Moving to Spain Checklist: Everything Americans Need to Know

Last Updated: January 8, 2026

Affordability

Healthcare

Taxes

Safety

Stability

Relative Ratings versus the United States

TL;DR

Spain is a top-five destination for Americans prioritizing work-life balance in 2026. The Digital Nomad Visa (ranked #1 globally) allows U.S. remote workers to live in Spain with favorable taxes. The Non-Lucrative Visa requires €29,000/year for retirees. Living costs are 30% lower than the U.S., and Spain has one of the world's best healthcare systems with comprehensive private insurance for a few hundred dollars monthly.

Why are Americans choosing Spain in 2026?

Spain continues to be a top-five destination for Americans seeking a lifestyle that prioritizes social connection over "the grind." In 2026, cities like Valencia and Malaga have become hubs for American expats who are drawn to the vibrant culture, walkable streets, and the famous work-life balance. Spain’s infrastructure is among the best in Europe, offering high-speed rail and reliable digital connectivity even in more rural regions.

The appeal of Spain is often emotional as much as it is financial; the country consistently ranks high for overall happiness and life expectancy.

What are the visa options for Americans moving to Spain?

Spain’s visa portfolio is one of the most diverse in Europe, catering to both the remote worker and the retiree.

Digital Nomad Visa: Ranked as the #1 digital nomad visa globally, this allows Americans employed by U.S. companies to live in Spain with a favorable tax arrangement (the Beckham Law may apply in some cases).
Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV): This is the "retirement" favorite. It prohibits you from working for a Spanish company but allows you to live in the country if you have sufficient savings or a passive income of roughly €29,000 annually.

Available Visa Pathways:

Education
Work
Entrepreneurship
Retirement
Study
Other (Digital Nomad)

Retirement in Spain: Spain is highly accessible for retirees via the Non-Lucrative Visa; applicants generally need to show significant savings (approx. $30,000+) or a consistent monthly pension, with no specific age restriction other than the ability to support oneself without working locally.

How much does it cost to live in Spain compared to the United States?

Living in a coastal Spanish city is roughly 30% cheaper than living in a mid-sized U.S. city like Charlotte or Phoenix. Rent remains the biggest saving, with high-quality apartments in vibrant neighborhoods costing significantly less than their American equivalents.

What is the healthcare system like in Spain for Americans?

Spain boasts one of the world's top-rated healthcare systems; for Americans, private insurance is a requirement for most visas and is remarkably inexpensive, providing comprehensive coverage for a few hundred dollars a month with zero deductibles.

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At Bring Me Abroad, we synthesize official government data, local legal requirements, and real expat experiences to create our relocation guides. Our goal is to simplify the complex process of moving abroad for US citizens.

About Aaron

Aaron is a seasoned designer and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience building digital products for the SaaS and hospitality industries. In 2023, he navigated the complex journey of relocating from the U.S. to the Netherlands—a process that revealed a fragmented landscape of outdated visa blogs and "browser tab overload." After successfully launching a design studio in the Netherlands, Aaron co-founded Bring Me Abroad to solve the "Day 1" information gap. His mission is to democratize relocation by replacing expensive consultants with high-utility, data-driven reports that help early-stage explorers get situated quickly. When he isn't decoding immigration logistics, Aaron can be found cycling through the Dutch rain in search of the perfect apple pie or navigating the nuances of the Dutch language.