By Victor Gersten, EA, CFP®, MS, MPAS™ | Information current as of October 2026
Quick answer
Start planning 6 to 18 months before you move. Several of the best opportunities (Roth conversions, selling appreciated investments, restructuring funds that Spain and the IRS treat badly) are cheaper before you become a Spanish tax resident, and some are hard to reverse afterward. Our Settler Package is built around this period.
When Spain starts taxing you
Spain generally treats you as a tax resident if you spend more than 183 days there in a calendar year, or if your main center of economic interests is there. From that point Spain taxes your worldwide income, while the US keeps taxing you as a citizen. The date you cross that line decides which year each decision lands in.
What to settle before you move
- Residency timing. Choosing the move date and the first full tax year deliberately, rather than by accident.
- Roth conversions and gains. Income you recognize while only the US taxes you can cost less than the same income later taxed by both countries.
- PFICs. Many US mutual funds and ETFs are fine at home but become reporting problems for a US citizen in Spain, and Spanish funds are usually PFICs for you. See The PFIC Trap.
- Accounts and custodians. Some US brokerages restrict or close accounts for clients with a foreign address, so confirm yours before you update it.
- Estate documents. A US will or trust may not work as expected under Spanish succession rules, including forced heirship for Spanish assets. Review documents with counsel before you move.
- Region and wealth tax. Spanish regions set their own rules for wealth tax and inheritance tax, so the city you choose matters.
- The Beckham regime window. If it may apply to you, the application period is short and starts after you begin working in Spain.
- Medicare and Social Security. Decisions about enrolling, delaying and receiving benefits abroad.
We do not advise on state taxes. If you are leaving a state with its own residency rules, please confirm that position with a state tax professional.
How the Settler Package works
Before the move. We build your plan: a review of accounts, investments and documents, a residency timeline, and a list of what to do and in what order. Initial planning usually takes 2 to 3 months.
During the move. We coordinate transfers, account changes and tax advisers on both sides so nothing falls between countries.
After the move. We meet 3 times in the first stretch, then 4 times a year, and coordinate your first US and Spanish returns through our tax coordination service.
| Minimum assets under advisement | $15,000 |
| Initial planning fee | $3,500 to $6,000, depending on complexity |
| Ongoing fees | See the pricing page for the current schedule |
| Term | No minimum term. Either side can end the agreement with 30 days’ notice. |
These terms apply to agreements signed on or after October 1, 2026. Fees are described in our Form ADV Part 2A.
Common questions
When should I start planning my move to Spain?
Ideally 6 to 18 months before you move. That leaves time to act on tax planning, restructure investments and gather documents, without forcing decisions into the last few weeks.
Can I move my 401(k) to Spain?
Generally no. US retirement accounts usually stay in the US, and how Spain taxes withdrawals depends on the treaty and the type of account. We plan the account and the withdrawals together.
Will I still file US tax returns after I move?
Yes. US citizens file a US return on worldwide income wherever they live, and Spanish tax residents file in Spain as well.
Do I need to be living in Spain to work with you?
No. Many clients start before they move, and that is often the most useful time.
Related reading
- Moving to Spain from the US: The 12-Chapter Financial Relocation Guide
- Moving to Spain checklist
- The PFIC Trap: Why Spanish Investment Products Punish American Investors
- The US Spain Tax Treaty Explained
- Cashing Out a 401k While Living in Spain: The Tax Consequences
- FEIE or Foreign Tax Credit: Which One Should You Use?
Planning a move to Spain?
Book a free 20 minute intro call or take the 1 minute package finder. You can also see our pricing.
Cross Border Wealth Advisors is a California state-registered investment adviser (CRD 309890). Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This page is general education only and is not legal or tax advice, or an offer of advisory services until a formal client agreement is executed. Fees are negotiable and may vary based on complexity, scope of services and client circumstances. Lower fees for comparable services may be available from other sources. Described in our Form ADV Part 2A.