Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Have you ever been craving for warm weather, a relaxed lifestyle, a welcoming culture, and excellent cuisine? If that sounds like a YES, Spain is one of the best countries that can offer you. These are just a few of the things Spain offers retirees. And more than 6 million expats would call Spain home.

Spain also has a good standard of living, a competitive education system, and excellent healthcare. And this is why retirement in this country tends to be fairly low cost. In fact, you can retire comfortably in Spain for as low as $2,000-2,500 a month, about $25,000-28,000 a year. Does that sound interesting?

Of course, if you choose to live a bit further away from the big cities, you can retire on approximately $1,700-2,000 a month, which is about $20,000-23,000 annually. Should in case you need all the information needed to retire in Spain, we’ve got you covered, including the cost of living and much more.

Being the largest country in Southern Europe, with a population of over 48 million and an area over 198,000 square miles, Spain still has the less population density than most Western European countries, as well as a stable democratic government, dependable infrastructure, colorful culture, and secure banking system.

However, if you choose to know everything about retirement lifestyles in Spain, we are here for you. Our teams of experts have compiled the benefits of retiring in Spain as an expat. Aside from this fact, we will walk you through the cost of living, retirement visa types, travel connectivity, and many others.

Planning Your Retirement to Spain

Just as we’ve stated in our previous article ‘how to retire in Spain after Brexit,’ the benefits of relocating to this country cannot be overemphasized. Retirement abroad is becoming increasingly popular, with over one million British expats having their pension paid overseas, and Spain is by far and away from the most popular destination in today’s 21^st century.

Visa Requirements in Spain

As mentioned in our previous article, Brits are now subject to the same general rules as other non-EU citizens. In a situation whereby you’re not planning to be resident, you’ll be subjected to the terms of a Schengen visa. And this allows you to visit Spain regularly, but you’ll be subject to a maximum of 90 days.

Also, British citizens do not need to apply for a visa but are subject to the same rules. Again, your passport will be stamped on entry and exit from the Schengen zone, and they’ll use this to monitor compliance with the 90 in 180 days rule.

Meanwhile, if you wish to stay more than 90 days, you’ll need to get a visa appropriate for the purposes of your stay in Spain. Thus Brits or other Non-EU citizens wishing to retire to Spain will generally need to apply for a Golden Visa or a Non-Lucrative Visa if they wish to stay long term in the country. In other news, you can refer to the previous article to know how to retire in Spain as an expat.

Rent or Buy an Apartment

There are many things to consider when it comes to renting or buying an apartment in the country. It’s no doubt that rental arrangements allow for greater flexibility if you suddenly need to return to your home country for unexpected reasons such as family issues or health status. This way, it can be sensible to rent initially even if you plan to buy so that you can get to know the area and experience the lifestyle.

On the flip side, buying your property gives greater security and allows expat to see this as their home with the freedom to do what you want to your home. Also, whatever the current market conditions say, there’s always the risk of the market falling and leaving you unable to sell in the short term until the market recovers.

Funding and UK Pension

When you’re planning your retirement anywhere in the world, you’ll need to know what funds will be available to you. This may include the personal and state pension or social security benefits. If you’re thinking of retiring abroad, you should find out if you can receive your Social Security or other federal agency benefits outside the United States of America.

Furthermore, you should be sent a claim form four months before you reach your State Pension age. If you want to know more information about this, you can contact the International Pension Centre IPC) if you haven’t received a letter three months before you reach the State Pension age.

Healthcare Program

While you’re preparing for your relocation or retirement lifestyle, the first thing to consider is the healthcare system. Ensuring that you have adequate healthcare is an essential consideration for everyone as they get older. However, the Spanish state health service establishes that all people, regardless of their nationality, have the right to health care.

In addition, the National Health Service (NHS) is available for Spanish nationals as well as foreigners who work in Spain and are registered and also contribute to the Spanish Social Security System. Not only that, but this also applies to foreigners who have retired from the system or for those who work in any EU country.

Getting the Best Retirement Lifestyle in Spain

If you’ve gone through our articles, you must have understood what attracted many expiates to retire in Spain, right? Of course, there are tons of outdoor activities! However, you should be clear on how you plan to spend your time. As with retirement anywhere, you cannot approach it as an extended holiday.

