We’ve helped a whole lot 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 far 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 contemplate, in the event you take it step-by-step with the correct help, you’ll be able to add your self to the checklist of pleased people who make the transfer.
So, what are the 5 steps that you simply’ll take?
Right here’s an summary:
Easy methods to Transfer to Spain from the US
1. Immigration, Visas, and Residency
All US residents coming to reside in Spain will want some kind 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 may have 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 varieties, all with totally different rights and necessities.
Professional Tip: Communicate to a very good Spanish Immigration Lawyer to search out the suitable 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 certainly one of three visas to maneuver to Spain
Non-Profitable Visa: Superb for retirees or those that don’t must work. You’ll want proof of €28,800 in passive earnings.
- Greatest 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.
- Greatest For: Individuals desirous to put money into Spain
- Restrictions: Should preserve the funding for no less than 5 years
Digital Nomad Visa: Good for folks 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
Greatest For: Distant staff, digital nomads, and freelancers
2. Healthcare and Non-public Well being Insurance coverage
Nearly 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 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 a couple of examples of ANNUAL healthcare premiums that our associate 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 normal 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 remedy, 30 massages, and physiotherapy classes per 12 months, plus dental therapy together with check-ups, dental cleansing, extractions, and X-rays.
Professional Tip: Discover firms that work with Expats and verify that they’ve English language help. Many firms in Spain work primarily with locals and will not be used to issuing certificates for immigration functions. They provide administrative and medical help solely in Spanish. You should utilize our straightforward device to get quotes from extremely regarded insurers.
3. Make a Checklist of Locations to Reside in Spain
Spain is big – across the dimension of Texas and residential to round 65 million folks.
Spain’s geographical variety means US expats have a variety of way of life choices, from bustling cities to distant, quiet areas; for individuals who choose metropolis life, Madrid and Barcelona provide 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 presents every thing 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 diversified. The Mediterranean coast (Valencia, Alicante, and Malaga) presents 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 seashore climate, Spain’s areas provide 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 providers 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 advise 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 far 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 the event you can lease a spot for a couple of weeks earlier than you lock in a alternative, it’s all the higher. And bear 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 labeled 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 fluctuate by area and earnings degree, with nationwide charges starting from 19% to 47%. Moreover, particular taxes on wealth, property, and capital features exist, although some areas provide exemptions and, in some circumstances, 100% rebates to Expats.
Packages just like the Beckham Regulation can assist you considerably carry your tax invoice down, however that you must get your planning all lined up as early as doable.
And bear 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 earnings – thanks, Uncle Sam, for the extra paperwork!
Professional Tip: You must chat with a Spanish taxation specialist to know how a lot tax you’ll pay. However there’s one other service you need to think about. A cross-border monetary advisor can guarantee your investments and earnings 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 discuss visas, healthcare, taxes, leases, overseas 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 (seashore bars) have reside bands and tapas within the lengthy evenings; all 12 months lengthy, there are festivals, fireworks, and fiestas.
We’re surrounded by pleasant Spanish folks, staggering structure, and among the world’s greatest 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 international locations and traveled to dozens extra. I can’t consider anyplace I’d be happier dwelling in than right here.
In case 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 somewhat Spanish utilizing platforms like Duolingo or iTalki. Even a couple of phrases will probably 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 unbelievable assets and providers that will help you by means 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!
