Moving to Spain from the US: A Complete Guide to Malaga and the Costa del Sol (2026)
Americans can legally move to Spain through several visa routes, and you do not need European ancestry, a job offer, or a Spanish employer to do so. This guide is for US citizens planning a move to Malaga and the Costa del Sol, whether you are retiring early, relocating with children or working remotely. It covers visas, costs, taxes, healthcare, schools and where to live. I am Lisa Sadleir, founder of Move to Malaga, and I have lived in Spain and the islands for more than 35 years and have been helping people relocate to southern Spain since 2010. Everything I write comes from direct experience rather than a generic Spain checklist.
Spain has always been a popular holiday destination for Americans, but the numbers moving here have grown noticeably in the last few years. Official tracking of Americans abroad is patchy (the US State Department’s long-used figure of 9 million was quietly retired in 2026, with more careful estimates from groups like AARO putting the real figure closer to 5 to 6 million). Analysis of arrival data from destination countries suggests around 180,000 Americans relocated abroad in 2025 alone, and the US recorded negative net migration for the first time since 1935. (Speer, 2024) Whatever the precise number, more Americans are looking seriously at a move to Spain than at any point I can remember in over a decade of doing this work.
Can Americans Move to Spain?
Yes. Americans can legally move to Spain. What you need is the correct visa before you leave the US, and then a residence card once you arrive.
For stays under 90 days, US citizens can enter Spain visa-free as tourists, though officials may ask to see proof of funds or an onward ticket. For anything longer, you need a long-stay visa applied for at the Spanish Consulate covering your state of residence, before you travel. The three routes we see used most often by our American clients are the Non-Lucrative Visa for people living off savings, pensions or investment income, the Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers and freelancers, and, less commonly, a work visa sponsored by a Spanish employer. Once your visa is approved and you have arrived in Spain, you then apply for your TIE, the physical residence card that proves your legal status here.
Why Americans Are Choosing Malaga and the Costa del Sol
Malaga province gets chosen over other parts of Spain for real reasons. Malaga airport is the fourth-busiest in Spain and has direct flights to major European hubs, plus seasonal and connecting routes back to the US. The region averages over 320 days of sunshine a year, which is not an exaggeration; even our wettest winters rarely take away the outdoor lifestyle that draws people here in the first place. (El Aeropuerto de Málaga-Costa del Sol cierra 2024 con récord histórico: casi 25 millones de pasajeros, 2025)
Healthcare is strong here by any international measure, both public and private, and English-speaking doctors are easy to find in the main coastal towns. The Costa del Sol also has one of the largest international and English-speaking communities in mainland Spain, built over more than 60 years by British, Northern European, and, increasingly, American and Canadian residents, which means you are never starting entirely from scratch socially. Add several well-established international schools, golf courses, padel clubs, and a lower cost of living than most major US cities for groceries, dining out, domestic help and childcare. It is easy to understand why so many families and retirees end up choosing this stretch of coastline over Madrid, Barcelona or the more remote parts of rural Spain. (Wise, 2026)
None of this means Spain, or Malaga, is without its frustrations. Spanish bureaucracy moves slowly, appointments can be hard to book, and rental stock in the most popular towns is tight. I would rather tell you this now instead of having you discover it the hard way once you have relocated.
Where Should Americans Live Near Malaga?
There is no single best town, because the right answer depends on your budget, your reason for moving and whether you have children. The table below is a starting point; each area has its own detailed guide on this site if you want to go deeper.
