I’ve recently been contacted by several non-EU citizens with medical needs considering moving to Spain. What they have in common is a curiosity about the Spanish public healthcare system, and the big question they’re asking is: Is it possible for them to access it?
The short answer is yes, but it takes some planning. This post will explain the most direct path to joining Spain’s public healthcare system as a non-EU citizen.
The most reliable route is through the Convenio Especial, a government program that allows long-term residents to pay a monthly fee for full access to public healthcare.
To qualify, you must first obtain a long-term visa, such as the Non-Lucrative Visa or the Digital Nomad Visa, and have legally resided in Spain for at least one year.
The NLV, or Non-Lucrative Visa, is ideal for retirees or individuals with passive income, those who want to live in Spain without engaging in paid work. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial means and hold private health insurance.
A more recent option is the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV). This is for non-EU remote workers and freelancers who wish to live in Spain while working for companies based outside the country. The initial stay is up to one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to five years. Requirements include proof of employment, a minimum income threshold, and valid private health insurance.
During your first year, you must register at your local town hall (empadronamiento) and maintain private health insurance; both are required when applying for the program later. You are not required to disclose any health conditions. Once approved in your second year, you can rely solely on public healthcare, although this program does not subsidize medications.
After completing one full year of legal residency, you can apply for the Convenio Especial through your regional health authority. Once approved, the monthly fee is approximately €60 if under 65 or €157 if over 65, giving you access to Spain’s excellent public healthcare system — a valuable option for anyone with ongoing medical needs.
Spain remains one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for retirees and remote workers, not only because of its climate and lifestyle, but also due to its commitment to accessible healthcare. The Convenio Especial can be a lifeline, offering peace of mind and a high standard of care.
That said, navigating the Spanish bureaucracy can be challenging. Fortunately, many lawyers specialize in immigration matters, just be sure to choose one who knows what they’re doing. We made a mistake of choosing a lawyer who didn’t realize that marriage certificates involving a non-EU citizen had to be authorized by the Spanish General Consulate in Manila since my wife is from the Philippines. It was not enough that it was authorized by the Norwegian Embassy in Manila and our marriage registered in Norway. This caused complications for me and my wife, but luckily we resolved it quickly.
To avoid similar issues, consider using a reputable firm that can help make the process of becoming a legal resident much smoother.
And don’t forget: learning Spanish, even at a basic level, will significantly enhance your experience. Many towns offer integration programs and subsidized language classes. Getting involved in the local culture and community makes a huge difference and will help you feel truly at home.
While the process may seem overwhelming initially, moving to Spain as a non-EU citizen is feasible with proper planning. Spain’s relaxed lifestyle, world-class healthcare, and vibrant communities make it one of the most attractive places in Europe to start a new chapter.
We’ve never regretted our move. My wife, Grace, now holds Filipino and Spanish citizenship, and we’ve benefited from one of the best public healthcare systems in the world. I’ve shared more about my personal experience as a cancer patient here.
If you’re still curious, check out more of our blog posts. Our small stories might give you a glimpse of life in Spain on a modest budget.
