Moving to Spain has become easier than ever, with over 100,000 English-speaking expats now calling Spain home. Recent data shows you need proof of at least €2,400 per month income to qualify for most Spanish visas.
Whether you’re from the US, Canada, UK, or Australia, Spain offers multiple visa options for long-term residency. Since Brexit, UK citizens now need visas like other non-EU nationals, while Canadians and Australians enjoy similar processes to Americans when moving to Spain.
Lets get right into all you need to know to move to Spain.
Table of contents
- What Visa Do I Need to Move to Spain from My Country?
- How Much Money Do I Need to Move to Spain?
- What Documents Do I Need to Move to Spain?
- How Long Does It Take to Move to Spain?
- Where Should I Live When I Move to Spain?
- What Are the Tax Rules When I Move to Spain?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendations
What Visa Do I Need to Move to Spain from My Country?
The visa you need depends on your nationality and reason for moving to Spain. Citizens from the US, Canada, UK, and Australia can all visit Spain visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, but longer stays require proper visas.
Popular visa types for moving to Spain:
Digital Nomad Visa: Perfect for remote workers from any country who work for companies outside Spain. You need minimum income of €2,368 per month (double Spain’s minimum wage) and can stay up to 3 years.
Non-Lucrative Visa: Ideal for retirees or people with passive income from the US, Canada, UK, or Australia. This visa requires you to move to Spain for more than three months and proves you won’t work in Spain.
Work Visa: Work visas require job offers from Spanish employers first. The process involves labor market testing and government approvals. Your potential employer handles most paperwork requirements.
Student Visa: Student visas allow university studies with residence permissions. You need acceptance letters from recognized Spanish educational institutions. Financial support proof covers tuition fees and living expenses. Student visas can convert to work permits after graduation.
Family Reunification Visa: Family reunion visas help join relatives living in Spain. Spouses, children, and parents qualify under specific legal conditions. Spanish residents must prove adequate income and suitable housing and processing takes longer than most other visa categories.
UK-specific changes: Since Brexit, UK citizens must now apply for visas to live, work, or retire in Spain, just like Americans, Canadians, and Australians.
The process is similar for all nationalities, but some countries have specific agreements that make certain steps easier.
Read also: How to Get Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa: Complete Guide
How Much Money Do I Need to Move to Spain?
Financial requirements are the same regardless of whether you’re moving to Spain from the US, Canada, UK, or Australia. In 2025, you must earn at least €2,368 per month for most visa types.
Financial requirements by visa type:
- Digital Nomad Visa: €28,416 annually (about $31,000 USD, $42,000 CAD, £25,000 GBP, $46,000 AUD)
- Non-Lucrative Visa: €28,800 annually plus €7,200 for each family member
- Work Visa: Depends on job offer, but must meet minimum wage requirements
- Student Visa: €900-€1,200 monthly depending on location
Additional moving costs from different countries:
- From the US: $5,000-$15,000 for shipping, $1,500-$3,000 for flights
- From Canada: $6,000-$18,000 CAD for shipping, $1,200-$2,500 CAD for flights
- From the UK: £4,000-£12,000 for shipping, £300-£800 for flights
- From Australia: $8,000-$20,000 AUD for shipping, $1,500-$4,000 AUD for flights
Setup costs in Spain (same for all nationalities):
- Rent deposits: 2-3 months upfront (€1,200-€3,600 in major cities)
- Utilities connection: €200-€500
- Phone and internet: €50-€100 monthly
- Initial furnishing: €2,000-€8,000
Read also: Is Living in Spain Good? Complete Guide to Life in Spain 2025
What Documents Do I Need to Move to Spain?
Document requirements are similar for US, Canadian, UK, and Australian citizens, but each country has specific processes for document authentication.
Essential documents for all nationalities:
- Valid passport (must be valid for at least one year beyond intended stay)
- Criminal background check (FBI check for Americans, RCMP for Canadians, ACRO for UK citizens, AFP for Australians)
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Bank statements (3-6 months showing required income)
- Health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage in Spain)
- Medical certificate from your home country
- Proof of accommodation in Spain
Country-specific authentication:
- US citizens: All documents need apostille from US State Department
- Canadian citizens: Documents need authentication from Global Affairs Canada
- UK citizens: Documents need apostille from Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
- Australian citizens: Documents need apostille from Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
All documents must be translated into Spanish by certified translators. This process takes 2-4 months depending on your country’s processing times.
Read also: Must-Know B2 Visa Interview Questions for First-Time Applicants
How Long Does It Take to Move to Spain?
The timeline varies slightly by country, but generally takes 4-8 months from start to finish for citizens of the US, Canada, UK, and Australia.
Step-by-step timeline for moving to Spain:
Months 1-2: Document preparation
- Gather required documents from your home country
- Get criminal background checks (FBI, RCMP, ACRO, or AFP)
- Obtain apostille/authentication from your government
- Translate all documents to Spanish
- Get comprehensive health insurance
Month 3: Visa application
- Schedule appointment at Spanish consulate in your country
- Major consulates: New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, London, Sydney
- Submit complete visa application
- Pay fees ($200-$400 USD equivalent)
- Attend biometric appointment if required
Month 4: Processing and preparation
- Wait for visa decision (30-90 days)
- Book flights once visa is approved
- Arrange international shipping for belongings
- Cancel services in your home country
- Set up Spanish bank account if possible
Months 5-6: Move and settlement
- Travel to Spain within 90 days of visa approval
- Register with local authorities within 30 days
- Apply for foreigner identity card (NIE/TIE)
- Set up utilities, phone, and internet
- Register with healthcare system
Country-specific considerations:
- UK citizens: May face longer processing due to Brexit-related changes
- Australians: Longer shipping times (6-12 weeks) due to distance
- Canadians: Winter weather can affect shipping schedules
- Americans: Multiple consulate options can speed up appointments
Read also: Does Spain Allow Dual Citizenship? Complete Guide.
