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Thinking About Moving to Spain? Here’s What I Learned After Talking to a Local Spanish Immigration Lawyer
Moving to Spain has been on my mind for… well, forever. I actually grew up here. I speak the language, I cheer for the right football teams (usually), and I know my way around a tapas menu better than most Spaniards.
But apparently, that’s not enough.
Because despite all that, the Spanish immigration office has looked at me—on more than one occasion—and said a firm, bureaucratic “no.” Or more accurately, “Vuelva usted mañana.” But I’m nothing if not persistent.
So while navigating my own mission to return home—to the lesser-known but utterly dreamy regions of Navarra and the Basque Country—I decided to get some professional advice. Enter: Lucía Lagunas, a Spanish immigration lawyer from MySpainVisa, who’s helped thousands of people make their move.
Here’s what I learned after chatting with Lucía—plus a few things that genuinely surprised me, and some options for anyone else out there dreaming of long lunches, Mediterranean sunshine, and perhaps a second (or third) attempt at calling Spain home.
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What's in this post:
Why Spain is (Still) So Popular
Let’s start with the obvious. Spain isn’t just about paella and siestas (though I wouldn’t say no to either). It’s about quality of life.
Lucía told me interest in moving here has skyrocketed since 2021, especially from the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and Latin America. And it’s not hard to see why:
- Cost of living that won’t make your wallet cry
- Healthcare that’s actually usable (and excellent!)
- Sunshine—and not the British kind, the real deal
- Pace of life that actually lets you have a life
- Visa options that, for once, don’t require royal blood
People are moving here in droves—and not just the cliché retirees and remote workers. It’s digital nomads, families, couples, solo wanderers, and yes… even people like me trying to return to their roots (with a small side of legal chaos).
So… Where Are People Moving? And Why Navarra Is My Choice
I asked Lucía the big one: Where is everyone going?
Here’s what she said, plus a little of my own take:
Valencia – Affordable and Vibrant
Valencia is quickly becoming one of the most loved cities among expats. It offers everything: beaches, parks, bike-friendly streets, and a vibrant food scene. But what really makes it attractive is the affordability compared to places like Barcelona or Madrid.
“Many of our retired clients choose Valencia,” Lucía told me. “It’s peaceful, beautiful, and has an amazing quality of life.”
It’s also big enough to keep things interesting, but small enough that the baker will remember your name.
There’s even a detailed guide for retiring in Valencia that breaks down why it’s such a smart choice.
Mallorca – Island Life with City Comforts
If you’ve ever dreamed of island life without giving up good coffee and coworking spaces, Mallorca might be calling your name. Palma (the capital) has a growing international community and plenty of infrastructure.
“We help a lot of people with relocating to Mallorca, especially Brits and Germans,” said Lucía. “It’s an island, but it feels very connected and developed.”
If you’ve ever fantasized about turquoise waters and wine at lunch—without sacrificing decent Wi-Fi—this might be your paradise.
Yes, it’s technically an island—but not the kind that leaves you stranded with three donkeys and a single grocery shop. Palma is cosmopolitan, connected, and sun-drenched.
Madrid & Barcelona – Big Cities, Big Opportunities
Madrid and Barcelona are still top picks for people who want the energy of a big city. These places have it all—international airports, global events, networking, endless restaurants.
But Lucía gave a fair warning:
“They’re fantastic, but also more expensive and faster-paced. Ideal for younger people or those who still want a bit of that ‘city hustle’.”
If you’re planning to work remotely or run your business, these might be your jam.
Navarra and The Basque Country – My (Hopeful) New Home
And then there’s Navarra and the Basque Country. Green, rugged, fiercely proud—and where I’ll be putting down roots if immigration ever gives me a break. (Now that I have Lucia’s help I am very hopeful!)
Navarra has charming villages, wild mountains, and a pace of life that lets you enjoy your pintxo without checking your email. Meanwhile, the Basque coast is one of the most underrated slices of Europe. Think epic food, crashing waves, and a culture that marches to the beat of its own (very catchy) txalaparta.
It’s where I belong. I just need Spain to agree with me.
What Kind of Visa Do You Need to Move to Spain?
Now let’s get into the juicy stuff: visas. I asked Lucía to break it down simply, and here’s what she shared.
1. Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa – For Remote Workers and Early Retirees
This one is super popular, especially with U.S. and UK citizens.
