Moving to Marbella: a complete guide for expats

Whether you’re planning to work, retire in Spain, or simply enjoy a better quality of life, this guide covers everything you need to know for living in Marbella— from where to live and how to navigate the legal process to daily living costs and settling into local life. It also helps you avoid some of the biggest mistakes when moving to Spain.

Ready to make the move? Let’s explore what makes Marbella the perfect place to call home.

Luxury lifestyle and international vibe

From glamorous beach clubs and Michelin-starred restaurants to designer boutiques and exclusive golf resorts, Marbella has long been a top destination for many expats. However, Marbella is much more than glitz and shimmer— the city manages to blend luxury with a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere.

Because of this, Marbella boasts a vibrant international community. English is widely spoken, and there are plenty of social clubs, events, and expat networks that make integration easier. Its multicultural vibe makes it easier to build friendships and find familiar cultural touchpoints.

Mediterranean climate and beaches

Living in Marbella is synonymous with enjoying over 320 days of sunshine per year, making it ideal for those who crave good weather year-round. Plus, it’s home to over 27 kilometres of coastline, dotted with beautiful beaches ranging from lively urban spots to quieter, hidden coves. Summers are hot and dry, making the beaches the perfect place to be, while winters are mild—made for outdoor activities all year round.

High-quality services and amenities

Expats relocating to Marbella can anticipate exceptional services in all areas, including healthcare and education, with numerous international schools providing British, American, German, and other curricula. Marbella’s infrastructure is also modern, with reliable public transport, parks, safe public areas, and easy access to the Málaga International Airport (just 40 minutes away).

So, whether you relocate to Marbella to raise your children, retire or work remotely, the city has everything you need for a comfortable lifestyle.

Cost of living in Marbella

The cost of living in Marbella is higher than the Spanish average due to its premium lifestyle, but it remains more affordable than many luxury destinations in the UK and the US. Housing, dining and services offer excellent value for money, especially for long-term residents. Overall, Marbella combines high living standards with predictable and manageable living costs

Real estate prices and rental market

Once you’ve identified the neighbourhood that best fits your lifestyle, the next crucial step is deciding whether to rent or buy property in Spain. Our main guide about how to buy a property in Spain provides a clear, step-by-step overview of the legal and financial process for international buyers.

In Marbella, where demand from UK and US purchasers remains high, long-term rental prices have increased significantly, particularly in prime areas such as the Golden Mile, Nueva Andalucía and Puerto Banús, making property ownership a strategic long-term decision rather than continued renting.

Buying property in Marbella

If you are planning to buy a property in Spain, getting legal advice from experienced solicitors in Marbella Spain is key. Buyers usually need around 30% of the purchase price upfront to cover the deposit and buying costs. Professional conveyancing support helps you avoid the common mistakes when you buy a property in Spain, protecting your investment and ensuring a safe, compliant purchase.

These are the main purchase costs:

• New properties: 10% VAT (IVA) + 1.2% Stamp Duty (AJD)
• Resale properties: 7% Transfer Tax (ITP)
• Notary, registration, and legal fees (typically 2–3% of the purchase price)

Ongoing costs after purchase:

• Property Tax (IBI) – paid annually to the local municipality
• Non-Resident Income Tax – if you don’t reside in Spain full-time
• Rental Income Tax – for those who decide to rent out their home

Daily expenses you’ll encounter

Living in Marbella can be affordable or high-end, depending on your lifestyle. While luxury options are abundant, daily costs like groceries, local transport, and dining out can be reasonable, especially if you shop locally and live outside the most exclusive areas.

Food

Marbella offers everything from gourmet restaurants to local markets. Meals at regular restaurants cost around €15–€25, while fresh produce, bread, and basics from supermarkets or local markets are affordable. Cooking at home helps keep costs down.

Transport

Public transport is efficient and budget-friendly, with local bus fares starting at around €1.20. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are available, and many residents choose to drive for convenience. Parking can be limited in central areas, especially in summer.

Healthcare 

Marbella offers excellent public and private healthcare. The public system is free or low-cost for residents contributing to Spanish social security and includes high-quality services through local clinics and hospitals like Hospital Costa del Sol.

Many expats also opt for private healthcare for faster access and English-speaking specialists. Marbella is home to top private clinics, such as Quirónsalud Marbella, offering a wide range of services.

Keep in mind that to use private healthcare or apply for a residency visa, you’ll need private health insurance, and providers will require personal and medical info. Be aware that:

• Pre-existing conditions may be excluded
• Some treatments may have waiting periods

Choose a plan tailored for expats and compliant with Spanish visa rules if needed.

