Moving to Spain from the U.S.
Sandtons guides you through every step-from visa to villa keys and everything in between
25000+ American Family Relocated
30+ Years of Experience
End to End Visa & Property Support
Download Your FREE US-Moving to Spain Guide.
What’s your reason for moving?
Lifestyle
Coastal living under the sun. A relaxed way of life.
Retirement
Discover peaceful havens with lower cost living options.
Work
Working remotely? You can in paradise easily.
Business
Explore investment, startup, and entrepreneur.
Start with our free relocation assessment:
- 2- Minute Quiz
- Tailored Roadmap
- No Obligation
The 3 Biggest Relocation Pitfalls for Americans
1
Visa Confusion
Spain’s visa rules are easily accessible & obtained with our clear guidance & experts
2
Tax & Insurance
Underestimating cross-border rules. We make it simple, you stay compliant.
3
Property Pitfalls
Remove all risks of buying property in Spain. Get advice & expertise in property transactions.
Solve These Instantly
Visa Hub
Find the right visa and apply confidently for a smooth move to Spain.
Tax Planning
Plan your finances, stay compliant, and save money with clear tax guidance.
Property Search
Your dream home in the sun. The best areas to live in Spain.
Healthcare
Discover world-class healthcare in Spain, at the fraction of the costs in the US
Education Navigator
Select top schools, compare curricula, and ensure the best learning for your children.
Relocation Essential Table
VISA QUICK GUIDE
| Types of Move | Main Visa Route | Housing Options | Schools/ Family | Timeline & Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Remote Worker |
Digital Nomad Visa |
Rent, Buy Coastal |
International, US- |
2-4 months: visa needed |
|
Retired |
Non-Lucrative Visa |
Buy, Long-term rent |
Seniors, care |
2-3 months: finances prepped |
|
Family Relocation |
Work/ Student/ NLV |
Apartment Villas |
Bilingual, |
3-6 months, dual planning |
|
Seasonal/ Adventure |
Tourist/ Student |
Short-term rent, hotels |
Language, expert |
2-4 weeks, check Schengen limits |
MEDIA
WATCH • LISTEN • READ
Moving to Spain Made Simple
Natives
(video)
Watch Now
Deep Dive
(podcasts)
Listen Now
MOVING TO SPAIN MADE SIMPLE
(blogs)
Read More
Explainer
(video)
Watch Now
The GUIDE
(brochure)
Download This Guide
MOVING TO SPAIN MADE SIMPLE
From first “Could we?” to landing with a plan, your entire relocation mapped in plain English.
- Guided
- MOST POPULAR
Download This Guide
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NATIVES-DEEP DIVE-SPAIN MADE SIMPLE-THE EXPLAINER
Watch • Listen • Read
Step-By-Step Guide:
Moving to Spain
Pick Your Ideal Visa
Find the visa that best fits your goals with clear guidance on rules, eligibility, and application steps.
Plan Finances & Taxes
Understand your tax options, future costs, and savings strategies so your move is financially secure.
Secure Housing & Schools
Get trusted help finding the right home and suitable schools, all matched to your location and budget.
Health Insurance & Registrations
We guide you through medical coverage, NICE setup, and essential registrations required for living in Spain.
Arrival & Setting In
From banking to local services, we help you settle smoothly and feel at home from your very first week.
Resources
Everything You Need to Know
VISAS MADE SIMPLE
All Pathways Explained in Plain English Digital Nomad or Non-Lucrative
- Guided
- MOST POPULAR
Go to Visas Page
TAX MADE SIMPLE
From residency rules to property and pensions, Spain’s tax system explained in plain English.
- Guided
- MOST POPULAR
Go to Tax Page
MOVING TO SPAIN MADE SIMPLE
From first “Could we?” to landing with a plan, your entire relocation mapped in plain English.
- Guided
- MOST POPULAR
Go To Moving to Spain Page
Buying Property Made Simple
All pathways explained in plain English, Digital Nomad or Non-lucrative
- Guided
- MOST POPULAR
Go to Property Page
NIE Made Simple
Your Spanish foreigner ID number, secured quickly and correctly so everything else can move forward.
- Guided
- MOST POPULAR
Go to NIE Page
COST OF LIVING MADE SIMPLE
All pathways explained in plain English, from first numbers to a move-ready budget
- Guided
- MOST POPULAR
Go to Cost of Living Page
INSURANCE MADE SIMPLE
Health and home cover that meets Spanish rules, explained and arranged in plain English.
- Guided
- MOST POPULAR
Go to Cost of Living Page
Money Transfer Made Simple
Move your money to Spain with low fees and smart FX.
