Property News & Expat Guide for Spain

Almería is not Spain’s loudest province — and that is exactly the point.

Located in the far east of Andalucía, it combines long Mediterranean beaches, desert landscapes, working Spanish cities and wide rural valleys. It is sunnier, drier and less densely developed than many better-known coastal regions. Tourism exists, but it does not define daily life.

People rarely move to Almería by accident. They choose it deliberately — for climate, space and long-term livability rather than seasonal buzz. If you are still weighing up regions, our guides on moving to Spain explain how provinces differ in climate, infrastructure and lifestyle expectations.

If you are considering relocating from anywhere in the world, this guide explains what life in Almería is really like: how it feels, how it functions, and who it suits best.

Where is Almería and what makes it different?

Almería sits between Granada and Murcia on Spain’s south-eastern Mediterranean coast. It is one of Andalucía’s eight provinces, with a population of just over 700,000.

What sets it apart is contrast:

• The protected volcanic coastline of Cabo de Gata
• Europe’s only true desert, Tabernas
• Productive agricultural plains around El Ejido
• A compact, walkable capital city
• Mountain villages on the edge of the Alpujarra

Large stretches of coastline remain low-density or environmentally protected. Compared with the Costa del Sol or parts of the Costa Blanca, development is lighter and the pace slower.

Almería feels functional and lived in rather than curated for tourism.

Is Almería a good place to live?

For the right person, absolutely.

Almería suits people who prioritise:

• Sunshine and dry air
• Lower property prices
• Space and natural landscapes
• Stability over seasonality
• A predominantly Spanish-speaking environment

It tends to attract retirees, remote workers, independent professionals and buyers planning to live year-round. If you are relocating permanently rather than buying a holiday home, it is worth reviewing the practical steps involved in becoming a resident in Spain, including healthcare access and registration requirements.

It may feel challenging if you rely on:

• A wide local job market
• Extensive public transport
• Large English-speaking networks
• Constant nightlife or large-scale entertainment

Spanish is the language of daily life. Integration usually requires initiative rather than ready-made expat structures. For many, that is part of the appeal.

Read more at thinkSPAIN.com

A 'green certificate' is the colloquial (commonly-used) term for a certain type of residence document. It is only held by citizens of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland. Family members, spouses, or legally-registered cohabiting partners of these citizens also hold a 'green certificate' as proof of residence.

The official name for this document is a European Union Residents' Certificate of Registration (Certificado de Registro de Residentes de la Unión Europea). It is sometimes abbreviated to 'CUE'.

For ease of reading, the citizens described above will henceforth be described as 'Europeans'. However, please note that this definition does not cover citizens of countries in Europe that are not part of the EU or EEA, except Switzerland.

Spanish residency: What is a 'green certificate' for?

A green residency certificate, or CUE, is for Europeans moving to Spain. Europeans can stay in Spain for up to three months without becoming resident. If you plan to stay longer, or permanently, you must register with the foreigners' office (Oficina de Extranjería). When doing so, you will be given a CUE, or 'green certificate'. This is either A4-sized or credit-card sized. It is paper, not plastic, and is pale green in colour.

Can a green residency certificate be used as ID in Spain?

Your CUE or 'green certificate' is not valid as identification (ID), as it does not have a photograph on it. It is merely evidence that you are a resident. You will, however, need to show it for numerous official transactions in Spain. If so, you will usually need to show your passport or national ID card from your country of origin at the same time.

Do you need a NIE to get a green residence certificate in Spain?

You do not need to obtain a NIE (Foreigners' National Identity Number) first. The process of getting your 'green certificate' includes assigning you a NIE number. However, you may already have a NIE if you applied for this earlier for other reasons. This might be because you bought a holiday home in Spain, or opened a bank account, but did not plan to live there. If this is the case, you will not get a different NIE number, as these are the same for life.

