How to Move to Spain from the US in 6 Months (Or Less!)

Spain is one of the most popular destinations for Americans considering living abroad. It offers a fantastic lifestyle, a great climate, outstanding healthcare, and a low cost of living. Whether you intend to work in or retire to Spain, a high quality of life is assured.

●    But how fast can an American move to Spain?

●    Is relocating to Spain from the US in six months possible?

The reality? You could do it faster than that!

Read on to find out how to move to Spain from the US in 6 months or less.

Before We Start

The Ground Rules

There are some ground rules before we look at how you could live legally in Spain six months from now. These aren’t ‘showstoppers’ (below), but if followed, they will significantly ease the process, minimize stress, and maximize your chance of success.

1. You want to go to Spain
   This article assumes your decision is certain. You have some experience of the country, researched what it’s like to live there, and your mind is made up — Spain is where you want to live.
2. Take expert advice
   Completing all required steps by yourself with no time pressure can be difficult. The six-month limit almost certainly means you will need professional assistance across every area of your move.
3. You have a sufficient budget
   You are moving to Spain quickly, not cheaply. You will need to budget accordingly.
4. You can multitask and act fast
   You will have to keep many plates spinning simultaneously to expedite your move and act when needed.
5. You have taken care of your US commitments
   This article covers your move to Spain from the US, not what you are leaving behind.

Moving to Spain Showstoppers

Four showstoppers routinely end people’s dream of moving to Spain before they have boarded the plane. Make sure you don’t fall foul of the following:

1. You don’t have enough income or savings to show you can support yourself in Spain.
2. You cannot get a private health insurance policy that meets residency requirements.
3. You have a disqualifying criminal record from any country you’ve lived in over the last five years.
4. You have a severe transmissible disease.

With the ground rules and showstoppers out of the way, are you ready to make your move?

Let’s go to Spain! (¡Vámonos a España!)

The Main Areas to Consider on How to Move to Spain from the US in 6 Months

We’ve helped thousands of clients explore, plan, and move to Spain. These are the key areas to address:

Immigration – Start: Now

Applying for your Visa from within Spain or the US

Spain is part of the SCHENGEN zone in Europe. US citizens don’t need a visa to visit Spain for up to 90 days, so you can come to Spain as soon as you find a flight. You don’t need to apply for the visa; it is granted on arrival. However, the Spanish immigration service can turn you away if they think you will illegally stay in Spain, so you do need a plan.

1. Move to Spain from the US Tomorrow

Approach: Enter Spain on a 90-day SCHENGEN tourist visa. This gives you 90 days to apply for a long-term visa and residence permit from within Spain.

Risk Level: High Risk

2. Move to Spain in 3 – 6 Months

Approach: Complete your visa application in the US and then move to Spain with an approved visa.

Risk Level: Low Risk

Types of Spanish Visas

There are several immigration visas available for entry to Spain. We cover them in our ‘All 10 Spain Visa Types’ article, but the common visas that US citizens tend to use are:

• Digital Nomad Visa
• Non-Lucrative Visa
• Investment Visa (‘Golden Visa’)

With these (and other) visas and their associated residence permits, you can apply for permanent residence if you live in Spain for five years.

Digital Nomad Visa

It’s important to remember that the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is for people who work remotely (often as independent contractors — i.e., freelancers) for a non-Spanish company. Furthermore, you must show that you have worked for the company for at least three months.

W2 Employees

Note: Full-time (W2) employees of a US company can’t use the DNV as there is currently an issue between the US Social Security and Spanish immigration. So, it’s important when applying for the DNV that your work contract is as an independent contractor (1099 worker), not an employee.

Apply from within Spain to Obtain a Three-year Visa

The great thing about the DNV is you can apply while in Spain. This avoids going through your nearest Spanish consulate in the US. Upon arrival, you have 90 days to submit your application online or in person at the Spanish immigration office.

A significant advantage of applying within Spain is that, once granted, your residence permit allows you to work in Spain for three years instead of two.