It allows you to live in Spain for up to a year (renewable up to 5 years), as long as you can prove you have enough passive income or savings to support yourself. Important note: you can’t work for a Spanish company on this visa, but you can earn money from abroad.
You’ll need to show proof of income or savings (think €2,400/month or so), private health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
I’ve been digging into the details, and this guide on Spain non-lucrative visa requirements is incredibly helpful.
Perfect for: Early retirees, freelancers, or remote workers who earn from outside Spain.
2. Retirement Visa – The Classic, Stress-Free Option
Spain doesn’t have a separate “retirement visa,” but many retirees use the non-lucrative visa for that purpose.
“It’s the go-to option for retirees,” Lucía explained. “You just need to show proof of income, health insurance, and a clean background check.”
Here’s a step-by-step look at the retirement visa in Spain if you’re thinking about spending your golden years under the Spanish sun.
3. Digital Nomad Visa – The New Kid On The Block
This one’s the new kid on the block—and long overdue. If you’re a remote worker or freelancer earning from outside Spain, and you can prove you’ve been working for your company (or clients) for at least 3 months, this visa is a game-changer.
It lets you live and work in Spain legally, without needing to set up a business or do creative visa cartwheels. Bonus: You can even bring family members.
Lucía called it “a huge step forward,” especially for people who’ve outgrown hostel life but still want the freedom of remote work—with churros.
Perfect for: Techies, freelancers, online entrepreneurs, and anyone who’s sick of working from rainy cafés in London.
4. Permanent Residency – Staying Long-Term
Once you’ve lived in Spain for five uninterrupted years, you may qualify for permanent residency. That means fewer renewals and more stability.
Lucía mentioned:
“Many of our clients start with the non-lucrative visa or retirement route, and eventually apply for permanent residency.”
It’s great to know that long-term living in Spain is actually possible—and not just a temporary adventure.
What Kind of People Are Moving to Spain?
As a traveller, I’ve met all kinds of people considering life in Spain—and Lucía confirmed that the profiles are super varied. Here are a few:
Digital Nomads
They’re the remote workers, solopreneurs, or creatives working from laptops in sunny cafes and coworking spaces. They love cities like Barcelona, Málaga, and Valencia for the community and lifestyle.
Retirees
This group is big—and growing. Many are coming from the U.S., UK, Canada, and Germany. They’re looking for good weather, great healthcare, and a simpler lifestyle. Valencia and the Balearic Islands are super popular for retirees.
Families
Yes, even families are making the move! With international schools, a strong healthcare system, and safe cities, Spain has become a favourite for those wanting a peaceful place to raise children and the Basque Country is considered one of the safest areas to raise a family!
Couples (and solo adventurers!)
From newlyweds to solo female travellers like me, there’s a growing community of people who are moving for lifestyle reasons. And guess what? You don’t have to wait until retirement!
Things I Learned That Surprised Me
Here are a few key takeaways from my conversation with Lucía that made me pause and go, “Ohhh, I didn’t know that!”
- You don’t need to buy property to move to Spain. Renting is totally fine for visa purposes.
- You can stay long-term without being a citizen. You don’t have to apply for Spanish citizenship unless you want to vote or get an EU passport.
- You can switch visas later. For example, many start with the non-lucrative visa, then change to something else if they decide to start a business or get hired locally.
- Spanish bureaucracy is real. Before reaching out to Lucia, I tried doing it on my own, by visiting the immigration office. I wasted 3 months and every single person I spoke to gave me different and contradicting information to the one before. Don’t make the same mistake I did. Get help from the start!
How to Get Started (Without Losing Your Mind)
I’ll be honest: Spanish bureaucracy is no joke. If you want the full story, drop me an email and I’ll tell you just how big my headache! That’s why talking to a professional like Lucía makes a huge difference.
The MySpainVisa team handles everything: from paperwork to appointments to renewals.
“We make it easy, even if you don’t speak Spanish or know the system,” Lucía told me.
Is Spain Right for You?
If you’re craving a lifestyle with slower mornings, sunny afternoons, and maybe a glass of wine at lunch… then yes. Spain could be your next chapter.
It’s not always perfect—yes, the paperwork can be annoying and things move slower than in the U.S. or U.K.—but the reward is totally worth it.
And knowing that there are actual options to stay long-term (and that people are doing it every day) makes this feel way more possible than it used to.
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