Premium sample report

FERNSHORE PREMIUM

Your next chapter

A clearer view of where to build it.

PREPARED FOR YOU

Explore the countries that deserve your attention, the places within them that could suit your everyday life and the questions that matter before you commit.

Inside your report

02

33

Your priorities

The choices side by side

03–08

34

Your countries, screened

Your finances

09–16

35

Portugal

Your next steps

17–24

36

Spain

How to read the evidence

25–32

Mexico

Research checked 3 October 2026–4 October 2026; source dates vary. Independent research, not a government service, official eligibility decision or tax, legal or immigration advice.

YOUR STARTING POINT

Where you are starting from.

This profile defines the questions we investigate.

Person

United States; living in United States; moving alone.

Work

Employee. Job moving with you: yes, my employer has agreed.

Earnings

$100,000 gross per year.

Moving funds

$50,000 accessible. Protect $20,000; up to $30,000 is available for the move.

Living allowance

$3,500 a month, excluding tax, social contributions and business costs.

Priorities

Walkable daily life, Lower regular spending, Warmer winters. Flexible on: access to nature.

Timing and calls

Moving around March 2027; stay: about one year; working hours 09:00–17:00 (America/New York).

Portugal

Spain

Mexico

Braga first, if its trade-offs suit your routine.

Zaragoza first, if its trade-offs suit your routine.

Mérida first, if its trade-offs suit your routine.

Your answers are as you gave them; documents, contracts, exact dates and healthcare needs are not verified.

Research checked 3 October 2026–4 October 2026; source dates vary. Independent research, not a government service, official eligibility decision or tax, legal or immigration advice.

03 / YOUR COUNTRY SCREENING

Your countries, screened

We checked up to five countries against the Visa Map and Tax Map. Three are explored in depth in the chapters that follow. Where the data does not cover something, it shows as unknown.

Portugal

Spain

Mexico

Italy

Costa Rica

Explored in depth in the chapters that follow.

Explored in depth in the chapters that follow.

Explored in depth in the chapters that follow.

Screened only. Not explored in depth in this report.

Screened only. Not explored in depth in this report.

6 facts found, 3 unknown.

6 facts found, 3 unknown.

4 facts found, 5 unknown.

6 facts found, 3 unknown.

6 facts found, 3 unknown.

Each country below is checked for the same things. A fact appears only with its source and the date it was checked. A fact the data does not hold shows as unknown, with the reason. Unknown is not zero, and nothing here is guessed.

Visa Map and Tax Map facts checked 27 May 2026–31 May 2026; each row shows the date its source was checked. Entry is for a visit, not for living there. Independent research, not a government service or immigration or tax advice.

PORTUGAL · EXPLORED IN DEPTH

WHAT WE FOUND

SOURCE

CHECKED

Entry as a visitor, United States passport

Visa-free, for stays of up to 90 days

[M1]

27 May 2026

Tax system

Residents are taxed on their worldwide income

[M2]

30 May 2026

Top personal income tax rate

48%

[M3]

28 May 2026

Tax residency threshold (days)

183 days in a year

[M4]

30 May 2026

Tax treaty with United States

In force

[M5]

30 May 2026

Digital nomad visa listed

Yes: Digital Nomad Visa (D8)

[M6]

31 May 2026

Residence visa income test

Unknown. Not covered by the screening data. Your in-depth chapters cover this where research exists.

–

–

Setup costs

Unknown. Not covered by the screening data. Your in-depth chapters cover this where research exists.

–

–

Cities

Unknown. Not covered by the screening data. Your in-depth chapters cover this where research exists.

–

–

[M1]Portugal: Entry as a visitor, United States passport · [M2]Portugal: Tax system · [M3]Portugal: Top personal income tax rate · [M4]Portugal: Tax residency threshold (days) · [M5]Portugal: Tax treaty with United States · [M6]Portugal: Digital nomad visa listed Visa Map and Tax Map facts checked 27 May 2026–31 May 2026; each row shows the date its source was checked. Entry is for a visit, not for living there. Independent research, not a government service or immigration or tax advice.

