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Spain: Lifestyle, Culture, and Modern Opportunities

Spain blends Mediterranean living with strong healthcare, education, and transport. From Madrid and Barcelona to Valencia and Málaga, it’s an easy place to settle—affordable, well-connected, and family-friendly.

With clear routes like the Non-Lucrative Visa and Digital Nomad Visa, Spain offers practical residency paths, Schengen access, and a warm, welcoming pace of life.

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What Sets Spain Apart?

Spain offers a Mediterranean lifestyle rooted in vibrant culture, food, and community—while backed by strong healthcare, modern infrastructure, and excellent transport links. It’s one of Europe’s most welcoming and liveable countries.

With accessible visa routes like the Non-Lucrative Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, and Entrepreneur options, Spain is ideal for retirees, families, and professionals alike. Combined with Schengen mobility and a clear path to citizenship, it’s a country where lifestyle and opportunity go hand in hand.





3rd
Global Passport
25th
Safety Ranking
1st
Digital Nomad Index
87.08
Healthcare Score


Spain Residency & Tax Programs

Choose the route that fits your situation. No investment-residency program exists in Spain today; these are the compliant options in market.

Heads-up: Spain’s Golden Visa has ended. For high earners, the Beckham Law tax regime can materially reduce Spanish income tax for a limited period if eligibility is met.

Non-Lucrative Visa

Proof of funds (monthly)

For retirees and financially independent applicants. Live in Spain without local employment; renew with continued means and compliance.

  • Requires sufficient income/savings
  • No Spanish employment at start
  • Renewable; family members can join
  • Pathways to work/residency over time
  • Health insurance required

Entrepreneur Visa

Innovative business plan + capital

For projects with economic impact. Fast-track for viable, innovative businesses that create jobs or add strategic value.

  • Innovative project & proof of funds
  • Favourable processing for strong cases
  • Work & residency rights
  • Family inclusion possible
  • Dedicated counsel support

Digital Nomad Visa

Remote income from abroad

Work remotely for foreign employers/clients while living in Spain. Income threshold and compliance checks apply.

  • Remote work for non-Spanish entities
  • Minimum income threshold required
  • Initial 1-year permit; renewable
  • Potential tax advantages
  • Family inclusion available

*Summary only. Specific rates, bases and eligibility are defined by law and subject to change. Seek licensed tax advice.

Spain Immigration & Relocation Specialists

Move to Spain with Attorney-Led Support

Current Spain routes: Digital Nomad, Non-Lucrative, Entrepreneur and Highly Qualified Professional. We also coordinate the Beckham Law tax regime for eligible arrivals. Spain’s Golden Visa is no longer available.

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Path to Permanent Residency & Citizenship

Spain offers a structured path to long-term residence and citizenship. From permanent residency after five years to one of the shortest EU citizenship timelines for certain nationalities, Spain remains one of the most accessible gateways to the European Union.

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Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Permanent Residency

Eligible after 5 years of continuous residence, granting long-term stability and full residency rights.

Citizenship

Standard timeline is 10 years, but only 2 years for Latin Americans, Andorrans, Portuguese, Filipinos, Equatoguineans, and Sephardic Jews.

Democratic Memory Law

Available until October 2025, offering a special citizenship route for descendants of Spanish exiles.

EU Mobility

Residency and citizenship unlock free movement across the EU/EEA, including work and settlement rights.

Complete Relocation Services

End-to-end support for your move to Spain—from visas and tax to housing, banking and schools.
01 |

Visa Applications

Attorney-led preparation and filing with clear checklists and timelines.

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Property Services

Search, rental/purchase support and due diligence via vetted partners.

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Tax Planning

Inbound planning, Beckham Law coordination and cross-border compliance.

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Banking Setup

Account opening, mortgages and private-bank introductions.

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Healthcare

Private insurance setup and navigation of Spain’s healthcare system.

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Education

International schools and university guidance.

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Relocation

Moves, shipping, temporary housing and arrivals support.

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Ongoing Support

Renewals, utilities, legal matters and integration assistance.

