We’ve helped tons of of Individuals transfer throughout the Atlantic to start out a brand new life in Spain. They’ve come for a lot of causes, together with distinctive healthcare, low price of dwelling, a peaceable and laidback life-style, and way more.
So, if you wish to be a part of them, the place does a US citizen wanting to maneuver to Spain begin?
We expect there are 5 steps to get began, and whereas there’s a lot to think about, in the event you take it step-by-step with the right assist, you possibly can add your self to the checklist of completely happy of us who make the transfer.
So, what are the 5 steps that you just’ll take?
Right here’s an outline:
Find out how to Transfer to Spain from the US
1. Immigration, Visas, and Residency
All US residents coming to stay in Spain will want some sort of immigration permission.
If you’re fortunate sufficient to have a European Union (EU) second citizenship, like an Italian or Irish passport, then you may have it straightforward and might transfer to Spain with no visa. If, like most Individuals, you solely have a US passport – what are your choices?
Spain has many immigration choices and visa sorts, all with totally different rights and necessities.
Professional Tip: Converse to Spanish Immigration Lawyer to seek out the fitting choice. They’ll make sure the visa fits your necessities and, importantly, that you would be able to efficiently apply.
Hottest Spanish Visas for Individuals
Most Individuals use one among three visas to maneuver to Spain
Non-Profitable Visa: Excellent for retirees or those that don’t must work. You’ll want proof of €28,800 in passive earnings.
- Finest For: Retirees, financially impartial people
- Restrictions: You can’t work whereas on this visa
Golden Visa: These investing €500,000 or extra in Spanish property or different investments.
- Finest For: Folks desirous to spend money on Spain
- Restrictions: Should preserve the funding for no less than 5 years
Digital Nomad Visa: Good for individuals incomes a non-Spanish earnings of no less than €32,240 yearly.
Restrictions: Restricted to incomes solely a small portion of your earnings from Spanish sources
Finest For: Distant employees, digital nomads, and freelancers
2. Healthcare and Non-public Well being Insurance coverage
Virtually all Individuals making use of for a visa should have non-public medical insurance. And, not simply any coverage will do. The coverage have to be with an organization registered in Spain with out co-payment or exclusions.
- The unhealthy information is that you would be able to solely get a visa with a qualifying coverage.
- The excellent news is that Spain is exceptionally low-cost in comparison with the US cowl.
Listed below are just a few examples of ANNUAL healthcare premiums that our associate insurance coverage corporations quoted in the previous few months. And, sure, as I at all times have to verify with our American purchasers, these are annual premiums for traditional cowl, not month-to-month.
Singles
- 38 Years Previous – €683
- 54 Years Previous – €1015
- 63 Years Previous – €1263
- 73 Years Previous – €2200
- 76 Years Previous – €2525
Households
Household of 4 (41, 39, 8, and 4) – €2141
Household Of three (44, 41 and seven) – €1793
These insurance policies are all commonplace covers that meet Spanish immigration necessities. They cowl all specialists and physician visits as an outpatient, limitless operations together with medicine, 30 massages, and physiotherapy periods per yr, plus dental therapy together with check-ups, dental cleansing, extractions, and X-rays.
Professional Tip: Discover corporations that work with Expats and test that they’ve English language assist. Many corporations in Spain work primarily with locals and aren’t used to issuing certificates for immigration purposes. They provide administrative and medical assist solely in Spanish. You should use our straightforward software to get quotes from extremely regarded insurers.
3. Make a Record of Locations to Reside in Spain
Spain is big – across the dimension of Texas and residential to round 65 million individuals.
Spain’s geographical variety means US expats have a variety of life-style choices, from bustling cities to distant, quiet areas; for many who want metropolis life, Madrid and Barcelona supply vibrant city environments, whereas areas like Extremadura, with its low inhabitants and huge rural landscapes, present a extra peaceable, off-the-beaten-path expertise. If nature is your factor, the nation gives every thing from the snowy peaks of the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada mountains to the new, dry plains of Andalusia.
