Moving to Spain from the U.S.
Sandtons guides you through every step-from visa to villa keys and everything in between
25000+ American Family Relocated
30+ Years of Experience
End to End Visa & Property Support
Download Your FREE US-Moving to Spain Guide.
What’s your reason for moving?
Lifestyle
Coastal living under the sun. A relaxed way of life.
Retirement
Discover peaceful havens with lower cost living options.
Work
Working remotely? You can in paradise easily.
Business
Explore investment, startup, and entrepreneur.
Start with our free relocation assessment:
- 2- Minute Quiz
- Tailored Roadmap
- No Obligation
The 3 Biggest Relocation Pitfalls for Americans
1
Visa Confusion
Spain’s visa rules are easily accessible & obtained with our clear guidance & experts
2
Tax & Insurance
Underestimating cross-border rules. We make it simple, you stay compliant.
3
Property Pitfalls
Remove all risks of buying property in Spain. Get advice & expertise in property transactions.
Solve These Instantly
Visa Hub
Find the right visa and apply confidently for a smooth move to Spain.
Tax Planning
Plan your finances, stay compliant, and save money with clear tax guidance.
Property Search
Your dream home in the sun. The best areas to live in Spain.
Healthcare
Discover world-class healthcare in Spain, at the fraction of the costs in the US
Education Navigator
Select top schools, compare curricula, and ensure the best learning for your children.
Relocation Essential Table
VISA QUICK GUIDE
| Types of Move | Main Visa Route | Housing Options | Schools/ Family | Timeline & Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Remote Worker |
Digital Nomad Visa |
Rent, Buy Coastal |
International, US- |
2-4 months: visa needed |
|
Retired |
Non-Lucrative Visa |
Buy, Long-term rent |
Seniors, care |
2-3 months: finances prepped |
|
Family Relocation |
Work/ Student/ NLV |
Apartment Villas |
Bilingual, |
3-6 months, dual planning |
|
Seasonal/ Adventure |
Tourist/ Student |
Short-term rent, hotels |
Language, expert |
2-4 weeks, check Schengen limits |
MEDIA
WATCH • LISTEN • READ
NATIVES
(video)
Learn more from real people, just like you & experts about moving to Spain.
DEEP DIVE
(podcasts)
5-15 minute conversations about Americans living in Spain.
Key Considerations
Listen to Tom & Ina talk through all the things to do and consider, from tax to houses.
SPAIN MADE SIMPLE
(blogs)
10-15 minute conversations about Americans living in Spain.
THE EXPLAINER
(video)
10-15 minute videos answering your biggest Spain questions.
AI Moving Analysis
A fully explained insight from over 70 current sources on how to move to Spain.
New Content Weekly | Subscribe to never miss an update
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter
NATIVES-DEEP DIVE-SPAIN MADE SIMPLE-THE EXPLAINER
Watch • Listen • Read
Everything You Need to Know
Visa and Residency Options
All pathways explained in plain English
Buying and Property in Spain
Step-by-step guides written for Americans
Mortgages for US Citizens
How to secure Spanish financing from abroad
Schools and Education
American & International school options
Healthcare for
Expats
Public vs private: what Americans need to know
Cost of Living & Comparison
How much will Americans save by living in Spain?
Double Tax & Beckham’s Law
Will Beckhams’s law work for you? Paying tax in Spain?
Moving Step-by-
Step
Guiding you from an idea to living the life you want
Step-By-Step Guide:
Moving to Spain
1
Pick Your Ideal Visa
Find the visa that best fits your goals with clear guidance on rules, eligibility, and application steps.
Plan Finances & Taxes
Understand your tax options, future costs, and savings strategies so your move is financially secure.
3
Secure Housing & Schools
Get trusted help finding the right home and suitable schools, all matched to your location and budget.
4
Health Insurance & Registrations
We guide you through medical coverage, NICE setup, and essential registrations required for living in Spain.
5
Arrival & Setting In
From banking to local services, we help you settle smoothly and feel at home from your very first week.
Resources
Cost of living Calculator
Custom expense breakdown by region, family and lifestyle
Property Buying & Renting Guide
Steps, costs, value comparisons, negotiation tips.
Healthcare Comparison Guide
Overview of coverage, costs, provider rations.
Education Navigator
School costs, application tips, local values for expat families
Tax Guide for Residents & Investors
Income, property, wealth and global treaty explanations
Moving Checklist Download
Actionable list covering shipping, paperwork, finances, pet travel, banking, utilities and arrival
Banking & Finance Portal
Opening accounts, managing transfers, investement advice
Visa Costs Overview
Explain insurance requirements for NLV, Nomad, family visas
Frequently Asked Questions
I work remotely for a US company - what’s the fastest, safest way to set up life in Spain?
Start with Visas + Cost of Living the Property
We’re thinking about retiring in Spain can our savings and Social Security support the lifestyle we want?
Start with Visas + Healthcare + Cost of Living
We're moving as family - how do we juggle visas, schools, housing and healthcare without dropping a ball?
Start with Schools + Visas + Property + Healthcare
How long can Americans stay in Spain without a visa?
As a U.S. citizen, you can visit Spain visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, in line with Schengen Area rules.
Can I buy property before getting residency?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
What are typical costs for moving to Spain?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
How do taxes work for US citizens in Spain?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
Is English spoken in schools and hospitals?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
What are the rules for healthcare and insurance?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
Can I bring pets to Spain? What’s the process?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
How do I transfer funds and open a bank account?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
What is empadronameinto, and why does it matter?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
How do I get my NIE and set up utilities?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
Still Have Questions?
Not finding the answer you need? Our team is here to guide you with visa, tax, and property questions — no pressure, no obligation.