How much does it really cost to move to Spain?

So, you’re dreaming of sipping an ice-cold beer on a sun-drenched terrace, waving goodbye to your 9-to-5 within the drizzle. However how a lot cash do you really want within the financial institution to make your Mediterranean transfer a actuality? From visas to vet payments, right here’s what you want earlier than shouting ‘¡Vamos!’

We’ve crunched the numbers from begin to end – from visa charges to flights, deposits to canine crates – to present you a transparent, factual breakdown of what it actually takes to start out a brand new life in Spain.

The first step: Attending to Spain legally gained’t come low cost

Non-EU residents corresponding to UK and US nationals sometimes apply for Spain’s non-lucrative visa (NLV), which fits retirees or these with passive earnings. Candidates should present they’ve not less than €36,000 in financial savings or passive earnings to help themselves with out working in Spain. When renewing after the primary yr, they need to present sufficient funds to cowl a two-year interval – successfully doubling the required quantity.

• Visa software charges: approx. £516 (€600) per particular person
• Doc processing (e.g. ACRO Police Certificates, apostille, licensed translation): approx. €400-€500
• Personal medical insurance (absolutely paid upfront, with no co-pay): round €250/month or €3,000/yr for a pair of their 50s

Flights and transport

• Flights will depend upon the place you’re flying from and the place flying to, and in addition the time of yr. Half-terms, Easter and summer season are usually costlier.
• Transport private belongings: We are able to estimate round €2,000 for the typical particular person except you need to begin recent and simply pack your suitcases and go, which many individuals do.

Non permanent lodging

A brief-term ‘touchdown pad’ – corresponding to a three-week keep in a rental or resort whereas condominium searching – is available in at round €1,000-€2000 relying on the scale, time of yr, and site after all. It’s a clever funding although, as you will typically must scout an space earlier than deciding to maneuver. Choose an space that has what you’re in search of.

Renting in Spain: Deposit drama and dodgy calls for

Renting in in style cities like Malaga, Madrid, and Barcelona generally is a fast-paced, aggressive affair. Whereas Spanish legislation limits landlords to asking for a one-month lease deposit and as much as two months extra as extra ensures, it’s not unusual for them to bend or outright ignore these guidelines.

We researched obtainable leases on April 18, 2025, and we discovered:

• Month-to-month lease for a two-bed furnished condominium close to Benalmadena seaside was €1,550 on common.
• Upfront prices: €4,650 (first month’s lease plus two months’ deposit)

Some landlords or brokers could attempt to tack on unlawful ‘service charges’ or demand extra months upfront. Technically illegal, these practices are nonetheless widespread in sizzling markets, and lots of tenants really feel compelled to conform simply to safe a spot.

The exhausting prices of shifting: Totalling all of it up

Let’s tally the necessities:

• Visa and doc charges: €780
• Medical insurance: €3,000
• Flights: ?
• Transport: €2,000 (elective)
• Non permanent lodging: €1,000-2000 (can differ by area)
• Rental move-in prices: Round €4,650

Elective extras that rapidly add up

These aren’t required, however many expats find yourself spending on them:

• Immigration lawyer: as much as €2,000
• Tax recommendation earlier than shifting: €500
• Relocation agent (to assist safe housing): Round €2,000
• Non permanent lodging again residence after promoting your property: varies.
• Bigger transport jobs: can exceed €10,000 if shifting a whole family.
• Pet relocation: As much as €350 for well being paperwork, with air transport starting from €100 to €200 (cabin) to and even as much as €6,000 for US and Canadian flyers in cargo.

Residing in Spain: What is going to your new life price?

When you’re settled, the subsequent massive issue is day-to-day dwelling. Spain’s nationwide statistics company studies that the typical annual price of dwelling per client unit in Andalucía (excluding lease) is roughly €14,745. For a pair, this quantity is adjusted by multiplying it by 1.5, bringing the estimate to €22,118 per yr.

Add lease again into the equation – utilizing our earlier determine of €1,550 monthly – and that’s one other €18,600 yearly.

Yearly dwelling prices for a pair could be round €40,000.

Need extra consolation, journey, and margin? Doubling the non-rent portion brings the estimate nearer to €62,000 per yr, giving loads of headroom for holidays, flights residence, and surprising bills.

This may be barely larger in Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia, or Mallorca. It may also be lowe in additional distant areas and locations. Suppose “España vacía.”  

Don’t neglect the taxman

After round six months in Spain, you’re more likely to develop into a tax resident, that means you’ll be taxed in your worldwide earnings and property. There are tax treaties to forestall double taxation, however your total funds ought to account for this new monetary obligation. It’s one of the vital ignored components of planning a transfer.

So, is Spain nonetheless price it?

Completely sure – however provided that you go in together with your eyes (and pockets) extensive open. On the naked minimal, anticipate to fork out €8,000 – €15,000 to get arrange, and not less than €40,000 – €60,000 per yr to reside comfortably as a pair. Prices will differ by life-style and site as all the time – small cities are cheaper, cities like Malaga or Madrid will price extra, notably for housing.

The underside line? Spain can provide a greater high quality of life – however provided that your funds is reasonable, your paperwork is so as, and also you’re ready to take care of just a few Spanish quirks alongside the way in which.

Plan properly, and you possibly can be swapping stress for sangria and siestas very quickly.

Should you like this text, try the largest errors individuals make when shopping for a house in Spain.

Learn extra Spanish dwelling information.

Learn extra information in English from round Spain.