Europeans eligible for legal residence in Spain

To be legally resident in Spain, Europeans must fulfil one or more of the following criteria:

Why buy property in Murcia? In 2026, the Murcia region will have shed its reputation as a mere budget alternative to become a premier investment destination. While property prices in major Spanish hubs have skyrocketed, Murcia remains roughly 35% more affordable than the national average despite its own resilient economic growth. This unique value proposition has turned the "Costa Cálida" into a hotspot for those seeking high-quality Mediterranean living without the inflated price tags of neighbouring provinces.

The region’s ascent is fueled by a connectivity revolution and a highly favourable fiscal landscape. With the AVE high-speed rail linking Murcia to Madrid in under three hours and expanded international routes at Corvera Airport, the area is more accessible than ever. Furthermore, Murcia holds a distinct competitive edge through its tax incentives; with a Property Transfer Tax (ITP) of 7.75%, buyers can save thousands of euros compared to the 10% rates found in Alicante or Catalonia.

Where do most expats live in Murcia?

The Mar Menor is the defining geographical feature of the region—a saltwater lagoon separated from the Mediterranean by the La Manga strip. For the modern buyer, the towns ringing this lagoon offer a variety of lifestyles, from the bustling tourist strip to the quiet Spanish fishing village.

Los Alcázares: The expat capital

If there is a beating heart of the international community in Murcia, it is Los Alcázares. This town perfectly encapsulates the appeal of the Costa Cálida: accessible, affordable, and alive year-round. While some coastal towns become ghost towns in winter, Los Alcázares retains a vibrant pulse, driven by a resident population that blends locals with Northern European expats.

If you’re planning to retire in Spain, one of the first questions you’ll face is whether you need a visa — and if so, which one. The answer depends mainly on your nationality.

• EU citizens do not need a visa to retire in Spain.
• Non-EU citizens, however, must apply for a residence visa as part of Spain’s wider visa system for moving to Spain.

For many non-EU retirees in 2026, the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is the main and most appropriate option. It allows you to live in Spain long-term without working, provided you can support yourself financially.

This guide explains why the Non-Lucrative Visa is generally the retirement visa for Spain, who it’s for, what it implies in practice, and what to expect once you move.

Visa rules and residence requirements in Spain are set at a national level and applied through Spanish consulates abroad. While this guide reflects how the Non-Lucrative Visa is commonly used by retirees, official requirements and interpretation can vary by consulate and may change over time. For this reason, applicants are advised to verify current conditions through Spain’s official immigration authorities, including the Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones.

Is the Non-Lucrative Visa right for retirees?

The Non-Lucrative Visa is designed for non-EU citizens who want to live in Spain without carrying out any work or professional activity.

It is generally suitable if you:

• Are retired or financially independent
• Do not plan to work in Spain
• Intend to live in Spain for most of the year
• Can meet the financial and healthcare requirements

It may not be suitable if you plan to work, stay only short-term, or do not meet the minimum income thresholds.

For retirees who are also considering where to settle, the visa supports long-term residence across the country, from coastal areas to inland cities, including many of the most popular places to retire in Spain.

Read more at thinkSPAIN.com

This is your comprehensive and essential guide to successfully navigating a relocation to the province of Alicante, the true heart of Spain's stunning Costa Blanca. This region is renowned globally for its kilometres of beautiful white beaches, a consistently stable and exceptionally mild Mediterranean climate, and a vast, established international community that makes transitioning seamless.

Whether you are a retiree looking for year-round golf and a relaxed pace, a family prioritising high-quality international school education, or a remote worker seeking a high quality of life, this guide provides the vital logistical, financial, and lifestyle information you need to make Alicante your new Spanish home. The Costa Blanca is a welcoming and popular destination for the expat community.

Best places to live on the Costa Blanca

The Costa Blanca stretches over 200 kilometres of coastline in the province of Alicante and is geographically split into the North and South, each offering a distinct lifestyle and appeal to various expat groups.

