Thinking about moving to Spain in 2025? You’re not alone. Spain remains one of Europe’s most popular destinations for digital nomads, retirees, investors, families, and anyone dreaming of sunshine, stability, and a high-quality Mediterranean lifestyle. And no region attracts more expats than the Costa Blanca — one of the safest, warmest, and most affordable coasts in Europe.
This guide covers everything you need to know to relocate successfully — visas, tax rules, healthcare, buying or renting, cost of living, documentation, and more. It also includes practical steps and expert insights specific to the Costa Blanca property market, with neutral, helpful recommendations from HomeCosta.com where appropriate.
Table of Contents
- 1. Why Move to Spain in 2025?
- 2. Why the Costa Blanca Is the #1 Region for Expats
- 3. Moving to Spain: EU vs. Non-EU Citizens
- 4. All Residency Visas Explained (2025)
- 5. Documents You Need Before Relocating
- 6. Taxes in Spain (Including Crypto Holders)
- 7. Banking, Money Transfers & Using Crypto Legally
- 8. Cost of Living in the Costa Blanca (2025)
- 9. Renting vs Buying Property
- 10. Best Towns to Live in the Costa Blanca
- 11. Healthcare & Insurance
- 12. Schools & Education
- 13. Bringing Pets to Spain
- 14. Driving & Transport
- 15. Relocation Timeline: What to Do Month-by-Month
- 16. Need Help Finding a Home?
1. Why Move to Spain in 2025?
Spain continues to rank among the best countries in Europe for overall lifestyle — and 2025 is shaping up to be a particularly strong year for relocation. Key reasons:
- 300+ days of sunshine per year (Costa Blanca)
- Affordable living compared to Northern Europe
- Stable healthcare ranked in the top 10 worldwide
- Safe cities and extremely low violent crime
- A large international expat community
- Attractive Digital Nomad Visa tax structure
- Friendly legal environment for foreign investors
Whether you’re a family looking for security, a digital nomad seeking sun, or an investor buying a holiday home — Spain offers unmatched quality of life per euro spent.
2. Why the Costa Blanca Is the #1 Region for Expats
The Costa Blanca (Alicante province) consistently ranks as:
- The sunniest region in Europe
- The healthiest climate in the world (WHO)
- The most affordable Mediterranean coastline
- Home to 400,000+ foreign residents
- Home to top-rated towns: Jávea, Altea, Moraira, Calpe, Torrevieja
For property hunters, the Costa Blanca offers:
- Luxury villas for far less than Marbella or Mallorca
- Strong rental demand
- Modern new-build developments
- Safe family neighborhoods
- Stable long-term value
Local real estate specialists like HomeCosta.com report increasing demand from buyers relocating from the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Germany, and the U.S. — especially those working remotely.
3. Moving to Spain: EU vs. Non-EU Citizens
EU Citizens
If you are from the EU/EEA or Switzerland, relocation is straightforward:
- No visa required
- You simply register for residency (NIE + EU Registro)
- You can work, study, buy property, and live freely
Non-EU Citizens
If you are from the UK, U.S., Canada, Latin America, Asia, etc., you need a residency visa. Fortunately, Spain has multiple routes:
- Digital Nomad Visa
- Non-Lucrative Visa
- Golden Visa
- Entrepreneur Visa
- Student Visa
Below, we cover each one in detail.
4. Residency Visas in Spain (2025 Guide)
1. Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)
The most popular visa in 2025.
- For remote workers or online income
- Tax advantages (24% flat rate up to €600k/year)
- Valid for 1 year, renewable up to 5 years
- Income requirement ~€2,600/month
2. Non-Lucrative Visa
Ideal for retirees or those with passive income.
- €28,800 yearly income requirement
- No working allowed in Spain
- Can convert later to work visa
3. Golden Visa
For property buyers investing €500,000+
- Fast-track residency
- Allows working
- Leads to permanent residency and citizenship
4. Student Visa
- For anyone studying in Spain
- Allows part-time work
5. Entrepreneur Visa
For innovative business plans approved by ENISA.
