Spain
Cost of living, salaries, tax rates & quality of life
Quick Facts
Key stats and figures for Spain
Capital
Madrid
Languages
Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Cost of Living
26% below US
Avg. Salary
€ 22k/yr
Timezone
UTC+1/+2
Population
48 million
Expats
8.8 million
Quality of Life
Based on Numbeo Quality of Life Index
Cost of Living & Salary Benchmarks
Compare expenses and earning potential across major cities
| City | Rent | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Madrid | €1,297 | €1,805 |
| Barcelona | €1,400 | €1,915 |
| Valencia | €950 | €1,395 |
Rent based on 1-bedroom apartment in city center. All values in EUR/month.
Tax Rates
Key tax information for Spain
Personal Income Tax
19%-47% + regional surcharge
Corporate Tax
25%
Capital Gains Tax
19%-28%
VAT / Sales Tax
21%
Good to Know
Beckham Law: 24% flat rate for qualifying expat workers
Language & Culture
What to expect when living in Spain
Official Languages
English Proficiency
MediumLanguage Requirements
A2 Spanish for some residence permits
Good to Know
Catalan is co-official in Catalonia; digital nomad visa may waive language
Popular Visa Pathways to Spain
SpainDigital Nomad Visa
Spain's Digital Nomad Visa, created by Ley 28/2022 (Startup Law) amending Ley 14/2013, lets non-EU nationals live in Spain while teleworking for non-Spanish companies. Applicants need a university degree or 3+ years' relevant experience, a 3-month prior tie to the foreign employer, and income of at least €2,442/month (200% of Spain's 2026 SMI of €1,221). The consular visa lasts 1 year; holders can then switch to a residence permit valid up to 3 years, renewable to a 5-year cap via UGECE. The consular fee is €90; the inland Tasa 052 is €73.26 plus €16.08 for the TIE card. Legal decision takes 10 days. Up to 20% of work may be for Spanish clients, family joins with full work rights, and the Beckham 24% IRNR regime applies. This visa is ideal for non-EU remote workers earning above €2,442/month from a foreign employer who want to settle in Spain with their family and a clear path to long-term residency.
SpainHighly Qualified Professional Visa (PAC)
Spain's Highly Qualified Professional Visa (PAC), under Law 14/2013, lets non-EU specialists, managers, and graduates of prestigious universities work in Spain. UGECE processes applications centrally, bypassing standard labor market tests. Minimum annual salary is €40,077 for technical roles; €54,142 for executives. Initial stay is up to 3 years, renewable in 2-year periods. Family members may join immediately—spouses receive unrestricted work rights. After 5 continuous years, holders can apply for long-term EU residency. No annual quota applies. This visa is ideal for senior non-EU professionals with a Spanish job offer who want a fast, employer-backed pathway to long-term EU residence without labor market testing.
SpainEU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card (Tarjeta Azul UE) is Spain's permit for non-EU highly qualified workers with a job offer paying at least €39,270/year. Applicants need a recognized higher education degree — or 5 years of relevant professional experience — plus a contract of at least 6 months. The card is valid for 3 years, renewable, and leads to long-term residence. Spouses receive immediate work authorization on their TIE card with no separate permit. After 12 months in Spain, holders can transfer to another EU member state under simplified conditions. No annual quota applies. This visa is ideal for non-EU professionals with a Spanish job offer above €39,270, a qualifying degree or 5 years' experience, and an intent to pursue long-term EU residence.
Before You Go
What You Should Know About Spain
Essential reading for anyone considering the move
What Is the EU Blue Card? 25 Countries, Salary Thresholds and Permanent Residency, Explained (2026)
The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit for skilled non-EU workers, issued by 25 EU countries under a shared EU directive.
What Is a Transit Visa? Rules by Country
A transit visa lets you pass through a country on your way to another one — it is not a tourist visa and does not let you stay. Here is what it actually covers, when you need one, and how the rules differ across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, the Schengen Area, Japan and Singapore.
Golden Visas Are Dying in Europe - Where Global Investors Are Moving Instead
Spain, Portugal, Greece, and the UK have each closed or curtailed their investor residency routes since 2022. Here's a scorecard of what's closed, what's tightened, and where investor demand has shifted.
Data Sources
Last updated: July 2026
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Cost of living, salary, and quality of life data are estimates based on third-party sources and may vary. Always verify current information with official government sources before making immigration decisions.