| Malaga city | Young professionals, remote workers, Americans wanting a walkable city base | 5 to 15 minutes | Higher rents than the coast; budget around €4,000 a month for a good, centrally located apartment |
| Benalmadena | Families and retirees wanting resort infrastructure and easy transport | 15 to 20 minutes | Good international schools, marina, well served by train |
| Fuengirola | Retirees and budget conscious families | 20 to 25 minutes | More affordable than Marbella, large expat community, direct train to Malaga |
| Mijas Costa / La Cala de Mijas | Families wanting larger villas and outdoor space | 25 to 30 minutes | More space and parking than the city, several international schools nearby |
| Marbella and San Pedro | Higher budget families and retirees | 35 to 45 minutes | Strongest concentration of international schools in the province, premium prices |
| Estepona | Families and retirees wanting a slower, more Spanish pace with coastal living | 45 to 55 minutes | Improving infrastructure, better value than Marbella, further from the airport |
| Alhaurin de la Torre | Families wanting larger homes inland with quick city access | 15 to 25 minutes | Popular with Americans who want space without leaving the Malaga city school and hospital catchment |
| Nerja and the Axarquia (Torre del Mar, Velez-Malaga, Caleta de Velez) | Retirees and families wanting a quieter, more traditional Spanish coast | 50 to 60 minutes | Nerja itself is well known and busy in summer; the surrounding Axarquia towns offer a more local, practical alternative at lower prices |
The relative positioning above (premium, mid-range, more affordable) is a reliable guide, but exact property prices move constantly with the market, so treat any figure here as a starting orientation rather than a quote, and always check current listings before budgeting a purchase or a rental.
To give you a realistic starting point, here are typical price ranges for long-term rentals and property purchases in the most popular areas:
– Marbella: Premium area. Long-term rentals for a two- to three-bedroom apartment usually range from €2,500 to €4,500 per month. Detached villas can rent for €4,000 to €8,000 or more. Purchase prices for apartments start around €500,000, with family villas from €1 million and upwards.
– Benalmadena and Fuengirola: Mid-range. Expect long-term rental prices for a two- to three-bedroom apartment between €1,500 and €2,800 per month, and villas from €2,500 per month. Purchase prices for apartments typically start from €300,000, while townhouses and villas are in the €450,000 to €900,000 range. (Average rental prices for apartments & houses in Fuengirola – 13 July 2026, 2026)
– Mijas Pueblo and La Cala de Mijas: Mid-range. Rentals for a couple or small family run from €1,400 to €2,500 per month for apartments or townhouses. Village houses may list from €350,000 to €700,000, with country properties and villas higher.
– Estepona and San Pedro: More affordable than central Marbella, with rentals from €1,200 to €2,200 per month for a two-bedroom apartment. Purchase prices for apartments start at €250,000, while houses and small villas are usually in the €400,000 to €800,000 range.
– Inland towns (Alhaurín el Grande, Coín, Alora): Most affordable. Long-term rentals can be found from around €900 to €1,500 per month for apartments and small houses. Purchase prices for apartments start at €150,000 to €250,000, and detached houses are often between €250,000 and €500,000, with stunning premium country properties also available.
These are representative figures based on current trends in 2026, but prices do fluctuate, and special properties or locations may fall outside these ranges. Always check the latest listings and consult a local property expert before making any decisions.
Is Malaga City a Good Place to Live?
Malaga City works well as a base for some Americans, particularly single professionals, couples without children, and remote workers who want restaurants, culture and an airport on their doorstep. However, I do not recommend it as the default choice for most families and retirees. Parking is difficult, apartments are smaller for the price than in coastal towns, and the nearest international schools mean a daily commute out of the city. If city life is what you actually want, budget realistically: a good, centrally located apartment for a couple or small family typically needs a monthly budget of around €4,000 once you include a well-located rental or the equivalent mortgage cost. For most families we work with, one of the surrounding towns gives more space, easier parking and better value for the same money, while keeping the city a short drive away for cultural activities and the airport.
A word on Ronda and some of the more remote inland pueblos blancos: they are beautiful to visit, but the winding mountain roads, limited public transport and extreme summer heat make them a difficult choice for retirees, particularly anyone who may need regular hospital access as they get older. They suit an occasional day trip far better than a full-time move.
Step by Step: How to Move to Spain from the US
Moving from the US to Spain follows a fairly predictable sequence, even though the paperwork inside each step can feel anything but predictable.
