Moving to Spain — Complete Guide 2026

Everything you need to know about visas, taxes, the Beckham Law, housing, healthcare, and getting started in Spain.

Visa Processing

2-4 weeks

Cost of Living

€1,300-€1,800

Popular Cities

Barcelona, Madrid

Main Visa Types

6

Why Spain?

Beckham Law Tax Benefits

Newly resident expats can enjoy 24% flat tax rate instead of 45% for 6 years.

Digital Nomad Visa

New visa designed specifically for remote workers with simple requirements.

Golden Visa Available

Resident status through investment: €500,000 in real estate or business.

Mediterranean Lifestyle

Excellent weather, vibrant culture, beaches, and outdoor activities year-round.

Affordable Living

Lower cost of living than Northern Europe with high quality of life.

Universal Healthcare

EU-standard public healthcare system accessible to residents.

Visa Types Available

Digital Nomad Visa

Duration

1 year renewable

Requirements

Monthly income €2,300 + remote work proof + health insurance

Ideal For

Remote workers, freelancers

Work Visa (Visado de Trabajo)

Duration

1 year renewable

Requirements

Job offer + employer sponsorship + labor market test

Ideal For

Employees with job offer

Non-Lucrative Visa

Duration

1 year renewable

Requirements

Monthly income €2,160 + health insurance (no work allowed)

Ideal For

Retirees, investors

Golden Visa (Investor)

Duration

1 year renewable

Requirements

Real estate investment €500,000+ or business investment

Ideal For

High-net-worth investors

Student Visa

Duration

1 year renewable

Requirements

University admission + €1,400/month income proof

Ideal For

International students

Entrepreneur Visa

Duration

2 years renewable

Requirements

Business project + €600,000+ investment or salary creation

Ideal For

Business founders

Tax System & Costs

Beckham Law (Ley Beckham)

The Beckham Law is Spain's special tax regime for newly resident employees and entrepreneurs. It provides significant tax savings compared to standard rates:

  • 24% flat tax rate on income (vs 45% standard marginal rate)
  • Valid for 6 years from first Spanish residence
  • Applies to employment income and business profits
  • Must not have been Spanish resident in previous 5 years

Standard Income Tax

Non-Beckham Law residents pay progressive income tax ranging from 19% to 45%. Self-employed individuals have additional social security contributions (15-30% depending on income).

Getting Started Checklist

Apply for visa at Spanish consulate
Register at Spanish police (Policía Nacional) within 30 days
Register residence with local municipality (Padrón)
Obtain NIE (tax identification number)
Open Spanish bank account (cuenta bancaria)
Register with tax authority for Beckham Law application (if applicable)
Register with healthcare system (Seguridad Social)
Get utility connections (electricity, water, internet)

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