Since you have to spend time in your intended new home area, you’ll have to consider what you’ll do when the weather is not as reliable. Moreover, there are many other expats living in Spain and many clubs around the country, including cricket clubs, American Women’s Clubs, and many others, to mention a few. Not only that, but there are also popular bars, golf clubs, gyms, and other places to explore today.

10 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Spain

From the sunlight playing endlessly off the scales of Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum and the throbbing street life of La Rambla and Plaza Mayor to the forest of columns and Moorish arches disappearing into the silent expanse of Cordoba’s Great Mosque, Spain offers expats an exclusive retirement lifestyles.

If you’ve been planning your sightseeing and finding interesting things to do during your retirement, here’s the right platform to visit. Whether it’s a sun-drenched beach or an artistic highpoint of European culture, or a bio-geographical courtyard garden, Spain has every attraction to amuse you. Check it out now!

1.    Alhambra and Generalife Gardens

No matter how much you’ve seen or read about this awesome land, this Moorish pleasure palace will still take your breath away. Besides, the Nasrid dynasty royal palace is the artistic highlight of Spain’s Islamic period, when Al-Andalus, called Andalucia, represented the epitome of culture and civilization in Europe’s Middle Ages.

2.    Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia/Gaudi Sites

You’ll also enjoy this place during your retirement in Spain. Research made it known that Antoni Gaudi took the architectural style known as Art Nouveau a step further, even, some have argued, into absurdity. With that being said, these fanciful and outrageous buildings he created in Barcelona have become landmarks, the signature attractions of the Catalan city.

3.    The Great Mosque of Cordoba (Mezquita)

The Great Mosque of Cordoba is once the principal mosque of western Islam and is still known as the Mezquita; Cordobas’s mosque is one of the largest in the world and the finest achievement of Moorish architecture in Spain. Aside from this fact, building materials from Roman and Visigothic buildings were used in the construction, which began in 785, and by 1000, it had grown to its present dimensions.

4.    Seville Cathedral and Alcazar

This is another place to visit if you’re planning to retire in this country. The La Giralda tower, Seville Cathedral, and the Alcazar combine to form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This tower is a minaret, which is a masterpiece of Almohad architecture, according to UNESCO. Not only that, but this cathedral has more interior space than St. Peter’s in Rome and a 37-meter main altar of carved statues completely covered in gold.

5.    Guggenheim Museum (Bilbao)

You really have to see this building if you wish to explore different outdoor activities during your retirement. In fact, we can tell you that no photograph has ever done justice to this symphony of shapes, so alive that they seem ready to take wing. Also, American architect Frank Gehry used blocks of limestone and undulating sheets of titanium to turn the notion of modern architecture into the atmosphere.

6.    Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

If there’s one place to see the ancient building of Santiago, this cathedral is the right place to visit as an expat. This magnificent cathedral was built to house and honor the saint’s relics, and it has been the goal of pilgrims since the Middle Ages. Here, you’ll see both of these periods at play as you enter the west front through one of Spain’s most impressive church facades.

7.    Plaza Mayor (Madrid)

As of today, this place is considered to be the throbbing heartbeat of Spain’s vibrant capital city.  Not only that, but this building has played an important part in Madrid life since the 16^th century. And this happened when Philip II entrusted the task of designing it to his favorite architect Juan de Herrera, builder of the Escorial.

In addition to this wonderful outdoor activity, the research disclosed that it has served as the stage for ceremonial events in the country. With that being said, expats should know that Plaza Mayor in Madrid can be used to proclaim a new king, the burning of heretics, public entertainment, and canonization.

8.    Beaches of Gran Canaria (Spain)

The largest of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is best known today for the golden sand beaches that line most of its southern coast. Moreover, Play Las Canteras is in the capital city of Las Palmas, popular with families for its calm water, protected by a natural breakwater of volcanic rock. More so, we can say that this place is home to the archipelago’s natural wonders, a vast protected area of gigantic sand dunes. Again, the water here is relatively warm and clear that it’s popular with divers in the country.

