If you’re dreaming of starting fresh in Spain beyond crowded city life, moving to Asturias could be the perfect choice.
Tucked away in the north, between the serene Bay of Biscay and the majestic Cantabrian Mountains, this often-overlooked treasure enchants with its perfect marriage of breath-taking nature, deep-rooted culture, and a relaxed pace that encourages intentional living.
Whether retiring, working remotely, or seeking a fresh start, this guide covers the essentials for relocating to Asturias.
Fondly called “España Verde” (Green Spain), Asturias contrasts sharply with Spain’s arid south, boasting lush forests, dramatic coastlines, and snow-capped peaks. Yet its appeal goes beyond nature — tradition and tranquillity shape daily life here, offering a gentler rhythm for those living in Asturias.
Nature lovers find paradise in Asturias. Explore stunning national parks like Picos de Europa, countless hiking trails, rivers, and beaches. Surf the Bay of Biscay in the morning, hike the mountains by afternoon, all within one region. Unlike crowded, overdeveloped coasts elsewhere, Asturias remains wild and peaceful — ideal for reconnecting with nature.
Life here moves at a gentler pace. Locals take pride in customs, from lively festivals to the traditional craft of sidra (cider), poured with flair in welcoming cider houses. Towns buzz with community fiestas deeply rooted in regional identity. For expats, this invites a refreshing slowdown, to savor simple everyday joys — a big draw when relocating to Asturias.
Asturias ranks as notably affordable compared to Madrid, Barcelona, or Bilbao. Property prices are reasonable, utilities are manageable, and fresh local produce is plentiful and affordable. Whether renting or buying, your budget stretches further, a boon for retirees and remote workers, enhancing quality of life while living in Asturias.
Despite its size, Asturias offers varied settings—from cosmopolitan cities to serene fishing villages and mountain hamlets. Here are some top picks for expats seeking their perfect spot after moving to Asturias.
Asturias’ elegant capital features clean streets, medieval and modern architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene. Home to the University of Oviedo and museums, its walkable, safe environment blends tradition with modern amenities. Oviedo suits expats seeking city comforts with authenticity, often a first stop for those relocating to Asturias.
Thirty minutes from Oviedo, Gijón offers beaches, nightlife, festivals, and a vibrant food scene known for seafood and, naturally, Asturian cider. For anyone craving an active coastal lifestyle infused with culture and community, Gijón offers an energetic vibe perfect for expats.
For quieter settings, small towns like Villaviciosa, surrounded by apple orchards and famed for cider, and Llanes, a coastal town with medieval charm and cliffs, provide peaceful alternatives. For retirees or remote workers seeking peace, space, and close-knit community bonds, rural Asturias delivers in spades—especially for those who don’t rely on daily commuting.
Planning to stay in Asturias for more than 90 days? Understanding Spain’s residency and immigration rules is essential. Whether you’re an EU citizen or from outside the EU, the steps vary:
EU/EEA/Swiss nationals don’t need a visa but must register with Spain’s Central Register of Foreign Nationals and get a registration certificate.
Non-EU nationals must secure the correct visa or residence permit before arriving in Spain. The specific route depends on your purpose of stay:
Work Visa: For those with a job offer in Spain. Typically, your employer will initiate the process.
Non-Lucrative residence Visa: Designed for retirees or individuals with sufficient means to live without working. Proof of financial resources and private medical insurance is required.
Student Visa: Allows legal residence while studying in Spain and permits part-time work.
Family Reunification Visa: For close family members of legal residents who want to join them in Spain.
Digital Nomad Visa: Tailored for remote professionals. It offers access to Spain’s special tax regime (Beckham Law) and is ideal for freelancers or employees of foreign companies.
Highly Qualified Worker or Intra-Company Transfer Visa: Requires sponsorship by a Spanish company or multinational with a base in Spain. The visa is tied to the employment contract and renews alongside it.
Self-Employment Visa: For entrepreneurs or freelancers establishing their own businesses in Spain.
