VISAS, RESIDENCY, RELOCATION, MOVING TO SPAIN, LIVING IN SPAIN.

Are you are planning a sabbatical from work, or retired/retiring early? Non-EU passport holders may find the Non Lucrative Visa or Golden Visa is the right choice.  Alternatively, If you are the holder of an EU passport or you are a Family member of an EU Citizen then you could obtain Spanish residency directly without a visa if you meet the requirements.

The Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU passport holders to work remotely if you are an employee of a company or self employed.  Family members can also benefit from a working Visa in Spain unlike the Non Lucrative Visa.   If you are employed you could apply for Beckhams Law and benefit from a 24% flat tax rate on your Spanish income (this makes sense if you earn over €60,000 Euros).    

If you have the funds to make an investment you may be eligible for the Golden Visa for ultimate flexibility.   For example you can purchase a property (real estate) in Spain for €500,000 excluding legal fees, taxes and other costs and be approved for this Visa.  Two benefits of this Visa include you don´t have to become a tax resident, and you can travel freely within the 27 Schengen Zone countries.  

If you hold an EU passport, you and your family members can get residency in Spain with an offer of employment with a Spanish company, or if you want to register as Self Employed (Autonomo).  Planning ahead is important as there are likely many things you will need such as obtaining your NIE number before you can start.

Make your dream a reality by planning out all the steps for your move.   Take the stress out of your move by being prepared and using our free moving / relocation guide and checklist.   It covers many topics including understanding your Finances, Budgeting for Your Move, Planning for your Family, Accommodation, Health Care and much more.

You are considered a fiscal (tax) resident if are in Spain more than 183 days, or your centre of economic interests are in Spain.  Get to grips with your finances and tax obligations including income tax, budget, banking, currency exchange, capital gains, wealth taxes, self employment (social security and autonomo).   

EU Driving Licenses continue to be valid in Spain until renewal although there are some exceptions.  Non-EU including UK and Ireland Driving Licences can be exchanged if there is an agreement with Spain, for countries without an agreement a practical driving and theory test is required.   Practical guidance on purchasing, leasing, hiring or importing your vehicle.  Once you have exchanged your licence, remember you may need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in other countries.

Planning for individual and family public and private health care cover is vital if you live abroad.   You may require Private Health Insurance for your Residency or Visa application or you may be eligible to access public health care straight away.  Don't forget if you have residency in Spain and you travel abroad you may not have access to Health Care without insurance, or the European Health Insurance Card - EHIC (when travelling in the EU).  After one year in Spain you may also want to consider joining the Convenio Especial program.

You furry friend is a big part of the family and requires extra special attention during the move.  There are a few things to consider such as how you will transport your pet to Spain, requirements for registering your pet, legal requirements for liability insurance and how to access Veterinarian services.    Spain introduced a new animal welfare law in September 2023 that recognised pets as "living, sentient beings", animal abuse is punished with prison sentences of 12-36 months and fines from €500-€200,000 euros.