9.    Alhambra Palace Granada

If there’s another place you should visit in the country, Alhambra Palace is second to none. Situated in a privileged position overlooking the beautiful city of Granada in Audalucia, the benefit of visiting these tourist attraction centers cannot be overemphasized. With so many visitors, it is always best to book your tickets in advance as there can be long queues at the ticket office depending on the time of the year. But you’ll find it open on Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 8 pm with extra evening visits on other days.

10. Running with the Bulls Pamplona

If you’re looking to be part of one of Spain’s most popular high octane fuelled fiestas, the San Fermines Running with the Bulls festivals is definitely what you need to experience. This place witnesses many thousands of visitors from across the globe flock to Pamplona to participate in running alongside 12 tons of running bulls. And they’re set free at 8 am each morning to run a prepared route around the city.

What to Know Before Moving to Spain

Have you been planning to relocate to Espana (that’s the Spanish for Spain)? Allow us to walk you through the things to know before moving to this country. From serious stuff like healthcare facilities, living costs, standard of living to the country’s love of ham and oranges, you’ll enjoy Spain. Take a look!

Good Healthcare System

Undoubtedly, Spain has its equivalent of the NHS (usually known as the Sistema Nacional de Salud, or SNS), which was founded, according to history, in 1986. This healthcare package is run by the government, funded by tax, and it’s even available to both Spanish citizens and locals. If you’re an expat who’s living and would love to work in Spain, you’ll be able to access the SNS. Meanwhile, if you’re planning to retire in the country, you can also enroll and get sorted with private medical insurance.

Learn Basic Spanish Language

If you’ve been planning to retire in Spain and you don’t understand even the basic words, that means you’re not ready. And we’re being facetious, but not expats moving to the country understands Spanish since they have to learn. On the flip side, it will definitely help, though almost 60 percent of Spaniards can’t speak English, according to a poll by the CIS State Research Institute in 2017.

Again, if you move to a busy Spanish city, you’re more likely to encounter English speakers. Meanwhile, if you head to the countryside and you understand basic words, you’ll be amazed at how the local will treat you. That’s why we always advise all new emigrant or expats to learn basic Spanish language.

Spain Is Home To Lots of Languages

If you’re moving to Spain for the first time, always know that this country is home to many languages. Moreover, the Spanish we talked about in the previous section is more specifically known as Castilian. More so, if you see a northerner and a southerner start speaking to each other in Spain, it’s not just the difference of accent that might pose a problem. But, there are 16 different languages spoken in Spain, including the Canary, Catalan, Basque, Valencian, Galician, and many others, to mention a few.

Spain is Affordable

As Western European countries go, Spain is undoubtedly on the cheap side. According to Numbeo, the prices of goods and services in Spain are on average 18.80 percent lower than you’d ever expect in the United Kingdom, with rent being 28.17 percent lower. And again, it’s no surprise that so many Brits head to this country to spend their pensions. However, Spain’s average household net-adjusted income per capita is $24,400 per year, noticeably lower than the OECD average of $35,700 per year.

Spain Is Built On Catholicism

Spain is one of Europe’s catholic heavyweights, and it’s been immersed in the faith ever since Queen Isabella I of Castile married King Ferdinand II of Aragon in 1469. As of then, these two lovebirds were known as the Catholic Monarchs, and their marriage marked the unification of Spain. Although there was Catholicism in Spain before this marriage, but it wasn’t thriving. According to Statista, 61 percent of people in Spain are identified as catholic in 2020, suggesting the faith has taken a hit in the past 7 years.

Football Is Like a Religion

Another thing to take into consideration is that Spanish interest in football certainly isn’t waning, and thankfully it doesn’t involve ritual slaughter at the end of each game. In other words, the Spanish are really good at football, and they dominated the world stage a few years ago. Not only that, but the Spanish national team won the European championship in 2008, the world cup in 2010, and then another European Championship in 2012.

Not Always Sunny

If you’re moving to Spain for hot summers and mild winters, you need to make sure you’re going to the right place in the country. This is because; Spain actually hosts a wild variety of weather, and it’s been Europe’s fourth-largest country and all behind Ukraine, France, and Russia.