5. Documents You Need Before Relocating
- Passport (valid for at least 12 months)
- Bank statements
- Proof of income
- Background check (FBI, ACRO, etc.)
- Health insurance
- Marriage/birth certificates (if relocating with family)
- Consulate appointment confirmations
Many people choose to hire relocation help, but it’s optional.
6. Taxes in Spain (Including Crypto)
Spain taxes residents based on worldwide income.
You become tax resident if:
- You spend 183+ days/year in Spain
- Your “center of vital interests” is in Spain
Crypto Considerations
Spain requires declaration of:
- Crypto gains
- Crypto held abroad (Form 721 for foreign exchanges)
- Crypto-to-euro conversions
Many relocating individuals consult both a Spanish gestor and an international tax consultant to ensure full compliance.
7. Banking, Money Transfers & Crypto
Opening a Spanish Bank Account
- You can open an account as a non-resident in 24 hours
- Or as a resident once you get your TIE/NIE
Money Transfer Options
- Wise
- Revolut
- CurrencyFair
- Your home bank
Using Crypto to Buy Property
Legal in Spain if converted to euros before signing. Swaps, profits, and on-chain history may need documentation for AML compliance. Local experience from agencies like HomeCosta.com helps smooth this process.
8. Cost of Living in Costa Blanca (2025)
| Category | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (2-bedroom) | €700–€1,100 |
| Utilities | €120–€180 |
| Groceries (per month) | €250–€400 |
| Restaurant meal | €10–€15 |
| Healthcare insurance | €50–€120 |
Compared to France, the Netherlands, Belgium, or the UK, Spain remains significantly cheaper.
9. Renting vs. Buying Property
Renting
Great for newcomers who want to explore neighborhoods.
Buying
Ideal for long-term relocation, investment, or retiring.
In the Costa Blanca, buyers can find:
- Modern new-build villas
- Seaview apartments
- Traditional Spanish townhouses
- Prestige homes in Altea Hills, Moraira, and Jávea
HomeCosta.com specializes in helping foreign buyers navigate this entire process.
10. Best Towns to Live in the Costa Blanca
- Jávea — luxury villas, international schools
- Altea — beautiful old town, premium properties
- Calpe — beaches and modern apartments
- Moraira — boutique, quiet, high-end
- Benidorm — skyscrapers, nightlife, affordability
- Torrevieja — very diverse, budget-friendly
11. Healthcare & Insurance
Spain offers public healthcare for residents and affordable private healthcare for everyone.
- Private insurance: €50–€120/month
- Public system: free once registered
12. Schools & Education
Options in the Costa Blanca:
- Public schools
- Concertado (semi-private)
- Private Spanish
- International (English, Dutch, German, Scandinavian)
13. Bringing Pets to Spain
- EU pet passport
- Microchip
- Rabies vaccine
- Health certificate
14. Driving & Transport
Spain allows many nations to exchange their license. Others must take the Spanish driving test after 6 months of residency.
15. Relocation Timeline (Month-by-Month)
3–6 Months Before Relocation
- Choose visa
- Collect documents
- Start learning basic Spanish
1–2 Months Before
- Find rental or property
- Book flights
- Arrange insurance
Arrival
- Apply for residency
- Get your TIE card
- Open a bank account
16. Need Help Finding a Home?
Whether you’re relocating, retiring, investing, or purchasing a property with traditional money or crypto, local expertise makes a huge difference.
The Costa Blanca property market is competitive and highly international — and having a trusted partner such as HomeCosta.com ensures you receive:
- Verified properties
- Complete guidance for international buyers
- Help with NIE, bank accounts, notary, and contracts
- Assistance if using crypto to purchase
If you’re ready to explore your options, you can start here: https://homecosta.com
Welcome to Spain — your new life starts now.
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