Moving to Spain 2026: Visas, Costs and Tax

Moving to Spain in 2026 is an entirely possible and fantastic option for a new life in the sun. With careful planning, you can navigate the immigration process successfully despite significant changes to Spain's visa landscape.

Spain offers a remarkable quality of life, combining a rich culture, beautiful coastlines, vibrant cities and a relatively affordable cost of living. Spain has residency pathways for retirees, remote workers or those with a job offer. This guide explains the updated options, including visa requirements, tax implications and the practical steps to make your move a reality. For other destinations, browse our Moving Abroad guides.

Although the popular golden visa programme has ended for new applicants, other excellent visas are available. The non-lucrative visa and the digital nomad visa are now primary choices for non-EU citizens wanting to live in Spain. Understanding each visa's requirements is the first step.

Can you still move to Spain in 2026?

Yes. Despite the golden visa's closure, moving to Spain remains accessible. The Spanish government still welcomes foreign nationals who contribute to its economy and society. The focus has simply shifted from property investment to other routes. For most people, this change will have little impact, as other visas provide more practical and affordable pathways to residency.

The key is identifying the correct visa. The non-lucrative visa is for those retiring with savings or a pension. The digital nomad visa is ideal for remote workers with a stable foreign income. A work visa is for those with a job offer from a Spanish company. Each path has specific financial and documentary requirements.

The process requires diligence. You must gather financial records, obtain health insurance and prove you have a clean criminal history. Applications are typically made from your home country before you travel to Spain. With the golden visa's end, preparing your application carefully is crucial. Seek professional advice if you are unsure. Spain remains open to new residents.

Spain residency routes compared

Choosing the right visa is a critical decision. Each option suits a different applicant, with unique financial requirements and employment rules. The table below compares the main residency routes for non-EU citizens in 2026.

Non-lucrative visa: Spain's retirement visa

The non-lucrative visa is a popular pathway for individuals and families who can live in Spain without working. It is for those who can support themselves financially without any professional activity in Spain, making it the default choice for retirees. It is often called the Spain retirement visa.

The main requirement is proving sufficient financial means. The threshold is tied to Spain's IPREM indicator. An applicant must prove funds of 400% of the monthly IPREM, plus 100% for each additional family member. With the monthly IPREM at €600, this is €28,800 annually for a single applicant. A family of four requires €50,400 per year. Funds can come from pensions, investments, savings or other passive income.

Applicants need comprehensive private health insurance from a company authorised in Spain. The policy must cover all medical needs without copayments or deductibles. You must also provide a clean criminal record certificate from any country you have lived in for the past five years.

The initial permit is valid for one year, with renewals typically granted for two year periods. It is an established route to long term residency and eventually citizenship, provided you meet the requirements and spend enough time in Spain annually. For a detailed breakdown of the requirements and application process, see our complete guide to the Spain non-lucrative visa.

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Digital nomad visa

Spain's popular digital nomad visa attracts international talent and remote workers. It is for non-EU citizens working remotely for companies outside Spain or who are self-employed with foreign clients. The visa allows you to live in Spain while earning your income from abroad.

The main financial requirement is proving a stable income of at least 200% of Spain's minimum wage (SMI) for a single applicant. This increases for families, with a family of four requiring 325% of the SMI. Always check the current SMI with official sources when applying. You must provide evidence like employment contracts, payslips or client invoices to prove your income.

As with the non-lucrative visa, applicants need private health insurance valid in Spain and a clean criminal record. You must also prove at least a one year professional relationship with your foreign company or clients.

The visa offers flexibility. You can apply for a one year visa at a Spanish consulate in your home country. Alternatively, if you are in Spain legally, you can apply directly for a three year residence permit. This in-country application is a significant advantage. The permit is renewable. Holders may also benefit from significant tax advantages by applying for the Beckham Law special tax regime, covered later in this article. To learn more about this route, read our in-depth guide to the Spain digital nomad visa.

Work and family routes

Spain also has traditional immigration pathways tied to employment and family connections, which are crucial options for many people.