Prepare For Lots of Bureaucracy

If you want to retire in Spain, bureaucracy is one thing you should prepare for. Speaking of paperwork, Spain is famous for its red tape till today. And as an expat, you’ll have to apply for different items of paperwork once you arrive in the country. This way, the process can be a little frustrating if you aren’t prepared, so a word of advice is that the level of professionalism in the country varies, and you need to be ready for lots of bureaucracy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Spain

Why is Spain so special in today’s digital world?

Well, there are many reasons while expats would love to relocate to Spain. If you read our article, you’ll understand more about the most interesting facts about this country. Spanish isn’t only the official language; Paella and Sangria are not available everywhere, people eat very late, and more are a good example.

What is unique about Spain and its culture?

The culture in Spain is very unique, and it’s not what you can see in any other countries. Aside from this fact, they’re very welcoming, and the country is known for its exotic beaches and lots of sunshine. Meanwhile, Spain is also called the land of bullfighting because bullfighting is a very popular sport in the country.

How much do I need to live in Spain?

When it comes to living in Spain, your budget and the retirement lifestyle are the things to consider. Moreover, you should plan to spend around €119 per day on your vacation in Spain, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. However, past travelers have spent, on average, €32 on meals for one day and €26 on local transportation.

What is the cheapest month to travel to Spain?

If you want to travel to Spain and you’re looking for a cheap visa, book at least three weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. Moreover, the high season is considered to be June and July, but the cheapest month to fly to Spain in February. So, be wary of this fact before you relocate.

What is the cheapest city to fly to Spain?

When it comes to the cheapest city to fly to, Madrid should be the first on your list. Aside from Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, and Alicante followed. For this reason, you can travel to any of these cities, but we advise you know the right area to reside for you to enjoy your retirement.

Conclusion

 Spain is soulful, and the locals are welcoming, kind, and open. Not only that, but the overall lifestyle is quite laid-back, and there are lots of leisure activities to enjoy as an expat. The reality of retiring in Spain is the quality of life and healthcare system. Therefore, moving to retire in Spain could be your best decision.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

The burning question ‘can I retire in Spain after Brexit’ has caused many expat to remain baffled about relocation. In our previous post, we talked more about living in Spain as an expat. Here, we highlighted some of the pros and cons of living in the country. If you’ve not checked, kindly do so before you proceed.

On the other hand, we like to keep our information as current as possible to help you with questions like the one above. Spain is very keen to have British nationals visit, as long as there is a reciprocal agreement for Spanish nationals to live and work in the United Kingdom. Now, how’s retirement like?

Of course, expats can definitely retire in Spain just like one would do in other countries. But since the United Kingdom has withdrawn from the European Union, there are many things to put into consideration. Also, as we adjust to life, Britons hoping to move to the continent have many questions to ask.

With its warm weather, lovely beaches, and lower cost of living compared to the United Kingdom, it’s no wonder that this country has more than 350,000 Brits registered as permanent residents. Moreover, before the transition period came to an end, Britons living in Spain were able to remain there under the Withdrawal Agreement.

Meanwhile, since the sudden change in 2020, Britons are only entitled to remain in most European Union countries, including Spain, for 90 days out of every 180 days. Besides, there are now more than 360,000 British citizens registered as residents in Spain, according to official Spanish figures and research.

Whereas, we have everything needed to help you! If you’ve chosen to retire in Spain after Brexit, this is the right platform. We will walk you through the travel guide to retire in Spain. Aside from this fact, we have compiled this article to explain the people that can retire in Spain. Read further to know the detail!

Who Can Retire in Spain After Brexit?

Retirement in Spain has tended to be fairly low cost in recent years. With warm weather, excellent cuisines, and welcoming culture, the benefits of retiring in this country cannot be overemphasized. In fact, around 6 million foreigners choose to call Spain home because of the high standard of living.

In addition, you can retire comfortably in Spain on an average of about $2,500-3,000 a month and about $28,000-30,000 a year. Moreover, if you choose to live further away from the big cities, you can expect a retirement plan of about $1,800-2,000, a month which is approximately about $20,000-25,000 annually. Without further ado, this guide provides you with who can retire in Spain after Brexit.

