Transfer to Spain from the US: A Inexperienced persons Information


We’ve helped tons of of Individuals transfer throughout the Atlantic to begin a brand new life in Spain. They’ve come for a lot of causes, together with distinctive healthcare, low value of dwelling, a peaceable and laidback way of life, and rather more.

So, if you wish to be a part of them, the place does a US citizen wanting to maneuver to Spain begin?

We predict there are 5 steps to get began, and whereas there’s a lot to think about, in case you take it step-by-step with the right assist, you may add your self to the listing of comfortable people who make the transfer.

So, what are the 5 steps that you just’ll take?

Right here’s an summary:

A guide on how to move to Spain from the US

Transfer to Spain from the US

1. Immigration, Visas, and Residency

All US residents coming to stay in Spain will want some kind of immigration permission.

If you’re fortunate sufficient to have a European Union (EU) second citizenship, like an Italian or Irish passport, then you’ve it straightforward and might transfer to Spain with out a 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 completely different rights and necessities.

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Professional Tip: Communicate to Spanish Immigration Lawyer to seek out the best choice. They’ll make sure the visa fits your necessities and, importantly, you can efficiently apply.

Most Individuals use considered one of three visas to maneuver to Spain

Non-Profitable Visa: Perfect for retirees or those that don’t have to work. You’ll want proof of €28,800 in passive revenue.

  • 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: Individuals desirous to put money into Spain
  • Restrictions: Should preserve the funding for at the very least 5 years

Digital Nomad Visa: Excellent for individuals incomes a non-Spanish revenue of at the very least €32,240 yearly.

Restrictions: Restricted to incomes solely a small portion of your revenue 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 will need to have personal medical health insurance. And, not simply any coverage will do. The coverage should be with an organization registered in Spain with out co-payment or exclusions.

  • The unhealthy information is you can 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 a couple of examples of ANNUAL healthcare premiums that our companion insurance coverage firms quoted in the previous few months. And, sure, as I all the time have to substantiate with our American shoppers, these are annual premiums for traditional cowl, not month-to-month.

Singles

  • 38 Years Outdated – €683
  • 54 Years Outdated – €1015
  • 63 Years Outdated – €1263
  • 73 Years Outdated – €2200
  • 76 Years Outdated – €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 classes per 12 months, plus dental remedy together with check-ups, dental cleansing, extractions, and X-rays.

Professional Tip: Discover firms that work with Expats and examine that they’ve English language assist. Many firms in Spain work primarily with locals and will not be used to issuing certificates for immigration purposes. They provide administrative and medical assist solely in Spanish. You should utilize our straightforward instrument 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 way of life choices, from bustling cities to distant, quiet areas; for many who desire 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 affords every part 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 different. The Mediterranean coast (Valencia, Alicante, and Malaga) affords 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 favor mountain snow in winter or year-round seaside climate, Spain’s areas supply a staggering vary of climates and environments.

There are additionally areas with increased Expat populations; in these, you’ll discover extra English spoken and extra services 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 choose a brief listing so early?

Spain has 13 Autonomous Communities, and very like the US States, these governments set tax insurance policies, and so they differ significantly. Narrowing down some choices will make the following step rather more simple.

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 case you can lease a spot for a couple of weeks earlier than you lock in a alternative, it’s all the higher. And keep in mind, given the altering seasons and excessive vacationer numbers, a spot can really feel very completely different in January vs August!

Day trips from Barcelona to Sitges
Sitges seaside

4. Discover Out About Your Taxes – US and Spanish

US residents dwelling in Spain for over 183 days are often labeled as Spanish tax residents, that means they’re topic to Spanish taxes on their international revenue.

Nonetheless, the US-Spain tax treaty prevents double taxation, so you’ll solely pay tax on the identical revenue as soon as.

As we talked about, Spanish revenue tax charges range by area and revenue stage, with nationwide charges starting from 19% to 47%. Moreover, particular taxes on wealth, property, and capital positive factors exist, although some areas supply exemptions and, in some instances, 100% rebates to Expats.

Applications just like the Beckham Regulation might help you considerably convey your tax invoice down, however you could 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 usually implies that you’re submitting a US tax return with zero assessable revenue – thanks, Uncle Sam, for the extra paperwork!

Professional Tip: You’ll want to 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 revenue are managed easily between the 2 international locations to maximise returns and decrease tax.

5. Get Excited About Your New Life in Spain

Our enterprise is all concerning the nuts and bolts of a transfer. We speak about visas, healthcare, taxes, leases, overseas change, 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 season, the chiringuitos (seaside bars) have stay bands and tapas within the lengthy evenings; all 12 months lengthy, there are festivals, fireworks, and fiestas.

We’re surrounded by pleasant Spanish individuals, staggering structure, and a number 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 residence. 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 international locations and traveled to dozens extra. I can’t consider anyplace I’d be happier dwelling in than right here.

Should 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 a couple of phrases will likely be helpful, and they’ll assist get you excited!

Associated learn: Lovely Locations in Spain to Add to your Itinerary

So, Are You Able to Get Began?

I gained’t lie; there’s extra to transferring to Spain from the US than simply these 5 steps. However in case you get began, it will likely be manageable. There are improbable sources and companies that can assist you by means of 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!

  • Moving to Spain

    Alison and Alastair, a few expats who’ve made Barcelona their residence since 2015, share insider ideas and invaluable sources on relocating from the USA to Spain.



    View all posts


    Alison and Alastair, a few expats who’ve made Barcelona their residence since 2015, share insider ideas and invaluable sources on relocating from the USA to Spain.



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