Non-Lucrative Visa

As its name suggests, you cannot work at all with this visa. The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is for people who have passive income (pensions, for example) and do not need to work.

Unlike the DNV, you must apply through your Spanish Consulate. You cannot apply from within Spain.

If you are still working and applying for the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), you must submit a resignation letter sent to your employer, or other evidence you will stop working when you move to Spain.

Raquel Moreno, BeGlobal Attorneys

Tip: Plan well ahead when you wish to come to Spain to gather all the required documents, submit them to the Spanish Consulate, and await the decision. In practice, give yourself at least four months.

Tip: If you are working when you apply for the NLV, you must submit a resignation letter to your employer or evidence that you will stop working when you move to Spain.

Healthcare Insurance

The non-lucrative visa is for people who are not going to pay social security contributions (because they are not working). So, one of the main requirements is to have private health insurance from a Spanish health insurance provider. It has to cover primary systems and hospitalization with no limit or copayment.

Investment Visa (‘Golden Visa’)

At the time of writing, the Spanish government is reviewing this visa. They have announced the cancellation of the Real Estate qualification element of the visa, the so-called ‘Golden Visa.’ While there is speculation that this may not happen, it is scheduled to be phased out.

The other qualifying elements may remain available, including having a bank deposit of €1M or €1M shares in a Spanish company.

Tip: Be careful if you apply for the Golden Visa option as a married couple and wish to buy a property jointly. For both of you to obtain the visa, you must each invest the qualifying €500,000. This can be on one property, i.e., a minimum value of €1M, or separate properties.

Other Visas

Student Visa

This is for you if you are coming to Spain to study for a degree, Master’s, PhD, or a Spanish language course. Once your studies have finished, the Student Visa allows you to switch to a work permit if you have a Spanish company willing to employ and sponsor you through the application process.

Entrepreneur Visa

This is not a commonly used visa and is not easy to obtain. But it is an option to come to Spain to start a business. The main document you will need is a business plan. You must also show that you already have business premises, potential clients, and a website to promote your services.

Expert Tip 1: Book a consultation with our expert immigration lawyer in Spain. They’ll assess your options and help you choose the best path and requirements.

Taxes – Start: Now

183-Day Tax Residency Qualification

In general, the US has one of the lowest levels of taxation in the developed world. The tax burden in Spain is higher, but average earnings are about three times lower than in the US. This means when considering your tax in Spain, it’s helpful to think about what tax you would be paying in the US if you were earning three times more than now.

You may become a Spanish tax resident if you live in Spain for over 183 days in a tax year. This means your global salary, pension, and economic activity income are taxed under the Spanish tax system.

Taxable Income

Your global rental income is taxable with deductions allowed for property depreciation, interest, etc. Your investment assets, including Roth IRAs, are also taxable (note: regular 401K pension fund IRAs are shielded). It does not matter where the account is; you are liable for personal income tax in Spain.

Your global rental income is taxable in Spain, with deductions allowed for property-related expenses, such as depreciation, interest on loans, and maintenance costs. Your investment assets, including Roth IRAs, may also be taxable in Spain, depending on their structure and income type. Regular 401(k) and traditional IRA distributions are generally taxable in Spain, though there may be certain exemptions or reduced rates under the US-Spain tax treaty. It does not matter where the account is held; if you are a tax resident in Spain, you are liable for Spanish taxes on your worldwide income.

Spanish Wealth Tax

You could be liable for wealth tax depending on which Spanish autonomous community you live in and your wealth level.

The standard qualifying amount across Spain is owning assets as an individual over €700,000. However, there are exceptions to this in autonomous communities such as Madrid, Andalucía, Islas Canarias, Murcia, and the Islas Baleares, which have put in exclusions from wealth tax up to €3.7M. Depending on your level of pension assets, this is a significant consideration.

