Moving to Galicia: A Complete Guide for Expats
Thinking of starting a new life in Spain but want something more authentic, affordable, and connected to nature? Galicia might be what you’re looking for.
Galicia offers an enchanting blend of green landscapes, dramatic coastlines, centuries-old Celtic heritage, unique traditions, and a warm, welcoming way of life.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about relocating to Galicia—from the best towns and cities to live in, to the legal requirements, healthcare, taxes, and how our legal team at Tejada Solicitors can help you settle in with confidence.
Why move to Galicia?
Moving to Galicia is an excellent idea, as it provides a slower pace of life without sacrificing modern comforts. It’s the perfect place to move to, whether you’re dreaming of retiring by the sea, working remotely from a hillside village, or raising a family in a historic city.
Natural beauty and peaceful lifestyle
Located in the verdant northwest corner of Spain, Galicia is known for its lush landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and slower pace of life. It offers a serene alternative to the hustle of Spain’s larger cities, with natural parks, scenic hiking trails, and beaches that remain largely untouched by mass tourism.
The region’s peaceful ambience makes it especially appealing for retirees, families, and remote workers seeking a tranquil environment.
Affordable living and real estate
Compared to other parts of Spain, such as Madrid, Barcelona, or the Costa del Sol, Galicia offers significantly more affordable property prices and cost of living.
Whether you’re buying a countryside cottage or a city apartment, it’s generally cheaper. As are daily expenses, including dining, transportation, and utilities, are also generally lower, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle without financial strain.
Authentic culture and strong traditions
Galicia is rich in cultural heritage, from its ancient Celtic roots to vibrant festivals and unique gastronomy. The local lifestyle is rooted in tradition and community, with a strong emphasis on family, food, and celebration. Residents enjoy regional delicacies such as pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus) and tortilla de patata (Spanish potato omelette), as well as wines from local vineyards.
Best areas to live in Galicia
Whether you prefer coastal towns, historic cities, or rural villages, Galicia offers a wide range of appealing locations. Here’s a breakdown of the best areas to live in Galicia, divided by province:
A Coruña Province
A modern coastal city with excellent infrastructure, healthcare, and education. It’s ideal for families and professionals looking for urban amenities with seaside charm. The city is well-known for its lively cultural lifestyle and diverse business opportunities.
Santiago de Compostela
The capital of Galicia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Santiago is famed for its cathedral and academic environment. It’s a top choice for students, academics, and history enthusiasts seeking a walkable, culturally rich city with a high quality of life.
Pontevedra
Renowned for its pedestrian-friendly historic center, Pontevedra serves as a model for sustainable living. It’s perfect for those who enjoy city life with a relaxed pace and an environmentally conscious community.
Vigo
The largest city in Galicia, Vigo is a vibrant hub with a strong industrial base, beautiful bay views, and a growing expat population. Ideal for younger professionals and entrepreneurs.
Sanxenxo
A coastal resort town popular in summer, known for its beaches and nightlife. It’s great for retirees and seasonal residents who want sea views and a lively atmosphere during peak months.
Ribeira Sacra Area
Famous for its terraced vineyards and scenic river canyons, this region is ideal for nature lovers, artists, and those seeking rural living with stunning landscapes.
Ourense
Known for its natural thermal baths and mild winters, Ourense offers a balance of wellness, urban living, and affordability. It appeals to those who value health, tradition, and community life.
Allariz
A picturesque town with a beautifully restored old quarter. Allariz is popular among creatives and eco-conscious expats who appreciate sustainability, design, and a slow-paced lifestyle.
Residency and legal requirements
Once you’ve decided to relocate to Galicia, it’s important to understand the legal, administrative, and tax implications, especially for non-EU citizens.
- If you intend to stay in Spain for more than three months, you should be aware of the temporary residence permits. You must also apply for a Spanish residency certificate. This applies to both EU and non-EU citizens and carries legal responsibilities similar to those of Spanish nationals, including tax obligations.
- EU citizens are required to register with the Central Registry of Foreigners. Non-EU citizens, on the other hand, must enter Spain with the appropriate visa for their situation. Whether you’re retiring, working remotely, or investing in property, complying with Spanish residency regulations is a crucial first step.
NIE and EU/Non-EU residency process
Before buying property or establishing residence in Galicia, obtaining a Foreign Identification Number (NIE) is essential. This number is required for legal, financial, and administrative activities in Spain. You’ll also need a valid passport and a Spanish bank account.
To apply for an NIE, you must complete and submit form EX-15. Depending on your visa type, you may also need a TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) for long-term residence. Additionally, registering with your local town hall through the process of empadronamiento is necessary to access public services such as healthcare and education
Visas for Non-EU Citizens
Spain provides a variety of visa options designed for different expats profiles. Choosing the right one depends on your personal and professional situation.
- Employee Work Visa: Required for those employed by a Spanish company. A Highly Qualified Work Permit is available for managerial or technical roles with a minimum €40,000 salary.
- Non-Lucrative Visa: It’s perfect for retirees and those with enough savings to live in Spain without working.
- Student Visa: Grants permission to live and study in Spain and may include internship or part-time work rights.
- Family Reunification Visa: This visa allows foreign residents to bring their spouses, children, or dependent relatives to Spain, granting them the same residency rights.
- Digital Nomad Visa : Aimed at remote workers and digital entrepreneurs, this new visa offers favourable tax benefits and long-term residency options. It’s particularly advantageous for those working for foreign companies or running online businesses.
