Retiring to Spain: pension, health insurance, taxes
Retirement in Spain: how your pension gets paid, how health insurance works with form S1 and how your pension is taxed.
As a retiree
Pension, health insurance, taxes and the right place to retire in Spain.
Paperwork we handle for you:
- NIE number (from 190 €)
- Town hall registration (Padrón) (120 €)
- Health card and GP (150 €)
- Bank account and Bizum (150 €)
- Taxes and tax residency (via a gestoría)
- Deregistration back home (Abmeldung) (120 €)
- Car re-registration and purchase (from 390 €)
Where in Spain Should You Move? Andalusia and the Canary Islands Compared
Andalusia or the Canary Islands? Twelve places compared, with rents from September 2026, climate, strengths and honest downsides.
Cost of Living in Spain 2026: What Life Really Costs
Documented figures on rent, electricity, internet, food and transport in Andalusia and the Canary Islands, with sample calculations.
Health insurance in Spain: health card and GP
How you are covered by health insurance in Spain depends on your circumstances. All routes into the public system, the health card and co-payments.
Taxes in Spain for expats: what you need to know
When you become liable for tax in Spain, which rates apply in Andalusia and the Canary Islands, and what happens to your pension.
Property Purchase Costs: Andalusia and Canary Islands 2026
Which taxes and fees apply when buying a property in Andalusia and the Canary Islands, with a worked example and purchase prices.