You want to move to Spain from the US. That means you are probably imagining all the wonderful benefits of living in this Iberian nation. But you are also may be concerned about the practical details.

Things like, how are you going to get a visa? What do you do about healthcare? Are there cultural norms you need to be aware of?

Let’s dive into all this and more in our complete guide below.

Visas

As a US citizen, you can visit Spain visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. But if you’re planning a longer stay (and if you’re reading this post, that’s probably you), you’ll need a long-stay visa.

The most popular types include:

  • Non-Lucrative Visa: This is the perfect choice if you’re retired or financially independent and not planning to work for a Spanish company. You will have to prove you have sufficient income (around €28,800 a year for one person, plus €7,200 for each dependent), private health insurance, a background check, and a medical certificate. The visa initially lasts one year, and it’s renewable for two-year periods after that.
  • Work Visa: To work for an employer in the country, you need a job offer from a Spanish employer willing to sponsor your visa. The approval process often takes one to three months, so start early. The good news about this route? The employer often deals with the bureaucracy here, so it’s a lot less of a headache for you.
  • Digital Nomad Visa: If you are a remote workers, this is probably the best option for you. It allows you to live in Spain while working remotely for companies outside Spain. Proof of remote employment or freelance income is required, and the financial criteria is lower than for the non-lucrative visa (as you’re expected to be earning a living, just not from Spanish sources). It’s renewable annually and can eventually lead to permanent residency.
  • Student Visa: Planning to live here while you study? You’ll need acceptance from an accredited Spanish institution and proof of funds or tuition payment. Bonus: Student visas let you work part-time or intern while studying, so there’s a lot of flexibility with this one.

How Much Does Life Cost in Spain?

We go into the full details on the cost of living in Spain. But for now, it’s worth looking at the cost of living briefly so you know what to expect.

One great benefit of moving from the US to Spain is enjoying a high quality of life at a lower cost. While Madrid and Barcelona might stretch your budget (though they are nowhere near as expensive as American cities), towns a little off the beaten path are extremely affordable compared to their US counterparts.

Here’s what average monthly expenses look like:

 

Expense Madrid/Barcelona Smaller Cities (Valencia, Alicante)
Rent (1-bedroom) €900–€1,200 €400–€700
Utilities & Internet €100–€150 €80–€120
Groceries €200–€300 €150–€250
Transportation €40–€60/month €20–€40/month

 

Eating out is reasonable too. A midday meal (“menú del día”) is around €12–€15, and a nice dinner averages €25 per person.

The Spanish Healthcare System

Spain has one of the leading healthcare systems in the world—both high-quality and affordable. Public healthcare is universal and mostly free if you’re working and contributing to social security.

Otherwise, private insurance (around €50–€100 monthly for adults under 40) offers faster access and English-speaking doctors. Many expats keep private coverage even after gaining public access for convenience. And since even private insurance is so much cheaper here, you’ll still save lots of money taking this route compared to getting coverage in America.

To access public healthcare, you have to register for a tarjeta sanitaria (health card) after getting your residency card. Either way, don’t worry: emergency services are always available, regardless of what coverage you go with.

Renting or Buying

In Spain, home ownership is very popular. 73.6% of Spanish people own their own homes. But the trend is moving toward more renting and less buying.

For newcomers, renting is almost always the best first step. It allows flexibility as you explore neighborhoods. Rent varies widely—from €900–€1,200 monthly for central Madrid apartments, to around €500–€700 in mid-sized cities like Valencia or Malaga.

As you look for a place, be aware that many apartments come unfurnished. Also, expect leases to last at least one year.

Thinking of buying? Expect to pay between €1,800–€3,500 per square meter in big cities, significantly less in smaller towns or rural areas.

Banking and Finances

On arrival, you’ll need an NIE (Foreigner Identity Number) stat. This is needed for essential tasks like opening a bank account, signing leases, and getting a job. Opening a local bank account (e.g., Santander, CaixaBank) requires your passport, proof of address, and NIE.

Unlike in the US, cash remains extremely common, so keep euros on you.

Learn about potential tax liabilities of being a Spanish citizen.

Getting to Know the Culture

Adapting culturally might be your biggest challenge—and your biggest reward. Spaniards operate on a relaxed schedule: lunch at 2–3 PM, a siesta afterward, and dinner as late as 10 PM. That timeline means a lot of relaxation in the day, slowing down the central nervous system and allowing you to savor the present moment.

Shops often close mid-afternoon and reopen later, which gives you greater incentive to pick up the siesta lifestyle.

Spaniards are expressive and friendly—expect passionate conversations, lively debates, and a smaller personal space bubble than Americans typically have. Cheek-to-cheek greetings (besitos) are common among friends, though handshakes are the standard when you’re in a formal setting.

Another big difference? Tipping isn’t expected like in America. Rounding up the bill or leaving €1–€2 is sufficient.

 

Ready to Make Spain Home?

Moving abroad is a heady combination of exciting and daunting. But once you live here, you won’t regret the move to Spain!

After some time, you might decide it’s worth becoming a full citizen. If that’s the case, check out our guide on different ways how to get citizenship in Spain.