General Relocation FAQ

1. How much money do I need to move to Spain?

   1. Moving to Spain requires an initial investment for visa costs, housing, and setting up utilities. Depending on your lifestyle, you should budget at least 1-2 years' worth of living expenses upfront. Keep in mind, you will have to include costs for but not limited to:

   • Flights

   • Extra Suitcases on initial flight to Spain or Logistics to move your belongings from home country shipped by sea or air

   • Rent: 1-3 month security deposit on rental upfront typically plus monthly rent costs (see below for typical prices) - if buying a home - then property taxes, closing costs, HOA, agency fees, buyer agent fees, etc.. if applicable, and more.

   • Immigration / Visa Costs / Bureaucracy Costs

   • Healthcare (must pay for whole year up front)

   • Living Expenses such as: groceries, restuarants/dining, nightlife, utilities - gas, water, etc.., shopping, transportation, unforeseen expenses, and more.

   • Taxes - After 183 days living in Spain, you become a tax resident in Spain (tax treaty with USA, see below)

   • Services (Maid, Language Teacher, Nanny, etc..)

   • Education for Children (school tuition, daycares, etc...)

   •  Other

2. What are the best cities in Spain for expats?

   • Popular cities for expats include Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Málaga. Each offers unique advantages in terms of lifestyle, job opportunities, and cost of living. It depends if you want a metropolitan or more relaxed lifestyle.

3. How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Spain?

   • Rental prices vary by location. Here’s an approximate range for different sizes of apartments:

     • 1-bedroom apartment: €800 - €1,200 in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona, and €600 - €900 in smaller cities like Valencia or Málaga. This is a rough estimate and costs could vary exponentially.

     • 2-bedroom apartment: €1,100 - €1,800 in cities like Madrid and Barcelona, and €800 - €1,200 in smaller cities.

     • 3-bedroom apartment: €1,500 - €2,500 in larger cities and €1,000 - €1,500 in smaller cities.

     • A 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in the center of Madrid ranges from, roughly, 400.000 - 1,000,000+ euros in good areas.  Other areas can be cheaper, such as in the smaller towns, outsides of major cities, rural areas - of course.

4. What are the pros and cons of buying vs. renting property in Spain?

   • Buying property can be a good investment if you plan to stay long-term, but renting offers flexibility without the long-term commitment and upfront costs.

5. How much are utility bills and daily expenses in Spain?

   • Utilities (electricity, water, internet) typically cost around €100-€200 per month. Groceries, dining out, and transportation will depend on your lifestyle but can range from €300-€600 per month.

6. Do I have to pay taxes in Spain if I move there?

   • Yes, if you're a tax resident in Spain, you will be subject to Spanish taxes. Spain taxes residents on worldwide income. The USA and Spain have a double tax treaty, meaning you won’t be taxed twice on the same income if you meet certain conditions. To avoid double taxation, the IRS typically requires you to earn below $108,700 (for an individual) in a tax year to be exempt from U.S. taxes while residing in Spain.

7. How does the Spanish healthcare system work for expats?

   • Spain offers universal healthcare for residents, but as an expat, you will need private health insurance until you qualify for the public system or if you prefer additional coverage.

8. How do I open a bank account in Spain as a foreigner?

   • You’ll need an NIE (foreigner identification number), proof of address (empadronar), and a passport. Our team can assist with the entire process to ensure everything is in order. 

9. Can I bring my car to Spain, or should I buy one locally?

   • You can import your car, but it may be expensive due to taxes and registration fees. It might be more cost-effective to purchase a car locally, especially if you're staying long-term.

10. What do I need to do to bring my pets to Spain?​

    1. Pets need to have an EU-approved microchip, a rabies vaccination, and a pet passport. Our team can assist with the pet relocation process to ensure compliance with Spanish regulations.