Thinking about moving to Spain in 2025? Whether you’re chasing sunshine, slowing down the pace, or simply ready for a new chapter, Spain has a way of making people feel right at home. The mix of friendly faces, good food, and laid-back vibes can make you feel like you belong before you even unpack.
We know that relocating to another country can feel like a huge leap. But you’re not doing it alone. This Remitly guide breaks down the important stuff like visas, money, housing, healthcare, and community, so you can focus more on the adventure ahead.
Why move to Spain in 2025?
Spain continues to be one of the world’s most popular destinations for expats, with around 41,000 people from the US choosing to call Spain home. But its appeal goes far beyond flamenco and tapas.
You won’t be doing this alone
Starting over in a new country can be daunting, but in Spain, it’s a little easier thanks to the strong and extensive expat communities. Wherever you are, you’ll find Facebook groups, language exchanges, community meetups, and even international book clubs. People in Spain are generally warm and welcoming, and other expats often become fast friends who’ve been exactly where you are.
Family and community really matter
Spain has a strong sense of community. Family life is central, and it’s common to see several generations gathering for long Sunday lunches or strolling through the town square together in the evening. And kids are welcome just about everywhere. It’s the kind of environment where people look out for one another, and that can make a big difference when you’re settling into a new life abroad.
It’s easy to travel around
Once you’re in Spain, Europe suddenly feels wide open. Want to hop over to Paris for the weekend? Or spend a few days exploring Morocco? With Spain’s well-connected train system, affordable domestic flights, and access to budget airlines, spontaneous getaways are extremely doable.
Figuring out the paperwork: Spanish residency requirements
Sorting out visas and residency requirements isn’t the most exciting part of moving to Spain. The good news? You’ve got options, and some are more straightforward than you might think.
Which visa makes the most sense for you?
There’s no one-size-fits-all visa, so it really depends on what kind of life you’re planning in Spain.
If you’re retiring or living off savings or passive income, the Non-Lucrative Visa is a popular pick that allows you to stay long-term as long as you’re not working (this includes remote work). You must prove income exceeding 400% of the IPREM (a Spanish government benchmark for income), which is currently €2,400 EUR monthly. To that, you must add 100% of the IPREM (€600 EUR) for each dependent.
If you’re planning to work for a Spanish company, then the Employee Visa (or Work Visa) is what you’ll need. This is a great option if you’ve already landed a job contract in Spain and plan to build your career there. As of 2025, initial work permits are granted for one year and can be renewed for four years. The process is typically initiated by your employer.
If you’re heading to Spain for school, the Study Visa covers you during your studies and even lets you work part-time (up to 20 hours per week).
And if you’re looking to work remotely, the new Digital Nomad Visa is a game-changer. It’s designed for freelancers and remote employees who want to live in Spain while working for a company based elsewhere. You must be earning at least €2762.66 EUR per month from non-Spanish sources.
What you’ll need
The paperwork can feel a bit overwhelming at first. But breaking it down step by step can help. Most visa applications ask for:
- A valid passport
- Proof that you can support yourself financially
- Private health insurance
- A clean criminal record
- Sometimes proof of where you’ll live, or a medical certificate
Finding a place to call home in Spain
One of the most exciting parts of moving is figuring out where you’ll live. While house hunting in a new country can feel like a big task, it gets much easier once you know your options.
Start with renting
If you’re new to Spain, renting first is often the best move. It gives you the flexibility to try out different neighborhoods, get a feel for your daily routine, and make sure you’re really happy before committing long-term.
Lease terms can be as short as six months or as long as a year, and it’s usually quicker and cheaper upfront than buying. In most cases, if you sign a standard long-term lease, Spanish rental law gives you the right to renew it for up to five years (seven years if the owner is a legal entity), as long as you keep paying rent and following the terms. This offers a bit of stability, especially if you find a place you love.
If you want to search for properties online, try popular sites like Idealista and Fotocasa.
Where expats love to live (and why)
Spain’s regions are like different flavors, each with its own vibe, pace, and perks.
- Madrid is fast-paced, full of energy, and packed with culture. If you thrive on big-city buzz and easy access to jobs and events, it’s a solid choice.
- Barcelona blends city life with the beach. It’s modern, creative, and walkable, with a big international community and a strong startup scene.
- Valencia is a favorite for its mix of affordability, beaches, and relaxed lifestyle. It’s big enough to have everything you need, but small enough to feel friendly and manageable.
