What do I need to know before retiring in Spain?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Spain, they said...
"The following applies to anywhere bt applies to my wife and living on the Costa Tropical. 1. Establish Goals for how you want to live your life 2. Choose a location wisely based not only on geography, weather and climate but also based on the local cultural opportunities and transportation infrastructure. 3. Try out the place, visit the place and give it a dry run 4. Consider health care, it doesn’t matter how old you are 5. Figure out the local housing market to establish your new home 6. Check out the cost of living to know if your budget plan and goals work 7. Understand the Visa requirements 8. Get a grasp of the local culture 9. Be aware of local opportunities for sports, leisure, entertainment and cultural activities 10. Become familiar with issues relating to taxes and banking 11. Work out issues relating to communication technology. I have written a short book called "Renaissance in The Sun" Its virtually FREE. You can find it on Amazon and Kindle. Its about life and Spain," said a member in Spain.
PassportCard Expat Health InsuranceGet Quote
Never worry about paying your medical bills out of pocket again. The innovative PassportCard allows for a stress-free experience for all expat families, remote travelers, and workers. With a 24/7 customer service and an outstanding customer base of over 2 Million clients, it will feel like medical care at home. Get up to 10% off on your policy now.
PassportCard Expat Health InsuranceNever worry about paying your medical bills out of pocket again. The innovative PassportCard allows for a stress-free experience for all expat families, remote travelers, and workers. With a 24/7 customer service and an outstanding customer base of over 2 Million clients, it will feel like medical care at home. Get up to 10% off on your policy now.
Get Quote
"1. Expats should research different regions of Spain to decide on the best place to retire. 2. It is important to know the language, as even if English is widely spoken in Spain, proficiency in Spanish will be necessary for everyday life. 3. Expats should review the country’s tax laws and determine if there are any special exceptions for retirees. 4. Healthcare is excellent in Spain, but it is important to check on the particular provisions for retirees, such as available discounts or special coverage. 5. International expats will need to arrange for a long-term visa or residency permit prior to moving. 6. Expats should become familiar with the various regional or cultural customs in their chosen area of retirement. 7. If planning to retire in Spain, it is important to acquaint oneself with the country’s real estate laws and regulations. 8. Shopping around for the best deals on everyday expenses is essential, as cost of living in some areas of Spain can be high," remarked another expat who made the move to Spain.
Please login to continue reading this article.
Not a member? Join Today (it's free).
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Spain?
- How do I find a place to live in Spain?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Spain?
- What is the average cost of housing in Spain?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Spain?
- What should I pack when moving to Spain?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Spain?
- Why do people move to Spain?
- What are healthcare services like in Spain?
- What are medical services in Spain like?
- What are typical rents in Spain?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do I need to know before retiring in Spain?
If you live in Spain, newcomers to Spain would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


