Question
For people that have already moved, how much money did you save up before moving to Spain?
I know we need to show a certain amount of income (depending on which visa we choose) and savings in the bank. But then we also have to think about moving costs, lawyer costs, getting a rental home, plane tickets, etc. How much did you spend at the end of it all?
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
“Having at least $20,000 in liquidity when getting off that plane will bring you peace of mind—especially for rent, as you might have to pay 6-8 months upfront to secure a good place. Lawyers are much cheaper than in the States.
For plane tickets, aim for travel between September-October or mid-January-February for the best rates. Shipping costs for belongings from Long Beach to Madrid via Rotterdam were about $4,500.”
“Plane tickets and lodging will be your first major expenses. Airbnb is a great option for the first 2-3 months while exploring neighborhoods. For Madrid, nice neighborhoods in November averaged medium-range costs. Food expenses are lower in Spain if you mostly cook at home, though eating out is part of the fun.”
“$70,000 total savings, including the purchase of a car.”
“$75,000. Some people pay a year’s rent upfront. Other expenses include medical insurance, shipping, airfare, pet transport, car rental, furniture, and lifestyle needs.”
“$60,000 for a family of four, including one year’s rent paid upfront.”
“$300,000+ for relocation, including substantial reserves.”
“We sold everything and left the US with significant reserves. In Barcelona, rent in Eixample was $2,100/month for a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment plus $200 utilities. We showed $7,000 in the bank for solvency to secure a lease and paid two months’ rent upfront.”
“For a family of three applying for the non-lucrative visa, we spent $120,000 total.”
“I never moved large sums. To satisfy income requirements, I used rental income. For my second visa renewal, they asked for €25,000, but I declined and showed bank statements instead. I’m now on a long-term visa.”
Conclusion
The amount of money you need before moving to Spain depends heavily on your visa type, lifestyle, and whether you plan to hire professional services. For individuals or families, savings mentioned range from $20,000 to $300,000, with key expenses being health insurance, rent (often several months upfront), and shipping personal belongings.
For those aiming for a seamless transition, consider selling most belongings, securing temporary housing through platforms like Airbnb, and engaging a relocation service or lawyer for visa assistance. Early planning and a clear budget are critical for a stress-free move to Spain.
Here’s a visual table summarizing the costs and savings mentioned for moving to Spain:
| Expense Category | Amount (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Savings Needed | $20,000 – $300,000 | Depends on lifestyle, family size, and visa requirements. |
| Rent (Monthly) | $2,100 (Barcelona, 3-bed apt) | Plus $200 for utilities; some pay 6-12 months upfront to secure a lease. |
| Health Insurance | $1,500 – $4,000+ | Required for visa; varies by age and coverage. |
| Shipping Personal Belongings | $4,500 | Shared container from Long Beach (USA) to Madrid via Rotterdam. |
| Temporary Housing | $2,000 – $5,000 | Airbnb or similar for 2-3 months while exploring neighborhoods. |
| Plane Tickets | $500 – $2,000 per person | Best deals found in September-October and January-February. |
| Relocation Services | $2,000 – $5,000 | Optional; includes visa assistance and housing support. |
| Total for Family of 3 | $60,000 – $120,000 | Includes rent, health insurance, shipping, and other living expenses. |
| Miscellaneous Costs | Varies | Pet transport, car rental, furniture, and lifestyle expenses. |
This table provides a clear breakdown of the potential costs for moving to Spain, helping you visualize and plan your budget based on shared experiences.