EU Citizens in Spain

Undoubtedly, Spain has been in the European Union since 1985 and has also been known to be in the Schengen area since 1995. With that being said, you should know it’s very easy for EU citizens to retire in the country without disturbance. As an EU citizen, you don’t need any visa or residence permit to study, work, retire, and live in Spain.

Non-EU Citizens to Spain

If you’re a non-EU citizen, there are two types of visas you can acquire. The first one is known as the Long-stay visa (visado nacionale), and the second one is known as a Residence visa (visado residence). Now, let’s quickly explain what the two types of non-EU citizen’s visa entail to understand it better.

Long-Stay Visa (visado nacionale)

The long-stay visa allows expat to visit or resides in the country for a specific period of time (temporary residence in the country). Not only that, but it also allows expats to work, live, and study in Spain. This visa is indefinite, and you can as well renew it annually. Moreover, if you want to renew this visa, you’ll need to spend at least six months per year in the country.

Residence Visa (visado residencia)

This is the most common visa for foreigners wanting to relocate to Spain. It allows you to relocate or retire in the country without relocating there. Whenever you’re applying for this kind of visa, always know that there are certain things you need to put into consideration. Now, let’s quickly walk you through the visa requirements.

Expat Visa Requirements to Spain

The visa requirement in Spain depends on the kind of visa you’re applying for after Brexit. At first, you’ll have to prove that you can support yourself in the country without working. Meanwhile, you’ll also need to provide evidence of a monthly income of at least €2,300.

Additionally, you may need to show that you still make an extra of about €570.65 monthly for each dependent. On the flip side, always check your local consulate for a list of requirements and documents. Generally, some of the documents you’ll need include the following.

• Valid passport for at least one year
• Proof of financial means depending on the type of visa you’re applying for. It could be your affidavit of support, bank statement, scholarship, and many others, to mention a few.
• Official police record showing that you have not committed any crime in the past
• Medical or healthcare insurance provided by an insurance company in Spain
• You must present your original medical certificate issued by a doctor, verifying that you do not have any contagious diseases and that you’re free of drug addictions and mental illness.

Getting Golden Visa in Spain as an Expat

The Spanish Golden Visa is a residency provided by an investment scheme, and it grants many investors opportunities to permanent residence in the country. And in the long run, this may eventually lead to citizenship. In no much time, below are the benefits of the Golden visa to expat in today’s world.

• Golden visa allows you to travel visa-free through the Schengen zone because it has a high mobility factor.
• You can include your family and spouse under 18 years in the golden visa. However, children over 18 that are dependent on you (e.g., full-time students) can also be included.
• Unlike other types of visas available for expats in Spain, you may only need to spend one day per year to maintain the golden visa
• As said earlier, the golden visa is a path to citizenship in Spain if you reside there for six months a year for ten years.

7 Essential Tips before Retiring in Spain

Moving to retire in Spain doesn’t mean you’ll enjoy living in paradise. But Spain is huge, and it has a vibrant culture and delicious food. Yet it’s sunny throughout, has beautiful beaches that run for miles, and it’s also a place that can drive you wild if you don’t know it right. Below are the essential tips.

1.    Plan Ahead When Retiring

Most of the expats are old when they start their plan to relocate. However, retirement does not have that certainty that you’ll get old. That’s why it’s always good to check the country whether they have good access to local medical services, retirement packages, outdoor activities, and many others.

2.    Keep In Touch With News

Keeping in touch with news as an expats is one thing to put into consideration. This information can affect your life, and also the British government has an official website that could allow you to check the latest news and update regarding the relocation process. Also, you can check this platform as we’ve build a team of experts to help you secure your retirement plan, relocation, and packages.

3.    Weighing the Cost of Retirements

The cost of retiring in another country or city in Spain always varies. This means you’ll have to weigh up the cost and expenses to retire before jumping to relocate there. Aside from this fact, a frugal retirement of €1000 is possible, but a comfortable retirement is generally around €1300-€1500 per month. Moreover, the cost of living in Spain is low. And we can tell you that living in Valencia is good.

