Why Retire to Spain?
Spain offers one of the most attractive lifestyles for retirees in the world:
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☀️ Mild climate year-round
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🏖️ Beautiful coasts and historic towns
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🍷 Great food, wine, and healthcare
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💶 Lower cost of living than most of Western Europe
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🧘♂️ Relaxed lifestyle and expat-friendly communities
🛂 Visa Options for Retiring to Spain
📌 1. Non-Lucrative Residence Visa (NLV)
The most common retirement visa. Requirements include:
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Proof of sufficient financial means (pensions, savings)
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Private health insurance
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No criminal record
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Not working or conducting business in Spain
Ideal for retirees from non-EU countries like the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, or South Africa.
📌 2. EU/EEA Citizens
If you’re an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you do not need a visa to retire in Spain. However, you must:
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Register with the local town hall (empadronamiento)
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Apply for a residence certificate
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Show proof of income and health insurance
📌 3. Golden Visa – No Longer Available
The Golden Visa (based on real estate investment) has been discontinued. If you’re planning to buy property, you must now apply under a different visa type, such as the non-lucrative visa.
🏠 Where to Retire in Spain?
| Region | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Costa del Sol | British and Nordic expats, golf courses, seaside towns |
| Alicante & Costa Blanca | Great healthcare, English-speaking communities |
| Barcelona | Urban charm, cultural scene, good transport |
| Valencia | Affordable, modern city life with Mediterranean climate |
| Andalusia (Seville, Granada) | Traditional Spanish lifestyle, lower cost of living |
🏥 Healthcare for Retirees
Spain has one of the best public healthcare systems in Europe. Here’s how it works:
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✅ EU citizens may access the public system via the S1 form or local contributions
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✅ Non-EU retirees must show proof of private insurance during their visa application
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🏥 Private healthcare plans are affordable and widely available
💰 Tax Considerations for Retirees
Retiring in Spain comes with tax residency implications if you live there more than 183 days/year. Key points:
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You may be taxed on worldwide income
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Spain has double tax treaties with many countries (e.g., UK, USA, Canada)
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Pension income may be taxed, depending on your country of origin
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The Modelo 720 requires declaring foreign assets over €50,000
We strongly recommend personalized tax advice to optimize your retirement finances.
🧾 Documents Needed to Retire in Spain
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Valid passport
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Proof of income (pension statements, savings)
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Private health insurance certificate
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Criminal background check
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NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)
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Proof of address in Spain (rental contract or ownership deed)
⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Can Help You Retire in Spain
We handle the full legal process of your retirement relocation:
✅ Visa application support
✅ NIE and residency paperwork
✅ Spanish tax registration & planning
✅ Real estate purchase or rental contracts
✅ Spanish will and estate planning
✅ Ongoing legal and administrative assistance
✨ Retire with Peace of Mind in Spain
Your retirement should be worry-free. Our multilingual team of lawyers and relocation experts makes your move to Spain smooth and secure.