Spain

"Plus Ultra" ("Further beyond")

overview

Welcome to Spain

Spain, located on the Iberian Peninsula, is known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture. Its economy is driven by tourism, agriculture, and industry, with cultural contributions influencing art, cuisine, and architecture worldwide.

overview

Spain Essentials

National Anthem

La Marcha Real

Independence Day

N/A (Spain was never colonized)

Haiko

Flamenco passion / Gaudí's dreams shape Barcelona / Jamón and tapas

Interesting Tradition

Holds La Tomatina festival a massive tomato fight in the town of Buñol

Weirdest Local Superstition

Walking under a ladder brings bad luck

Strangest Law Still on the Books

Illegal to wear flip-flops while driving

overview

Come for the history, stay for the future

Come for the lifestyle, stay for the limitless potential: Spain reimagines Mediterranean living for the digital age. Life flows between morning meetings in historic plazas and afternoon sessions in beachfront co-working spaces, while evenings stretch into social celebrations. The nation's digital nomad visa and non-lucrative residence options have made Spain's enviable quality of life increasingly accessible.

overview

Vamos

Embrace a land where 'sobremesa' isn't just lingering, but living life fully. Your journey flows with Mediterranean possibility.

overview

Bienvenidos a Spain

Famous for flamenco paella and siestas—where every day is a fiesta!

Spain isn't just a country—it's a passion play in constant motion. Here, time moves to its own rhythm, and even a simple tapas crawl becomes an adventure in social artistry. This is a land where life is lived in the streets and squares, turning every moment into celebration.

From the modernist dreams of Barcelona to the Moorish splendors of Andalusia, Spain offers drama for every cultural connoisseur. Whether you're drawn to the artistic energy of Madrid, the pilgrimage trails of Galicia, or the avant-garde flavors of San Sebastián, you'll find a country that transforms daily life into theatrical art.

Statistics

Savor the Flavor

Eat

paella (saffron rice dish) - jamón ibérico (cured ham)

Drink

sangria (wine punch) - horchata de chufa (tiger nut drink)

overview

Algo para beber?

Beer

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

81

Wine

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

20

Coffee

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

2.88

Tea

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

0.17

overview

Cultural Tips and Etiquette

#1
Lunch timing (2-4pm) and dinner (9-11pm) strictly observed
#2
La siesta closing times must be respected in smaller cities
#3
Tapas ordering has regional protocols
#4
Tu/Usted (informal/formal you) usage crucial
#5
Sobremesa (after-meal socializing) cannot be rushed

overview

Spain Essentials

Representative Novel

Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes (Classic novel set in Spain)

National Animal

Bull

National Pasttime

Football (Soccer)

National Souvenir

Hand-held fan

National Dish

Paella

Famous Festival

La Tomatina

Famous Dance

Flamenco

Famous Music

Flamenco

overview

Did You Know?

Spain is home to the world’s oldest restaurant.

Founded in 1725, Sobrino de Botín in Madrid has been serving traditional Spanish cuisine for nearly 300 years.

Spain has the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Cities.

Spain boasts 15 cities recognized by UNESCO for their cultural significance, more than any other country in the world.

Spain produces over 40% of the world’s olive oil.

With vast olive groves, Spain is the leading producer of olive oil, contributing significantly to the global supply.

overview

Spain’s Key Historical Events

218 BC

April 2014

Second Punic War - Hannibal crosses the Alps

1469

July 2014

Union of Ferdinand and Isabella

1492

February 2015

Columbus lands in the Americas

1812

March 2015

Peninsular War against Napoleon

1975

October 2016

End of Franco’s dictatorship

MOBILITY

Access Spain Residency Rights on the GlobalPassport™ Platform 

NO. OF Mobility Assets

5

MOBILITY

Citizenship Pathways and
Residency Requirements

Citizenship by Birth
Conditional
Citizenship by DESCENT
Yes
Citizenship by MARRIAGE
1 years
DUAL Citizenship
Conditional
RESIDENCY BY Naturalization
10
PASSPORT VALIDITY
5 years

MOBILITY

Passport Power

Visa Free Countries

162

Performance Class

Borderless Elite

Passport Grade

A+

Rank

2

Score

191.7

This visa grants access to:

• 66% of the world's population 

• 86% of UNESCO sites 

• 93% of global GDP 

• 68% of the world's land area 

MOBILITY

Visa-free access to:

MOBILITY

Number of American Emigrants to Spain by Year 

Year
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Spain
11,325
13,439
14,413
15,335
16,493
18,719
22,503

MOBILITY

Compare My Passport

Select up to 3 Mobility Assets
Mobility Asset
Approval Time (est.)
Appointment Availability
Term (i.e. duration)
Minimum Investment
Physical Presence Requirement
Cost of Living
English Usage
Quality of Life
Healthcare Ranking
Passport Power
Visa-free Country Access
Number of American Expats
More Details

Rankings

Spain's Global Rankings 

Spain shines with fourth most pleasant climate (#4) and exceptional quality of life (#18). Our analysis shows its strong rule of law (#24) and well-accessible healthcare (#26).

