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RESIDENCY PERMITS

How Americans can retire in Spain

Spain is an attractive country for US nationals looking to retire in Europe. But before you consider making the move, here are a few things you should consider, including visa options, healthcare and living costs.

Published: 7 October 2021 15:07 CEST
How Americans can retire in Spain
Retired citizens who want to move to Spain can apply for a non-lucrative visa, which can be renewed after a year. Photo by Josep LAGO / AFP

According to Spain’s national statistics agency, the INE (Instituto Nacional de Estadística), there are some 40,712 Americans officially residing in Spain: 21,933 American women and 18,779 American men, spread out across Spain’s 19 autonomous regions.

Madrid is the most popular region, home to a quarter of US citizens (11,634), followed by Catalonia (9,431) and Andalusia (6,652).

READ ALSO: Where in Spain do all the Americans live?

Americans of all ages are seduced by the Spanish culture, the food, the history, the weather and its overall great quality of life, all of which can be fully enjoyed during retirement. 

But before US retirees start dreaming about a move to Spain, they should first consider the practicalities, starting with visa and residency options. 

Given that the main purpose of this article is to help American pensioners to enjoy their retirement in Spain, the two most suitable visas are the non-lucrative visa and the golden visa, as they’re not focused on work or study. 

Non-lucrative visa

Often referred to as a retirement visa, Spain’s non-lucrative residency permit (visado de residencia no lucrativa) allows non-EU citizens to stay in Spain for a period of more than 90 days without working or carrying out professional activities. To get it they must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial means for themselves and, if applicable, their family.

It’s the best option for retirees from the US who want to move to Spain. It’s a temporary residence visa that lasts for one year.

The first and second residence renewals last for two years each. After five years of residency, they can apply for a long-term residency, which lasts for another five years.

After ten years of residence in Spain, US citizens can obtain Spanish citizenship, although they will technically have to renounce their American nationality in the process.

READ ALSO: What you need to know about applying for Spain’s non-lucrative visa

To get the visa, US citizens will have to demonstrate that they have “sufficient financial means”, but the exact amount of money you have to have can vary between Spain’s regions and provinces.

The Spanish government is referring to the IPREM, an indicator that in 2023 will rise to €600 ($631 with the current exchange rate) per month, just under €20.98 more than in 2022 and €40.98 more than in 2020.

The standard financial requirement for non-lucrative visa applicants is 400 percent of the IPREM: in 2023 this will be €2,400 ($2,528) per month.

So for a US national wanting to apply for the non-lucrative residency permit for Spain for the first time (it lasts one year), the amount they need to prove is €28,800 ($30,335). 

However, these figures should be used only as a reference.

It’s important to note that applications for a non-lucrative visa have to be made from the US. 

READ ALSO: How much money do Americans need to become residents in Spain in 2021?

Golden visa

Spain’s golden visa, sometimes referred to as an investor visa, allows non-EU citizens the right to live in Spain if they meet several requirements.

These include buying a property worth over €500,000, investing €1 million in a Spanish company or having €1 million in a Spanish bank account.

Your spouse/partner, any children under 18 and dependent parents can be included in the visa, and it also enables you to have freedom of movement throughout the Schengen area’s 26 countries. However, it’s only valid for one year, after which you can exchange it for a residence permit, valid for another two years and then get permanent residency after five years.

When applying, you will also have to prove you have sufficient financial means or income to cover your and your family’s costs.

The golden visa requires a sizeable investment, even for those earning six figures every year, and you may have to pay a non-resident tax and wealth tax. So before you decide whether this is the best visa or residency option for you, here is an important list of advantages and disadvantages that come with Spain’s visado dorado (golden visa).

Applications for a golden visa can be made from either Spain or the US.

PROS AND CONS: What foreigners should be aware of before applying for Spain’s golden visa

Health care options

Most foreigners in Spain without residency or work permits cannot automatically receive public free healthcare in Spain. 

In fact, both the non-lucrative visa and the golden visa require you to have comprehensive private health insurance taken out to be able to get residency, covering as much as the Spanish public healthcare covers.

While private healthcare is generally affordable in Spain, costing between €50 and €200 a month, it can add up to a much heftier bill for those with pre-existing conditions.

You’ll find a list of the best private healthcare options in Spain here.

READ ALSO: What are the best private health insurance options in Spain for foreigners?

It’s worth noting that there is a scheme called convenio especial, which is the pay-in public insurance (SNS) for those who are not eligible to be covered. The plan provides access to the public healthcare system for a monthly payment and covers all pre-existing medical conditions, but not prescriptions. It costs €60 per month for anyone up to the age of 65 and €157 euros for those 65 and above.

However, you can only apply for a convenio especial if you have been registered at their local town hall in Spain for at least a year.

Cost of living

A lower cost of living is among the many reasons US citizens may choose to retire in Spain. 

According to the Number Cost of Living Index, Spain was given a score of 53.77, which means it is 46.23% cheaper than New York (excluding rent).

Spain is the cheapest Eurozone country for clothing, according to a report from Eurostat. The price of alcohol and tobacco is also much cheaper here than in other EU countries, while the cost of groceries and transport are also much lower compared than the EU average.

However, some bills like internet, electricity and banking services can be more expensive in Spain than in other countries. Prices for internet typically vart between €30 and €50 per month.

READ ALSO: The hidden costs of moving to Spain

Tax

Another thing to consider before you move to Spain is declaring any assets you hold abroad. 