A work visa is for those with a formal job offer from a Spanish company. The employer usually starts the process by applying for work authorisation. Requirements are complex and depend on factors like job shortage lists. The employer may need to prove no suitable EU or Spanish candidate was available. Once authorised, you can apply for your work visa at a Spanish consulate. This visa ties your residency to your job.

Family reunification visas are another key pathway. A non-EU citizen with an immediate family member (such as a spouse, registered partner or dependent child) who is a Spanish citizen or legal resident may be sponsored. The sponsoring family member must prove sufficient funds and adequate housing. Requirements vary depending on the sponsor's status. For official information on work and family visas, consult the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website at exteriores.gob.es.

What happened to the golden visa

For over a decade, the Spanish golden visa was a flagship investment migration programme. It offered straightforward residency to non-EU citizens for a significant investment, usually in real estate. The Spanish government has now ended this programme.

The Spain golden visa officially closed to all new applications on 3 April 2025. The government cited pressures on the local housing market as the primary reason. This means it is no longer possible to get residency in Spain by purchasing property. The change was abrupt and marked a significant shift in Spain's immigration policy.

It is crucial to note this closure only affects new applicants. Individuals who already hold a golden visa residence permit are not affected. They can continue to live, work and study in Spain and can renew their residency permits under the original conditions. This provides security for existing investors and their families. Those who were considering the golden visa should now explore alternatives to the Spain golden visa.

Tax when moving to Spain

Understanding Spain's tax system is a critical part of moving. Your tax obligations depend on your residency status. You are generally a tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in Spain in a calendar year or if your main economic or vital interests are in the country. As a tax resident, you are liable for tax on your worldwide income, assets and capital gains.

Standard Tax Residency

Standard tax residents are taxed on their income at progressive rates, which vary by region and income bracket. Residents must also be aware of wealth and inheritance taxes, which also have regional variations. You must file an annual tax return and declare overseas assets if their value exceeds certain thresholds.

The Beckham Law: A Special Tax Regime

Spain offers an attractive optional tax regime for qualifying new residents known as the Beckham Law. It allows eligible individuals to be taxed as non-residents for up to six years. To qualify, you must not have been a tax resident in Spain for the five years before your move and must relocate for an employment contract. Many digital nomad visa holders can also qualify.

Under the Beckham Law, employment income is taxed at a flat 24% on the first €600,000, with any amount above this taxed at 47%. A key benefit is that most foreign source income, such as interest or capital gains from outside Spain, is not taxed. This can result in substantial savings. For more details, see our guide to Spain's Beckham Law.

Wealth Tax and Solidarity Levy

Spain has a national Wealth Tax (Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio). This is an annual tax on your net assets worldwide. However, there are significant exemptions. Residents have a general exemption of €700,000 plus an additional allowance of €300,000 for their main home in Spain. These rules vary significantly between Spain's autonomous communities.

The Spanish government also introduced a temporary Solidarity Levy on Great Fortunes. This is a supplementary wealth tax for individuals with net assets over €3 million, designed to harmonise wealth taxation across the country. Understanding how these taxes apply is crucial for high net worth individuals. Our guide to Spain's Wealth Tax and Solidarity Levy explains these complex rules.

For the wider context, read our full spain golden visa closed: alternatives in 2026.

Buying property

Owning a home in Spain is a dream for many. There are no restrictions on foreigners buying property, whether they are resident or not. The process is straightforward and well regulated, but it is important to understand the steps and costs.

The first practical step for a foreign buyer is obtaining a Spanish identification number, the NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero). This number is mandatory for almost all legal and financial transactions in Spain, including buying property, opening a bank account and signing up for utilities. You can apply for an NIE at a Spanish consulate in your home country or at a police station in Spain.

When budgeting for a property, you must account for costs beyond the purchase price. As a general rule, budget an additional 10% to 15% of the property price for taxes and fees. These costs typically include property transfer tax (ITP) for resale properties or VAT (IVA) for new builds, plus stamp duty. You will also have to pay notary fees, property registry fees and legal fees if you hire a lawyer, which is highly recommended. Exploring the market and legal process is covered in our guide to buying property in Spain.

Step-by-step: how to move to Spain

Navigating the Spanish immigration process can be broken down into manageable steps. A methodical approach will help ensure your application is successful.

