Retire in Spain
Your complete guide to financial independence in Spain for 2026
High quality of life with moderate costs outside of Madrid/Barcelona.
💰
62%
Cost of Living
vs NYC baseline
🏠
$1,200
Average Rent
per month
📊
21.0%
Capital Gains Tax
on investments
🛡️
8/10
Safety Score
security rating
How Much Do You Need to Retire in Spain?
Lean FIRE
€450,120
For €1,240/mo lifestyle
Moderate
€675,180
For €1,860/mo lifestyle
Comfortable
€900,240
For €2,480/mo lifestyle
Luxury
€1,125,300
For €3,100/mo lifestyle
Note: These calculations use the 4.0% safe withdrawal rate and include Spain's 21.0% capital gains tax.
Visa & Residency Options
Available Visas
Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) or Digital Nomad Visa
Cost by Location Type
Urban
€1,680
40% more
Suburban
€1,200
baseline
Rural
€840
30% less
Cheaper Alternatives to Spain
Compare with More Expensive Countries
Frequently Asked Questions about Spain
Geo-arbitrage is the strategy of earning a strong currency (like USD or EUR) while living in a country with a lower cost of living. In 2026, this is the fastest way to achieve FIRE, allowing you to reduce expenses by 40-60% without lowering your quality of life.
The Freedom Clock calculates your exact 'Freedom Date' based on your savings, income, and the real-time cost of living in your target country. It accounts for 2026 inflation rates and tax laws to give you a precise timeline for early retirement.
A tax regime allowing qualifying expats (including remote workers) to pay a flat 24% tax on Spanish-sourced income for up to 6 years, instead of progressive rates.
Applicants must earn at least 200% of the Spanish minimum wage (SMI), which in 2026 is approximately €2,760 per month.
Yes, but it varies by region. Madrid and Andalusia offer high exemptions, while other regions tax net assets above €700k at 0.2% to 3.5%.
Spain ranks consistently in the top 10 globally. Residents can access the public 'Sistema Nacional de Salud' or buy private insurance for ~€60–€150/month.
The 'Golden Visa' (investing €500k in real estate) is under heavy reform in 2026; check current regional restrictions as many areas have suspended this route.
Spain is one of the safest countries in the EU. Petty crime like pickpocketing is common in tourist hubs, but violent crime is very low.
A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center typically ranges from €1,200 to €1,800 per month.
Generally, yes; groceries, dining, and public transport are significantly cheaper, often 30-40% less than major US cities.
You can drive for the first 6 months, after which you must obtain a Spanish license, which usually requires passing both theory and practical tests.
In major cities and tourist areas, English is widely spoken, but learning Spanish is essential for daily life and bureaucracy in smaller towns.
Calculate Your Personal Freedom Date
Use our interactive calculator to see exactly when you can retire in Spain based on your current savings and income.
Try the Freedom Calculator →