Spain-US Double Taxation Treaty

This treaty allows you to avoid being taxed twice by giving tax credits for taxes paid in the other country. For example, if you pay income tax in Spain as a resident, you can claim a credit on your US tax return for the taxes paid in Spain, and vice versa.

Example

You pay your withholding tax in the US and a 15% dividend tax on some of your US assets. In Spain, you are required to pay 21%. Without the double-tax arrangement, you would pay a combined 36%.

However, the Spain-US Double Taxation arrangement says that you pay the difference in Spain, i.e., 6%, which means you pay a total of 21%.

Usually, the tax rate in Spain will be higher than the US equivalent tax, meaning you will generally pay the Spanish higher rate.

There are ways to reduce the wealth tax outside of the tax itself. Suppose you have more than, say, €2M in assets, and you’re not living in an autonomous community where the wealth tax is shielded. In that case, we strongly recommend consulting a cross-border tax professional in Spain to develop a financial plan.

Spanish Taxes

Income tax

This does not vary much between autonomous communities, as with US states.

Non-resident Income Tax

This applies if you derive a working income or income from economic activity in Spain but do not live there for more than 183 days in a year. This also applies to Non-residents who own property in Spain and/or earn rental income from Spanish properties. For non-EU/EEA residents, the rate is flat at 24%.

Property Tax (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles (IBI))

This is a case where the Spanish rate is less than the US equivalent. In Spain, the property tax ranges from 0.4% to 1.1% of the property’s cadastral value, compared to 1.5 to 2% in the US.

Property Transaction Tax

Unlike the US, where there is no property transaction tax when buying and selling property, there is in Spain. This varies from 6 to 10% in most autonomous communities.

Expert Tip 2: Rent a place for the first year to fully discover the area and be confident to want to live there. If you want to buy a property in Spain, think long and hard before doing so. Purchasing a property one year and selling it the next can be extremely expensive.

Inheritance and Gift Tax

This varies significantly depending on the autonomous community. Some have effectively repealed inheritance tax if you leave your estate to your children and other family members.

Important: There is one critical thing to remember when considering inheritance tax. If you move to Spain with an American will, you must clearly state to the Spanish Government that you want to apply your rules of succession in the US. If you don’t, it is possible your inheritance could fall under Spanish succession rules, which means you do not have a free choice of where your assets go when you pass away.

Value Added Tax (Impuesto sobre el Valor Añadido (IVA))

This is standard across Spain, except the Canary Islands. For some products and services, you pay 21%, 10%, or 4%; some items are exempt.

Capital Gains Tax

The interest dividends and capital gains tax is a flat 19 to 23% on the first €200,000. Above this, it is 27 to 28%. Depending on your US State, if your income is derived from interest, dividends, and capital gains, it is possible — though not that common — that the Capital Gains Tax you pay in Spain may be lower or similar.

The Beckham Law

This is not a tax as such but allows people who qualify under its provisions to enjoy a flat 24% income tax rate on their first €600,000 of income. Critically, it also gives exemption from wealth tax and taxes on international overseas assets. It also allows your family — including children up to 25 years of age, under certain conditions — access to The Beckham law.

Even if your income is not that high, if you have property or property rental assets in the US or large investment accounts, it is worthwhile looking into.

You can potentially qualify for the Beckham Law through a Digital Nomad Visa, Entrepreneur Visa, or by becoming a director in a Spanish company.

Tax in Summary

As a rule of thumb, compared to the US, you get lower fixed taxes in Spain but pay a higher rate on your progressive and other incomes. So, considering VAT, you’ll see a cost of living anywhere between 40 to 60% less expensive than in the US.

Wealth tax is the main driver when considering where to locate in Spain. From a property standpoint, the other taxes have much less influence as the variance is so small that they are not worth considering.

Healthcare Insurance – Start: Now

Spain has an exceptional healthcare system that is one of the best in the world. Healthcare is also one of the things we find can be a sticking point with our clients when moving to Spain.