- Málaga and Costa del Sol are go-to spots if you’re chasing sun and a slower pace. They’re especially popular with retirees and remote workers.
- Seville is perfect if you want rich culture and history without the chaos of a massive city. Summers are hot (really hot), but the city’s charm, festivals, and food scene more than make up for it.
- Bilbao and San Sebastián, in the Basque Country, are great if you prefer cooler weather, green hills, and an artsy, foodie scene. San Sebastián is especially known for its high quality of life.
- Alicante offers a strong expat presence, international schools, and beautiful beaches, all at a relatively affordable cost. It’s a practical choice for families and retirees alike.
- The Canary Islands are ideal if you’re looking for year-round sunshine and a more laid-back lifestyle. The tropical climate and slower pace attract digital nomads, retirees, and nature lovers.
- The Balearic Islands offer a dreamy Mediterranean lifestyle with beaches, scenic towns, and lively expat scenes.
- Smaller towns and inland cities like Granada, Salamanca, Zaragoza, or Logroño can surprise you. They offer an incredible quality of life, lower housing costs, and a more “authentically Spanish” rhythm to everyday life.
What can you expect to pay?
Housing costs vary a lot. In cities like Madrid or Barcelona, expect to pay anywhere from 900 to €1,500 EUR per month for a one-bedroom apartment. In smaller cities or rural areas, that could drop to €500–700 EUR or less.
Don’t forget to factor in monthly bills like electricity, water, and internet. If you’re buying, there’ll be additional costs like property taxes, notary fees, and sometimes homeowners’ association charges.
If you’re on a tighter budget, look outside the main city areas. Suburbs and nearby towns often offer better value for money and a quieter way of life, but still have great public transport links to nearby cities.
Top tip: For long-term rentals, the rental agency fee is the responsibility of the landlord, not the tenant.
Getting your money sorted in Spain
From opening a bank account to sending money home, getting set up financially will make day-to-day life in Spain much easier.
Opening a bank account
You’ll need a local bank account for things like paying rent, setting up utilities, getting paid if you’re working in Spain, and buying groceries without racking up foreign card fees.
Most banks will ask for your passport, Foreign Identity Number (NIE), and proof of address. If you’re working, they may also request your job contract or proof of income.
Popular banks like Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank, and Sabadell all have expat-friendly services. Fees vary (some charge monthly maintenance costs), so it’s worth comparing options before choosing where to open an account. Online banks like N26 and Revolut are also popular.
If you’re still waiting on your NIE, some banks allow you to open a “non-resident” account temporarily. These may have higher fees and limited features.
Top tip: Many bank branches only open Monday to Friday from 8/9 a.m. to 2/3 p.m.
What to know about taxes in Spain
If you’re living in Spain for more than 183 days a year, you’ll likely be considered a tax resident, which means you may need to report your global income. Yep, even if you’re still earning from a job or business abroad.
Spain has a tax treaty with the US and many other countries to help avoid getting taxed twice on the same income. But Spanish tax rules can be a bit confusing at first, especially when it comes to income tax brackets, property taxes, and wealth declarations, so make sure you’re informed.
Getting ready for your new life in Spain
Between the packing, paperwork, and figuring out how daily life works, there’s a lot to think about.
What to pack
Spain’s weather isn’t the same everywhere, so it helps to know where you’re headed. The south is warm and sunny most of the year, while the north can be cooler and rainier. Cities like Madrid get blazing hot in summer and chilly in winter, so pack with layers in mind. Some homes don’t have central heating or air conditioning, so be prepared for extreme temperatures indoors too.
On the practical side, don’t forget:
- Your passport and any ID documents
- Health records or prescriptions
- Rental or housing documents
- Bank and financial paperwork
Make digital copies of everything and back them up (you’ll thank yourself later).
Learning a bit of Spanish goes a long way
You don’t need to be fluent, but having some Spanish under your belt will make daily life way easier. Speaking Spanish can unlock things you might otherwise miss, like chatting with your neighbors, understanding local news, or getting the best produce at the market.
Apps like Duolingo and Babbel are great for getting started, and once you’re in Spain, you’ll find plenty of local classes and conversation groups. Look out for “Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas,” government-run language schools that offer courses at a low cost—they often have strict registration periods, so find out as much as you can in advance.
