We’ve helped lots of of People 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 predict 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 help, you’ll be able to add your self to the record of blissful of us who make the transfer.
So, what are the 5 steps that you just’ll take?
Right here’s an outline:
The way 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.
In case you are fortunate sufficient to have a European Union (EU) second citizenship, like an Italian or Irish passport, then you have got it simple and may transfer to Spain and not using a visa. If, like most People, you solely have a US passport – what are your choices?
Spain has many immigration choices and visa types, all with completely different rights and necessities.
Professional Tip: Converse to a great Spanish Immigration Lawyer to seek out the proper possibility. They’ll make sure the visa fits your necessities and, importantly, that you would be able to efficiently apply.
Hottest Spanish Visas for People
Most People use certainly one of three visas to maneuver to Spain
Non-Profitable Visa: Splendid for retirees or those that don’t have to work. You’ll want proof of €28,800 in passive revenue.
- Finest For: Retirees, financially unbiased 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 put money into Spain
- Restrictions: Should preserve the funding for at the least 5 years
Digital Nomad Visa: Excellent for individuals incomes a non-Spanish revenue of at the 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
Nearly all People making use of for a visa will need to have personal medical health 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 dangerous 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 companion insurance coverage corporations quoted in the previous couple of 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 customary covers that meet Spanish immigration necessities. They cowl all specialists and physician visits as an outpatient, limitless operations together with remedy, 30 massages, and physiotherapy periods per yr, plus dental remedy together with check-ups, dental cleansing, extractions, and X-rays.
Professional Tip: Discover corporations that work with Expats and examine that they’ve English language help. Many corporations in Spain work primarily with locals and usually are not used to issuing certificates for immigration purposes. They provide administrative and medical help solely in Spanish. You need to use our easy tool to get quotes from extremely regarded insurers.
3. Make a Listing of Locations to Reside in Spain
Spain is gigantic – across the dimension of Texas and residential to round 65 million individuals.
Spain’s geographical range means US expats have a variety of life-style choices, from bustling cities to distant, quiet areas; for many who favor 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 the whole lot from the snowy peaks of the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada mountains to the recent, 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 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 recommend you decide a brief record so early?
Spain has 13 Autonomous Communities, and very similar to the US States, these governments set tax insurance policies, they usually differ significantly. Narrowing down some choices will make the following step way more easy.
Professional Tip: Go to a number of locations earlier than deciding the place to settle and attempt to communicate 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 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!
4. Discover Out About Your Taxes – US and Spanish
US residents dwelling in Spain for over 183 days are often categorised 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 differ by area and revenue stage, with nationwide charges starting from 19% to 47%. Moreover, particular taxes on wealth, property, and capital good points 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 you could get your planning all lined up as early as potential.
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 revenue – thanks, Uncle Sam, for the extra paperwork!
Professional Tip: It’s essential to chat with a Spanish taxation specialist to know how a lot tax you’ll pay. However there’s one other service it is best to contemplate. 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 in regards to the nuts and bolts of a transfer. We discuss visas, healthcare, taxes, leases, international alternate, 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 yr 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 dwelling. 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 anywhere I’d be happier dwelling in than right here.
When you don’t imagine me, try our article. We interviewed a variety of Americans living in Spain to hear firsthand how life right here compares to the US.
Professional Tip: Begin studying a bit Spanish utilizing platforms like Duolingo or iTalki. Even just a few phrases will probably be helpful, and they’ll assist get you excited!
Associated learn: Beautiful Places 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, it will likely be manageable. There are incredible assets and companies that can assist you by way of the method.
And, when you’re sipping sangria together with your toes within the sand and a heat Spanish solar in your again, it’s all so worthwhile!