• Alicante city:The vibrant provincial capital offers an ideal blend of city amenities, historical charm, and coastal life. It is perfect for younger professionals and families who want access to a busy university, a diverse cultural scene, and excellent transport links (including the international airport in Alicante).
• North Costa Blanca (The Marina Alta):
  • Jávea (Xàbia) & Denia: Highly sought after by Western and Northern European foreign buyers, these towns offer picturesque, greener environments with mountain backdrops. They are known for high-quality dining, marinas, secluded coves, and a more upmarket atmosphere. Denia also provides a crucial ferry link to the Balearic Islands.
  • Altea: Recognised for its stunning white-washed old town perched on a hill, Altea attracts creatives and those looking for a quieter, more sophisticated and bohemian lifestyle.
• South Costa Blanca (Vega Baja del Segura):
  • Torrevieja & Orihuela Costa: These Costa Blanca areas boast some of the highest concentrations of foreign residents in allSpain, featuring large, established expat communities. They are popular for affordability, purpose-built golf resort developments, and extensive infrastructure catering directly to international residents, especially British and Scandinavian retirees. This is truly a sought-after retirement spot.
• Inland villages: Towns such as Elche and Novelda offer a more traditional Spanish culture, significantly lower property market prices, and a stronger connection to the local employment markets away from tourist hotspots.

Population and popular expat areas

Alicante is one of Spain’s most highly international provinces. The expat community is well-established, making the transition easier as many essential services (legal, medical, and real estate) are readily available in multiple languages, particularly English, German, and Dutch.

Read more at thinkSPAIN.com

Demand for luxury residences in Spain is growing fast, especially among foreign buyers. Fortunately, supply is keeping up with this demand: At any one time, tens of thousands of top-budget homes are for sale nationwide. And the high-end property market is expected to continue to expand throughout 2025, even now the 'golden visa' scheme has ended. Buyers from outside the European Union (EU) can no longer acquire automatic residence by spending half a million euros or more on a property, but this has not, apparently, put investors off. Top-of-the-range villas and élite apartments remain highly sought-after, according to industry experts.

The majority of buyers of luxury Spanish homes are from Germany and France, and from the UK and Russia, with growing interest from the USA and countries in Latin America and the Middle East.

Exclusive properties can be found anywhere in Spain, but availability is greater in specific areas, as we'll show you here.

What Spain's luxury housing market can offer

Luxury property does not necessarily mean the most expensive. In fact, one reason Spain is so popular with high net-worth buyers is that their money goes further. Whilst a sum in the low millions might get you a small or medium-sized modern flat in many global cities, such as London, New York, or Dubai, it would be enough for a spacious villa with a garden and private swimming pool in most of Spain.

In price terms, Spain's property market considers 'luxury' to be over €1 million, and 'super-luxury' to be over €3m. Compared with many other countries, these figures are really quite low for what they will actually buy you.

Estate agencies say top-budget buyers typically look for uniqueness, quality, energy efficiency, and attractive surroundings. High-demand features include 'Smart home' technology, and private leisure facilities such as an infinity pool, large garden, private beach, cinema room, gym and tennis court.

Privacy and security are frequently a major priority. Often, the wealthiest buyers are instantly-recognisable faces, including global celebrities, for whom Spain has long been a choice destination. Gated urbanisations (residential complexes) with 24-hour patrols, and secluded villas in open countryside, are widely available.

Read more at thinkSPAIN.com

Modelo 210 is the Spanish tax form used by non-residents to declare income obtained in Spain. It applies to individuals who are not tax residents in Spain but earn Spanish-source income, including income related to property ownership, rentals, or capital gains. These obligations form part of the wider non-resident tax framework in Spain.

For many people, Modelo 210 only becomes relevant after buying property, when ownership itself creates ongoing tax obligations — even if the property is not rented out and generates no actual income.

This guide explains what Modelo 210 is, who must file it, when it applies, how often it must be submitted, and what it implies in practice for non-resident property owners in Spain.

What is Modelo 210?

Modelo 210 is the official form used to declare and pay Non-Resident Income Tax (IRNR – Impuesto sobre la Renta de No Residentes) in Spain. It is administered by Agencia Tributaria (the Spanish Tax Agency) and applies whenever a non-resident receives—or is deemed to receive—income from Spanish sources.

Unlike resident income tax, non-resident income tax is not declared globally. Each source of income is declared separately, which is why a single taxpayer may need to submit more than one Modelo 210 in a year.