A recent report states that the value for money the Spanish Government obtains from its public healthcare is one of the highest in the world above places like the UK and Australia.

Even so, about 25% of Spanish citizens and almost all Expats have private healthcare. And, if you speak to Americans living in Spain, they’ll almost always talk about how cheap and excellent healthcare is. There are reasons for that, but first, let’s examine the public system.

Public Healthcare

The public health care system is available to all Spanish citizens. It is also open to Spanish residents who contribute to social security. You can access public healthcare if employed in Spain and paying social security contributions.

There are other ways to gain access, including the Convenio Especial, a scheme that allows individuals who don’t otherwise qualify to access public healthcare by making voluntary social security payments.

Many Expats are not eligible to contribute to the Spanish social security system, making private healthcare mandatory.

Alastair Johnson, Moving to Spain

Under the public system, you are allocated a GP and a nurse at your local medical center. Your GP will refer you to a specialist if necessary.

However, many Expats are not eligible to make social security contributions when applying for a visa. In this case, you will need to take out private healthcare.

Private Healthcare

As mentioned, if you’re not eligible for public healthcare and are moving to Spain under a Digital Nomad Visa, Non-lucrative Visa, or Golden Visa, you will require private health insurance.

The good news for US expats in Spain is that private healthcare in Spain is extraordinarily cheap compared to the US. We have seen numerous clients who’ve paid an annual policy at a lower price than a single monthly premium in the US. We see middle-aged people quoted between €1,000 to €2,000 a year for an immigration-approved policy of high-level care.

A benefit of this route is more flexibility with the private system. You can choose which doctors and specialists you wish to see and when (despite its excellent service, some waiting times in the public health system can be lengthy).

Private health coverage in Spain is significantly less than in the US.

Alastair Johnson, Moving to Spain

Language is another driver. While Expats with a reasonable level of Spanish are happy to see a public GP for basic needs, when it comes to more serious concerns, it is advantageous and comforting to be able to describe the situation and understand the responses and nuances in your native language. This is generally available with a private healthcare policy.

Curiously, Spanish public healthcare doesn’t cover dental care for most people. Seeing a dentist can be expensive, which is a solid reason to take out private healthcare.

Most of the private healthcare policies we look at — certainly those that our partners provide — include dental treatment or a dental add-on, allowing you to see dental professionals at a reasonable cost.

Qualifying Private Healthcare Policies

In most cases, you will need private health insurance for your visa and residency, and the insurance policy must meet the requirements of the Spanish immigration service.

How Long to Obtain Healthcare Cover?

In the context of this article on how to move to Spain in six months, we asked a couple of our insurance partners how long it takes to get a healthcare policy. The good news is they can get you an insurance policy within three working days of asking for a quote if needed.

Of course, some documentation is required, and a couple of hoops need to be jumped through, but securing an insurance certificate within three working days is possible.

Policy Requirements

Not all policies are accepted by the Spanish immigration services when assessing your visa application. There are a lot of international policies that won’t qualify, as well as some Spanish policies. The immigration department is looking for an insurance provider to be registered in Spain and approved for immigration requirements.

The requirements are specific. No copayments allowed, and no exclusions for medical and hospital cover. As mentioned, dental cover is outside of this and isn’t a requirement. Your policy is meant to provide the equivalent care you would get through the public service.

Your policy needs to be valid for the same period as your visa. Therefore, in most cases, you’ll pay for a year’s cover upfront, not in twelve monthly installments. For this reason, it’s essential that the insurance company understands the visa you’re applying for and that the policy is required as part of your immigration application.

Get Some Quotes!

To help you, we have produced a Healthcare Quote Comparison tool. If you want no-obligation quotes, you can use the tool to give you quotes from four or five insurance companies.

We have researched and partnered with these companies, and all meet the requirements. They understand what policies need to be submitted for which visa applications and are very used to working with US citizens moving into Spain.

