Spain
Popular Mediterranean destination with vibrant culture and accessible healthcare.
Important Notice: No Individual Advice
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute individual legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult qualified professionals for personal decisions.
Key Metrics
Cost of Living
Cost Breakdown
Quality of Life
Taxes
Tax information for Spain
Tax resident after 183 days of stay per year
2024
June 30th of following year
No - worldwide income
Income Tax
Progressive tax system with national and regional surcharges
| From | To | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| €0 | €12,450 | 19% |
| €12,450 | €20,200 | 24% |
| €20,200 | €35,200 | 30% |
| €35,200 | €60,000 | 37% |
| €60,000 | €300,000 | 45% |
| €300,000 | Unlimited | 47% |
Pension Tax
Pensions taxed as employment income
Capital Gains Tax
| From | To | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| €0 | €6,000 | 19% |
| €6,000 | €50,000 | 21% |
| €50,000 | €200,000 | 23% |
| €200,000 | Unlimited | 26% |
Dividend Tax
Dividends taxed as savings income (19–26%) plus regional surcharges
| From | To | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| €0 | €6,000 | 19% |
| €6,000 | €50,000 | 21% |
| €50,000 | €200,000 | 23% |
| €200,000 | Unlimited | 26% |
Wealth Tax
Wealth tax on worldwide assets for tax residents (varies by region)
VAT
21%Important Notice
This is not tax advice. Spanish taxes vary by region. Consult a Spain-licensed tax advisor.
This is not tax, legal, or investment advice. Tax laws change frequently and can be complex. The information provided is for general informational purposes only. Please consult a tax advisor licensed in Spain for your specific situation.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Spain
Universal + private
EHIC (EU) or private
Expat Access
After residency. Wait times possible
Well-developed, English in coastal cities
€50-150/month recommended
Climate Change & Future Outlook
Climate risks in Spain
Spain shows high climate risks from extreme heat, drought, and desertification. Mediterranean regions are drying massively - by 2050, large parts are expected to transition to steppe climate. Southern Spain could reach Iraqi temperatures. Despite high risks, adaptation capacity is strong (ND-GAIN #49).
Climate Scenarios
Switch between IPCC SSP pathways
SSP2-4.5
Current policy trajectory – ~2.7°C warming by 2100, moderate mitigation.
Values are approximations relative to our SSP2-4.5 baseline. They illustrate directional change, not exact national projections.
Overall Climate Risk
Projected risk index (0 = low risk, 100 = extreme risk)
Risk Categories
City-level climate outlook
Localized projections for the key expat metros in Spain.
Barcelona faces intense heat, humidity, and water scarcity. Nights barely cool down, raising health risks.
Severe for outdoor work
- •Superblock programme reduces asphalt cover and adds shade
- •Desalination & recycling plants double potable reserves by 2030
- •Extended summer (June–Oct) with humid nights – AC becomes essential
- •Barceloneta/Port Forum coastline most exposed to storm surges
Personal climate risk assessment
Tune the analysis to your health profile and comfort level.
Age group
Sensitivity
Risk tolerance
Personalized risk index
Current level: Very High
Priority risks
Water & Drought
Base 84 → Personal 84
Heat Stress
Base 82 → Personal 82
What to prioritize
- •Check long-term water security and avoid regions with frequent restrictions.
- •Prioritise shaded neighborhoods, AC-ready apartments, and early-morning routines.
- •Budget for higher insurance/utilities and diversify income streams against climate shocks.
Adaptation Measures
- •National Adaptation Plan: €5B climate fund
- •Desalination plants: 900+ facilities (world leader!)
- •Green corridors: Cooler cities (Barcelona, Madrid)
- •Forest protection: Emergency firefighting expanded
- •AEMET app: Heat & drought warnings
- •Re-evaluate siesta: Avoid midday heat
- •Water conservation: Mandatory in many regions
Climate Resilience
Good adaptive capacity! ND-GAIN #49 readiness, #176 vulnerability. Strong government, EU funds available. Weaknesses: Water infrastructure outdated, regional governments fragmented, tourism dependency.
Tips
- 💡Real estate: Avoid Andalusia/Murcia (unbearably hot). Prefer Northern Spain (Galicia, Asturias, Basque Country).
- 💡Coast: Buy >10m above sea level. Balearics/Costa Blanca flood risk!
- 💡Avoid summer: June-September becoming unbearable. Spring/autumn optimal.
- 💡Check water rights: Crucial in drought zones!
Pros
- •World leader in desalination (900+ plants)
- •Solar potential enormous - energy independence
- •EU member: Access to climate funds
- •Northern Spain remains pleasant (Atlantic climate)
Cons
- •Southern Spain becoming UNINHABITABLE (Iraqi heat!)
- •Water scarcity existential - conflicts programmed
- •Agriculture collapsing (-25% yields)
- •Summer tourism collapsing (too hot!)
Notes
Spain faces existential climate crisis. Mediterranean region drying massively - by 2050, transition to steppe climate expected. Southern Spain could reach Iraqi temperatures. For expats: Only Northern Spain (Galicia, Asturias, Basque Country) is safe long-term. Avoid Andalusia/Murcia/Valencia! Property buyers: >10m above sea level, check water rights. Summer becoming unbearable.
Data sources
Scientific Disclaimer
Climate projections are based on models with inherent uncertainties. Actual outcomes may differ. We present mainstream scientific consensus (IPCC) but acknowledge uncertainty ranges. This is not financial advice. Consult climate scientists and experts for specific decisions.
Safety & Security
Safety & Crime in Spain
Safety Indicators
Comparison with DACH Region
For comparison: Germany (CPI: 78), Austria (CPI: 71), Switzerland (CPI: 82)
Notes
Standard precautions recommended in urban areas.
Visa & Immigration
Immigration Options for Spain
Visa Options
Non-Lucrative Visa
For retirees without employment
Digital Nomad Visa
For remote workers
Golden Visa
Real estate investment from €500k
Path to Permanent Residency
Permanent residency after 5 years. Citizenship after 10 years.
Important Notice
Visa and immigration regulations change frequently. The information provided is for general informational purposes only. Please consult the official government website or an immigration attorney for current and accurate information.
Climate
Data Sources & Updates
Data Sources
- OECD Tax Database(OECD Terms of Use)
- NOAA Climate Data(Public Domain)
- WHO Global Health Observatory(CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)
- World Bank World Development Indicators(CC BY 4.0)
- Numbeo(User-Generated Data)
- Numbeo Quality of Life Index(CC BY 4.0)