Spain Retirement Visa

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Spain does not have a specific retirement visa, but you can retire with a non-lucrative visa or an entrepreneur visa.

In this guide, we’ve detailed everything you need to know about retiring in Spain as a foreigner and what visa options are available to you.

How to Retire in Spain?

Here’s how you can retire in Spain step by step:

Step One: Check Out the Visa Options

Two main visa options make it quicker to retire in Spain without having a job offer.

Depending on your circumstances and what you plan on doing in the country, you can apply for one of the following:

Spain Non-Lucrative Visa

This visa allows you to enter and live in the country without meeting the work requirement. It’s often referred to as a retirement visa (despite it not being a retirement visa) because it’s very popular with retirees. However, you must have at least EUR 28,000 annually to qualify for this visa.

Spain Non-Lucrative Visa

An entrepreneur visa is ideal for you if you want to open a business in the country or a start-up, as it’s processed very quickly (10 days). Then you can qualify for permanent residency within 5 years. This option is perfect if you want to have the option to run a business while still enjoying your golden years.

If you don’t meet the requirements for any of these visa options, you can always move to the country with a job offer, become a permanent resident, and then retire there. But of course, this option takes the longest and is more difficult than the other options.

Step Two: Prepare to Submit a Visa Application

Regardless of which option you qualify for, you have to submit a visa application before you can enter the country, as you need legal permission to live there.

You have to apply for both a visa (from your home country) and a residence permit (after arriving in Spain).

The Visa Application Process

The application process is straightforward and requires you to complete the following steps:

  • Set an appointment with a Spanish embassy/consulate or visa application center in your country, which you can find listed here.
  • Prepare the required documents, which can differ depending on the visa but usually include your passport, ID, proof of financial means, visa application form, etc.
  • Attend the visa appointment so you can submit your application in person and sit for a brief interview.
  • Retrieve your visa and your passport, enter Spain, and apply for a residence permit.

Please note that a visa application is required for all foreign applicants.

The only exception to this requirement is EU/EEA citizens, who must simply register their residence with the Central National Registry after 3 months of living in the country.

Step Three: Plan Your Move

Once you understand the visa options and application requirements, it’s time you settle a few things before your initial move.

  • Visit Spain (if you can) to explore different areas and neighborhoods.
  • Find temporary or long-term accommodation to support your visa/residence application.
  • Arrange private health insurance that meets Spain’s visa requirements, which must cover most medical services and be valid initially for one year.
  • Sort out your finances, especially if you’re on a pension, and make sure you transfer your pension to your new country of residence.
  • Notify relevant institutions (banks, post office, healthcare, etc.).
  • Sell, store, or ship belongings depending on your long-term plans.
  • Digitize important documents (passport, insurance, visa papers).
  • Start learning Spanish to help you integrate with your new country.

Step Four: Enter Spain

When your visa is finished processing, you have 30 days to enter the country and use your visa. Once you enter the country, at the airport or border checks, you need to show the immigration officers your passport, which contains your visa, as it must be stamped before entry.

Then, you can go ahead and settle down in Spain:

  1. Apply for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero).This is your foreign resident ID card in Spain, and you must apply for it within 30 days of entering Spain. You can submit your application at the local Foreigners’ Office (Oficina de Extranjería) or a local police station.
  2. Register for Healthcare. If you’re still on private insurance (required for the visa), keep your policy active and carry proof. If eligible later on, you can register with the public healthcare system (Seguridad Social) once you become a resident. You can do this by contributing to the system or applying through the (Convenio Especial)  for retirees.
  3. Complete your city registration (Empadronamiento). This is your registration with the local town hall (Ayuntamiento) — also called “Padrón” — and you need it for residence renewal, to gain access to public services, etc.
  4. Open a Spanish bank account. Having a local bank account makes it easier for you to pay rent and utilities, and receive pensions or transfers. To open one in Spain, you need your passport, NIE (social security number), proof of address, and proof of income.
  5. Set up essentials. You should also make sure you obtain a SIM card/Spanish phone number, set up your internet and utilities, and a local transportation pass (if you plan on using public transport).

Choose the Right City to Retire

Spain has a variety of cities and locations to choose from as the ideal home for your retirement. But some are more expat and budget-friendly, and easier to navigate.

  • Málaga. A sunny coastal city with a relaxed vibe, great beaches, and a strong expat scene.
  • Valencia. It’s an affordable city, modern, and walkable with both city charm and seaside living.
  • Alicante. It has a low cost of living, friendly locals, and beautiful Mediterranean views.
  • Barcelona. One of the most popular cities, with a vibrant and cosmopolitan vibe, rich culture, and excellent public transport.
  • Madrid. Spain’s capital and social hub, it’s a lively capital with top-notch healthcare and endless cultural attractions.
  • Granada. Historic, scenic, and budget-friendly, nestled by the mountains.
  • Marbella. Upscale beach town known for golf, luxury living, and sunny weather.
  • Seville. It’s a traditional Andalusian city with beautiful architecture and warm winters.
  • Jávea. Small town with a large English-speaking expat population and lovely coastlines.
  • Ronda. Picturesque hilltop town, ideal for a peaceful and scenic retirement.

Why Retire In Spain?

Here are some of the reasons why you should retire in Spain:

Healthcare

The healthcare system in Spain offers universal coverage as a constitutionally-guaranteed right to all its citizens has both public and private healthcare systems. The public healthcare system provides free healthcare services to retirees, including retirees who are not from Spain.

Foreign residents living in Spain have two health insurance options that they can choose: Private Insurance Provider or National Healthcare System (Sistema Nacional de Salud SNS).

In addition, as a foreign retiree, you can also qualify for public healthcare called “Convenio Especial.”

Life quality

In Spain, you can have a laid-back style while also having time to enjoy everything you want to do. Spain is known for having a great work/life balance, quality of medical care, safety, and comfort.

Living Costs

Spain has relatively affordable living costs. However, in cities like Ibiza, Barcelona, or Madrid, due to their popularity, prices can be a little higher. Living expenses for single retirees are lower and affordable if you have enough financial means, whereas a couple could live on $20,000 to $22,000 a year.

Safety

Spain is ranked in 38th place when it comes to safety and security and has a relatively low crime rate. Spain’s crime rate is way lower than other countries around the world, but there are still some minor safety measures you must take for scams or theft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Speak Spanish to Retire in Spain?

Generally speaking, you don’t need to know Spanish to retire in Spain or be eligible for a non-lucrative or entrepreneur visa.

That being said, knowing the language will make it easier for you to move to the country, acclimate yourself, make new friends, and navigate daily life in the country.

Do I Have to Pay Taxes in Spain as a Retiree?

Anyone who lives for longer than 183 days in a calendar year in Spain is considered a taxable resident. You have to pay taxes on your worldwide income, including pensions.

However, if you receive a public pension, you may be taxed only in the country from which the pension comes. For private pensions, you have to pay taxes in Spain as well.

Additionally, Spain may have a tax agreement with some countries to avoid double taxation, i.e., paying taxes on your income in both countries. So, this will depend on your home country and situation.

We highly recommend you consult with a legal professional who can help you better understand the tax implications as a retiree in Spain.

How Do I Manage My Pension in Spain?

If you’re receiving a pension, you can direct deposit it into a Spanish bank account. For retirees from the EU or countries with social security agreements with Spain, pensions are often transferred directly from the home country

Can I Work Part-Time After I Retire in Spain?

If you’ve retired in Spain after working and living there for a few years, then you may be permitted to continue working part-time.

However, if you apply for a non-lucrative visa to retire in the country, then you are not permitted any kind of gainful employment, even if it’s part-time.

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