are native speakers of English, French, and German. Madrid is one of the most vibrant, exciting cities in Europe. Additionally, if you want to speed up your language learning process and become fluent in Spanish faster, online lessons are a great choice to achieve your goal.

Barcelona

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia. It is also the second-largest city in Spain. It’s a bustling metropolis with almost 2 million inhabitants, but it also has a laid-back feel and amazing food. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Barcelona has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s also one of the best places to eat in the world. The city also offers an array of activities, including sports, nightlife, and cultural tours. 

Costa Brava

Spain’s Costa Brava is a coastline full of hidden coves, sandy beaches, and rocky cliffs. It’s a place where you can find both serenity and excitement. The Costa Brava is a great place to live if you want to experience true Spanish culture. The food is amazing, the people are friendly, and there’s always something to do. If you like adventure, you can go trekking in the mountains (or visit castles), and if you prefer something more relaxing, there are plenty of beaches to choose from.


Become an Insider

budget planner template printable

Subscribe to get a free daily budget planner printable to help get your money on track!

Make passive money the right way. No spam.





Editorial Disclaimer: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any of the companies mentioned and has not been endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are author's alone

The content of this website is for informational purposes only and does not represent investment advice, or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security, investment, or product. Investors are encouraged to do their own due diligence, and, if necessary, consult professional advising before making any investment decisions. Investing involves a high degree of risk, and financial losses may occur.


Write for Us


FangWallet was created to make financial knowledge easy-to-read and accessible to the masses. Personal finance. Understood.

Write A Comment

Pin It