More Americans are choosing Spain for a simple reason: it offers a European lifestyle, strong healthcare, warm weather, lower day-to-day costs than many US cities, and a clear path to buying property or living long-term through visas such as the Digital Nomad Visa and Non-Lucrative Visa.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez made Southern Europe front-page news when they married in Venice in June 2025. The wedding was not in Spain, and Bezos was not moving there. But the media attention around Americans, wealth, lifestyle, and Europe captured something much bigger: for a growing number of US citizens, Europe is no longer just a vacation destination. It is becoming a serious place to live, retire, work remotely, and buy property.
Spain sits at the center of that shift. Americans are increasingly drawn to Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga, Alicante, the Balearic Islands, and the Costa del Sol. Some come for retirement. Others come with remote jobs. Others buy second homes first and later turn Spain into their primary base.
Key Takeaways
- Americans are moving to Spain in growing numbers. Recent data shows a sharp post-2022 rise in US citizens registered or permitted to live in Spain.
- Spain appeals because of lifestyle, healthcare, climate, safety and cost of living. For many US citizens, the draw is not just cheaper living, but a slower and more walkable European lifestyle.
- Jeff Bezos’ Venice wedding put Southern Europe back in the American spotlight. It was not a Spain relocation story, but it shows why affluent Americans keep associating Southern Europe with lifestyle, status and long-term escape.
- Americans are concentrating in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga, Alicante and the Costa del Sol. Each destination fits a different profile: work, retirement, coastal living, international schools or investment.
- Americans can buy property in Spain. There is no nationality restriction, but buying property does not grant residency since Spain ended the real-estate Golden Visa in April 2025.
- Americans can get Spanish mortgages. Non-resident US buyers usually need a 30–40% deposit, because banks typically finance around 60–70% of the property value.
- The main visa routes are now the Digital Nomad Visa and Non-Lucrative Visa. Work, student and family routes also exist, but property investment alone no longer creates a residence path.
- Currency conversion matters. Americans earn, save or sell assets in USD, but Spanish property deposits, mortgages and living costs are in EUR.
Americans moving to Spain: the trend in numbers
The American move to Spain is no longer anecdotal. According to recent reporting based on Spain’s INE data, the number of Americans living in Spain rose by roughly 10,000 people between 2022 and 2024, an increase of about 25% in two years. Separate residence-permit reporting also points to more than 57,000 US citizens in Spain and more than 15,000 new residence permits issued to Americans in the latest count.
| Signal | What it shows | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| US residents in Spain | Up sharply since 2022 | Americans are not just visiting; more are registering locally. |
| Residence permits | More than 57,000 US citizens in recent permit counts | Legal long-term stays are becoming more common. |
| Property interest | US buyers are increasingly visible in Spanish property markets | Many Americans use property as the anchor for a long-term move. |
| Visa demand | Digital Nomad and Non-Lucrative Visas are now the main routes | The Golden Visa is gone, so Americans need a proper residency plan. |
Spain is also attracting a broader wave of foreign-born residents. INE data published in 2026 showed that a large share of Spain’s foreign-born population had arrived recently, with 24.4% of residents born abroad arriving in the two years before January 1, 2025.
Why Spain appeals to Americans
Spain gives Americans something many are actively looking for: a slower, healthier, more affordable lifestyle without giving up modern infrastructure. The country offers international airports, high-speed trains, major hospitals, strong internet, international schools, vibrant cities, beaches, mountains, and one of the most developed property markets in Southern Europe.
1. Quality of life
Spain is built around daily life outside the home: walking to cafés, eating outdoors, using public transport, spending time in plazas, and living closer to friends, family, and community. For many Americans coming from car-dependent suburbs or high-stress cities, that lifestyle change is the main reason Spain stands out.
2. Lower cost of living than many US cities
Spain is not cheap everywhere. Madrid, Barcelona, the Balearics, Marbella, and parts of the Costa del Sol can be expensive. But compared with New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, Miami, Seattle, or Washington, DC, many Spanish cities still offer lower everyday costs for rent, groceries, dining, healthcare, transport, and leisure.
| Category | Typical US pain point | Why Spain feels attractive |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | High premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs | Private health insurance in Spain is usually far cheaper than US coverage. |
| Transport | Car dependency and high insurance costs | Major cities are walkable and connected by metro, bus, and train. |
| Dining | High restaurant and tipping culture costs | Eating out can be more affordable, especially outside tourist zones. |
| Housing | Very high prices in major US metros | Many Spanish regions still offer lower entry prices than comparable lifestyle markets in the US. |
3. Healthcare
Healthcare is one of the strongest pull factors for Americans. Spain has a respected public healthcare system and a large private healthcare sector. Many visa applicants need private health insurance, and private coverage is often substantially more affordable than comparable US plans.
