FAQs

Spain is known for its high-quality healthcare system, which includes both public and private services. Whether you’re relocating permanently, retiring, or spending extended periods in Spain, understanding your healthcare options is essential — especially if you’re not an EU citizen.

How the Spanish Healthcare System Works

Spain operates a universal healthcare system (SNS: Sistema Nacional de Salud) that provides public medical services funded by social security contributions and taxes. Most residents have access to the public system, but coverage depends on your legal residency status and whether you’re contributing to the system or entitled via another route (e.g., international agreements).

Accessing Public Healthcare in Spain

To use public healthcare, you must first register with the system, usually via your local Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social (INSS) office. After registering, you can access services through your local health centre (centro de salud) and will receive a health card (tarjeta sanitaria).

You may qualify for public healthcare in one of the following ways:

• Employed or self-employed in Spain (paying into social security)
• Pensioner with an S1 form (e.g., UK State Pension recipients)
• Beneficiary of a long-term disability or benefit scheme (if covered by international agreements)
• Resident contributing voluntarily to the system via a regional healthcare scheme (e.g., the Convenio Especial)

Private Healthcare in Spain

Private healthcare is widely used in Spain — even by those eligible for public care — because it offers:

• Shorter wait times
• More flexibility in choosing doctors and specialists
• Access to English-speaking or multilingual providers

You can purchase private health insurance via Spanish or international insurers. Monthly premiums vary depending on age and coverage but start from around €50–€150 per month for basic plans.

Important: Visa applicants (e.g., non-lucrative visa or digital nomad visa) are usually required to have private health insurancewith no co-payments and full coverage in Spain.

Healthcare for UK Pensioners: Using the S1 Form

UK citizens receiving a State Pension may access Spanish public healthcare on the same basis as Spanish nationals via the S1 scheme, a result of the UK-Spain bilateral agreement.

Steps to Register:

1. Apply for an S1 before moving, via the International Pension Centre (IPC) in the UK.
2. Once in Spain, take the S1 to your local INSS office to register it.
3. With the registration confirmation, go to your local health centre to get your tarjeta sanitaria (health card).

You will need: passport, NIE, proof of residence, visa documentation, and padrón certificate.

Note: After Brexit, UK pensioners living in Spain long-term are generally not entitled to free NHS care when visiting the UK. Ensure you have travel insurance if returning for short visits.

Healthcare Options for Other Non-EU Nationals

Digital Nomads & Remote Workers

• Must show proof of private health insurance when applying for a visa
• If becoming tax resident and contributing to social security (via self-employment), you may qualify for public care

Non-Lucrative Visa Holders

• Required to hold private health insurance for the first year
• After residency is granted, may be eligible to register for public care via contribution schemes or as long-term residents

Working Professionals

• Automatically enrolled in the public healthcare system through employer social security contributions
• Can also choose to take out supplementary private insurance

If you’re retiring to Spain and receiving a UK State Pension or other pension income, it’s important to understand your options for receiving payments and managing currency exchange — as well as the implications for tax and financial planning.

Receiving the UK State Pension in Spain

UK retirees can choose to have their State Pension paid into:

• A UK bank or building society account in pounds sterling (GBP), or
• A Spanish bank account in euros (EUR)

Option A: Paid into a UK Account (Most Common)

• You receive your pension in pounds, and then transfer euros to Spain when needed
• Many expats prefer this method as it gives control over exchange rates
• You can use a currency transfer specialist to get better rates and lower fees than banks
• Some providers allow you to fix exchange rates in advance, helping you plan your finances

Option B: Paid Directly to a Spanish Account

• Requires your IBAN and BIC for the receiving Spanish bank
• Pension is converted to euros automatically — but at the Government’s default exchange rate
• You may have less control over timing and conversion rates

Other Pensions: Workplace and Private Pensions

If you have additional pensions — such as personal pensions, occupational schemes, or annuities — it’s essential to seek professional advice before relocating.

A qualified financial advisor can help you:

• Assess how best to draw your pension while living abroad
• Structure your income to be tax efficient in both the UK and Spain
• Understand how pensions are taxed under the UK–Spain double taxation treaty
• Consider pension transfer options (such as QROPS or SIPPs) depending on your circumstances

Note: Be especially cautious with pension transfers or investment products advertised at expats. Always check that advisors are regulated in both the UK and Spain.

Tax Implications

• UK State Pensions are generally taxable only in Spain if you are tax resident there
• You must declare your pension income on your Spanish tax return
• Make sure you’ve registered correctly with both HMRC and the Spanish tax authorities to avoid double taxation or underpayment

Consider speaking to a cross-border tax advisor who understands the UK–Spain tax treaty and pension rules for expats.

Understanding the distinction between legal residency and tax residency in Spain is crucial — especially if you’re buying property, spending extended periods in the country, or planning for retirement or inheritance. The two are not the same and can have significant implications for your financial obligations and entitlements.

