How about swapping chilly winter mornings and slippery sidewalks for 300 days of sunshine a year? Imagine starting your day with a cup of coffee on your terrace by the Mediterranean, feeling the warm breeze on your skin. Life in Spain means sun and warmth almost year-round, but also walks along endless beaches, refreshing swims, long dinners at sunset, golf all year round for those who wish – and more money left in your wallet. Retirement is the time to live life to the fullest and enjoy golden days.
A Retirement Life of Sunshine, Well-being, and Adventure
The Spanish lifestyle has a way of both slowing down the pace and adding vibrancy to life. With its long lunches, siestas, and late-night dinners with friends, Spain truly knows how to embrace the joy of living. Here, retirement is a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. More sunshine and warmth in your daily life work wonders for both body and soul – something your health will thank you for.
Breathe in the revitalizing sea air along the promenade, feel the sand between your toes, and read a book to the soothing sound of the waves. Or rise with the sun and start your day with a morning hike in the mountains. For golf enthusiasts who prefer spending their days on lush, well-maintained fairways, the nearest course is never far away. When the urge for adventure calls, pack up the car for a cultural weekend in Barcelona or a road trip through picturesque villages, stunning valleys, and hidden beaches, mountain lakes, and waterfalls. Stop by a vineyard on your way home, then settle on your own lush patio – enjoying tapas and candlelight under the starlit sky. A long day, perhaps, but a day filled with quality of life, new experiences, and both relaxation and adventure. The next day, you can unwind with a book by the pool.
Community Under the Sun
Along the Spanish coast, thousands of Swedes have already made the move. Make new friends through local expat communities, join a golf club, play pétanque in the park, learn Spanish, or why not take up oil painting – in the country that shaped Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí? Above all, enjoy the Spanish cuisine with good company, under an orange tree in your garden or by a sunset over the sea. Life often feels easier, more fun, and more social when the sun is shining and the days are longer.
A Secure and Smart Choice
Beyond the increased quality of life, moving to Spain also offers great financial advantages. Groceries, dining out, and household expenses are often lower than in Sweden, meaning many retirees find they can afford more without stretching their budget.
It is also reassuring to know that Spain has a high standard of healthcare. Just like in Sweden, it is publicly funded with low patient fees. Some clinics in expat-dense areas even offer healthcare services in Swedish. The European Health Insurance Card covers emergency care, but it is good to have in the beginning. To access the same healthcare services as Spanish citizens, you need to be registered as a resident, obtain a so-called NIE number (Spanish tax identification number), and an S1 certificate from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. The NIE number can be applied for at the Spanish embassy in Sweden or at the national police in Spain. It is also required to open a bank account, purchase property or a car, and pay taxes.
Some other practical points to consider before moving include visa requirements if you plan to stay longer than 90 days, insurance, opening a local bank account, and current tax and pension regulations. Where you pay tax on your pension depends on whether you are fully emigrated from Sweden or a part-time resident, as well as the type of pension you receive (state pension, occupational pension from the private or public sector, and private pension savings).
Find Your Dream Home – From Thought to Reality
What does your dream home look like? Do you envision an apartment in the heart of a vibrant city, near the marina, or along pristine coastlines and picturesque valleys? Or do you dream of a house with a private garden and pool, close to nature? Perhaps within walking distance of some of Spain’s most renowned golf courses? No matter what, we are confident we have the perfect home for you.
For 50 years, TM Grupo Real Estate has been developing high-quality residential properties and communities in prime locations along the Mediterranean coast. We understand that moving to a new country is a big decision, which is why we are here for you every step of the way – by phone, email, and in person at our office in Stockholm. Although we sell properties, our greatest passion is fulfilling dreams. Your dream is our mission. Perhaps that’s why we have a 94% customer satisfaction rate. Moving to Spain is more than just purchasing a home – it’s an investment in quality of life, health, and community. Contact us today, and let us help you turn your dream of a sunnier and richer retirement life into reality.
Checklist Before Moving from Sweden to Spain:
Contact us today, and let’s start your journey to a dream life in Spain.
You can stay in Spain for up to 90 days without a visa; after that, a visa is required. Contact the Spanish consulate or embassy to determine the right visa for you.
Apply for an NIE number (Spanish tax ID) at the Spanish embassy in Sweden or the national police in Spain.
Notify the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish Social Insurance Agency about your move, and update your address.
Once registered as a resident in Spain, apply for an S1 certificate from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency to access the local healthcare system.
The European Health Insurance Card only covers emergency care but is good to have at first.
Arrange insurance for permanent residence or check with your Swedish insurer if you plan to commute between Sweden and Spain.
Open a bank account and obtain a local bank card.
Even after moving, you are entitled to your Swedish state pension. However, you must send an annual proof of life certificate to the Swedish Pensions Agency.
Contact the Swedish Tax Agency about applicable tax rules. A general rule is that you must pay tax on your pension in Spain if you reside there for more than 183 days a year.
Cancel memberships and subscriptions you won’t need.
Pop a bottle of champagne and celebrate your soon-to-be richer, sunnier everyday life!