As of 2018, research made it known that Valencia comes 20^th on the cost of living index, slightly above Costa Rica and Thailand. And this allows many expats to consider this factor as one of the biggest benefits of making the move to Spain. More so, there are other considerations, and we’ve listed it below.

4.    Check the Healthcare Facilities

As an expat, we are sure that one of the reasons why you’d love to retire abroad is the low cost of living and the healthcare facilities. And Spain has a National Health Service, so for expats with residency permits, healthcare is free, and there’s even more to investment in the service.

However, for those that choose to use the private healthcare system, the premiums are lower than in the UK, and the services are world standard. Aside from this fact, full access is guaranteed to healthcare for expats that meet the criteria below.

• You must be an employee or self-employed worker affiliated with Social Security and in a discharge situation or assimilated to the discharge.
• As an expat, you must hold pensioner status in the Social Security system
• You must have exhausted unemployment benefits or other benefits of similar nature, be unemployed, not prove the status of insured by any other title and reside in Spain.

5.    Consider the Language

If you choose in an area like Malaga or Valencia in Spain, you’ll find friends and other English speakers. Also, if you’re looking for something more adventurous and wish to move off the beaten track to a Spanish city in the interior, it may be worth learning the basics of the Spanish language. Therefore, if you choose to learn the language online, we recommend the classes of Michel Thomas.

6.    Consider the Tax System

From our research, the tax system in Spain is labyrinthine. In fact, most advice recommends a lawyer, but we would love to recommend an assessor who will take care of all the tax issues you may face and even save you money through benefits and grants. With that being said, Spain is a country filled with law graduates, and accountant in this country generally work for less money than in the United Kingdom. Therefore, you can relax in your retirement and get someone to handle your taxes for you as an expat.

7.    Visa Requirements for Expats

As of today’s 21^st century, Brits are now subject to the same general rules as other non-EU citizens. If you wish to stay longer than 30 days, you’ll need to get an appropriate visa that’d guarantee your stay in the country. As mentioned earlier, the financial requirement for a golden visa in Spain is lower but requires a capital outlay of €500,000 on property.

How to Retire in Spain (2021 Ultimate Guide)

Becoming a citizen in another country is never an easy task. While you’ll have a lot of things to put into consideration, we have compiled a step-by-step guide that’d help you understand the process better. We’ll even throw a handy tip on everything you need to know about retiring in Spain, especially after Brexit. Without further ado, below are the step-by-step guides to retire in Spain after Brexit.

• Take out a good healthcare insurance policy as you’ll need it to apply for your Spanish visa in the long run.
• Your residency visa might take up to 90 days before it can be processed, but you’ll definitely need to apply for one.
• Find a good place to live in Spain. As an expat, there are many places to live in Spain. However, it’s up to you whether you’ll buy or rent an apartment in the city or town.
• Ensure you pack your belongings and arrange it to be shipped to Spain. Alternatively, consider buying whatever you need when you arrive to your favorite destination
• Apply for a foreign identity card or register as a residence, and you must do this within one month of arriving in the country.
• If possible, you can apply to receive your UK state pension in Spain. And find information about transferring your personal pensions to Spain.
• Open a Spanish bank account while getting to the country. More so, this will be essential for paying rent and covering daily expenses after your arrival.

Benefits of Retiring in Spain after Brexit

Spain has long been known as a retiree’s destination for expats, and it’s not even difficult to see why in today’s 21^st century. This sun-soaked Mediterranean country with beautiful beaches has a long list of plus points for expats to retire. In no much time, let’s quickly take a look at the benefits of retiring in Spain after Brexit.

Warm and Pleasant Weather

It’s no doubt that Spain has a mild climate throughout the year. And with this fact, it has made the country an ideal choice for escaping the cold and wet British winter. Sometimes, it gets seriously hot in the summer, particularly in the south of the country. This way, expat would love to enjoy their retirement here.

