Population
48.4 million
Capital
Madrid
Languages
Spanish, Catalan
+2 more
💰Cost & Practicalities
🏥Living Conditions
🛂Immigration
Visas & Immigration
View all🏛️Citizenship
Spanish citizenship requires 10 years legal residence for most applicants (1 year for spouses of Spanish citizens, 2 years for Latin American, Andorran, Filipino, Equatorial Guinean, Portuguese, or Sephardic Jewish applicants). Must demonstrate integration (language test - DELE A2 or higher, civics test CCSE). Cannot have serious criminal record. Must renounce previous citizenship unless from Latin America, Andorra, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, or Portugal. Citizenship grants full EU rights. Dual citizenship permitted for select countries.
💻Digital Nomad Visa
Remote work visa launched in 2023 for non-EU citizens working for foreign companies or clients. Requires €3,024/month minimum income (200% of Spanish minimum wage), bachelor's degree or 3+ years professional experience. Initial permit valid 12 months, renewable up to 5 years total. Can be combined with Beckham Law for 24% flat tax rate. Allows up to 20% income from Spanish sources. Provides pathway to permanent residence and citizenship. Family members can be included (add 75% for first dependent, 25% for each additional).
🚀Entrepreneur Visa
Visa for entrepreneurs starting innovative businesses in Spain. Requires business plan demonstrating economic value or innovation, validated by Spanish authorities. Must show sufficient funds to support yourself and cover startup costs. Can be combined with Beckham Law if performing innovative entrepreneurial activities. ENISA (National Innovation Company) provides support for approved projects. Initial 2-year residence permit. Does not require minimum investment amount but must demonstrate economic interest and innovation potential.
🇪🇺EU Blue Card
Work and residence permit for highly qualified non-EU professionals. Requires university degree (3+ years) and job offer with salary at least 1.5x average Spanish salary (approximately €36,000-45,000/year depending on sector). Valid throughout EU after 18 months in Spain. Fast-track processing. Family members can work immediately. More flexible than standard work visa for mobility within EU. 2-year initial permit, renewable. Eligible for Beckham Law tax benefits. Faster path to EU long-term residence.
👨👩👧👦Family Reunification
Allows Spanish residents to bring family members to Spain. Sponsor must have lived in Spain for at least 12 months and obtained first renewal of residence card. Income requirement: 150% of IPREM (€10,800/year) for one family member, plus 50% of IPREM (€300) for each additional member. Eligible family includes spouse/partner, children under 18, adult children under 25 if studying, and dependent parents. Family members receive residence and work permits. Can apply from origin country or within Spain (new 2026 rule).
⭐Highly Skilled Professional Visa
Special visa for highly qualified professionals in training, research, development, or innovation. Requires university degree and specialized professional qualification. Faster processing and more flexible terms than standard work visa. Eligible for Beckham Law tax benefits (24% flat rate). At least 40% of income must come from qualifying high-skill activities. Particularly relevant for tech workers, researchers, and innovation sector professionals. Initial 2-year permit, renewable. Family members included in initial application possible.
🏖️Non-Lucrative Visa
Residence visa for those with passive income who do not intend to work in Spain. Ideal for retirees, people with investment income, or those living off savings. Requires €27,115/year for individual (€6,778 additional per family member). Cannot work on this visa - must show passive income from pensions, investments, savings, or rental income. Initial permit 1 year, renewable for 2-year periods. After 5 years, eligible for permanent residence. No age requirement. Popular retirement destination with excellent healthcare.
🎓Student Visa
2026 major improvement: Student visas now valid for entire duration of studies (no annual renewals required). For full-time study at recognized Spanish educational institution. Allows part-time work up to 30 hours/week during studies. Family members can apply jointly from origin country or within Spain. Children of student visa holders automatically receive residence authorization. After studies, can switch to job-search visa (6 months) or work permit. Student years count as 50% toward permanent residence (2 years studying = 1 qualifying year).
💼Work Visa (General)
Standard employment visa requiring job offer from Spanish company. Employer must demonstrate that no suitable EU candidate available for position unless job is on shortage occupation list. Valid for duration of employment contract (typically 1 year initially). Renewable based on continued employment. Leads to permanent residence after 5 years. Can be combined with Beckham Law for favorable 24% flat tax rate if eligible. Processing times vary by province. Family reunification possible after 1 year of residence.