Exceptional performance
Standard performance
Needs Improvement
Rankings are based on 2023-2024 Global Indices and Assessments from recognized international organizations. Updated quarterly to reflect the most recent available data
40
Cost of Living
2024
Moderate
18
Quality of Life
2024
Exceptional
23
Safety
2024
High
36
Happiness
2024
High
169
Tax Burden
2024
Substantial Load
35
English Proficiency
2023
Moderate Proficiency
24
Rule of Law
2024
Strong
26
Healthcare System
2024
Well-Accessible
4
Pleasant Climate
2024
Very Pleasant

Healthcare

Healthcare Overview

Key Health Indicators

Median Age

44.9

years

Life Expectancy

83.9

years

Obesity Rate

23.70%

Tobacco Use

25.00%

Sources

Health care Indicators

Health Expenditure

10.74%

of GDP

Hospital Beds

2.97

per 1000 people

Doctors

4.577

per 1000 people

Out-of-pocket

21.00%

of total expenditure

Sources

Healthcare

Did you Know?

Universal Healthcare System

Spain provides universal healthcare through its public system, offering free or low-cost medical services to residents.

Private Healthcare Options

Private healthcare is available in Spain, offering quicker access to treatments and more specialized care.

Healthcare for Expats

Expatriates in Spain can access the public healthcare system, and many opt for private insurance for faster access to services.

High Life Expectancy

Spain consistently ranks among the top countries for life expectancy, largely due to its strong healthcare system and emphasis on preventive care.

Pharmaceutical Accessibility

Medications in Spain are affordable, with many essential drugs subsidized under the public healthcare system.

Healthcare

United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000 - 2021)

Healthcare

Healthcare Cost Calculator

cost of living

Cost of Living Overview

Spain offers a relatively moderate cost of living compared to other Western European countries. Major cities like Madrid and Barcelona are more expensive than smaller towns and rural areas. Housing costs in popular cities have been rising but remain lower than in some other European capitals. Food is reasonably priced, especially at local markets. Utilities are moderately priced. Public transportation is efficient and affordable in urban areas. Education costs are low, with public universities charging minimal fees for EU citizens.

Cost of Gasoline

$1.78

per liter

Cost of Meal

$14.48

(Inexpensive Restaurant)

Monthly Rent

$1,069.26

(1 bedroom, City Center)

Monthly Utilities

$148.42

(85m² Apartment)

Domestic Beer

$3.34

(0.5 liter draught)

VAT Rate

21%

cost of living

Cost of Living plus Rent Map

cost of living

Cost of Living Calculator

cost of living

Rent Calculator

Taxation

Taxation Overview

Before relocating to Spain, it's essential to understand its tax system.+Spain taxes resident expats on their worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed only on Spanish-source income. Income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 19% to 47% (including regional taxes). Social security contributions are mandatory. Property tax applies. A Foreigner Identification Number (NIE) is required for tax purposes.+Spain has a double taxation treaty with the United States to prevent dual taxation issues.

Tax Residency Requirement

183 days

Worldwide Income Taxation

Yes

Higher Rates for Foreign Assets

Yes

US Double Taxation Treaty

Yes

Personal Income

Progressive tax rate based on income levels

19%-47%

Personal Capital Gains

Flat rate on investment gains

19%-28%

Inheritance

Based on inherited amount and relationship

0%-34%

Corporate Income

Standard corporate tax rate applied to business profits

25%

Corporate Capital Gains

Tax rate applied to capital gains from corporate investments

25%

Dividends

Withholding tax rate applied to dividend distributions

19%

Interest

Withholding rate interest payment to non-residens

19%

Royalties

Withholding tax rate for royalty payments

19%-24%

Work Assignment

Foreign individuals are tax residents if they spend more than 183 days in Spain during a calendar year or have their main base or center of economic interests in Spain.

Overall Ranking

Global position in PWC’c Ease of Paying Taxes ranking

35

Ease of Paying Taxes Score

Overall score based on multiple factors

84.7

Total Tax and Cotribution Rate

TTCR percentage including all mandatory contributtions

47
%

Time to Comply

Annual hours required to comply with tax regulations

143
HOURS

Number of Payments

Total number of tax payments required annually

9

Post-filing Index

Score measuring the ease of processes after filing taxes

93.6
%

taxation

Tax Burden Map

taxation

Income Tax Calculator

CLIMATE

Climate Type

Most climactically diverse country in Europe. Ranging from hot summers and cold winters in the interior

Average Temperature

13.07 °C

Humidity

57

%

Average Annual Precipitation

636

mm

Rainless Days per Year

298

Best Time to Travel

April-October

Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaining Residency or Citizenship in Spain

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our tools guiding you towards residency or citizenship in Spain.

What Mobility Assets are available to me in Spain?

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Do I need to speak Spanish to apply for residency or citizenship in Spain?

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Can my family members apply for residency or citizenship in Spain with me?

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How will the GlobalPassport™ help me move to Spain?

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Can I keep my own citizenship?

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