Else Beekman
Spain has long been a magnet for international residents. While British and German expats often steal the spotlight—flocking to the Costa del Sol, the Balearic Islands, and other sun-drenched retreats—Americans, too, are increasingly making Spain their home.
According to the latest data from Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE), there are 50,623 US citizens officially residing in Spain. This places Americans at number 32 in the ranking of foreign nationalities living in the country.
While this might not seem like a huge number compared to the 6.852.348 foreign residents in Spain as of the first of January 2025, it’s a significant community. And it’s growing.
Spain’s top foreign communities
So, where do Americans stand compared to other expats? Unsurprisingly, the largest foreign communities in Spain come from countries with strong historical, economic, or geographical ties. At the top of the list are Moroccan residents, who form the largest group with 920,693 people. They are followed by Romanians, who number 620,463, and Colombians, who have a strong presence with 578,477 residents. Italians and Venezuelans also make up significant portions of the foreign population, with 325,358 and 325,254 residents respectively. These groups vastly outnumber the American expat population, but that doesn’t mean US citizens aren’t making their mark in Spain.
Why are Americans moving to Spain?
Several factors are driving Americans to relocate to Spain. The introduction of Spain’s digital nomad visa has made it easier for professionals to work remotely while enjoying the country’s relaxed lifestyle. Compared to major US cities, Spain offers a significantly lower cost of living, particularly when it comes to housing and healthcare. The country also consistently ranks high in terms of healthcare quality, safety, and overall work-life balance. Additionally, an increasing number of Americans are choosing Spain as a retirement destination, attracted by its Mediterranean climate, excellent healthcare system, and more affordable living expenses compared to the United States.
Where are Americans settling?
Unlike British retirees, who gravitate toward the coastal hotspots, Americans tend to spread out across Spain. Many choose regions like Madrid and Barcelona for job opportunities and cultural life. The majority of Americans there live in these cities or nearby towns. By mid-2024, the number of Americans residing in the Madrid region had neared 10,000, marking a 35% increase compared to 2018, according to official data consulted by the Financial Times. Others opt for smaller towns such as Alicante, Marbella, Torrevieja and Benidorm or islands like Ibiza and Tenerife, drawn by lower costs and a relaxed pace of life.
Growing interest in moving to Spain since Trump took office
According to several real estate agencies in Spain, Donald Trump’s return to the White House and the controversial measures adopted during his first weeks in office have triggered interest among many Americans in leaving their country.
The real estate agency WaiKool Homes in Madrid, which specialises in facilitating the arrival of Americans to Spain, has noticed an exponential increase in inquiries and requests recently. “Since last year, interest in moving to Spain has increased by 71% due to various factors. In our business, we have seen a growth of over 200% in the past few weeks alone. Every day, we wake up to dozens of emails and messages from people seeking information,” says Xoel Pamos, CEO of WakKool Homes in an interview in El Economista.
“While retirees once made up the majority of those moving to Spain, there is now a growing interest among families and young professionals. Previously, they rarely considered leaving their home country, but now many see it as almost a necessity,” he concludes.
Also read: Northern Spain is a new haven for retired Americans