Spain is a favorite destination for expats worldwide due to its sunny environment, beautiful beaches, rich culture, and laid-back lifestyle. But, like with any nation, living in Spain as an American or any other country expat has advantages and disadvantages.
With low crime rates being the norm, you would be remiss to overlook the major cities when considering safe places to live in Spain. Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia are all fantastic cities with their own vibrant cultures that are only slightly over the national average for crime statistics in 2021.
BarcelonaFor some, retirement doesn't mean relocating to a quiet town or smaller city. If you want to spend your retirement in a city that has a vibrant culture and a thriving expat community, Barcelona is a top choice. The second-largest city in Spain, Barcelona has eye-catching architecture thanks to Antoni Gaudí.
Yes, Americans can retire in Spain. Technically, you can enter the country and stay there for 90 days with an American passport. However, if you wish to spend more than 90 days there, you must get a visa. The best visa option for that is a Residence Visa without the right to work.
Retirment In Spain: Income TaxYour retirement pension is considered earned income, and thus, foreign pensioners have to pay Income Tax, as long as they surpass the minimum wage threshold and are therefore required to file their income tax return.
The best climate in Spain and the most sunshine is found in Alicante on the Costa Blanca. With an average of 349 hours of sunshine per month, it's easy to see why so many expats choose to move to Alicante, not to mention the city's lively culture scene, great nightlife and an endless list of historical sights to visit.