Before opening a bank account, buying property, or signing up for utilities in Asturias, you’ll need a Foreigners Identification Number (NIE). This number is essential for all legal, financial, and bureaucratic procedures in Spain.
To obtain your NIE, you must complete Form EX-15 and present valid ID. Non-EU citizens may also need a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE), which contains biometric data and is linked to their visa or residence status.
If you’re staying in Asturias long-term, you’ll also need to register with the local town hall (empadronamiento), which gives you access to public healthcare, schooling, and other local services.
EU citizens planning to live in Spain for more than 90 days must register as residents using Form EX-18. You’ll need to show proof of income or employment, valid health insurance, and identification. Non-Spanish documents must be officially translated into Castilian.
Once your residency is approved, you’ll receive a temporary residence certificate valid for five years. After five continuous years in Spain, you can apply for a permanent residence card — provided your circumstances haven’t changed. It’s your responsibility to keep immigration authorities informed of any updates that may affect your status.
Access to Spain’s public healthcare system depends on your residency status and contributions to social security.
Asturias is home to excellent public hospitals, such as Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA) in Oviedo. There are also private clinics throughout the region, including English-speaking general practitioners and specialists.
Under Spanish law, you are considered a tax resident if you spend more than 183 days per calendar year in Spain or if your main economic ties are located here.
As a Spanish tax resident, you are subject to several obligations:
Personal Income Tax (IRPF – Modelo 100): All residents must declare income earned both domestically and abroad. Spain maintains double taxation agreements with numerous countries, such as the UK, Ireland, the USA, and other EU member states.
Form 720: Required if you hold assets outside Spain exceeding €50,000 in value — including bank accounts, pensions, investments, or overseas property.
This applies to worldwide assets over €3.7 million. However, regional deductions in Asturias may reduce what you owe.
Inheritance Tax: Levied on gifts and inheritances, even if the assets are outside Spain. The amount depends on factors such as the relationship between the giver and the receiver, as well as applicable regional laws.
Managing Spanish taxes can be daunting, particularly when you hold international assets. A tax solicitor familiar with cross-border issues and Asturian exemptions can help you plan ahead and remain fully compliant.
Secure your future in Asturias — talk to our experts.
One of the key advantages of relocating to Asturias is the affordable cost of living compared to Spain’s major urban centres. Whether you’re renting in Gijón or buying property in a quiet inland village, daily life tends to be less expensive than in Madrid, Barcelona, or even parts of the Costa del Sol. Here’s everything you need to know about buying property in Spain.
Housing costs are especially attractive. In smaller towns, it’s possible to find spacious apartments or countryside homes for a fraction of what you’d pay in more popular expat regions. Utilities, groceries, and public transport are also reasonably priced, with fresh local produce and seafood readily available in weekly markets.
Dining out is part of the culture — and you’ll find excellent quality at low prices. A full menú del día (three-course lunch with wine or cider) often costs under €15. This combination of quality living and lower expenses makes Asturias particularly appealing to retirees, young families, and remote workers.
Asturias is not a typical expat hub, but it offers increasing opportunities for remote professionals, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers in sectors such as healthcare, education, and tourism.
Remote work is becoming increasingly common, particularly with the introduction of Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, which enables non-EU citizens to reside in Spain while working for companies abroad. Coworking spaces are emerging in Oviedo and Gijón, offering reliable internet infrastructure and a vibrant digital community.
For those looking to retire, Asturias offers peace, safety, and access to public healthcare once you’re a legal resident. The peaceful environment, with its relaxed pace of life, natural scenery, and cost-effective lifestyle, makes it an ideal place for retirees. Non-EU retirees usually apply for a non-lucrative visa, which requires proof of enough financial resources and private health insurance.
Asturias offers a uniquely Spanish lifestyle with a strong sense of regional identity. People are proud of their customs, speak a mix of Castilian and Asturian (a dialect known as bable), and value community ties. This means integration is possible, but it often requires some effort — especially in smaller towns where fewer people speak English.