Two Common Issues Securing Healthcare Policies

• Maximum Age
  Many insurers have a maximum age at the commencement of the policy. Finding a policy becomes more complicated for people over 80. However, we continue working with insurers to develop a more flexible approach.
• Serious Pre-existing Conditions
  These cannot be excluded from the policy. Some insurers won’t cover you if you have serious pre-existing conditions; if they do, it’s at an increased premium. Again, we work hard with our insurance partners to find a solution.

If you fall into either of these two categories, the earlier you start speaking to insurance companies, the better.

Risk: Not getting qualifying private health insurance will stop your move to Spain.

Expert Tip 3: Get a qualifying no-obligation quote from our selected private health insurance companies that will meet Spanish immigration requirements.

Wealth Management Plan – Start: Month 2

Your financial life in Spain will look quite different than yours in the US. The cost of living is lower, and you will acquire a new tax residency. Thus, as a US citizen living in Spain, you will likely be a tax resident in Spain.

Planning Dos and Don’ts

Considering your wealth management as a series of dos and don’ts is useful.

• Don’t  Lose Touch with Your US Finances
  When you move to a new country, you naturally want to get involved. This includes being part of the financial system. It’s exciting to get your new bank account! However, one of the key things as an American is that you always have your US tax liability. Therefore, you need to maintain access to the US financial system. Plus, accessing a system you know and where you speak the language is more convenient.
• Do Maintain Your US Bank Accounts
  If you lose touch with them and they are shut down, it’s much harder to reopen them. Build your financial infrastructure in the US first, with the idea that you’ll move money to Spain.
• Do Have an American Credit Card before you move to Spain
  Your limit in the US will almost certainly be much higher than your limit on a Spanish credit card. $50,000 limits are standard in the US but rare in Spain.
• Do Continue to Invest Via the US
  One issue you can encounter is with the custodians of your investments, including pension assets like an IRA, 401(k), and Roth IRAs. Once you move abroad, they must deal with complex compliance issues and legal rules between the European Union and the US.  Therefore, it’s essential to continue to invest in the US. This ensures you comply with the US tax code requirements.
• Don’t Move Your Entire Asset Base to Spain
  While that may work for many nationalities, it is unsuitable for US citizens. There is no equivalent of a 401(k), IRA, or Roth IRA in Spain (or Europe), so you cannot transfer these. For anything else, you’ll pay tax on the entire thing.
• Don’t Assume Your Financial Planning is the Same in Spain
  The critical thing to remember here is that your financial planning in Spain differs from that in the US.
• Do Create a Distribution Strategy Before You Move
• Do Save in an After-Tax Account
  Take advantage of Spain’s low capital gains tax rate (some of the lowest in the developed world). It’s a really good way to set yourself up for Spain.

As an American, you will always have a US tax liability. As such, you must maintain your access to the US financial system.

Alex Ingram, Chase Buchanan USA

Is Six Months Enough Time to Plan?

Yes, absolutely.

Plan

Planning usually takes two to three weeks. What needs to be done can be assessed quite quickly. Speak with a Spanish tax professional to get a good idea of the tax obligations you must include in your plans. Then, develop your roadmap with a wealth tax expert.

Execute

Your plan’s action points will take a few months; for example, creating and executing a sound distribution strategy might take two to three months.

But, from a financial perspective, it’s possible to move to Spain from the US in six months.

Real Estate & Rentals – Start: Month 3

A strong recommendation from us at Moving to Spain is to initially rent a property for your first few months in Spain. We see over 95% of our clients take this route. In terms of moving to Spain from the US in 6 months, it is also a faster option than buying a property.

It is a solid strategy since until you have experienced living in the area you choose—and in Spain in general—you really cannot know that this is where you want to live long term. A short-term rental, even an Airbnb, for a few months, can be just what you need to confirm your choice or allow you time to look elsewhere if need be.

Unlike the US, Spain has a property tax when buying and selling property. It’s wise to rent first before committing to a house purchase. Buying one year and selling the next is very costly.