Where Should I Live When I Move to Spain?
Spain offers diverse living options for international residents with different priorities. Major cities provide employment opportunities and cultural attractions. Coastal regions offer relaxed lifestyles with beach access and rural areas provide authentic Spanish culture at affordable prices.
Madrid
This serves as Spain’s capital and largest metropolitan area. The city houses over 6 million people in the greater region. Employment opportunities exist in finance, technology, government, and service sectors. International companies maintain their Spanish headquarters here.
Public transportation connects all Madrid neighborhoods efficiently and affordably. Housing costs range €800-€1,400 monthly for one-bedroom apartments and the job market attracts professionals from America, Britain, Canada, and Australia. Healthcare facilities rank among Europe’s best with modern equipment.
Barcelona
Barcelona combines international business opportunities with Mediterranean coastal charm. The city attracts technology companies and innovative startup businesses. Port activities support extensive logistics and shipping industries.
Valencia
This city offers perfect balance between urban amenities and coastal location. Spain’s third-largest city provides growing job market opportunities, and cost of living remains lower than Madrid or Barcelona. The city regularly hosts international conferences and cultural events.
Seville
This city showcases traditional Andalusian culture and stunning Moorish architecture. The city experiences hot summers and pleasantly mild winters. Tourism drives much of the local economy year-round.
Costa del Sol
Costa del Sol attracts retirees and second-home property owners. The region enjoys over 300 sunny days annually. English is widely spoken in major tourist areas. Golf courses and pristine beaches provide recreational opportunities. Property prices vary dramatically by specific location.
Marbella and Puerto Banus
They command premium real estate prices. Smaller coastal towns offer much better value for money. The established English-speaking expat community numbers in hundreds of thousands.
Balearic Islands
This is including Mallorca and Ibiza, and they offer unique island living. Tourism dominates the local economy with seasonal employment fluctuations. Property prices remain high due to limited land supply. Regular ferry connections link islands to mainland Spain. International flights serve major European cities directly.
Canary Islands
This city provides year-round perfect weather conditions. The archipelago offers special tax advantages for legal residents. Tourism and agriculture drive local economic activity. Property prices are generally reasonable compared to mainland. Ferry and flight connections serve mainland Spain regularly.
Read also: How to Settle in Australia After Migration: Live the Aussie Dream
What Are the Tax Rules When I Move to Spain?
Tax obligations when moving to Spain vary by your home country’s tax system and any double taxation treaties with Spain.
Spanish tax residency rules (same for all nationalities): If you spend more than 183 days in Spain per calendar year, you become a Spanish tax resident and must declare worldwide income to Spanish tax authorities.
Country-specific tax considerations:
US citizens moving to Spain:
- Must continue filing US tax returns regardless of residence
- Foreign Earned Income Exclusion can exclude up to $120,000 from US taxes
- US-Spain tax treaty prevents double taxation
- May need to report Spanish bank accounts to US Treasury
Canadian citizens moving to Spain:
- Can become non-resident for Canadian tax if you cut ties properly
- Canada-Spain tax treaty protects against double taxation
- May need to pay departure tax on investments when leaving Canada
UK citizens moving to Spain:
- Can claim non-resident status if you meet HMRC requirements
- UK-Spain tax treaty prevents double taxation
- Brexit doesn’t affect existing tax treaties
Australian citizens moving to Spain:
- Can become non-resident for Australian tax purposes
- Australia-Spain tax treaty prevents double taxation
- May trigger capital gains on Australian assets when becoming non-resident
Spanish tax rates (for all residents):
- Income tax: 19% to 47% depending on income level
- Property tax (IBI): 0.4% to 1.1% of property value annually
- Wealth tax: Varies by region, may apply if net worth exceeds €700,000
Always consult tax professionals in both your home country and Spain before moving to optimize your tax situation.
You should read: Does UK Allow Dual Citizenship? Disadvantages, Hidden Costs and Issues
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, through the Non-Lucrative Visa if you have €28,800+ annual passive income regardless of nationality.
No, visa types are the same, but Brexit means UK citizens need visas like other non-EU nationals.
All four nationalities can visit visa-free for 90 days within any 180-day period as tourists.
Yes, but pets need health certificates, vaccinations, microchips, and quarantine periods vary by origin country significantly.
No Spanish language requirement exists for most visas, but learning Spanish greatly improves your experience.
All four countries have similar processes, though UK citizens face some Brexit-related administrative changes recently.
Conclusion
Moving to Spain opens doors to incredible lifestyle, rich culture, and new opportunities regardless of whether you’re from the US, Canada, UK, or Australia. With proper planning, the right visa, and adequate finances, your Spanish dream can become reality.
Spain welcomes English-speaking expats with established international communities and support systems. Start gathering your documents today, research your ideal location, and connect with expat communities online. Contact Spanish immigration lawyers or relocation specialists familiar with your country’s specific requirements to ensure your move to Spain goes smoothly and successfully.
Before you go, read: Golden Years in Greece: How to Get Your Greece Retirement Visa
