To retire in Spain, a single person typically needs to show proof of at least €28,800 annually (approx. €2,400/month) in passive income or savings to qualify for a non-lucrative visa. For couples, this requirement increases to roughly €36,000–€40,000 per year. A comfortable lifestyle usually requires €1,500–€2,800+ per month, depending on location.
The retirement visa income requirement remains €28,800 (~$31,050) annually, with an extra €7,200 (~$7,763) per dependent. Spain's tax rates for 2025 range from 19% to 47% for ordinary income and 19% to 30% for savings income.
Therefore, as an individual, you will need to have €2,400 as a regular guaranteed monthly income or a yearly income of €28,800. If you have dependants that will move with you to live in Spain, 100% of the IPREM is required for each; this amounts to €600 monthly or its equivalent in foreign currency.
Retirement in Spain 2026: Important Updates
The average monthly cost of retirement in Spain ranges from €1,500 to €2,500, depending on location and lifestyle. An EU citizen can live, work, study, and retire in Spain without restrictions. If you are a non-EU or US citizen, you need to have a residence permit, which is a Non-Lucrative retirement visa.
Normally, persons who are not U.S. citizens may receive U.S. Social Security benefits while outside the U.S. only if they meet certain requirements. Under the agreement, however, you may receive benefits as long as you reside in Spain regardless of your nationality.
Except for prescriptions for medicine, access to the public healthcare system, including primary care, specialised care, hospital treatments and emergency care, is free of charge, without co-payments.
To obtain a retirement visa in Spain, specifically the non-lucrative visa, you need to demonstrate sufficient financial means to support yourself without working in Spain. As of 2026, you need to show proof of having around €28,000 annually, which is based on 400% of the IPREM (Public Income Index).
Spain's "2-year rule" generally refers to a major 2025 immigration reform that reduced the required continuous legal residency for Arraigo Social (social roots) and Arraigo Sociolaboral (labor roots) regularization from three years to two, allowing easier access to work permits for those integrated into Spanish society. Additionally, nationals from Latin American countries, the Philippines, Portugal, Andorra, Equatorial Guinea, and Sephardic Jews can apply for Spanish citizenship after just two years of legal residency, a significant reduction from the standard ten years.
You only need to claim your state pension in the last country where you lived or worked. Your claim will cover all EEA countries, Gibraltar and Switzerland. You don't need to claim for each country separately.
Financial Independence: Proof of sufficient passive income, such as pensions, rental income, or savings, is essential. Applicants need at least €2,400 per month (400% of IPREM) for a single applicant, or €28,800 annually.
A salary of €35,000/year is above the national average and can support a comfortable lifestyle in most parts of Spain. In larger, more expensive cities, you may need to budget carefully to account for higher housing and living expenses. In smaller cities, this income offers a very comfortable standard of living.
How to get Spanish residency as a non-EU citizen
Yes. If you're a tax resident in Spain, you must declare all worldwide income, including pensions received from other countries.
Both Spain and Portugal are excellent retirement destinations, offering sunshine, safety, and a high quality of life. If you prioritise tax efficiency and affordability, Portugal may be your best choice. If you prefer cultural variety and more real estate options, Spain is a great option.
For qualifying U.S. expats, Spain's Beckham Law offers something rare in international tax: simplicity and savings. A flat 24% tax rate on Spanish income—and no Spanish tax on your global earnings—can mean thousands saved over six years. But making it work means understanding more than just Spanish tax law.
If you own property in Spain, you can reside in the country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing a visa. This applies whether you use the property as a vacation home or occasional residence. To stay longer than 90 days, apply for a visa or residence permit.
Generally, Spain does not permit dual citizenship with another country other than with Iberian countries. If you obtain Spanish citizenship, you will have to renounce your original nationality. There are exceptions, including Spanish-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea or Portugal.
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If you are a U.S. citizen, you may receive your Social Security payments outside the U.S. as long as you are eligible for them.
Yes, now is generally considered a good time to buy property in Spain (late 2025/early 2026) due to strong demand from international buyers, a resilient market with rising but still affordable prices in many areas, improving mortgage conditions, and high rental demand, though it's crucial to research specific locations as market growth varies, and be mindful of rising costs and potential new rental regulations, advises Spain Homes, thinkSPAIN, Cottage Properties, Spain Explained, and Global Property Guide.
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You can still bring them legally, but you need to have the right documentation. Medications to be especially aware of include: ADHD/ADD medications (*Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin) *considered illegal narcotics in many European countries. Pain medications (Vicodin, Oxycontin, Demerol)