1. Research and Choose Your Visa Route. This is the most important step. Carefully review the requirements for the non-lucrative visa, digital nomad visa and other options. Choose the one that best aligns with your personal and financial circumstances.

2. Gather All Required Documentation. Each visa has a long list of required documents. This will always include your passport, application forms, photos, proof of financial means, private health insurance and a clean criminal record certificate. Official documents from your home country will need a sworn Spanish translation and may require an apostille.

3. Submit Your Visa Application. Most visa applications must be submitted in person at the Spanish consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. You will need to book an appointment and submit your file. Processing times vary, so apply well in advance of your planned travel date.

4. Travel to Spain and Get Your Residence Card. Once your visa is approved, you can travel to Spain. Within your first month, you must make an appointment to apply for your foreigner identity card, the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero). This card is your official proof of residency.

5. Register with Local Authorities. Once you have your TIE and a permanent address, you must register on the local municipal register, the 'padrón'. This is a legal requirement and is necessary for accessing local services, healthcare and schools. You should also register with the Spanish tax authorities.

Frequently asked questions

How much money do I need for the Spain retirement visa?

For the non-lucrative or retirement visa, a single applicant must prove they have access to at least €28,800 per year. This figure is based on 400% of a Spanish financial indicator called IPREM. For each additional family member, you must show proof of extra funds, typically 100% of the IPREM per person. This money must be from passive sources like pensions or savings.

Can I work on a non-lucrative visa in Spain?

No, you cannot. The non-lucrative visa explicitly prohibits the holder from undertaking any professional or economic activity in Spain, whether as an employee or self-employed. Its purpose is to allow financially self-sufficient individuals to reside in Spain without competing on the local job market.

Is it hard to move to Spain?

Moving to Spain requires careful planning and paperwork, but it is not necessarily hard if you are prepared. The key is to identify the correct visa route, gather all required documents and apply correctly through official channels. Many people navigate the process successfully on their own, while others hire immigration lawyers for peace of mind.

What is the easiest way to get Spain residency?

There is no single 'easiest' way, as the best route depends on your circumstances. For retirees with a stable pension, the non-lucrative visa is often the most straightforward option. For remote workers with a foreign employer, the digital nomad visa is designed specifically for them and can be a relatively quick process. If you have a job offer, the work visa is your path.

How do I apply for the digital nomad visa in Spain?

You must prove you work remotely for a foreign company or clients and meet the minimum income requirement, which is at least 200% of Spain's minimum wage. You can either apply for a one year visa at a Spanish consulate before you travel or, if you are already in Spain legally, you can apply directly for a three year residence permit.

What is Beckham's Law in Spain?

Beckham's Law is a special tax regime for eligible new residents, such as those on a work or digital nomad visa. It allows you to be taxed at a flat rate of 24% on your Spanish employment income up to €600,000 for up to six years. It also exempts most of your foreign source income and gains from Spanish tax, which can be a significant advantage.

Do I have to pay wealth tax in Spain?

As a tax resident, you might be liable for wealth tax if your worldwide net assets exceed the exemption thresholds. For residents, there is a general exemption of €700,000 and a further €300,000 for your main home in Spain. This means many residents pay no wealth tax. However, rules vary by region, so it is important to check the specifics for where you plan to live.

Can I still get a golden visa in Spain?

No, you cannot. The Spanish government closed the golden visa programme to new applicants on 3 April 2025. It is no longer possible to get residency by making a property investment. If you already hold a golden visa, you can continue to renew it under the original rules, but no new applications are being accepted.

How long can I live in Spain as a non-resident?

As a non-EU citizen from a country like the UK or the USA, you can typically stay in Spain and the wider Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180 day period for tourism without a visa. To live in Spain for longer than three months, you must get a long stay visa and a residence permit.

What is an NIE number and why do I need it?

The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is a unique tax identification number for foreigners in Spain. It is essential for almost any administrative or financial transaction, including buying property, opening a bank account, signing an employment contract or filing taxes. It does not grant residency by itself, but you cannot become a resident or conduct official business without one.

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Sources

• Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation (https://www.exteriores.gob.es)
• Boletín Oficial del Estado (https://www.boe.es)