Low Cost of Living

This Mediterranean country is known to be one of the cheapest places for expat to reside in Europe, especially compared to the United Kingdom. For instance, the cost of a three-course meal is around £36 in Spain, compared to £65 in the UK. More so, you’ll pay around £2.5 for a beer, compared to £3.67 in the United Kingdom.

Excellent Healthcare System

Excellent healthcare system is another benefit of relocating or retiring in Spain as an expat. Spain regularly ranks highly among global healthcare system, and the 2018 Euro Consumer Health Index has put the country at 19^th in the world. As a retiree, it may not be possible to access Free State healthcare, as you’re paying social security. But you can choose to get private healthcare insurance to cover your medical care.

High Quality of Life

Spain is a famous country that’s known for its stunning beaches and sun-kissed coastlines, along with delicious food and welcoming locals. With that being said, expats should know that there are many options available for them while relocating to Spain. In fact, there are plenty of opportunities for culture-rich city living or a laid-back lifestyle in the idyllic Spanish countryside.

Delicious Meal and Cuisines

While living in Spain as an expat, you’ll have excellent options and varieties to choose from when it comes to a delicious meal. Not only did the Bloomberg Report note this as one of the contributing factors to Spain officially being the healthiest country on the planet, but the taste simply can’t be beaten.

Low Property Prices in Spain

Aside from the delicious meal, high quality of life, low cost of living, and the healthcare system in Spain, expats can also relocate because of the low property prices. It’s no secret in Spain that for many people, their pension doesn’t stretch very far in the UK, especially with the almost inevitable annual tax increase.

Low Cost of Living

It’s not just the property prices themselves that are low, but the average household retiring in Spain will benefit from lower annual living costs as well. Aside from this fact, the cost of living in Spain seems to be one of the lowest in Western Europe. However, with many properties in Spain, you can also expect to see reduced electricity, water bills, and gas too.

Where to Retire in Spain in 2021

Spain has a varied climate and a fabulous mix of coastal retreats, tranquil countryside, and modern cities. So, where do you think is the right place to retire as an expat? Well, the decision is yours, and it depends on your budget. But let’s take a look at a few of the best places for expats to retire.

Costa Blanca in Spain

One of the first places for an expat to retire in Spain is Costa Blanca. It is known as the white coast of Spain in a thriving tourist destination, but places such as Benidorm and Alicante are also home to well-established UK retirement communities. Also, there are diverse landscapes and resorts here to suit every taste, whether you’re retiring for gorgeous natural scenery or the buzzing cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Canary Island in Spain

Canary Island is another place to consider if you’re looking to retire in the country. Beautiful islands such as Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Tenerife are a fantastic choice if you’re looking to escape the cold British winter and enjoy warm, pleasant year-round weather. These islands are an autonomous community of Spain, and it offers great standard of living and a reasonable low cost of living for expat.

Balearic Islands in Spain

Have you ever crave to retire in a lively environment? Look no further as many British expats head to the Balearic Islands to relive memories of holidays gone by. Moreover, popular choices are Mallorca, Ibiza, and of course, Majorca. So, if you’re looking for a more laid-back pace of life, this is the right place.

Madrid and Barcelona

If you’re not quite ready for the charms of a traditional Spanish village and you’re used to living in the city, the Spain major hub like Madrid and Barcelona is the right place. The well-connected cities of Madrid and Barcelona offer a unique dazzling choice of restaurants, historical attractions, shops, and cultural heritage.  So, Barcelona and Madrid are among the best places for expat looking to retire in Spain.

Malaga in Spain

Malaga is another suitable destination for expat. It is a clean, lean, and green city that has one of the best pedestrian-only city centers. This city is brimming with great dining and plenty of shopping malls. Not only that, but it is also home to the world-famous Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Bilbao in Spain

Bilbao is the last on our list. It is one of the towns that have been transformed from a gritty town into the pride of urban renewal. Many locals skate, cycle, and you can also see unbelievable modern architecture and historical culture in this country.

Conclusion

If, however, you’d love to retire in Spain after Brexit, this guide is what you need. Of course, UK citizens can still move to Spain, but those who want to make the permanent move will have to meet certain requirements to gain residency. Nonetheless, refer to this article for more and follow us for relevant updates regarding Spain and its environment.