You start by choosing the correct visa for your situation and applying at your local Spanish Consulate in the US, well before your intended move date. From our clients’ experience, gathering documents can take 1 to 2 months, and visa approval typically takes about 2 to 3 months from the time you apply, though this can vary by consulate and your individual case. Once the visa is approved and you have entered Spain, you register your address at the local town hall (the empadronamiento), which can usually be completed within a week of arrival. After that, you apply for your TIE residence card at the nearest Foreigner’s Office or national police station. TIE appointments are often booked 2 to 4 weeks in advance, and processing times from your appointment to card collection are typically 3 to 4 additional weeks.
Alongside this, most people open a Spanish bank account and register for healthcare (either through private insurance or, later, the public system). If you plan to drive in Spain, you should begin the process of requalifying for a Spanish driving licence soon after arrival, as the full process can take several months due to test availability. Families also need to secure school places; for popular international schools, applications should begin 6 to 9 months before your intended start date, as admissions often open in early spring for the following academic year and waiting lists are common. Planning with these estimated timeframes in mind will help you avoid last-minute stress and keep your move on track.
None of these steps is an optional shortcut you can skip, and doing them in the wrong order tends to create delays rather than save time. This is the single biggest reason we recommend working with someone who does this daily rather than reverse-engineering the process from forum posts.
Visa Options for Americans Moving to Spain
Choosing the right visa is the first and most consequential decision in the whole process, because it determines how much money you need to show, whether you can work, and how quickly you can bring family members. Spain’s Golden Visa real estate route, which used to be the fastest option for buyers, ended on 3 April 2025 and is covered in its own section below. (El 3 de abril entra en vigor el fin de las ‘Golden Visa’, 2025)
Non-Lucrative Visa
The Non-Lucrative Visa is Spain’s residency route for people who want to live here without working, and it is the visa we see most often used by American retirees and early retirees living off pensions, investments, or savings. For 2026, the main applicant must demonstrate financial means equivalent to 400% of Spain’s IPREM index, which amounts to €2,400 per month or €28,800 per year. Each additional family member included on the application adds 100% of the IPREM, an extra €600 per month, or €7,200 per year, per person. So a couple typically needs to show around €36,000 a year, and a couple with one child around €43,200 a year.
The Non-Lucrative Visa explicitly prohibits any work, including remote work for a foreign employer, and Spanish consulates have been enforcing this more strictly over the last two years. The initial visa is valid for one year, renews for two-year periods after that, and after five years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency.
Digital Nomad Visa
The Digital Nomad Visa is designed for people who work remotely for companies or clients based outside Spain, and it is increasingly the visa of choice for younger American families and professionals who want to keep earning while living here. For 2026, the income requirement is tied to 200% of Spain’s minimum wage (the SMI), which works out to approximately €2,849 a month or €34,188 a year for the main applicant, with additional amounts required for a spouse and each dependent child. No more than 20% of your income can come from Spanish sources.
One detail Americans often miss: the Digital Nomad Visa can, in certain circumstances, be applied for from within Spain rather than requiring a return trip to a US consulate, which is a meaningful practical difference from the Non-Lucrative Visa. Approved employees under this visa can also apply separately for Spain’s Beckham Law tax regime, which taxes qualifying Spanish-sourced income at a flat 24% up to €600,000, instead of the standard progressive rate that rises to 47%. This benefit generally applies to employees rather than freelancers or the self-employed, so if you plan to work as a freelancer under this visa, do not assume the 24% rate will automatically apply to you; get proper tax advice before you move.
Work Visa and Student Visa
A small number of our American clients move to Spain on a standard work visa, sponsored by a Spanish employer who has demonstrated they could not fill the role locally, though this route is less common simply because it depends on finding a Spanish employer willing to sponsor a US citizen. Students enrolling at a Spanish university or an accredited language school can apply for a student visa, which in some cases can later be converted into a work permit if a job offer follows.