If you have money in a foreign bank account, private pensions, property, shares or any other assets back home that are over €50,000 in value you have to declare it to Spanish tax authorities.

It applies equally to Spanish citizens and foreigners legally resident in Spain and is for information purposes only. In other words, you won’t be expected to pay tax on assets held abroad but can be fined if you don’t declare it.

But it’s also worth noting that tax residents in Spain will be taxed on their worldwide income from employment, pension schemes, renting out a property, etc.

There are also taxes such as inheritance tax to keep in mind, which are generally higher in Spain than in other countries and also vary greatly between regions, and the wealth tax (impuesto sobre el patrimonio) for those lucky enough to have considerable assets (upwards of €700,000). 

READ ALSO: The most common tax problems foreigners in Spain run into

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SPAIN AND THE US

How to quickly get a US passport for a child born in Spain 

What are the steps to apply for a baby's US passport from Spain? How long does it take? Here’s all the experience-based information and tips American parents in Spain should know before beginning the process.

Published: 17 April 2024 16:46 CEST
How to quickly get a US passport for a child born in Spain 

You’ve left the United States and moved to Spain. Now, you’ve added a baby to this fabulous new life. You’ll want to secure their U.S. citizenship and passport straight away.

If one parent is Spanish, your child is entitled to Spanish citizenship. If your child doesn’t qualify for citizenship by birth, they’ll need an American passport to declare their nationality before being registered in Spain.

This article lays out the qualifications for a U.S. passport and the steps to get one. Fortunately, the process is fairly simple, according to people who have done it.

Does your baby qualify for a U.S. passport?
 
Your newborn qualifies for U.S. citizenship and a U.S. passport under the following conditions.
 
– They were born within wedlock to two U.S. citizen parents.
– They were born within wedlock and one of the parents is a U.S. citizen, and lived at least five years in the Unites States, two of which were ager after 14 or
– They were born out of wedlock to a U.S. citizen mother and non-citizen father.
– They were born out of wedlock to a U.S. citizen father and non-citizen mother.
 
When the parent who is a U.S. citizen is the father and the baby is born out of wedlock, there are a few additional steps required.

You’ll need to prove the blood relationship between your child and their father, attain a sworn statement from the father agreeing to give financial support until they are 18 years old and supply a written statement acknowledging paternity.

If your child does qualify for American citizenship, the next steps are pretty straightforward, although completing the required forms can be time-consuming.

What are the first steps when applying for a child’s U.S. passport from Spain?

The first step is applying for a Consular Report of Birth abroad (CRBA), which documents that your child is a U.S. citizen at birth. Any of the U.S. Consular Agencies in Spain can accept applications for Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA) and U.S. passports.

To begin, you’ll apply online. But remember, you’ll need original copies of any documents you upload; you’ll bring these to your in-person appointment at the consulate.
 
Documents you’ll need include:
 
·      Your child’s Spanish birth certificate.
·      Your marriage certificate, if married.
·      Divorce certificate, if divorced.
·      Evidence of U.S. parent’s citizenship, valid identification, and proof of physical presence in the United States.
·      Valid identification for non-U.S. citizen parent 
 
 “You will need proof of having been a long-term US resident in the past so think about what you can show (school transcripts, tax returns, etc.)” says Liz who moved from Scottsville Arizona to Málaga. Many Americans said this was the most time-intensive part.
 
Once you’ve completed and submitted your CRBA, you’re ready to make an appointment at a U.S. Consulate. The best way to make the appointment is by contacting the consulate directly, but make sure to wait for three days after submitting and paying for your CRBA. The fee is $100.00.

Remember, you must bring the original versions of every document you uploaded for your CRBA application, and your child must be present. Generally, both parents must also be present.

You can apply for your child’s passport at the same appointment. Be sure to complete the U.S. passport application prior to your appointment (including payment of a $135 fee) and bring the originals of all documents you uploaded for your passport application. Both parents must sign the application.
 
You’ll need to bring original copies and photocopies of the following documents:
 
·      One 2”x2” (5x5cm) passport picture for your child.
·      A document listing the legal guardians of your child.
·      Identification for both parents.
·      A physical copy of the completed passport application form (DS-11).
 

Important considerations:
 
For the CRBA, the U.S. parent(s) must report their physical presence in the United States, detailing each trip abroad. In other words, it’s crucial you don’t include time abroad in your list of days staying within the United States. If the dates are incorrect, the processing could be suspended until you correct the dates.

“The hardest part for us was to list every country we had ever visited, when and why.  Other than that, pretty easy. We did through the consulate in Valencia. Good luck,” says Sara, who moved from Boston, Massachusetts to Valencia.
 
It’s very important for both listed parents to attend the appointment. If only one parent can attend, you’ll need to submit a Statement of Consent. If you have sole legal custody of your child, you’ll need to bring proof, such as a court order.
 
Bring your child’s passport photo in a separate envelope (to not use it) but don’t staple it to the passport application.

How long does it take?
 
Generally, it takes approximately eight weeks to receive your child’s passport, which will be mailed to you. Be prepared to receive multiple mailings; your passport and citizenship papers will come separately. If you’ve requested both a passport book and a passport card, you’ll get 3 different mailings. If you’d like, you can pay for faster shipping.
 
If you have questions, don’t be shy about contacting your consulate. “It’s a simple process. Visit the US embassy website for any information you need. You can call or email any questions you have,” says Sarah, who moved from San Francisco to Barcelona.

Congratulations on your multinational family!

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