Spain offers year-round sunshine, rich culture, excellent food and one of Europe's best healthcare systems. With the Non-Lucrative Visa, Digital Nomad Visa and Golden Visa, Spain has become a top destination for expats from around the world.
Updated: 20 May 2026 : Editorial Team, eVisa-Card.com
Important 2026 update : Spain: Golden Visa abolished, ETIAS not yet in operation
The Golden Visa was abolished on 3 April 2025 (Organic Law 1/2025) : the €500,000 real-estate route is permanently closed. Alternatives include the Digital Nomad Visa (income ≥ 200% SMI ≈ €2,850/month in 2026), the Non-Lucrative Visa, and the EU Blue Card. The European EES has been fully operational since 10 April 2026 (biometric entry/exit); ETIAS is not yet in operation and is NOT yet required.
Effective: 3 April 2025 (Golden Visa) : EES fully active since 10 April 2026
Spain at a Glance
| Capital | Madrid |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Language | Spanish |
| Monthly cost | ~$1,500-2,800/month |
Work, study and residence
A tourist exemption or visitor visa does not automatically authorise employment, long-term study or residence. Check the appropriate permission before starting these activities.
Check your own nationality, passport type, residence, route and travel dates with the official authority. The French-passport summary is not an eligibility decision for another nationality.
Use the official checklist for passport validity, permitted entry points, accommodation, funds, onward travel and insurance where required. Requirements for minors, emergency passports and dual nationals can differ.
Choose the category matching the actual purpose of travel. Apply through the government portal or its appointed provider, check the fee before paying, and allow for requests for additional documents. Approval and entry are decided by the competent authorities.
Apply to the competent authority before your current permission expires. An extension, change of status or re-entry is subject to its own conditions; submitting a request does not by itself establish a right to remain.
Spain — Visa and entry requirements 2026Healthcare in Spain
Public Healthcare
Spain's public healthcare system (Sistema Nacional de Salud, SNS) is one of the best in the world. Legal residents registered on the Padrón and contributing to Social Security can access it for free. Retired expats with an S1 form from their home country (EU citizens) also qualify.
Private Healthcare
Private healthcare is excellent and affordable by international standards. Major networks: Sanitas, Adeslas, Asisa, HM Hospitales. Consultations cost €40-100.
Typical Healthcare Costs
| Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Public healthcare (residents) | Free (with Social Security or S1 form) |
| Private GP | €40-80 |
| Private specialist | €80-150 |
| Dental cleaning (private) | €50-80 |
| Prescription medicines | Subsidised for residents (0-40% co-payment) |
| Private hospital (per night) | €300-800 |
Supplementary Health Insurance
Private health insurance is compulsory for Non-Lucrative and Digital Nomad visa applications. Even for residents with access to the public system, private coverage provides faster appointments and English-speaking doctors.
Top Providers for Expats
Spain's largest private insurer (owned by Bupa). Excellent network, English-language service, strong app. Accepted for NLV. From ~€70/month.
Broad network across Spain. Dental plans available. Popular with expats. From ~€65/month.
Strong in Madrid and Catalonia. Good value plans. From ~€60/month.
International plan, ideal for new arrivals. Worldwide coverage. From ~€130/month.
Local AXA plans with solid network. Dental add-on available. From ~€75/month.
Opening a Bank Account in Spain
A Spanish bank account is needed to pay rent, utilities, taxes and to meet visa financial proof requirements. Most banks require a NIE (tax number) and proof of address.
Recommended Banks
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- NIE (mandatory) or EU ID
- Padrón certificate (proof of address registration)
- Spanish phone number
- Proof of income or funds
Step-by-Step Process
- Obtain your NIE first : at the Oficina de Extranjería or at your Spanish consulate abroad
- Register on the Padrón at your Town Hall
- Book a bank appointment online
- Present all documents; open account same day
- Activate online banking (requires Spanish phone number)
Buying Property in Spain
Foreigners can freely buy property in Spain with no restrictions. Spain is one of the most transparent real estate markets in the EU. Prices vary enormously: from €1,000/m² in rural areas to €6,000+/m² in prime Madrid and Barcelona.
Ownership Options for Foreigners
Full ownership, no restrictions for foreigners. Most common.
Purchase property ≥€500,000 to qualify for Golden Visa residency.
Buying directly from developers before completion. Lower prices but construction risk.
Purchase Process
- Obtain a NIE (mandatory for property purchase)
- Hire a Spanish solicitor (abogado) : non-negotiable recommendation
- Sign a Reservation Contract (Contrato de Reserva) and pay €3,000-10,000 deposit
- Sign the Private Purchase Contract (Contrato de Arras) and pay 10% deposit
- Solicitor conducts due diligence: nota simple, building permits, community debts
- Arrange finance or international transfer
- Sign the Deed (Escritura) before a Notary
- Register property at the Property Registry (Registro de la Propiedad)
Typical Purchase Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Transfer tax (ITP) or VAT | 6-10% ITP (resale) OR 10% VAT (new build) + 1.5% stamp duty |
| Notary fees | 0.5-1% of purchase price |
| Land Registry fees | 0.2-0.5% |
| Solicitor fees | 1-2% of purchase price |
| Annual property tax (IBI) | 0.3-1.3% of cadastral value |
| Community fees | €50-500/month depending on urbanisation |
About This Guide
This guide is researched and maintained by the editorial team at eVisa-Card.com. Last updated: 20 May 2026. We strive to keep all information current but visa rules, healthcare costs and property regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with official government sources and consult a licensed professional before making major decisions.