Getting around like a local
Public transport in Spain is usually affordable, reliable, and easy to navigate. Cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville have well-connected metro and bus systems, and smaller towns often have regular bus routes and good walkability. Once you’re a resident, ask about monthly or annual transport cards; they usually come with savings.
If you’re planning to explore beyond your new city, Renfe’s regional and high-speed trains make traveling between cities fast and comfortable.
Top tip: Many regions offer discounts for seniors, students, or residents under 30. Check with your local provider for information.
Healthcare
Spain’s free healthcare system is one of the best in Europe, and it’s accessible once you’re officially a resident. You can register for the public system through your local health center. Many locals also have private health insurance as it’s relatively affordable.
One thing that expats like about the private healthcare system in Spain is that you can book an appointment directly with a specialist, without a referral.
Schools for expat families
The school year runs from September to June, and many schools have application deadlines in spring. Spain offers a range of options depending on your language preferences and budget.
- Public schools are free and taught in Spanish (or regional languages like Catalan or Galician, depending on where you live). Placements depend on your address.
- Semi-private schools (“Colegios concertados”) are privately run but publicly subsidized. They must follow admissions criteria set by the government.
- Private bilingual schools mix English (or other languages) and Spanish and usually follow the Spanish curriculum.
- International schools often follow British or American systems and teach in English. These are popular with expat families but come with higher fees.
What life actually costs
Spain isn’t as cheap as it once was, but compared to the US, it can still feel refreshingly affordable, especially when it comes to everyday expenses. You can get a coffee for around €2 EUR, a traditional lunch menu (menu del día) could be as little as €12 EUR, and weekly groceries for one person could be €50-60 EUR.
While prices have gone up in big cities, groceries, restaurants, and utilities still tend to be more manageable than in many parts of the US. In fact, most locals tend to still enjoy eating out or having drinks with friends on weekends. Smaller towns and rural areas are where you’ll see the real difference. Rent is lower, and life is slower.
Getting comfortable with Spanish culture
Spain has its own unique pace, customs, and quirks, and the more open you are to embracing them, the smoother (and more fun) your transition will be.
Paperwork takes time
It’s no secret that Spanish admin processes are famously slow and can be a bit frustrating. Whether you’re registering your residency, getting a health card, or setting up electricity, expect a bit of back and forth.
Also, be prepared for limited office hours and appointments booked weeks in advance. Staying calm and polite goes a long way; it’s not personal, it’s just the system.
Social rules that help you feel at home
Spaniards are famously friendly and social, so don’t be surprised if you’re greeted with two cheek kisses even by people you’ve just met. (It’s usually right-left, in case you’re wondering.) In more professional or formal settings, a handshake is still common, but in social situations, warmth is the default.
Mealtimes are also later than you might be used to. Locals often start lunch at 2 p.m. and don’t sit down to dinner until 9 p.m. or even 10 p.m. Restaurants adapt to this schedule, so don’t worry, you won’t be eating alone.
Life feels slower
One of the first things newcomers notice is the pace. Spain doesn’t rush. People take time to enjoy meals, chat with neighbors, and pause during the day. Don’t be surprised if you see families enjoying a meal together at 9 p.m. on a Monday. It’s a lifestyle that’s as much about connection as it is about comfort.
Networking with the expat community
Spain has a wide and active expat community, so you’ll never be far from others sharing the same experiences as you. Look out for expat groups in your area on Facebook, InterNations, and Meetup events near you—they can be a great way to meet people.
Festivals and activities
Spanish culture is rich and diverse, and there are events and traditions throughout the year. Find out about the important customs and festivals in the area you’re going to be living in, and try to take part—it’ll help you to feel more at home and can also be a great way to meet local people. Whether it’s getting covered in tomatoes at La Tomatina, watching an authentic Flamenco show, or dancing in the parades at Carnival, there’s something for everyone.
Enjoy your new life in Spain! And remember, Remitly can take care of your money transfer needs to make the move smoother—whether you’re sending money to your new account in Spain or to family back home once you’re settled.
FAQs
What visa can I apply for?
Spain offers several visa options, including the Non-Lucrative Visa, Employee Visa, Study Visa, and Digital Nomad Visa. Each suits different needs depending on your work status and income.
How much does it cost to live in Spain?
Living costs vary by region, but Spain is generally affordable. Rent ranges from €800–1,500 EUR in major cities and is lower in smaller towns.
Is healthcare accessible for expats?
Yes, many expats use private insurance at first and later register for public healthcare. Access depends on your residency status and region.