Alison johnson, Moving to Spain

The Current Real Estate Market in Spain

Short-Term Renting and La Ley de Vivienda

In an attempt to correct imbalances in the Spanish housing sector, the government brought in a new Housing Law in 2023 (La Ley de Vivienda). The law represents a significant shift in Spain’s housing policy, aiming to balance the rights of tenants and property owners while addressing affordability and accessibility issues in the housing market.

Among other aims, it is meant to help tenants by controlling things like rent increases, who pays the deposit, who pays the agency fees, and so on. In practice, due to the mechanics of the law, landlords have reduced the number of long-term leases (twelve months or more) and switched to providing short-term leases (under 11 months).

The reason is the new Housing Law does not cover short-term lets. As a result, the long-term rental stock has decreased by 15% across Spain. This is reflected in Spain’s two leading housing websites — Idealista and Fotocasa — where you’ll see many houses for rent on 11-month or less leases.

With a short-term rental, you pay the agency fee — typically one month’s rent — and then a deposit, usually two months’ rent. After ten months, you can renew, and the landlord can increase the rent by any amount they like.

In short, the new law has not entirely worked, and the Spanish government is addressing this.

Going from a Short-term to a Long-Term Rental Home in Spain

For the above reasons, we recommend obtaining a short-term rental when moving to Spain. This gives you several months to look for a long-term rental or a home to buy.

Idealista and Fotocasa are excellent sources for researching and identifying potential homes for rental and sale. Both operate English-language sites.

Expert Tip 4: When you find a house you want to rent or buy, move quickly. There will likely be a lot of people going for the same house. Decide and pay the deposit as quickly as you comfortably can.

READ ALSO >>> Getting a Mortgage in Spain

Foreign Exchange – Start: Month 3

Open Your Spanish Bank Account

When you arrive in Spain, it will be costly to start using your US bank account. This is due to the punitive foreign exchange rates and fees charged by the banks. For this and other reasons, open a Spanish bank account when you arrive in Spain.

Many Spanish banks will allow you to open a non-resident bank account with a passport and a nominal opening balance. This gives you your International Bank Account Number (IBAN). You need this to pay taxes,  set up a lease, and many other aspects of your Spanish financial life. You can convert to a resident account once you have your residence permit and TIE.

READ ALSO >>> How to Open a Spanish Bank Account

Foreign Exchange Options

Now that you have your Spanish bank account, you must understand how to transfer money from the US to Spain and, importantly, how to do it. This is where foreign exchange (FX) comes in.

Spot Contracts

A spot contract is an agreement to exchange currencies at the current market rate, typically settling immediately or within two business days. Unlike forward or futures contracts, which set prices for future exchanges, spot contracts deal with immediate or near-term transactions. This makes them ideal for addressing immediate FX needs but less suitable for hedging against future exchange rate fluctuations.

This option can be carried out via your bank, broker, or online app.

Limit Orders

This is when you pinpoint a target rate that you find preferable. And then your broker books the trade for you at that rate. You can exchange currency at specific price points, giving you greater control, managing risk, and potentially improving profitability.

The order will only be filled at the specified price or better. So, unlike market orders, limit orders may not be executed immediately if the market doesn’t reach the specified price. But they help avoid buying at too high a price.

Forward Contract

A Forward Contract is the best way to transfer money from the US to Spain. It is an agreement to exchange a specific amount of currency for another at a predetermined exchange rate on a future date. They provide financial stability and predictability.

Although using them depends on your risk appetite (see example), they are extremely valuable tools for managing currency risk, allowing you to lock in exchange rates for future transactions.

Using a forward contract to move large amounts of money gives you certainty and helps with budgeting.