The Spain Golden Visa: What Happened to It
The Spanish Golden Visa allowed non-EU citizens, including Americans, to obtain residency by investing at least €500,000 in Spanish property. That real estate route officially ended on 3 April 2025, following a change in Spanish housing policy aimed at reducing foreign investment pressure on the property market. Applications submitted before that date are still being processed under the old rules, and anyone who already holds a Golden Visa keeps it and can renew it as normal. On paper, a small number of alternative Golden Visa investment routes, such as significant investment in Spanish company shares or government bonds, technically remain available. In practice, however, these are rarely used by the kind of client we work with, and they are a specialist legal area rather than something to undertake without dedicated investment and immigration advice.
If you were planning to use the Golden Visa property route to move to Spain, the Non-Lucrative Visa or Digital Nomad Visa is now the more realistic path for most Americans, and we are happy to talk through which one fits your situation.
Documents Americans Need to Move to Spain
Whichever visa you apply for, Spanish consulates in the US generally ask for a similar core set of documents, though exact requirements vary slightly by consulate. Expect to need a valid passport with several months left before expiry, a federal (FBI) background check apostilled by the US Department of State, and, depending on your consulate, a medical certificate confirming you do not carry any disease with serious public health implications. You will also need private health insurance from a Spanish authorised insurer with no co-payments, proof of financial means appropriate to your chosen visa, and, if you have family joining you, marriage and birth certificates, also apostilled and officially translated into Spanish.
Start the FBI background check and apostille process early. It typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from the time you request your background check to receiving the fully apostilled document in your hands, depending on processing times and mail delivery. Consulates will not accept an application with an expired or incomplete document set, so plan ahead and avert last-minute delays.
How to Get Your TIE (Residence Card) in Spain
Once you arrive in Spain on your approved visa, you have a limited window, usually one month, to apply for your TIE, the physical card that proves your residency. Appointments are booked through the official government portal for the province where you will be living, and one appointment is required per applicant, so a family of four books four separate appointments.
You will need a completed EX17 application form, your passport, proof of payment of the government fee (currently around €16, though this figure is revised periodically so it is worth checking the official rate before you pay), a passport style photo meeting Spanish specifications, and, if your address differs from the one on your visa paperwork, a current padron certificate from your local town hall. Processing currently takes around three to four weeks from appointment to card collection, and you must collect the physical card in person because fingerprints are taken at that stage. Your TIE will be valid for one or two years, depending on which visa you hold.
How Much Does It Cost to Move to Spain from the US?
Moving costs vary enormously depending on how much you bring with you, whether you rent or buy, and your chosen lifestyle once you arrive, but the table below gives realistic starting ranges based on the moves we help coordinate.
| Visa and TIE fees per applicant | €100 to €200 |
| International moving company, full household | $4,000 to $15,000+ depending on volume and shipping method |
| Private health insurance, per adult, per year | €900 to €2,500 depending on age and coverage |
| Rental deposit (standard is one to two months) | One to two months’ rent |
| Spanish driving test and lessons, if required | €700 to €1,500 |
| Currency transfer costs versus a standard bank | Often 1 to 3% cheaper through a dedicated transfer company than a US bank |
| Monthly living costs, couple, mid range coastal town | €2,200 to €3,200, excluding rent or mortgage |
The single biggest lever most people have over these costs is deciding what to actually bring. Spanish customs generally allow household goods and personal effects to enter free of duty and VAT if you are taking up residency and the items have been used for at least six months. Shipping a full house of furniture across the Atlantic is expensive, and much of it can be bought more cheaply once you are here. We generally advise clients to ship what really matters to them (family pieces, specific electronics, anything irreplaceable) and buy the rest locally.
Renting vs Buying Property in Malaga
Most of our American clients rent for their first six to twelve months in Spain, and I would encourage you to do the same even if you are confident about which town you want to settle in. Renting first buys you the ability to test a neighbourhood through a full summer and winter, understand the real commute to schools or the airport, and avoid the single most common and expensive mistake we see: buying in the wrong area because it looked perfect on a two-week holiday visit.
