Relocate to Atlantic North Spain. The Atlantic north coast of Spain on the Bay of Biscay/Cantabrian Sea runs from Galicia over Portugal in the west to the Basque Country in the east bordering with France. Between these two regions are Asturias and Cantabria, all of which combine to perfection green mountains and long sandy beaches.
Inland, the regions of Castilla y León, La Rioja, and Navarre are renowned for their rich cultural heritage, breath-taking landscapes, gastronomic delights and world-class wine tourism.
This region is becoming an increasingly popular destination for those seeking a new place to call home, and with excellent connectivity via regular ferry services from Santander and Bilbao to England and Ireland, as well as short flights to major European cities, it’s easy to see why.
The mild climate and lower population density make this part of Spain a hidden gem compared to the mass tourism of the southern regions. Whether you’re drawn to the charming countryside cottages or properties in delightful fishing villages, or perhaps a stylish pied- à-terre in Bilbao, San Sebastian, Santander or Gijon, this area offers a wonderful quality of life at an affordable cost.
The property purchase process
Conveyancing in Spain is very different to that in the UK, Ireland and US, and a daunting prospect for most foreigners who generally instruct a lawyer to assist and represent throughout. This typically involves granting a power of attorney to cover the due diligence, obtaining the compulsory NIE (Spanish tax number), opening a Spanish bank account, drafting the private contract of sale, right up to signing on behalf of the buyer at completion before the notary public. In this way the client can purchase a property without ever actually having to set foot in Spain if necessary.
Once the sale price has been negotiated the parties sign a private contract of sale under which the buyer typically transfers 10% of the agreed price to the seller’s bank account as a deposit which may be forfeited if the buyer pulls out of the sale without due cause. Under this contract the seller will also have to compensate the buyer with 10% of the sale price if they withdraw from the contract without due cause. This earnest money contract is generally called a “contrato de arras” in Spanish. Surprisingly for those of us from Common Law jurisdictions, this 10% is actually transferred not to an escrow account but rather directly to the seller’s bank account. This contract will also establish a deadline by which the parties undertake to complete the property purchase before a notary public, usually of a month or two to allow the parties time to prepare to move in or out.
After the deed has been signed at the notary office the buyer will usually pay another 7 to 10% to the notary office to cover the notary and land registry fees, along with the property transfer tax and stamp duty which varies according to the region.
Tourist or Resident
EU nationals do not require a visa to move to Spain and simply need to register their residence in Spain within three months of arrival at the local police station.
If you are a non-EU national you can enter the Schengen area countries (29 European countries including Spain that have officially abolished border controls at their mutual border) for a visit as many times as you want up to a total of 90 days in any 180-day period.
And if this allowance is not sufficient you could consider one of the residency options offered by Spain for foreign nationals, each with its own set of requirements, benefits, and implications for taxes, which makes understanding these options crucial when considering relocating.
For non-EU citizens, there are several types of residence permits available, but note however that the Spanish government confirmed in a January decree that it is officially ending its “golden visa” (residency-by-investment) program on 3 April 2025 so you should act fast if for example you have property worth in excess of €500k in Spain.
A popular residency option for retirees is the non-lucrative visa, i.e. no work permit, which requires that you have passive income, for example from a pension or from rental income or dividends, of €28,800 for the main applicant and €7,200 per dependent (spouse, children, etc.). The application must be made through the Spanish Consular offices at least 90 days before you travel to Spain, and you will also have to provide a criminal record certification and health insurance.
If on the other hand you work remotely via the internet for companies or clients located outside of Spain you could apply for the Digital Nomad Visa either from outside Spain or once you are already in Spain. Note that you can work for a company located in Spain as long as this activity does not exceed 20% of your total professional activity.
You will however need to demonstrate expertise by providing certificates from universities and business schools of recognized prestige or show minimum professional experience of three years, and that your work is stable and well-established. You must furthermore be able to demonstrate that your work provides you with sufficient income, currently at least €28,800 per year, to support yourself while living in Spain, and that you have health insurance.
Other options are work visas through the Spanish consulates if you have a job offer and the employer can demonstrate that no local worker could fill the role or a self-employed visa if you want to start your own business in Spain.
It is important to bear in mind that generally speaking once you spend 183 days in Spain in any calendar year you will be considered a tax resident with the corresponding obligations to provide tax returns to the Spanish tax office (AEAT).
Conclusion
If you are considering relocating to Spain, it’s essential to consult with a local legal expert to assist with your property purchase and to ensure you navigate both the residency and tax systems effectively. With the right legal guidance, Atlantic north Spain can be a financially and personally rewarding place to live.
From the tax advantages in the Basque Country and Navarre to the lower cost of living in regions like Castilla y León and La Rioja, northern Spain offers something for everyone. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, retiree, or someone looking for a high quality of life, the legal and tax benefits of these regions make them compelling choices for relocation.
Eoin McGirr is an English barrister who has been living and working in the Bilbao area for over 25 years where he is a law professor at the University of Deusto and also practices as a Spanish lawyer (abogado) with Del Canto Chambers Bilbao.
Relocate to Atlantic North Spain: Del Canto Chambers specialists are constantly up to date with new legislative changes and aware of any Spanish tax and legal implications. Contact our Spanish legal and tax specialists to find out the best tax planning and corporate structures in your circumstances.