Summary of Foreign Exchange Options’ Pros and Cons

	Pros	Cons
Spot Contracts	● Immediate execution at current market rates ● Flexibility in amount and timing ● No long-term commitment	● Exposure to short-term market volatility ● No protection against exchange rate fluctuations ● May result in less favorable rates during high volatility periods
Limit Orders	● Can set desired entry or exit price ● Can automate trading ● Useful in volatile markets	● No execution if market doesn’t reach the specified price ● May miss opportunities if set too far from current market price ● Requires ongoing market monitoring to adjust if needed
Forward Contract	● Locks in future exchange rates, providing certainty ● Eliminates exchange rate risk for future transactions ● Useful for budgeting and financial planning	● Must be honored regardless of market movements ● Potential opportunity cost if exchange rates move favorably ● Less flexibility once agreed

Carrying out FX

You can manage these yourself or enlist the services of a broker.

Self-service: Banks

You can use your bank to carry our spot contracts and limit orders. However, banks are the least cost-effective route. An additional problem is the limits on how much you can transfer. This may not be an issue for small payments. But, when you need to transfer more significant amounts — for example, if you are buying a property — being restricted to a monthly limit of $50,000 could mean losing the property if you are tied to a completion date.

Self-Service: Online Apps

Online apps such as Revolut or Wise are more cost-effective than banks. They specialize in smaller amounts, up to $50,000. It is essential to appreciate there can be risks involved when dealing with more significant amounts, and they cannot help with risk management in terms of hedging.

They can be very competitive on costs. For example, with Wise your currency transfer will go through extremely close to the market rate.

Brokers

Typically, brokers are very competitive and flexible regarding price. They also offer the benefit of specializing in larger amounts and are ideal for property purchases.

A key advantage is you will get expert guidance throughout your transactions. While not quite as competitive as online apps — since they take on some risk — they more than compensate by specializing in hedging and forward contracts (see example).

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Example of Using a Broker for a Forward Contract

Let’s say you are buying your dream home in Spain. Today, you have agreed on the price; your funds are coming from the US in dollars, and you are buying the property in euros. It’s not uncommon for property transactions in Spain to be completed within three to four months. In this period, the Dollar/Euro exchange rate can fluctuate greatly.

With a forward contract, a broker secures the exchange rate for a future date. Let’s say four months from today, a few days before you are due to complete on your home. This locks in your exchange rate. And you don’t pay any money until just before the completion. This maintains the funds in your account until needed and eliminates currency fluctuation risks. If the dollar depreciates against the euro in the next four months, you will not have to find more dollars to buy the property.

Of course, the exchange rate can move in your favor. This is a risk you take and depends on your risk appetite.

Forward Contract Example

In the actual example shown above, if you agreed to buy your home in April 2024 for the equivalent of $500,000, the subsequent deprecation of the Dollar/Euro exchange rate means you would need to pay around $19,000 more when completing the purchase four months later, an increase of nearly 4%.

A forward contract struck in April avoids this.

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Fees

Bank fees charge higher fees in terms of the percentage you pay on the exchange rate. They may also add fees on top of that. Additionally, you incur fees from your Spanish bank when receiving funds.

This does not happen with brokers. With brokers and online apps, you can save between 1 to 4%. Both these options tend to have no fee and no obligation — i.e., you only pay a percentage of the exchange rate when you book a trade. There should be no other fee associated with using these services.

Other Considerations on How to Move to Spain from the US in 6 Months

Here are other common subjects to consider when moving to Spain in six months.

Pet Relocation

Moving your pets across from the US can cause some stress. In our experience, there are four options to consider for your pet to be well taken care of:

Pet Relocation Company

There are many reputable pet relocation companies offering excellent door-to-door service. They take care of everything for you, including assistance with veterinary documentation and health certificates, flights, and guidance on Spain’s pet import requirements. They absolutely love animals, so you can be sure your pets will be looked after.

The cost varies based on many factors but ranges from $1,800 to $6,000.

We know many pet relocation companies that our clients have recommended. Please get in touch with us if you want a list.

Commercial Airlines

Some airlines, mainly European carriers, including Iberia, Air France, and Lufthansa, allow pets to accompany passengers. Delta and American also offer this service with certain restrictions.