Rental stock on the Costa del Sol is tight in the most popular towns during peak season, so start your search early and expect to move quickly once you find something suitable. Standard deposits are one to two months’ rent, and long-term rental contracts are typically for a year with renewal options.
Buying, when you are ready, is a bigger commitment but can make financial sense for people planning to stay long term. The process, taxes and legal steps involved are covered in full in our dedicated guide to buying a house in Spain.
Buying Property in Malaga as an American
Americans can buy property in Spain with no restrictions on nationality and no requirement to be a resident first. You will need a NIE number before you can complete any purchase, a Spanish bank account, and independent legal representation, which should always be independent from the estate agent selling the property.
On the tax side, Andalusia currently charges a flat 7% property transfer tax (ITP) on resale properties, and 10% VAT plus a smaller stamp duty on new-build property, on top of notary and registration fees. There has also been a proposed 100% purchase tax targeting non-EU, non-resident buyers, first announced by the Spanish government in January 2025. As of mid-2026, this remains only a proposal; it has not been debated or voted on in the Spanish parliament, and there is no confirmed timeline for it to become law. It is worth monitoring if you are planning a purchase as a non-resident, but it should not be treated as a current cost, and buyers who become Spanish tax residents before completing a purchase would fall outside its scope in any case.
Our property finder service exists because the biggest risk for American buyers is not the paperwork; it is choosing the wrong property or the wrong area under time pressure on a short scouting trip. We help clients identify the right areas and properties for their specific situation, arrange video viewings so you can shortlist before you fly out, and guide you through the purchase process from offer to completion.
Read our Buying a House in Spain Guide
Healthcare for Americans in Spain
Spain’s healthcare system, both public and private, consistently ranks among the best in Europe, and access to English-speaking doctors on the Costa del Sol is strong, particularly in Marbella, Fuengirola and Malaga city. What Americans need to understand clearly, though, is that there is no reciprocal healthcare agreement between the US and Spain, so you do not get automatic access to the public system the way an EU citizen might.
During your first year in Spain, most visa categories require you to hold private health insurance with no co-payments, and this needs to come from a Spanish-authorised insurer rather than a standard US international policy. Private premiums typically range from €900 to €2,500 per adult per year, depending on age and coverage level. After twelve months of continuous legal residence, non-working residents (which includes most Non-Lucrative Visa holders) become eligible to join the Convenio Especial, a scheme that lets you buy into the Spanish public healthcare system directly. As of 2026, this costs approximately €60 a month for under-65s and €157 a month for those 65 and over, and it gives you access to GP care, specialists, hospitals and emergency care within the public network. (Convenio Especial Spain: Voluntary Healthcare Agreement, 2026) Many long-term residents keep a private policy alongside the Convenio Especial for faster specialist appointments, but it is no longer required once you are in the public system.
Education: Schools for American Families in Malaga
Families relocating to Malaga province have three broad schooling options: Spanish state schools, which are free and give the fastest route to fluency and local integration; bilingual or Spanish private schools; and international schools following British, American or International Baccalaureate curricula, which are concentrated most heavily around Marbella, with further options in Benalmadena, Fuengirola and Sotogrande.
International school fees on the Costa del Sol differ considerably by school and age group, and the best schools do have waiting lists, particularly for popular year groups, so if a specific school matters to your decision on where to live, start that conversation with the school directly as early as possible, ideally before you finalise where you are going to rent or buy. Admissions for international schools usually open between January and April for the following September start, but some schools offer rolling admissions if places are available. Applications typically require a completed school form, copies of academic records and recent report cards, proof of identification (such as a passport), and, in some cases, an interview or assessment for your child. State schools operate an official enrolment window, usually in the spring, and priority depends on address, siblings already attending, and sometimes other criteria set by the local education authority. For both international and state schools, apply at least six to nine months before your intended start date to guarantee your preferred choice, especially if you are relocating during the main intake periods.