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Language & Integration

Spanish language courses, cultural orientation and community networking to help you feel at home.

Spain’s Citizenship by
Democratic Memory Law

A limited-time route for descendants of Spanish exiles

The Democratic Memory Law allows children, grandchildren, and in some cases great-grandchildren of Spaniards who went into exile during the Civil War or dictatorship to claim Spanish citizenship. The application window closes on 21 October 2025.

  • ✔ Eligible if you have Spanish parents or grandparents who left Spain as exiles.
  • ✔ Grandchildren and great-grandchildren can apply together.
  • ✔ No residence period required—direct citizenship by descent.
  • ✔ Must apply before the October 2025 deadline.

Moving to Spain by Country

Guides tailored to your passport—requirements, timelines, tax implications and practical tips.
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Moving from UK

Post-Brexit routes for British citizens with checklists and tax notes.

  • Residency pathways
  • Healthcare transition
  • Tax planning
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Moving from Canada

Visas, tax treaty benefits and relocation planning for Canadians.

  • Multiple residency routes
  • Tax treaty considerations
  • Healthcare guidance
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Moving from Australia

Comprehensive path to Spanish residency and lifestyle change.

  • Eligible visa options
  • Superannuation notes
  • Pet relocation
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Moving from China

Specialised guidance for Chinese nationals navigating Spanish residency.

  • Current residency pathways
  • Business establishment support
  • Cultural integration assistance
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Moving from South Africa

Family-oriented planning with clear timelines and documentation.

  • Family relocation
  • Entrepreneur/DNV options
  • Education guidance
UAE flag

Moving from UAE

Transition planning for UAE residents—compliant routes and lifestyle setup.

  • Business/entrepreneur routes
  • Tax & banking setup
  • Relocation support
Lebanon flag

Moving from Lebanon

Clear, compliant pathways with family reunification options.

  • Multiple residency routes
  • Family inclusion
  • Integration services
Israel flag

Moving from Israel

Visas, tax planning and community connections for Israelis.

  • Application support
  • Tax coordination
  • Community links
Qatar flag

Moving from Qatar

Step-by-step guidance for Qatari residents using current residency routes.

  • Compliant residency pathways
  • Business & property support
  • Cultural onboarding
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Moving from New Zealand

End-to-end planning for Spanish residency and lifestyle.

  • Visa pathways
  • Healthcare guidance
  • Lifestyle setup
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Moving from Egypt

Residency planning and business support for Egyptian nationals.

  • Compliant residency routes
  • Business establishment
  • Integration assistance
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Moving from Morocco

Proximity advantages, family options and practical support.

  • Multiple residency pathways
  • Cultural familiarity
  • Family reunification

Frequently Asked Questions

01
What are the main visa options for moving to Spain?
Spain offers several pathways: the Non-Lucrative Visa (for retirees or those with passive income), the Digital Nomad Visa (for remote workers), the Entrepreneur Visa, and the EU Blue Card for highly qualified professionals. Each has different requirements and benefits.
02
How long does it take to become a permanent resident in Spain?
In most cases, you can apply for permanent residency after 5 years of continuous legal residence. During this time, you must keep your permits renewed and demonstrate that Spain remains your legal base.
03
When can I apply for Spanish citizenship?
The general rule is 10 years of legal residence. However, citizens of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, and people of Sephardic origin can apply after only 2 years.
04
What is Spain’s Democratic Memory Law?
This temporary law allows descendants of Spaniards who went into exile during the Civil War or dictatorship to apply for citizenship. Children, grandchildren, and in some cases great-grandchildren may be eligible. The deadline to apply is 21 October 2025.
05
Can I work in Spain on the Non-Lucrative Visa?
No. The Non-Lucrative Visa is intended for those with passive income (pensions, savings, investments). It does not allow employment or freelance work. If you plan to work, you should apply for the Digital Nomad Visa, Entrepreneur Visa, or a work permit.
06
Does Spain offer any tax incentives for newcomers?
Yes. Spain has the so-called “Beckham Law”, which allows qualifying foreign residents to pay a flat 24% income tax on Spanish-sourced employment income (up to €600,000) for 6 years. It does not apply automatically—you must apply within the first 6 months of becoming tax resident.
Movingto Hub

Exclusive Client Community

Ongoing support, member discounts and expert resources for clients establishing life in Spain.