The best way to feel part of the local life is to get involved: join cultural associations, attend local fiestas, volunteer, or simply frequent the local bar or market. Learning Spanish — even at a basic level — goes a long way in fostering connections and making one feel at home.
Get professional support for relocation to Asturias.
Moving to a new country is exciting, but the legal and bureaucratic procedures can be overwhelming. At Tejada Solicitors, we specialize in helping European and non-European expats navigate Spanish residency, property purchases, taxation, and inheritance law — all with a personalized, bilingual service.
Our legal team is experienced in the specific requirements of Asturias and provides end-to-end assistance, from NIE and visa applications to buying property and registering for healthcare. We also support remote processes, meaning we can assist you whether you’re already in Spain or planning from abroad.
We don’t just translate the law — we help you understand how it applies to your life. With Tejada Solicitors, you can move forward with confidence, knowing your legal matters are in expert hands.
A solicitor with experience in property conveyancing in Spain, committed to preventing disputes through well-planned purchasing procedures. Focused on ensuring safe and legally compliant property transactions for international clients by providing thorough analysis and expert legal guidance. Read more
Purchasing or renting a home in Asturias is an exciting step — but it’s one that requires legal care. Spanish property law has its own nuances, and mistakes can be costly, especially for foreigners unfamiliar with local processes.
At Tejada Solicitors, we guide expats through every stage of the property journey:
Whether you’re buying a flat in Oviedo or a rural retreat in Llanes, we ensure your transaction is secure and compliant.
Relocating to Asturias isn’t just about finding the right home or lifestyle — it also involves understanding how Spain’s legal and financial systems will affect you. Tax rules, inheritance laws, and asset declarations can vary depending on your country of origin, residency status, and the region of Spain where you reside.
At Tejada Solicitors, we offer personalized legal and tax advice for foreigners residing in or planning to move to Spain. Our services include:
Planning around Spanish tax residency and key relocation dates
Guidance on inheritance and gift tax (ISD), including regional deductions
Cross-border tax planning for capital gains, pensions, and global income
Ensuring compliance with Form 720 and double taxation agreements
Moving to Spain often brings unexpected tax implications — for example, products or gains exempt in your home country may be taxed once you become a resident. By planning ahead, you can prevent costly mistakes and start your new life in Asturias with peace of mind.
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Yes — Asturias is an excellent choice for expats seeking natural beauty, affordability, and a slower pace of life. With its dramatic coastline, mountain landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, it offers a unique alternative to Spain’s more crowded southern coasts. While it’s less touristy than regions like Andalusia or Catalonia, that’s part of its charm — especially for those seeking authenticity and space to integrate truly.
Absolutely. Foreigners can buy property in Asturias or anywhere else in Spain without restrictions. Whether you’re looking for a rural home, a city apartment, or a holiday retreat, the process is open to both EU and non-EU nationals. However, the Spanish legal system can be complex, so working with a local solicitor is highly recommended to handle due diligence, contracts, and registration.
While it’s possible to get by with basic Spanish in larger cities like Oviedo or Gijón, learning the language — even at a conversational level — will significantly improve your experience. In smaller towns and rural areas, English is less commonly spoken, so Spanish becomes essential for integration, accessing services, and building relationships with locals.
Asturias has an excellent public healthcare system, with modern hospitals and clinics throughout the region. Once registered as a resident and affiliated with the Spanish social security system, you’ll have full access to public health services. Private healthcare is also available and relatively affordable, with English-speaking doctors in larger towns and cities.
Tejada Solicitors offers comprehensive legal and tax support for expats relocating to Asturias. We assist with residency and visa applications, property purchases, NIE/TIE registrations, tax planning, and inheritance matters. Our bilingual team simplifies the process — whether you’re relocating from within the EU or from countries such as Australia, the UK, or the U.S. — ensuring a safe and legally sound transition to life in northern Spain.
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