Spanish state schools are a legitimate and often excellent option too, especially for younger children who pick up the language quickly, though older teenagers moving midway through secondary education tend to adjust better in an international or bilingual setting where the transition is less academically disruptive. I cover this in more depth, including specific school comparisons, in my book on Moving to Spain with Children (Available on Amazon; 2026 update).
Taxes and Money: What Americans Need to Know Before Moving to Spain
This is the area where we see the most expensive mistakes, because US citizenship-based taxation does not go away just because you move abroad, and most of the pitfalls are financial rather than immigration related. This section is for general information only and is not tax, legal or investment advice; every situation is different, and you should work with a cross-border tax specialist before you move, not after.
Your US bank or brokerage firm may not want to keep you as a client once you have a foreign address. Many US financial institutions are cautious about retaining clients who register a non-US residential address, partly due to the way foreign countries, including every EU country, regulate financial services sold to their residents. Before you move, call your bank, brokerage and mortgage lender and ask directly what happens to your accounts if you register a Spanish address. It is also worth talking to a cross-border financial advisor who understands both US and Spanish regulations. These specialists can help you proactively manage your investments, keep your accounts compliant, and avoid unexpected tax or account closure issues that are common when moving abroad. Look for firms or advisors with experience in US-Spain relocations specifically, or consult with professional associations that focus on international financial planning.
Opening accounts abroad can be harder than expected because of FATCA. The 2010 Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act requires foreign banks to report American account holders to the IRS, and this reporting burden has led some foreign banks to decline American clients rather than bear the compliance overhead. This has eased somewhat in Spain in recent years, particularly with the larger banks used to international clients, but it is still worth asking directly before assuming any bank will open an account for you.
You will keep filing US taxes for the rest of your life, wherever you live. US tax obligations are based on citizenship, not residency, so American citizens abroad must continue to file US federal tax returns and, depending on the rules of their former state, potentially state returns. The US has tax treaties with a large number of countries, including Spain, which affect how certain income is taxed but do not remove the US filing requirement itself. Most US expats use additional IRS forms to claim credits or exclusions to avoid double taxation, but this is specialist territory, and we strongly recommend working with a tax advisor who understands both the US and Spanish systems, rather than a US-only CPA or a Spanish-only gestor.
Two separate foreign account reporting rules apply, and the thresholds are lower than most people expect. FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) must be filed if the combined value of your foreign financial accounts exceeds $10,000 at any point during the year, even for a single day, and it is filed separately from your tax return with an automatic deadline extension to October 15. FATCA reporting (IRS Form 8938) has an increased threshold for Americans living abroad, generally $200,000 on the last day of the year or $300,000 at any point for single filers, with double those figures for married couples filing jointly. (Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR), 2024) Many expats need to file both, and the penalties for simply not knowing about these requirements are disproportionately harsh relative to how easy the forms are once you understand them.
Retirement accounts do not automatically transfer their US tax benefits. A Roth IRA’s tax-free status in the US does not automatically apply under the Spanish tax system, and retirement income from traditional IRAs and 401(k) plans can be treated differently once you are a Spanish tax resident, depending on the US-Spain tax treaty. Be especially cautious about investing in non-US mutual funds once you are living abroad; the IRS treats many of them as Passive Foreign Investment Companies, which come with complex and often expensive reporting requirements.
Moving money between the US and Spain adds up faster than people expect. Standard bank transfers often offer poor exchange rates, even when advertised as fee-free, and it is common to lose several per cent of the amount transferred without realising it. Dedicated currency transfer companies are generally cheaper for both one-off transfers, such as a house deposit, and regular monthly transfers, such as pension income.