Residency and visas for living in Marbella

Now that you’re certain about relocating to Marbella, you need to be aware of the various legal, administrative, and tax considerations—especially if you’re a non-EU citizen.

• If you plan to live in Spain for over three months, you must apply for a Spanish residency certificate. This legal status is required for both EU and non-EU citizens and comes with tax obligations and rights similar to those of Spanish nationals.
• EU citizens must register with the Central Registry of Foreigners, while non-EU citizens need to enter with the appropriate visa.

Understanding residency requirements is essential whether you’re relocating to Marbella for retirement, remote work, or investment.

NIE, TIE, and empadronamiento

Before buying property or settling in Marbella, you’ll need to obtain a Foreign Identification Number (NIE), which is essential for legal, financial, and administrative procedures in Spain. You’ll also need a Spanish bank account and a valid passport.

• To apply for an NIE, you’ll need to download and complete form EX-15.

If you plan to live in Marbella for the long term, you may also need a TIE (Foreigner Identity Card), depending on your visa type, and to register with the local town hall (empadronamiento). This registration allows access to local healthcare, education, and other public services.

H3: Visas for non-EU citizens

If you’re a non-EU citizen, you’ll have to apply for a visa or residency permit suited to your purpose—whether working, studying, retiring, or joining your family.

Employee Work Visa
Work visas differ based on the job type, and typically, your employer initiates the process.

· Managerial or technical roles require a Highly Qualified Work Permit (minimum €40,000 salary), and the EU Blue Card allows you to work across the EU. Only jobs listed as shortage occupations are eligible.

Non-Lucrative Visa
Ideal for those who wish to live in Spain without working. Note that applicants must show proof of sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.

Student Visa
Grants non-EU citizens the right to study or research in Spain and includes the ability to work or intern in a related field.

Family Reunification Visa
Allows residents in Spain to bring family members who will receive the same residency rights. The process is straightforward and typically resolved within three months.

Digital Nomad Visa
Remote workers, freelancers, and startup founders may qualify for this visa, benefiting from the Non-Resident Income Tax regime. This includes favourable tax treatment for those:

· Working online for foreign employers
· Running digital businesses.

Spain’s recent legal reforms aim to attract skilled remote professionals, especially in tech and digital sectors.

Spanish tax implications for expats

As article 9 of the Personal Income Tax Law stipulates, and as stated above, if you live in Marbella for more than 183 days a year, you’re considered a tax resident, and will be subject to Spanish taxation on your worldwide income.

Key tax obligations include:

• Personal Income Tax (IRPF) – Applied to income earned locally and abroad for tax residents.
• Form 720 – Foreign Assets Declaration – Required if you hold more than €50,000 in foreign assets, including bank accounts, property, or investments.
• Wealth Tax – This applies to residents and non-residents whose net assets exceed the €3,700,000 threshold

Working and retiring in Marbella

Working in Marbella as an expat

Marbella’s economy is largely driven by tourism, real estate, and hospitality, but there are growing opportunities in remote work, digital services, and wellness industries. Thanks to its international population, multilingualism is a major asset in the local job market.

For this, Marbella offers a wide range of coworking spaces, networking events, and international meetups, making it easy to connect professionally.

Average net salaries in the area range from €1,300 to €2,000/month for local employment. However, remote workers or freelancers often earn higher incomes depending on their sector and the location of clients.

If you plan to work, make sure your visa allows you to carry out work activities. Workers must register with the Spanish social security system to access healthcare services and benefits or, alternatively, have an A1 form.

Retiring in Marbella

Retiring in Marbella is a dream come true for many expats. It offers sunny weather, high-quality healthcare, and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. English is widely spoken, and there are active expat communities from the UK, Germany, Scandinavia, and beyond.

How Tejada Solicitors can help you

At Tejada Solicitors, we provide expert legal and tax advice for expats moving to Marbella, offering a fully integrated service that combines immigration, property, and tax law. Our English-speaking team ensures every step of your relocation or investment in Spain is handled with legal certainty, transparency, and a personalised approach.

Legal support for residency and visas

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. With offices conveniently located across the Costa del Sol, we’re committed to providing clear, personalised assistance tailored to your needs.

Property purchase assistance in Marbella

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 no tenants occupy the home
• Reviewing planning permissions and licenses with our architect
• Ensuring taxes, utilities, and community fees are up to date

Tax and financial planning for expats

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 Marbella, we ensure your financial matters are compliant and optimised for your personal situation.