{"id":37823,"date":"2019-06-18T12:15:37","date_gmt":"2019-06-18T19:15:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thespanishgroup.org\/?p=37823"},"modified":"2022-01-26T22:46:15","modified_gmt":"2022-01-27T06:46:15","slug":"retiring-spain-tapas-siestas-visas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thespanishgroup.net\/blog\/retiring-spain-tapas-siestas-visas\/","title":{"rendered":"Retiring in Spain – Tapas, Siestas, Visas and more!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Legally retiring in Spain sounds like a dream, doesn\u2019t it? Beaches, wine, tapas… what more could you want? <\/span>More than 5.5 million foreign nationals are now living in Spain, accounting for more than 12 percent of its population! <\/span>Before you pack your bags, there are some general requirements you should consider and familiarize yourself with as a U.S. citizen. Find out by reading below!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Figuring Out the Right Visa<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Some people choose to live solely through their tourist (short-stay) visa, border hopping every 90 days. This option can be tiresome, costly, and voids you of any benefits or rights within the country. The majority of expat retirees in Spain opt for a long-stay visa (visado nacional) in order to live full-time in the country with ease.<\/p>\n

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The long-stay visas are renewable annually and require retirees to spend at least 6 months a year within Spain to maintain the visa (unless they\u2019ve opted for the investment visa, which removes this requirement). Contact your local Spanish embassy or consulate for the appropriate application forms and required documents. Need help translating your travel documents? Contract <\/span>The Spanish Group<\/span><\/a> for quick, affordable and 100% certified translations.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Additionally, you will need to prove that you are able to support yourself and any dependents living with you, without working in Spain. To do this, you\u2019ll have to show evidence of a monthly income (through pensions, investments, etc.) meeting a specific amount which can fluctuate depending on which city or region you choose to retire to in Spain.<\/p>\n

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Cost of Living<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Spain is typically very affordable compared to other western European countries. You can pack your bags and retire in Spain for as little as $20,000-$25,000 annually. <\/span>Also, luckily for retirees, Spain has low property taxes, which can save you quite a bit!<\/span><\/p>\n

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To offer some perspective, in Madrid, Spain\u2019s capital and most expensive city, a single person’s monthly cost (without rent) is $773 USD. A meal at a casual restaurant will cost around $11 USD, while weekly groceries for two can cost under $30 USD.<\/p>\n

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In the city center, a one-bedroom apartment will average around $925 per month, while a three-bedroom in the city center will cost around $1,789 per month. Just living a few miles outside the city, the price can drop to $680 per month (one-bedroom) and $1,165 per month (three-bedroom).<\/p>\n

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In comparison, retiring in Spanish coastal areas can also be an affordable option rather than living in the city center. In Valencia, a one-bedroom city center apartment will cost around $650 USD per month, while the same apartment outside of the city center will cost $450 USD per month.<\/p>\n

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Finding Healthcare<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Spain has a well-developed national healthcare system and grants national public healthcare to expats that meet certain qualifications, listed below:<\/p>\n

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