Driving in Spain as an American
There is currently no reciprocal driving licence agreement between the US and Spain, and this has not changed regardless of which state issued your licence. As a visitor, you can drive in Spain using your valid US licence together with an International Driving Permit obtained before you leave the US. Once you become a legal resident, you generally have six months to continue driving on your US licence and IDP, after which you must hold a Spanish licence to drive legally.
Because there is no exchange agreement, this means passing the full Spanish theory and practical driving test, not a simplified conversion. The theory test has been available in English since 2024, which helps, but the practical test is conducted in Spanish. Budget realistically for driving school lessons and test fees, typically €700 to €1,500 in total, and start the process well before your six-month window runs out, since driving test appointments can take time to secure. (Romero, 2026)
Mistakes Americans Make When Moving to Spain
After many years of doing this work, a handful of mistakes come up again and again, and most of them are avoidable with earlier planning.
Choosing the wrong visa for your actual circumstances is common, particularly for people who assume the Non-Lucrative Visa suits them when they actually intend to keep working remotely, which it explicitly does not allow. To avoid this mistake, always double-check the visa requirements and, if you have any doubts about your eligibility or the rules for your specific situation, consult a qualified visa expert before applying.
Picking a town after a single holiday visit, without seeing it in the quieter off-season months, is another frequent regret. Consider booking a trial stay of at least two weeks during both summer and winter before committing, and spend time in the neighbourhood at different times of day and week to get a realistic feel.
Renting or buying somewhere for the view or the beach without properly checking the school run, the nearest hospital, or how isolating a location becomes once the summer crowds leave is a common oversight; make sure to do at least one practice run to schools, supermarkets, hospitals and other key services during typical times so you know what daily life will be like.
Underbudgeting is a real pattern, too, particularly for the ongoing cost of private health insurance and the currency transfer fees that add up over years of moving pension or investment income across the Atlantic. Review your expected monthly and annual expenses in detail, and get quotes from at least two companies for healthcare, removals, and currency transfer, so you go in with your eyes open and can plan accordingly.
On the paperwork side, the most costly mistake is leaving the FBI background check and apostille process until the last minute, since it routinely takes weeks and any delay pushes back your entire visa timeline. Ignoring US tax and reporting obligations because “nobody checks” is another one we see regretted a few years down the line, once penalties or back filing catch up with people.
A cultural one that catches people out: assuming everyone on the Costa del Sol speaks English. Many people in the tourist-heavy roles do, but daily life, town hall staff, doctors’ receptionists, and school administrators often do not, and even basic Spanish makes an enormous difference to how smoothly your first year goes.
To make your integration smoother and feel more at home, it helps to take a few practical steps early on:
Start by learning some basic Spanish phrases before you arrive—there are many good mobile apps and websites that make this easy, even if you only have a few minutes a day. Once here, consider enrolling in a local language class or attending conversation exchange meetups, which are widely offered in Malaga and along the Costa del Sol.
Joining clubs or activities that match your interests, such as hiking groups, sports clubs, or volunteering opportunities, is a great way to meet locals and other expats alike.
Spending time at neighbourhood cafés and local markets, greeting shop owners and neighbours, and making the effort to say hello in Spanish can open doors and make you feel part of the community much faster. Small steps like these go a long way to making your new life in Spain enjoyable and connected.
A Real Example: From Seattle to Benalmadena
Some of the clearest lessons come from people who have actually done this. Leo and Susanne Potts moved from Seattle to Benalmadena and shared their experience, including what surprised them and what they wished they had known earlier, in an interview on our YouTube channel. Real accounts like theirs tend to be more useful than any checklist, because they show what the process actually feels like from the inside rather than how it looks on paper.
Moving to Spain from the US Checklist: 12 Months to Arrival
12 months before: Decide on your target area and visa route, start researching international schools if you have children, and request your FBI background check.
6 months before: Apply for your apostille once your background check arrives, gather and translate supporting documents, arrange a private health insurance meeting to meet Spanish requirements, and book your consulate visa appointment.