For example:

• One form per property
• One form per owner (even for jointly owned property)
• Separate filings for rental income, imputed income, or capital gains

Who needs to file Modelo 210?

You generally need to file Modelo 210 if you are not a Spanish tax resident and you:

• Own property in Spain (even if it is not rented)
• Rent out a Spanish property
• Sell a property in Spain
• Receive other Spanish-source income (such as interest, dividends, pensions, etc.)

This makes Modelo 210 particularly relevant for second-home owners and property investors, even when the property is only used occasionally and does not generate rental income.

When does Modelo 210 apply?

Modelo 210 applies in several common situations where non-residents derive income — or are deemed to derive income — from Spain. The filing frequency, deadlines, and tax treatment depend on how the property is used and what type of income is involved.

Owning a property in Spain (not rented)

If you own a property in Spain and do not rent it out, Spanish tax law assumes a deemed (imputed) income based on the cadastral value of the property, even if no rent is received.

• Declared once per year
• No actual rental income is required
• Filed using Modelo 210

This obligation applies for every year you own the property, regardless of whether you use it personally, leave it empty, or visit only occasionally. It ends only when the property is sold.

Read more at thinkSPAIN.com

While the headlines often scream about Italy’s "One Euro Homes"—romantic but renovation-heavy money pits—a quieter, more sustainable revolution is happening in Spain. As we settle into 2026, the "Empty Spain" phenomenon has evolved into a structured, government-backed opportunity for expats, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs looking for a high quality of life at a fraction of the cost.

Spain’s rural interiors are no longer just offering cheap ruins; they are offering a funded, supported, and connected new life.

The 'Holapueblo' Effect

The centrepiece of this movement is the Holapueblo platform, now in its sixth edition for 2026. Unlike the viral "free house" schemes that often leave foreigners navigating complex bureaucracy alone, Holapueblo is a sophisticated match-making service supported by heavy hitters like IKEA, Redeia, and AlmaNatura.

The program acts as a bridge, connecting people with entrepreneurial ideas or remote jobs to villages that are desperate for new blood but equipped to host them. These aren't ghost towns; they are functioning municipalities with schools, medical centers, and—crucially—fiber-optic internet.

The platform filters for villages with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants that are actively seeking new residents. In exchange for moving, these towns offer incredibly affordable housing stocks—rentals can be found for as little as €200 to €350 per month—and often provide personalised mentoring to help you set up your business or settle your family.

Beyond the Hype: Real Incentives for 2026

While the "One Euro" scheme is a gamble, Spain’s 2026 rural incentives are about cash-in-hand support and tax breaks. Various autonomous communities have rolled out red carpets to reverse depopulation:

• Extremadura: This region continues to be a favourite for digital nomads, offering grants of up to €15,000 for remote workers who commit to living in towns with fewer than 5,000 people for at least two years.

• Asturias: Famous for its dramatic green landscapes, the Ponga municipality has made headlines for offering direct cash incentives to couples who settle there, with additional bonuses for every child born in the village.

• Galicia: In the northwest, villages like Rubiá have offered monthly stipends to supplement income for new residents, while others offer heavily subsidised rentals to ensure the local school keeps its doors open.

The Lifestyle Upgrade

The primary draw for the "serious expat" is not just the price tag, but the lifestyle arbitrage. In major hubs like Madrid or Barcelona, or even secondary cities like Málaga, rents have soared. In the rural interior, your budget goes significantly further.

For €40,000 to €60,000, it is possible to purchase move-in-ready homes in charming, stone-built villages—properties that would cost ten times that amount in the UK or US. But the real value lies in the "slow living" culture. These villages offer a return to community-centric living, low crime, fresh local produce, and immediate access to nature, all while remaining connected to the global economy via high-speed internet.

Is It Right For You?

This opportunity is best suited for those who bring their own income. The "digital nomad" visa, now firmly established in Spain, pairs perfectly with these rural programs.