Legal Residency vs. Tax Residency

• Legal residency refers to your immigration status — that is, whether you have permission to live in Spain. This is typically determined by your visa (e.g., Non-Lucrative Visa, Golden Visa, Digital Nomad Visa).
• Tax residency is a separate status determined by your physical presence, economic ties, or family situation — and it affects where and how you pay tax.

When Are You Considered Tax Resident in Spain?

You are generally considered tax resident in Spain if any one of the following applies:

• You spend more than 183 days in Spain in a calendar year (even non-consecutive days)
• Your main residence or habitual base is in Spain
• Your spouse and dependent children reside in Spain (unless legally separated)
• Your main economic interests (i.e. business or income sources) are based in Spain

Note: Even if you don’t intend to become tax resident, staying too long or having close family or financial ties in Spain can trigger tax residency by default.

The Importance of Filing a Spanish Tax Return

Being classified as tax resident in Spain requires action — namely, filing an annual tax return (declaración de la renta) with the Spanish tax authorities (Agencia Tributaria).

• This must be done even if you owe no tax, or your income is already taxed abroad.
• Filing the return makes your tax residency official and grants access to certain rights and tax exemptions — especially relevant for inheritance tax and public healthcare (in some cases).
• If you qualify as tax resident but fail to file, you lose entitlement to these exemptions and may face penalties or fines.

Accidental Tax Residency: A Common Pitfall

It’s surprisingly easy to become “accidentally” tax resident in Spain — for example, if you overstay due to:

• Flexible travel plans or remote work
• Pandemic-related disruptions
• Failing to track days spent in Spain

In these cases, the Spanish tax authorities may deem you resident based on presence alone — and if you haven’t filed a tax return, you may be liable for back taxes or penalties.

Inheritance Tax and Tax Residency

Inheritance tax rules differ significantly for residents vs. non-residents:

• Tax residents benefit from regional exemptions and reductions, which can be generous — especially for spouses, children, and close relatives.
• Non-residents are taxed under national rules, which are often less favourable.

Note: If your children or beneficiaries plan to live in Spain, it’s important to seek legal and tax advice in advance.

Final Tips:

• Track your days in Spain if you visit frequently
• Work with a tax advisor to understand your obligations and rights
• If you’re unsure whether you’re tax resident, seek clarification before the end of the calendar year

*Please note this information is correct as of 2025. For further details, refer to the official website of the Spanish government: https://www.inclusion.gob.es/en/web/migraciones/vivir-en-espana

If you do not hold an EU passport, you may only stay in Spain (or the Schengen Area) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. If you plan to stay longer — whether for lifestyle, retirement, or remote work — you’ll need a visa that permits extended residence.

Below are the main visa options for non-EU citizens looking to spend longer periods in Spain, especially relevant for property buyers.

Golden Visa (Investor Visa)

The Golden Visa offers a fast-track residency for individuals investing a significant amount in Spain — especially through real estate.

Key Criteria:

• Minimum investment of €500,000 in Spanish property (can be spread across multiple properties)
• The property must be purchased without a mortgage on the first €500,000
• You may also qualify by investing in Spanish companies, funds, or government bonds

Benefits:

• Allows you and your dependents to live and work in Spain
• Provides visa-free access to the Schengen Area
• You’re not required to become a tax resident (unless spending more than 183 days in Spain per year)
• Application can be made while in Spain

Requirements:

• Valid passport
• Private health insurance
• Clean criminal record
• Proof of investment

Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)

The Non-Lucrative Visa is for individuals with a stable, passive income — such as pensions, rental income, or investments — who are not planning to work in Spain.

Who It’s For:

• Retirees or financially independent individuals
• Those not planning to work or earn income from Spain

Key Points:

• You cannot work for a Spanish company under this visa
• After one year, you may apply to switch to a work visa if you find employment
• Application must be made from your home country (UK applicants must use one of the Spanish Consulates in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh)

2025 Minimum Income Requirements (Indicative):

• Individual: ~€2,400/month or €28,800/year
• Couple: ~€3,000/month or €36,000/year
• Per dependent child: ~€600/month or €7,200/year

(Figures are based on IPREM and are updated annually.)

Other Requirements:

• Private Spanish health insurance
• Proof of regular income (not just savings)
• Clean criminal record (last 5 years)
• Translated and legalised documentation

Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)

Launched in 2023 as part of Spain’s Startup Law, the Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers and freelancers to legally live and work in Spain while employed by non-Spanish companies.

Eligibility:

• Must work for a non-EU/EEA company, or have clients primarily outside Spain (max. 20% of income from Spanish sources)
• Must have worked with your current employer (or clients) for at least one year
• Provide proof that your job can be done remotely
• Hold a relevant university degree or at least 3 years of industry experience
• No criminal record (past 5 years)
• Private health insurance

Minimum Income Requirement:

• Main applicant: €2,160/month or €25,920/year
• Additional income required per dependent

Application:

• Can be submitted via the Spanish Consulate in your home country or within Spain (in-country applications tend to be quicker and more flexible)