Small dogs and cats may be allowed in the cabin with you in a special container under the seat. They can go in the hold if they’re bigger.

Costs vary widely, from around $175 for in-cabin to several thousand dollars for cargo or door-to-door pet relocation services.

Expert Tip 5: Depending on where you are relocating in Spain, it may be worth considering flying to Madrid and driving to your home.

The Queen Mary

The Queen Mary 2 is the only commercial ship offering pet transportation services from the USA to Europe. It sails from New York to Southampton in the UK. The crossing takes seven days and operates monthly from mid-April through mid-January.

There are 24 kennels, outdoor walking areas, and indoor play spaces for dogs and cats. A full-time Kennel Master provides care, including feeding, walking, and playtime. You can visit your pet during scheduled hours.

The cost is around $1,000, but there is a very long waiting list (about a year), so it is not a viable option if you want to move in six months. Also, you will need onward transportation from the UK to Spain.

Private Jet

This can cost anything from $50,000 to $100,000. This option has several advantages, including your pet traveling in the cabin with you and reducing stress and discomfort. Additionally, there are no breed or size restrictions, and the experience is more flexible and accommodating for multiple or larger pets compared to commercial flights.

However, it is prohibitively expensive for many people.

Essential Requirements

Aside from transportation logistics, there are essential requirements regarding documentation, vaccinations, and timing to take care of:

• Age: Pets must be at least three months old to enter Spain.
• Documentation: All paperwork should be in both English and Spanish.
• Microchipping: All pets must have a microchip complying with ISO Standard 11784 or 11785.
• Rabies vaccination: Pets must be vaccinated at least 21 days before arrival in Spain. The vaccine must be an inactive type.
• Timing: If traveling non-commercially, pets must arrive within five days before or after their owner’s arrival (or it will be considered a commercial move with additional requirements).
• EU Health Certificate: Completed and signed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian within ten days of departure.
• USDA endorsement: The EU Health Certificate and other documents like the microchip implantation record and rabies certificate must be endorsed by the USDA.
• Other vaccinations: While not strictly required, additional vaccinations are recommended for dogs (DHLPP, Bordetella) and cats (FVRCP).
• Number of pets: Additional requirements apply if traveling with more than five pets and it’s considered a commercial move.

Expert Tip 6: Given the requirements, start the process at least 30 days before travel to ensure all requirements are met.

READ ALSO >>> Moving to Spain With Your Dog & Pets

What Should You Bring With You?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions. Relocating is one of the costliest areas of your move to Spain. We recommend only bringing your cherished possessions — art, antiques, certain pieces of furniture, and things like that. If you are keeping your home in the US, you may be able to bring just small items, which will reduce the cost significantly.

There are customs regulations and potential import duties, but the good news is that these can be avoided with proper organization and paperwork. In any case, bringing in as few possessions as possible will reduce transportation costs and potential import taxes. The advice of a professional removal company is invaluable here.

Spanish Electricity Supply

There is a different voltage for electric appliances in Spain (220V, 50Hz). While a lot of US appliances have dual voltage, many do not. In these cases, you’ll have to go to the trouble of converting them. Our recommendation is to purchase electrical appliances when you get to Spain.

Community Building

If you have children, integrating into local life and building a community will be easy and quick. Plus, Spanish culture is centered around family. Find out about the Spanish education system and schools in Spain.

After this, the next thing I would do is learn Spanish. Taking lessons with other Expats will open up your social life and the door to the many fascinating aspects of Spanish life.

Sports are another great way to meet people and create a Spanish community. Padel — similar to Pickleball — is very popular, along with tennis, soccer, and basketball.

There are many Expat groups all over Spain. Joining these will bring new friends and access to advice, information, and answers to your questions (like where to buy a turkey for Thanksgiving!).

Expert Tip 8: Join Expat Facebook groups in the area of Spain you are moving to before you leave the US.