Expat Life
View allCost of Living
Spain offers moderate cost of living, significantly cheaper than Northern Europe or US. Barcelona and Madrid are most expensive (€2,000-2,800/month), while Valencia, Málaga, and Sevilla provide excellent value (€1,500-2,000/month). Regional variations significant.
Healthcare
Spain has one of the world's best healthcare systems, ranked 10th globally. Public system free for residents and workers, private insurance €50-100/month. Life expectancy 83.3 years (highest in EU). English-speaking doctors available in expat areas.
Housing
Spanish rental market varies dramatically by city. Barcelona and Madrid competitive and expensive, requiring deposits of 1-2 months. NIE and bank account often needed. Long-term rentals offer best value. Scams common on platforms like Idealista—use caution.
Banking & Finance
Opening Spanish bank account straightforward with NIE but challenging without. Major banks include BBVA, Santander, CaixaBank. Online banks like N26 good for bridging gap. Credit system less developed than US—debit cards standard.
Transportation
Spain has excellent public transport—metros in major cities, extensive high-speed rail (AVE) network. Monthly metro passes €40-55. Most expats don't need cars in cities. Driving on right side, good road network. BlaBlaCar popular for intercity travel.
Taxes
Spain has progressive income tax (19-47%) but Beckham Law offers 24% flat rate for eligible expats. Become tax resident after 183 days. VAT (IVA) 21% standard. Annual tax return (Modelo 100) required. Gestoría recommended for filing (€200-500).
Language
Spanish (Castilian) is official language nationwide. Catalan spoken in Catalunya, Galician in Galicia, Basque in Basque Country. English proficiency moderate—essential to learn Spanish for daily life and integration. DELE certificates available for visa/citizenship.
Safety
Spain is very safe, ranking 25th globally in Global Peace Index. 6th lowest homicide rate in EU (0.63 per 100,000). Violent crime rare, but pickpocketing common in tourist areas Barcelona, Madrid. Emergency number: 112. Overall excellent safety for expats.
Remote Work
Spain is a top digital nomad destination with dedicated visa. Excellent internet (avg 243 Mbps, 89% fiber coverage). Thriving coworking scene in Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia. Good timezone for US East Coast (-6 hours) and Asia/Australia overlap. Digital nomad communities strong.
Expat Community
Spain has large expat communities, especially in Barcelona, Madrid, Costa del Sol. Easy to find international friends but learning Spanish essential for local integration. Meetup.com active, InterNations popular. Cultural associations for most nationalities. Regional identities strong.
Culture & Lifestyle
Spanish culture emphasizes work-life balance, family, late schedules (dinner 9-10pm), and vibrant social life. Siesta culture varies by region. Strong regional identities (Catalunya, Basque Country). Festivals and celebrations central. Relaxed pace compared to Northern Europe/US.
Climate & Weather
Spain offers diverse climates: Mediterranean coast (300+ sunshine days, hot summers, mild winters), continental interior (extreme seasons), oceanic north (rainy, mild). Canary Islands have perfect year-round weather. Coastal areas most popular with expats for weather.
Food & Dining
Spanish cuisine is diverse, regional, and central to culture. Menú del día (€10-15 lunch) incredible value. Tapas culture varies by region. Late dining (9-10pm+). Wine inexpensive and excellent. Regional specialties strong. Mediterranean diet healthy and fresh.
Education
Spain offers free public education (K-12) and affordable universities. International schools available in major cities (€8,000-20,000/year). Spanish public universities are low-cost (€1,000-3,000/year). Bologna Process degrees recognized across EU.
Family Life
Spain is very family-friendly with strong family culture. Childcare available but can be expensive (€400-800/month). Maternity leave 16 weeks paid, paternity 16 weeks. Children often live with parents until late 20s/marriage. Multi-generational activities common.
Guides & Articles
View allSpain Digital Nomad Visa 2026: Complete Application Guide
Everything you need to know about Spain's digital nomad visa, including income requirements, application process, and tax benefits.
Living in Barcelona: An American Expat's First Year
A realistic look at expat life in Barcelona - from finding an apartment to navigating healthcare, making friends, and adapting to the Spanish lifestyle.
Questions
View allWhat is the cost of living in Barcelona vs Madrid vs Valencia in 2026?
Is Spain safe for expats and tourists in 2026?
How does the Beckham Law work in Spain and who qualifies?
How do I open a bank account in Spain without an NIE?
What are the income requirements for Spain's digital nomad visa in 2026?