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Any reasonable sentient person who looks at Spain, comes to Spain, eats in Spain, drinks in Spain—they’re going to fall in love. Otherwise there’s something deeply wrong with you. – Anthony Bourdain

So, you and your family are considering a move to Spain. The mountains? The beaches? The islands? Or perhaps the winding streets of Madrid and Barcelona. You’re not alone—Spain has a way of calling people with its endless options, each as seductive as the next. You could get lost in the possibilities, like a tray of tapas where you’re unsure if you’re on your fourth or fifteenth dish.

Whether you’re pushed here by the latest American election results or simply feel that your soul belongs in a flat above the local bodega below, I’ll be honest: Spain could be the answer. But it’s also a leap, and one that deserves more than a romantic daydream.

My name’s Matt, and I’m living the good life on the island of Mallorca. Between trying to keep up with siestas and making up for 27 years of missed tapas, I run a boutique real estate agency, helping people like you make this wild, beautiful leap. Let me give you a few things to consider.

Pick a Country, Any Country

Yes, yes, I know—I’m supposed to say that Spain is the best. And it is! But if we’re being honest, there are a lot of great spots in Europe where you could live out your expatriate dreams. Personally, if I had to pick another, I’d probably go for Prague in the Czech Republic, or maybe Dublin, Ireland. And no, it’s not just for the beer… or maybe it is.

You’ll find a place in Europe that fits your lifestyle and budget. For instance, Seville is probably easier on the wallet than Amsterdam, but you might also want to consider things like proximity to flights back home or whether you need snow-capped mountains or a sunny beach 365 days a year.

Ultimately, it’s all about your vibe. So, take a few scouting trips, test the waters (and the tapas), and if you end up choosing Spain, just know that your first round is on me.

Getting a VISA: Not the one you use at Starbucks

Yes, you’ll need a visa for Spain—and no, I’m not talking about the plastic rectangle in your wallet. Consider this your nudge to leave the Starbucks habit behind. That sugar bomb you call coffee won’t be necessary in a place where good espresso flows like water. Europe has a range of visa options, and each country has its quirks.

Spain has visas for just about every lifestyle—retirement, remote work, starting a business, studying abroad, or simply being fabulously idle. But each comes with its own paperwork labyrinth. The Spanish consulate website is where you’ll start, though if the thought of paperwork makes you queasy, I’d recommend hiring a Spanish attorney. Rates vary, but you’re looking at around €500 to €1,700 depending on the complexity.

If you need recommendations, I’ve got contacts. Just ask.

Finding a Realtor: The So Called Wild West of Spanish Real Estate

The Spanish real estate market… well, it’s a bit like the Wild West. And while the idea of real estate cowboys might make you nostalgic for John Wayne, it’s not as charming when you’re the one buying or selling. Spain doesn’t have Zillow. It doesn’t have an MLS. The closest you’ll get is Idealista, which will give you a broad sense of what’s available and for what price, but it’s a blunt tool. Further, there are a number of rogue agents/agencies that operate illegally.

Here’s where I’ll be biased. My agency, Anderson West, is a private boutique brokerage here in Mallorca. We’re American and Mallorcan families, working side-by-side to offer a different kind of experience. We handle more than just the transaction—we’re here for the long haul, helping you navigate real estate, legal and tax matters, financing, and whatever else comes your way. Consider us a lifeline, not a sales pitch.

But no matter who you work with, make sure it’s someone who values the relationship over the commission. A good agent is in it for more than the payday; they’re in it to help you find your new life.

Legal, Tax, and Administrative Realities

Before you’re sipping wine in the Spanish hills and letting the last of your American stress drift away, you’ll need to deal with the practical stuff. The legal, tax, and administrative realities of moving abroad aren’t glamorous, but they’re essential. And yes, there’s a mountain of paperwork involved.

Fortunately, the U.S. and Spain have a dual-tax agreement (up to a certain income level), so you won’t get hit twice. You’ll need a NIE (like a foreigner tax ID), health insurance, and a Spanish bank account. And when it comes to buying property, there are legal hoops to jump through that you probably haven’t even thought of yet.

I work with a local firm that’s been in this business for 30 years, guiding expats like you through every step, with special regard to performing safe real estate transactions. They’re sharp, reliable, and keep you from making costly mistakes. You can contact them directly, or let me know if you’d like an introduction.

Start Packing (But Not Everything)

I remember the excitement of my move. I probably started packing months in advance, even though it was just me and a suitcase. My advice? Pack light. Moving your whole life here can get expensive fast.

Bring the essentials, the things that mean the most to you. And keep in mind, you can always store some items temporarily back home and ship them over when you’re more settled. Also, get organized. Create a system. Keep track of all your paperwork—visas, passports, favorite socks. Don’t let anything slip through the cracks.

If you’d rather let someone else handle the logistics, look into a relocation service. I’ve heard good things about “Moving To Spain.” They make the transition as smooth as possible, and I’m sure they can get you set up.

Summary

Moving to Spain isn’t just a change of scenery. It’s a shift in the way you live and breathe. It’s learning to slow down, to savor. You’ll have your challenges, no doubt—the language, the bureaucracy, the realization that grocery stores close on Sundays. But you’ll also find beauty in those things. In the wine that flows like water, in the midnight tapas, in a life where “mañana” really does mean “whenever.”

So, if you’re ready for all of that, to step into something wildly different yet endlessly rewarding, reach out.

Contact Our Team

Anderson West | Mallorca Buyer's Agent