3 months before: Finalise your visa application, begin your rental search if renting, contact removal companies for quotes, and notify your US bank and brokerage of your upcoming move.
Arrival: Register your address at the local town hall (empadronamiento), open a Spanish bank account, and book your TIE appointment.
First month: Collect your TIE card, register with Spanish social services or the Convenio Especial pathway if applicable, enrol children in school, and begin the Spanish driving licence process if you plan to drive long term.
Resources for further information:
- Price comparison website https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Malaga
- The official website of the Spanish government: www.spain.gov.es
- The US Embassy in Spain: es.usembassy.gov
- The Spanish Consulate in the US: www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/NUEVAYORK/en/Pages/inicio.aspx
- The Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration: www.inclusion.gob.es
- The Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the US: www.spainuscc.org
FAQ: Moving to Spain from the US
Yes. Most Americans start on a renewable visa such as the Non-Lucrative Visa or Digital Nomad Visa, and after five years of continuous legal residence, can apply for permanent residency, followed by the possibility of citizenship after ten years of residence in most cases.
Yes. The Non-Lucrative Visa is the most common route for American retirees, requiring proof of at least €2,400 a month in passive income or savings for a single applicant in 2026, with additional amounts required per dependent.
Yes, with no restrictions on nationality or residency status. You will need a NIE number, a Spanish bank account and independent legal representation before completing a purchase.
Yes, through the Digital Nomad Visa, provided no more than 20% of your income comes from Spanish sources. The Non-Lucrative Visa does not permit any work, including remote work for a foreign employer.
Yes. Children are included on the same visa application as their parents, with an additional financial requirement per dependent, and Malaga province has a strong range of Spanish, bilingual and international school options.
Yes. Dogs, cats, and ferrets can travel from the US with a valid rabies vaccination, an ISO-compliant microchip, and an official USDA-endorsed health certificate issued shortly before travel; requirements are stricter than for EU pet travel, so start this process at least a few months in advance.
During your first year, most visa holders need private health insurance from a Spanish authorised insurer. After 12 months of continuous residence, non-working residents can generally join the Convenio Especial, providing access to the public system for around €60 a month for those under 65 and €157 a month for those over 65.
Yes, though FATCA reporting requirements mean some banks are more accustomed to American clients than others. It is worth confirming directly with a bank experienced in international clients rather than assuming any branch will process the account smoothly.
This varies by consulate and visa type, but most applicants should budget three to six months from the start of document collection to visa approval, plus a few weeks after arrival to obtain the TIE card.
Beyond the visa’s own financial requirement (€2,400 a month for the Non-Lucrative Visa or roughly €2,849 a month for the Digital Nomad Visa in 2026, both for a single applicant), realistic monthly living costs for a couple on the Costa del Sol run from around €2,200 to €3,200 excluding rent or mortgage.
Only for your first six months as a resident. Spain has no licence exchange agreement with the US, so after that window, you must pass the full Spanish theory and practical driving test to continue driving legally.
Yes, in almost every case. Renting for six to twelve months first lets you properly test a neighbourhood during different seasons and avoid the most common and expensive mistake we see: buying in the wrong area based on a short holiday visit.
Yes. Malaga province has low violent crime rates by international standards, and the areas popular with international residents, from Malaga city to the smaller coastal towns, are generally considered very safe for families and retirees alike. (Crime in Malaga, Spain, 2026)
Not to get by day to day in the most international towns, but you will need at least basic Spanish for town hall appointments, healthcare administration and school interactions in most areas, and it makes an enormous difference to how quickly you feel at home.
Getting Started
Moving to Spain from the US involves real paperwork, real deadlines and real decisions about money, but it is a well-trodden path, and you do not have to work it out alone. If you want a clearer sense of which visa and which area actually fit your situation, we offer a personalised orientation tour, a full relocation package covering visa guidance and settling-in support, and a property finder service if buying is part of your plan.
Get in touch, and we will talk you through what makes sense for you, honestly, before you commit to anything.