However, potential movers should be realistic. "Rural" means rural. You will likely need a car, some command of Spanish is essential for integrating into the community (and navigating town hall paperwork), and the pace of life is significantly slower than in London or New York.

But for those tired of the rat race and priced out of urban centres, Spain’s villages offer something better than a virtually free, crumbling house: they offer a viable, affordable, and beautiful future.

Moving to Spain is an aspiration for many, but it requires careful planning across legal, financial, and practical areas. This guide answers the most frequently asked questions about moving to Spain, helping you understand visas, residency, housing, taxes, healthcare, and everyday life before you relocate.

Whether you are planning a short stay, a long-term move, or a permanent relocation, the questions below reflect what prospective residents most often need to know at the start of their journey.

Legal and residency in Spain

Understanding visa and residency requirements is one of the most important steps when planning a move to Spain. Your nationality, intended length of stay, and whether you plan to work will determine which visa or permit you need.

How long can you stay in Spain without a visa or residency?

If you are from a Schengen visa-exempt country, you can stay in Spain for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without applying for a visa. This applies to tourism, short stays, and non-resident visits.

If you are from a country that requires a visa to enter Spain, you must apply for the appropriate visa before travelling, usually at a Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country.

What types of visas are available for moving to Spain?

Spain offers several visa options depending on your situation, including:

• Non-Lucrative Visa – for individuals who will not work in Spain and can demonstrate sufficient financial means
• Work Visa – for those with a confirmed job offer in Spain
• Student Visa – for people enrolled in recognised educational institutions
• Family Reunification Visa – for immediate family members of legal residents

The Golden Visa, which granted residency through property investment, ended in April 2025 and is no longer available.

For a step-by-step overview of requirements, documents, and timelines, see our guide to applying for a visa in Spain.

What is the difference between a visa and a residency permit in Spain?

A visa allows you to enter Spain and stay for a limited period, while a residency permit allows you to live in Spain long term and access additional rights, such as public healthcare and administrative services.

Understanding this distinction is essential when planning a longer stay or permanent relocation.

What types of residency permits exist in Spain?

Spain offers two main residency categories:

• Temporary residency – for stays longer than 90 days and up to five years, usually linked to work, study, or family reunification
• Permanent residency – available after five years of continuous legal residence, with similar rights to Spanish citizens

Can you get Spanish residency by buying a property?

Read more at thinkSPAIN.com

Buying a property is one of the biggest moments in many people's lives. In this article, we present you with a detailed guide of the steps you should follow when buying a property in Spain as a foreigner. As we are aware that you may have some queries, we want to offer you the information you need so you are prepared when making this investment. From searching for the ideal property to signing the purchase contract, we provide you with a detailed overview of the entire process.

1. Prepare the required documents

The only compulsory document you will need to purchase a property as a foreigner in Spain is the NIE (Foreigners’ Identity Number). The NIE is needed whether you are from the European Union or outside of the EU, and whether you are a resident or not. You can find out how to obtain your NIE in our article about what is the NIE and how to obtain it. Although it isn't mandatory, we also recommend opening a bank account in Spain. We recommend you start these formalities as soon as possible.

Additionally, if you don’t have a good grasp of Spanish, we advise you to look for a specialist to translate all the documents you will need to check throughout the purchase process.

2. Set your budget

This should be the first step in the process of buying your new home. Setting the budget you have available will help you to search more specifically and successfully. It is about calculating what property you could buy, taking into account your savings, your income and possibilities of accessing finance.

If you can purchase the property in cash, you will need the total cost of the property plus 10% extra to cover the costs of the purchase. If, on the other hand, you need to take out a mortgage, you should have approximately 30% of the value of the property (20% for the deposit and 10% for costs and taxes). Additionally, it is vital that you consider the monthly and yearly costs that you will have to pay as a property owner. Experts recommend that your monthly expenses don’t exceed 35% of your income.

It is important to be realistic with your budget so you can handle the expenses comfortably and avoid taking any unnecessary risks. Once you have established the amount you have available, start searching for your ideal property.

3. Define the property you are searching for

What are the essential characteristics?

Read more at thinkSPAIN.com