- Guided
- MOST POPULAR
Go to Money Transfer Page
MORTGAGES MADE SIMPLE
All the numbers, options and bank rules explained in plain English.
- Guided
- MOST POPULAR
Go to Mortgages Page
Living in Spain Made Simple
You’ve got the keys. Now we make everyday life in Spain work smoothly
- Guided
- MOST POPULAR
Go to Living in Spain Page
Property Management Made Simple
Turn your Spanish property into income, with strategy, compliance and management handled for you.
- Guided
- MOST POPULAR
Go to Property Page
Education Made Simple
Public & international schools, Spain’s education options explained in plain English.
- Guided
- MOST POPULAR
Go to Schools Page
Everything You Need to Know
Visas
Which visa path seems right for you, Digital Nomad or Non Lucrative?
Tax
Can you really live in Spain for less than US?
Cost of Living
Understand your US and Spanish Tax obligations and don’t overpay.
Mortgage
Check your score and get pre-approved for a mortgage in less that 3 minutes
Visas
Which visa path seems right for you, Digital Nomad or Non Lucrative?
Tax
Can you really live in Spain for less than US?
Cost of Living
Understand your US and Spanish Tax obligations and don’t overpay.
Mortgage
Check your score and get pre-approved for a mortgage in less that 3 minutes
Quick Guides
Visas Made Simple
Moving to Spain isn’t about luck; it’s about matching your income source to the right visa.
Tax Made Simple
The headlines say “Spain will take half of your money.” The reality is different with the right structure. It can be incredibly tax efficient for high earners.
Moving Made Simple
Moving to Spain is no just about packing bags; its is a legal and logical operation.
Buying Property Made Simple
Buying property in Spain is not like buying in the US or UK. It is safe, but the process is different.
NIE Made Simple
The NIE (Número de identificación de extranjeros) is not just a tax number- it is your digital fingerprint in Spain. You do not exist legally or financially without it.
Cost of Living Made Simple
You have heard the headlines: “Spain is cheap.” But cheap is relative. The real story isn’t just about spending less it is about Geo-Arbitrage. .
Insurance Made Simple
Insurance in Spain is not just about protection. It is often a legal gatekeeper for your visa or mortgage.
Mortgages Made Simple
The most common question we get “Can wa foreigner really get a mortgage in Spain?” The Answer: Yes, Spanish banks are eager to lend to UK and UK citizens.
Money Transfer Made Simple
The biggest loss of money is year 1 is not rent, not even on taxes. It is the haircut; on large transfers when buying property or moving you rest egg.
Living in Spain Made Simple
You have the visa. You have the property. Now comes the real work turning a Spanish address into a home.
Property Handling Made Simple
You bought below market, you bought off-plan. Now you need to decide: flip it, ren it, short-term or long=term
Education Made Simple
Spain offers a high quality of life for children. Choosing between public and international schools, has lots of conditions beyond free of ree.
Resources
Visa Assessment
Quiz
Find the best Spanish visa for your work situation, age, family status, and goals
Americans Complete Moving Guide
Downloadable PDF with checklists, cos calculators, and step-by-step timelines.
Regional Cost of Living Calculator
Compare your US city to top Spanish regions and neighborhoods
Schools & Education Guide
Explore Americans, international and bilingual schools, admissions advice and enrollment steps.
Healthcare Guide for Expats
Compare public and private healthcare, insurance options, and registration for Americans
Spanish Property Search Portal
Browse properties by visa type, destination, price range, and investment or family needs
US-Spain Tax Planning Guide
Read Beckhams’s law explanations, double cross border compliance for moving families.
Moving Checklist Download
Actionable list covering shipping, paperwork, finances, pet travel, banking, utilities and arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
I work remotely for a US company - what’s the fastest, safest way to set up life in Spain?
Start with Visas + Cost of Living the Property
We’re thinking about retiring in Spain can our savings and Social Security support the lifestyle we want?
Start with Visas + Healthcare + Cost of Living
We're moving as family - how do we juggle visas, schools, housing and healthcare without dropping a ball?
Start with Schools + Visas + Property + Healthcare
How long can Americans stay in Spain without a visa?
As a U.S. citizen, you can visit Spain visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, in line with Schengen Area rules.
Can I buy property before getting residency?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
What are typical costs for moving to Spain?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
How do taxes work for US citizens in Spain?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
Is English spoken in schools and hospitals?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
What are the rules for healthcare and insurance?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
Can I bring pets to Spain? What’s the process?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
How do I transfer funds and open a bank account?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
What is empadronameinto, and why does it matter?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
How do I get my NIE and set up utilities?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
Still Have Questions?
Not finding the answer you need? Our team is here to guide you with visa, tax, and property questions — no pressure, no obligation.