Expat Community

Connect with thousands who've made the move. Real-time, practical insights.

Exclusive Discounts

Preferential rates on removals, insurance, banking, legal and property services.

Expert Resources

Guides, templates and checklists for bureaucracy and daily life.

Ongoing Support

Renewals, PR timelines and escalation to counsel when needed.

Local Insights

City guides, schools and private healthcare options by region.

Policy Updates

Stay current on immigration and tax changes with counsel-led briefings.

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The Hub is for clients only. Start your application to unlock the platform and concierge benefits.

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Private Community

Spain Residency Programs Circle

A members-only space for qualified families and investors pursuing Spanish residency. Counsel-led briefings, source-linked program facts, and peer insights. (Spain’s Golden Visa is no longer available.)
Counsel Briefings
Updates from licensed Spanish immigration lawyers on policy and process.
Program Facts
Digital Nomad, Non-Lucrative, Entrepreneur, HQP—thresholds, documents, renewals—kept current with source links.
Tax & Structuring Q&A
Sessions with licensed advisers on the Beckham regime and cross-border planning.
Banking & Concierge
Introductions to private banking, relocation, education, and healthcare partners.
Request an invitation
Information only. We do not provide investment advice.
Moving to Spain Guide

Everything You Need to Know

Your comprehensive guide to Spanish residency, from Non-Lucrative and Digital Nomad visas to NIE and citizenship
📱
What is Spain's Digital Nomad Visa?
The Digital Nomad visa allows remote workers earning at least €2,334/month (twice the minimum wage) to live in Spain. Benefits include a reduced 15% tax rate for 4 years, fast-track processing, and the ability to bring family members. You'll need proof of remote work or self-employment from non-Spanish sources.
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What is the Non-Lucrative Visa?
The Non-Lucrative visa requires proving passive income or savings of at least €2,400/month (or €30,000/year). It's ideal for retirees and those with investment income. Working or providing services to Spanish companies is not permitted with this visa.
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What is a NIE number and how do I get it?
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is your Spanish tax identification number. It's essential for banking, buying property, and working in Spain. You can apply at Spanish consulates abroad or police stations in Spain. Processing typically takes 1-2 weeks.
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How does healthcare work in Spain?
Spain offers universal healthcare to residents. As a visa holder, you'll initially need private health insurance with full coverage and no co-payments. After becoming a resident and contributing to social security, you can access the public healthcare system.
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Where are the best places to live in Spain?
Popular expat destinations include Madrid for urban life, Barcelona for culture and beach, Valencia for affordability and quality of life, Málaga for climate and growing tech scene, and the Balearic Islands for island lifestyle.
💼
Can I work remotely in Spain?
Yes, through the Digital Nomad visa you can work remotely for non-Spanish companies. The Non-Lucrative visa doesn't permit any work activities. Self-employed individuals should consider the Autónomo visa instead.
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What documents do I need?
Essential documents include your passport, criminal record check, medical certificate, proof of income/savings, health insurance, and proof of accommodation. All documents need apostille certification and official Spanish translation.
🌍
Can I get Spanish citizenship?
After 10 years of legal residency, you can apply for Spanish citizenship. Requirements include passing Spanish language (DELE A2) and cultural knowledge (CCSE) tests, demonstrating good character, and integration into Spanish society.
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What's the cost of living in Spain?
Living costs vary significantly by region. Major cities like Madrid and Barcelona average €2,000-3,000/month for a single person. Smaller cities can be 30-40% cheaper. Housing typically represents the largest expense, followed by utilities and food.
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How long does visa processing take?
Processing times vary by consulate and visa type. Digital Nomad visas typically process in 1-2 months, Non-Lucrative visas in 2-3 months. After approval, you'll have 30 days to enter Spain and begin residency procedures.