Spain
The most popular destination for Americans. The most complex paperwork.
Sun, lower costs, and a thriving expat community. 9 US consulates, each with different rules and forms. We handle the complexity. You pick a neighborhood.
Pathways
Spain visas we prepare
Why Spain
Spain is where most Americans start looking, and for good reason. The cost of living runs 30 to 40% below most US cities, the food is world-class, and the public healthcare system consistently ranks among Europe’s best. The weather doesn’t hurt either: Valencia alone gets over 300 days of sunshine a year.
Valencia has become the breakout city for American expats: affordable, coastal, walkable, and increasingly well-connected to international flights. Madrid and Barcelona draw people who want big-city energy and career opportunities. Málaga and Alicante attract those chasing warmer winters and lower rents. You’ll find American expat communities in all of them.
A two-bedroom apartment in Valencia runs €1,200 to 1,500 a month. Madrid and Barcelona push €1,500 to 2,000 and up. Groceries, dining, and transport are significantly cheaper than most US cities. A full meal at a local restaurant rarely tops €15.
Private health insurance is required for your visa and starts around €50 a month for younger adults. Visa-compliant plans with no copay typically run €60 to 150 a month depending on age and coverage. Public healthcare becomes available once you’re paying into social security, and Spain’s public system is ranked among the top ten in the world.
Public schools are free and teach in Spanish (plus regional languages in Catalonia, Valencia, and the Basque Country). International schools range from €5,000 to 15,000 a year. Most American families start there and consider transitioning later. English is widely spoken in expat-heavy neighborhoods, but Spanish is essential for daily life. The expats who thrive are the ones who commit to learning it.
An NIE appointment most people don’t know about until it’s too late.
A criminal records requirement more complex than any other EU country.
An income threshold that updates every January.
We handle the timing, the forms, and the fine print.
Ready to start your Spain move?
Take the free eligibility assessment. It takes 5 minutes and tells you exactly which visa fits your situation.
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Impossible To Name is a document preparation platform, not a law firm. Nothing on this page is legal advice. Requirements are verified against official government sources and monitored for changes, but consulates retain discretion and can ask for more.