We’ve helped lots 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 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 contemplate, should you take it step-by-step with the right assist, you may add your self to the listing of glad people who make the transfer.
So, what are the 5 steps that you just’ll take?
Right here’s an summary:
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 might 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 completely different rights and necessities.
Professional Tip: Communicate to a very good 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 in all three visas to maneuver to Spain
Non-Profitable Visa: Supreme for retirees or those that don’t must work. You’ll want proof of €28,800 in passive revenue.
- Greatest For: Retirees, financially impartial people
- Restrictions: You can not work whereas on this visa
Golden Visa: These investing €500,000 or extra in Spanish property or different investments.
- Greatest For: Folks eager to put money into Spain
- Restrictions: Should keep the funding for at the very least 5 years
Digital Nomad Visa: Good for folks 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
Greatest For: Distant employees, digital nomads, and freelancers
2. Healthcare and Personal Well being Insurance coverage
Virtually all Individuals making use of for a visa should have non-public 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 just a few examples of ANNUAL healthcare premiums that our associate insurance coverage firms quoted in the previous couple of months. And, sure, as I at all times have to substantiate with our American shoppers, 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 normal 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 yr, plus dental remedy 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 assist. Many firms 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 device to get quotes from extremely regarded insurers.
3. Make a Record of Locations to Reside in Spain
Spain is big – across the measurement 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 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 provides 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 assorted. The Mediterranean coast (Valencia, Alicante, and Malaga) provides 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 larger 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 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, they usually differ significantly. Narrowing down some choices will make the subsequent step rather more simple.
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 should 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 normally categorised as Spanish tax residents, that means they’re topic to Spanish taxes on their international revenue.
Nevertheless, 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 degree, with nationwide charges starting from 19% to 47%. Moreover, particular taxes on wealth, property, and capital features exist, although some areas supply exemptions and, in some circumstances, 100% rebates to Expats.
Packages just like the Beckham Regulation might help you considerably deliver your tax invoice down, however that you must get your planning all lined up as early as doable.
And keep in mind, US expats should file US tax returns yearly, even when they pay taxes in Spain. This usually signifies 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 grasp how a lot tax you’ll pay. However there may be one other service you must think about. A cross-border monetary advisor can guarantee your investments and revenue are managed easily between the 2 international locations 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 discuss visas, healthcare, taxes, leases, international 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 yr lengthy, there are festivals, fireworks, and fiestas.
We’re surrounded by pleasant Spanish folks, staggering structure, and a few of 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 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, 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 just a few phrases shall be helpful, and they’re going to 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 should you get began, it is going to be manageable. There are unbelievable assets and providers that can assist you by 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!