Registering with the Spanish healthcare system and social security is essential once you become a resident of Spain. Once you finish the empadronamiento and have your residency card, you may apply for a Social Security number. This enables access to public healthcare services and other benefits, such as unemployment protection or pensions, depending on your work situation.
Private healthcare is also widely available in Galicia, often used in conjunction with the public system for quicker access to certain services.
Private healthcare is also widely available in Galicia, often used in conjunction with the public system for quicker access to certain services.
Taxes and registering as a fiscal resident
If you intend to reside in Galicia for over 183 days in any calendar year, Spanish law regards you as a tax resident, and you will incur tax obligations on your global income. As a fiscal resident, you are legally required to register with the Spanish tax authorities (Agencia Tributaria) and comply with local, regional, and national tax obligations.
Registering as a fiscal resident involves:
- Obtaining a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is essential for any legal or financial transaction in Spain.
- Declaring your global income annually through Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas—Spain’s personal income tax.
Fiscal residency also grants access to certain rights and services, including public healthcare and education. However, it also means staying informed about your tax obligations, especially if you hold assets or income abroad.
Spanish tax implications for expats
- Personal Income Tax (IRPF): Payable on worldwide income.
- Form 720 in Spain: Required for declaring foreign-held assets worth over €50,000.
- Wealth Tax: Applies to residents with global assets exceeding €3,700,000.
Early tax planning is critical to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with Spanish and international tax laws. Consulting a legal expert helps optimise your financial situation as an expat.
What our clients say
Relocating to Galicia? Speak with our English-speaking team
Cost of living in Galicia
Galicia’s cost of living is notably lower than that of other regions in Spain. Rent, property prices, groceries, and dining are all relatively affordable. Even in the region’s main cities, it’s possible to maintain a high quality of life on a modest budget. Utilities and transportation costs are also reasonable, and public transportation is reliable and widely available.
When it comes to housing, both renting and buying expatriate property in Spain offer significant savings compared to the national average, but with distinct trade-offs.
Renting is particularly attractive for newcomers or those seeking flexibility. In cities like Santiago de Compostela or A Coruña, you can find a well-located one-bedroom apartment for under €500 a month, while rural areas offer even more budget-friendly options. This makes renting ideal for those testing out different parts of the region or looking for a temporary base while exploring.
Buying property in Spain, on the other hand, presents a compelling long-term investment. Property prices in Galicia are considerably lower than in more saturated markets like Madrid or Barcelona, and even coastal homes remain accessible compared to other seaside areas in Spain. For the cost of a modest flat in other parts of the country, you could own a spacious countryside house with land in Galicia. That said, purchasing often comes with additional considerations—such as renovation costs in older properties or navigating local bureaucracy—that may not suit every buyer.
Working or retiring in Galicia
Galicia is a growing hub for remote professionals, particularly with the introduction of the new Digital Nomad Visa. The region’s calm atmosphere, excellent internet connectivity in most urban and semi-urban areas, and attractive tax regimes make it ideal for digital workers.
For retirees, Galicia offers tranquillity, safety, and affordable healthcare—three priorities for enjoying a stress-free retirement. The Non-Lucrative Visa is often used by retirees with a steady income from their pension and no plans to work in Spain.
Daily life and integration
Daily life in Galicia blends tradition and comfort. Local markets, cafés, and family-run businesses foster a sense of community. Integration is facilitated by the welcoming nature of the locals, although a basic understanding of Spanish—or even Galician—is helpful.
Joining local cultural activities, enrolling in language classes, or engaging with expat communities can make the transition smoother. The region’s rich cultural calendar offers many opportunities to connect with your new home.
How Tejada Solicitors can help
Residency and visa support
From purchasing a property to obtaining the right residency permit, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our comprehensive services cover NIE processing, visa applications, residency registration, and tax planning.
Legal guidance for property purchases
We carry out detailed legal checks to ensure your investment is secure, including:
Verifying the property’s registration and description in the Land Registry (Spanish nota simple)
Checking for outstanding debts, taxes, or mortgages
Confirming that no tenants occupy the home
Reviewing planning permissions and licences with our architect
Ensuring taxes, utilities, and community fees are up-to-date
In Spain, property debts are transferred to the buyer, so our thorough due diligence ensures your new home is legally sound and debt-free before purchase.
Tax planning and ongoing legal support
Understanding the Spanish tax system is essential for new residents. We help you plan ahead with tailored advice on income tax, wealth tax, property tax, and international asset declarations. Whether you’re working, investing, or retiring in Galicia, we ensure your financial matters are compliant and optimised for your personal situation.
Author:
-Spanish and English Solicitor-
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
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FAQ’s
Yes, Galicia is an excellent choice for expats seeking affordability, natural beauty, and cultural authenticity. Its peaceful lifestyle and low cost of living make it especially attractive to retirees, families, and remote workers.
While Galician is commonly spoken, especially in rural areas, Spanish is widely understood and sufficient for daily life. Learning basic Spanish will help with integration and administrative tasks.
Yes, foreign nationals can legally purchase property in Spain. You’ll need an NIE and should conduct legal checks with the help of a solicitor to ensure the transaction is secure.
Living expenses in Galicia are significantly lower than in other parts of Spain. A single person can comfortably live on a modest income, and property prices offer excellent value.
We provide end-to-end legal services for expats relocating to Galicia, including residency and visa processing, property conveyancing, tax planning, and ongoing legal support.
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