4. Climate and geography
Spain offers several versions of the Mediterranean lifestyle: beaches in Valencia, Alicante and Málaga; mountain access near Granada and Madrid; island life in Mallorca and the Canaries; and big-city living in Madrid and Barcelona. Americans can choose the version of Spain that fits their budget and lifestyle.
5. Safety and walkability
Many American movers mention safety, public transport, and walkability as major reasons for leaving the US. Spain’s cities are dense, social, and pedestrian-friendly. For families, retirees, and solo movers, that can feel like a major lifestyle upgrade.
Thinking about buying in Spain?
See what Spanish banks may lend you before you start house hunting. Upscore’s Finance Passport helps US buyers understand their borrowing range, deposit needs, and lender options.
The Bezos effect: why wealthy Americans keep putting Southern Europe in the spotlight
Jeff Bezos did not move to Spain, but his Venice wedding showed how much Southern Europe has become a status symbol for Americans. His June 2025 wedding to Lauren Sánchez took place in Venice over several days, drew global media coverage, and put the glamour and controversy of wealthy Americans in Europe back into the headlines.
That matters because the same emotional drivers are visible at every income level: beauty, lifestyle, history, food, weather, and the feeling that life can be lived differently. The difference is that most Americans moving to Spain are not flying in guests by private jet. They are remote workers, founders, retirees, families, and professionals trying to make a practical move.
Spain benefits from that attention because it offers much of the same European appeal as Italy or France, often with a more accessible cost base, a strong visa ecosystem, and a property market that is easier for foreigners to navigate.
Where Americans are moving in Spain
Americans are not moving to one single Spain. Retirees, remote workers, families, investors, and second-home buyers tend to choose different regions.
| Location | Why Americans choose it | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Madrid | Capital city, jobs, flights, culture, international schools | Professionals, families, high-income remote workers |
| Barcelona | Global city, beach, design, startups, international community | Remote workers, entrepreneurs, lifestyle buyers |
| Valencia | Coastal lifestyle, lower cost than Barcelona, strong expat growth | Digital nomads, families, retirees |
| Málaga / Costa del Sol | Sun, international airport, expat infrastructure, beaches | Retirees, second-home buyers, remote workers |
| Alicante / Costa Blanca | More affordable coastal property and established foreign-buyer market | Budget-conscious buyers, retirees, second-home owners |
| Balearic Islands | Premium lifestyle, island living, luxury property market | High-net-worth buyers and lifestyle movers |
Can Americans buy property in Spain?
Yes. Americans can buy property in Spain whether they are residents or non-residents. Spain does not ban US citizens from buying real estate. You need an NIE, proof of funds, a Spanish bank account in most cases, and an independent lawyer to review the property, debts, title, planning status, and deposit contract.
What changed is the residency angle. Buying property no longer gives Americans a Golden Visa. Spain ended the real-estate Golden Visa route on April 3, 2025, closing the old €500,000 property-investment pathway. You can still buy, but residency must come through another visa route.
Can Americans get a Spanish mortgage?
Yes. US citizens can get mortgages from Spanish banks, usually as non-resident borrowers. Typical non-resident terms are around 60–70% loan-to-value, meaning the buyer needs a 30–40% deposit plus purchase costs of roughly 10–13%.
| Mortgage point | Typical US non-resident buyer |
|---|---|
| Maximum LTV | Usually 60–70% |
| Deposit | Usually 30–40% |
| Purchase costs | Usually 10–13% in cash |
| Income assessment | Manual underwriting based on income, debts, documents, and deposit |
| US credit score | Not the main factor; Spanish banks do not use FICO the way US lenders do |
| Currency risk | Income may be in USD, but mortgage payments are in EUR |
The currency piece matters. If your savings and income are in dollars, you need to think in euros before you make an offer. A small exchange-rate move can change your deposit, closing costs, and monthly payment in dollar terms.
Moving money from USD to EUR?
Before you reserve a property or send a deposit, check the live exchange rate and estimate your euro budget.
Which visas are Americans using to move to Spain?
Since the Golden Visa closed, most Americans need a lifestyle or work-based visa rather than a property-based visa. The right option depends on whether you work remotely, live from passive income, have a Spanish employer, study, or join family.
| Visa route | Best for | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Nomad Visa | Remote workers and freelancers with non-Spanish clients or employers | Income threshold is tied to Spain’s SMI and is commonly described as 200% of SMI for the main applicant. |
| Non-Lucrative Visa | Retirees or people with passive income / savings | Does not allow work, including remote work; financial means are tied to 400% of IPREM. |
| Work Visa | People hired by a Spanish employer | Usually gives the strongest mortgage profile because income is local. |
| Student Visa | Students enrolled in a Spanish institution | Useful for study, but weak for mortgage eligibility. |
| Golden Visa | No longer available for new real-estate investment applicants | Spain ended the property-based route in April 2025. |
Visa planning and property planning should happen together. If you want to live in Spain full-time, the visa determines how long you can stay, whether you can work, whether you become tax resident, and how banks view your income.