The local weather and coastal choices are additionally assorted. The Mediterranean coast (Valencia, Alicante, and Malaga) gives heat, sunny climate and calm seas. In distinction, the Atlantic coast (Galicia, Basque Nation) is extra relaxed, greener (and wetter), and has a rugged, dramatic shoreline. Whether or not you like mountain snow in winter or year-round seashore climate, Spain’s areas supply a staggering vary of climates and environments.
There are additionally areas with greater Expat populations; in these, you’ll discover extra English spoken and extra amenities and companies that cater to Expats. If you wish to actually dive into the Spanish language and tradition, there are locations the place you’ll be the one non-local within the village!
Given all that selection, why do we propose you decide a brief checklist so early?
Spain has 13 Autonomous Communities, and very like the US States, these governments set tax insurance policies, they usually differ significantly. Narrowing down some choices will make the subsequent step way more easy.
Professional Tip: Go to a number of locations earlier than deciding the place to settle and attempt to converse with Expats who made the transfer. Every space has its personal tempo and really feel, and in the event you can hire a spot for just a few weeks earlier than you lock in a selection, it’s all the higher. And keep in mind, given the altering seasons and excessive vacationer numbers, a spot can really feel very totally different in January vs August!
4. Discover Out About Your Taxes – US and Spanish
US residents dwelling in Spain for over 183 days are often categorized as Spanish tax residents, which means they’re topic to Spanish taxes on their world earnings.
Nevertheless, the US-Spain tax treaty prevents double taxation, so you’ll solely pay tax on the identical earnings as soon as.
As we talked about, Spanish earnings tax charges differ by area and earnings stage, with nationwide charges starting from 19% to 47%. Moreover, particular taxes on wealth, property, and capital positive aspects exist, although some areas supply exemptions and, in some circumstances, 100% rebates to Expats.
Applications just like the Beckham Legislation may also help you considerably deliver your tax invoice down, however it is advisable get your planning all lined up as early as attainable.
And keep in mind, US expats should file US tax returns yearly, even when they pay taxes in Spain. This typically implies that you’re submitting a US tax return with zero assessable earnings – thanks, Uncle Sam, for the extra paperwork!
Professional Tip: You could chat with a Spanish taxation specialist to grasp how a lot tax you’ll pay. However there’s one other service you must take into account. A cross-border monetary advisor can guarantee your investments and earnings are managed easily between the 2 nations to maximise returns and reduce tax.
5. Get Excited About Your New Life in Spain
Our enterprise is all in regards to the nuts and bolts of a transfer. We speak about visas, healthcare, taxes, leases, overseas trade, and pet relocations all day lengthy.
However that’s our job. Within the morning earlier than work, I’ll both hike within the hills behind our home, swim within the glowing Mediterranean or take my kayak out for a paddle. In summer time, the chiringuitos (seashore bars) have stay bands and tapas within the lengthy evenings; all yr lengthy, there are festivals, fireworks, and fiestas.
We’re surrounded by pleasant Spanish individuals, staggering structure, and a few of the world’s finest meals and wine.
I can fly to 13 different European capitals inside two and a half hours from an airport half-hour from my house. I can catch high-speed trains across the nation and discover cultures and areas I’ve barely ever heard of.
I’ve lived in 4 nations and traveled to dozens extra. I can’t consider anywhere I’d be happier dwelling in than right here.
In the event you don’t imagine me, take a look at our article. We interviewed a variety of Individuals dwelling in Spain to listen to firsthand how life right here compares to the US.
Professional Tip: Begin studying slightly Spanish utilizing platforms like Duolingo or iTalki. Even just a few phrases can be helpful, and they’re going to assist get you excited!
Associated learn: Stunning Locations in Spain to Add to your Itinerary
So, Are You Able to Get Began?
I received’t lie; there’s extra to shifting to Spain from the US than simply these 5 steps. However in the event you get began, will probably be manageable. There are incredible sources and companies that will help you by the method.
And, when you’re sipping sangria along with your toes within the sand and a heat Spanish solar in your again, it’s all so worthwhile!
