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    • RESIDENCY IN SPAIN AND ACCESS TO PUBLIC HEALTHCARE FOR FOREIGN CITIZENS

    Sep 18, 2025

    Walking on the Marbella Beaches

    Do Foreigners Have the Right to Public Healthcare in Spain?

    Yes. Spain guarantees access to public healthcare for people who live here on a legal and stable basis, regardless of nationality. Once you register as a resident and join the local health system, you can get a health card and use doctors, hospitals, and specialist services just like Spanish citizens.

    What If I Don’t Work or Receive a Pension?

    If you want to live in Spain without working or receiving a pension, one of the main options is the non-lucrative residence permit. This allows you to stay in the country as long as you can prove that you have enough money to support yourself without working.

    In this case, you also need to take out private health insurance, because you won’t be covered by the Spanish public healthcare system until your residence is fully in place.

    What Are the Common Requirements to Live in Spain Without Working?

    Here’s what most foreigners need to show when applying for residency:

    • Proof of financial means – bank statements, savings, or other documents showing you can support yourself. The amount should be enough to cover your living costs for at least a year.

    • Private health insurance – a policy that covers medical needs in Spain without gaps.

    • Police clearance – proof that you don’t have a criminal record.

    • Medical certificate – confirming you don’t suffer from serious communicable diseases.

    • Valid passport – with enough time left before expiry.

    • Local registration (empadronamiento) – you must register your address at the town hall where you live.

    Once I Have Residency, How Do I Access Public Healthcare?

    As soon as you are officially registered as a resident, you can apply for your health card (tarjeta sanitaria) at the local health center. This card gives you access to a family doctor, specialists, hospitals, prescriptions, and other services provided by the Spanish public health system.

    Can I Access Healthcare Without Being a Legal Resident?

    In many cases, yes. Spain also provides healthcare for foreigners who do not yet have legal residence, but certain conditions apply:

    • You must be registered at your local town hall (empadronamiento), often for at least three months.

    • You need to prove that you actually live in Spain.

    • You must not have access to healthcare through another country or system.

    Each region of Spain manages this slightly differently, so you should check with the local health service for the exact steps.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I rely only on private health insurance?
    Yes. If you are applying for a residence permit without the right to public healthcare at the start, private insurance is required.

    How long must I live in Spain before I can use the public health system?
    If you already have legal residency, you can access it right away. If you don’t, some regions allow access after a few months of being registered locally (empadronado).

    Do I always need to prove financial means?
    Yes, if you apply for a residence permit without working or receiving a pension, you must prove that you have enough money to live in Spain independently.

    Conclusion

    For foreigners moving to Spain:

    • If you don’t work or receive a pension, you can apply for a non-lucrative residence permit, but you must prove that you have enough money to live here and private health insurance.

    • Once you are officially a resident, you can register with the Spanish public healthcare system and get a health card.

    • Even without residence, many regions offer limited access to healthcare if you can show that you live in Spain and are registered locally.

    In short: with the right paperwork, registration, and proof of resources, foreigners can enjoy Spain’s excellent public healthcare system.

    LIVING IN SPAIN: MORE THAN RESIDENCY AND HEALTHCARE

    Choosing Spain, and especially the Costa del Sol, is not only about fulfilling residency requirements or gaining access to public healthcare. It is also about embracing a Mediterranean lifestyle, with year-round sunshine, seaside promenades, golf courses, and a vibrant international community.

    For many foreigners, securing residency goes hand in hand with finding the perfect home to settle in. If you are considering making this step, we invite you to explore our exclusive selection of properties for sale in Marbella and along the Costa del Sol. Each property reflects the unique lifestyle this region offers combining comfort, design, and breathtaking surroundings.

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    Contact us for more information or to schedule a private viewing at +34 663671888, WhatsApp available.