What does it cost to move to Spain as an American?
The cost depends on whether you rent first or buy immediately. Renting is usually the lower-risk way to test a city. Buying requires a much larger cash commitment because Spanish banks do not finance taxes and most purchase costs.
| Cost category | If renting first | If buying with a mortgage |
|---|---|---|
| Housing cash needed | Deposit, agency costs where applicable, first months of rent | 30–40% deposit plus 10–13% purchase costs |
| Visa costs | Application fees, translations, apostilles, insurance | Same, plus purchase documentation |
| Healthcare | Private insurance often required for visas | Private insurance often required; home insurance may also be required by lender |
| Currency conversion | Monthly transfers from USD to EUR | Large transfer for deposit, taxes, and closing costs |
| Legal support | Immigration lawyer optional but useful | Independent property lawyer strongly recommended |
Why Americans should think about currency before moving
Currency conversion is one of the most underestimated costs of moving from the US to Spain. Your salary, savings, brokerage account, or house-sale proceeds may be in dollars, but your Spanish life will run in euros.
That affects:
- your property deposit,
- purchase taxes,
- notary and legal fees,
- monthly mortgage payments,
- rent,
- school fees,
- health insurance,
- and everyday spending.
If you are buying property, even a 1–3% spread or exchange-rate movement can mean thousands of dollars. Before sending money, compare the live USD/EUR rate, understand the bank markup, and decide whether you need to convert in stages.
Know your euro budget before you move
Use Upscore’s currency converter to estimate how much your US dollars are worth in euros before you rent, buy, or transfer your deposit.
Is Spain still worth it for Americans in 2026?
Yes, but Spain works best for Americans who plan carefully. The lifestyle upside is real, but so are the practical requirements: visas, taxes, healthcare, currency, mortgage underwriting, and documentation.
The Americans who make the smoothest transition usually do three things early:
- They decide whether they are moving for lifestyle, retirement, remote work, or property investment.
- They build a realistic euro budget, including exchange-rate risk.
- They check mortgage eligibility before falling in love with a property.
Spain is not a loophole or a shortcut. It is a serious relocation destination with clear rules. But for Americans who want Europe, sunshine, healthcare, culture, and a slower rhythm of life, Spain remains one of the most compelling options in 2026.
Buying a home as part of your move?
Get your Spanish mortgage profile checked before you make an offer. Finance Passport helps US buyers understand what they can borrow and which lenders fit their profile.
Frequently asked questions
Why are so many Americans moving to Spain?
Americans are moving to Spain for quality of life, healthcare, climate, walkable cities, lower daily costs than many US metros, remote-work flexibility, and access to the rest of Europe.
Can Americans live in Spain permanently?
Yes, but they need the right residence route. Without a visa, US citizens can stay in Spain and the Schengen Area only 90 days in any 180-day period. Longer stays require a visa or residence permit.
Can Americans buy property in Spain?
Yes. Americans can buy property in Spain as residents or non-residents. Buying does not automatically give residency, and the Golden Visa for real estate ended in April 2025.
Can Americans get a mortgage in Spain?
Yes. Spanish banks lend to US citizens, usually as non-resident borrowers. Typical maximum loan-to-value is around 60–70%, so buyers should plan for a 30–40% deposit plus purchase costs.
Is Spain cheaper than the United States?
Spain is often cheaper than major US cities, especially for healthcare, public transport, dining, and many everyday expenses. The difference depends heavily on the city: Madrid, Barcelona, Marbella, and the Balearics are much more expensive than smaller inland or secondary coastal cities.
What is the best city in Spain for Americans?
There is no single best city. Madrid works well for professionals and families, Barcelona for global-city living, Valencia for coastal affordability, Málaga for sun and expat infrastructure, and Alicante for lower-cost Mediterranean living.
Does Spain still have a Golden Visa?
No. Spain ended the real-estate Golden Visa route on April 3, 2025. Americans who want to live in Spain now usually look at the Digital Nomad Visa, Non-Lucrative Visa, Work Visa, Student Visa, or family-based routes.
Do Americans need to pay taxes in Spain?
It depends on tax residency. Americans must continue filing US tax returns regardless of where they live. If they become Spanish tax residents, usually by spending more than 183 days a year in Spain, they may also need to file and pay taxes in Spain. Cross-border tax advice is strongly recommended.
Sources
- INE / Spanish population data and reporting on Americans living in Spain.
- Spanish Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda / La Moncloa announcements on the end of Golden Visas.
- Spanish consular guidance on Non-Lucrative Visa requirements.
- Spanish Digital Nomad Visa reporting and 2026 income-threshold guidance.
- International media coverage of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s June 2025 Venice wedding.