SPAIN · EXPLORED IN DEPTH

WHAT WE FOUND

SOURCE

CHECKED

Entry as a visitor, United States passport

Visa-free, for stays of up to 90 days

[M7]

27 May 2026

Tax system

Residents are taxed on their worldwide income

[M8]

30 May 2026

Top personal income tax rate

47%

[M9]

28 May 2026

Tax residency threshold (days)

183 days in a year

[M10]

30 May 2026

Tax treaty with United States

In force

[M11]

30 May 2026

Digital nomad visa listed

Yes: International Teleworking Visa (Digital Nomad Visa)

[M12]

31 May 2026

Residence visa income test

Unknown. Not covered by the screening data. Your in-depth chapters cover this where research exists.

–

–

Setup costs

Unknown. Not covered by the screening data. Your in-depth chapters cover this where research exists.

–

–

Cities

Unknown. Not covered by the screening data. Your in-depth chapters cover this where research exists.

–

–

[M7]Spain: Entry as a visitor, United States passport · [M8]Spain: Tax system · [M9]Spain: Top personal income tax rate · [M10]Spain: Tax residency threshold (days) · [M11]Spain: Tax treaty with United States · [M12]Spain: Digital nomad visa listed Visa Map and Tax Map facts checked 27 May 2026–31 May 2026; each row shows the date its source was checked. Entry is for a visit, not for living there. Independent research, not a government service or immigration or tax advice.

MEXICO · EXPLORED IN DEPTH

WHAT WE FOUND

SOURCE

CHECKED

Entry as a visitor, United States passport

Visa-free, for stays of up to 180 days

[M13]

27 May 2026

Tax system

Residents are taxed on their worldwide income

[M14]

30 May 2026

Tax treaty with United States

In force

[M15]

30 May 2026

Digital nomad visa listed

None listed

[M16]

31 May 2026

Top personal income tax rate

Unknown. Not in the screening data, or it has no source and checked date. It is unknown, not zero.

–

–

Tax residency threshold (days)

Unknown. Not in the screening data, or it has no source and checked date. It is unknown, not zero.

–

–

Residence visa income test

Unknown. Not covered by the screening data. Your in-depth chapters cover this where research exists.

–

–

Setup costs

Unknown. Not covered by the screening data. Your in-depth chapters cover this where research exists.

–

–

Cities

Unknown. Not covered by the screening data. Your in-depth chapters cover this where research exists.

–

–

[M13]Mexico: Entry as a visitor, United States passport · [M14]Mexico: Tax system · [M15]Mexico: Tax treaty with United States · [M16]Mexico: Digital nomad visa listed Visa Map and Tax Map facts checked 27 May 2026–31 May 2026; each row shows the date its source was checked. Entry is for a visit, not for living there. Independent research, not a government service or immigration or tax advice.

ITALY · SCREENED ONLY

WHAT WE FOUND

SOURCE

CHECKED

Entry as a visitor, United States passport

Visa-free, for stays of up to 90 days

[M17]

29 May 2026

Tax system

Residents are taxed on their worldwide income

[M18]

30 May 2026

Top personal income tax rate

43%

[M19]

28 May 2026

Tax residency threshold (days)

183 days in a year

[M20]

30 May 2026

Tax treaty with United States

In force

[M21]

30 May 2026

Digital nomad visa listed

Yes: Digital Nomad Visa for Highly Skilled Remote Workers

[M22]

31 May 2026

Residence visa income test

Unknown. Not covered by the screening data. Your in-depth chapters cover this where research exists.

–

–

Setup costs

Unknown. Not covered by the screening data. Your in-depth chapters cover this where research exists.

–

–

Cities

Unknown. Not covered by the screening data. Your in-depth chapters cover this where research exists.

–

–

[M17]Italy: Entry as a visitor, United States passport · [M18]Italy: Tax system · [M19]Italy: Top personal income tax rate · [M20]Italy: Tax residency threshold (days) · [M21]Italy: Tax treaty with United States · [M22]Italy: Digital nomad visa listed Visa Map and Tax Map facts checked 27 May 2026–31 May 2026; each row shows the date its source was checked. Entry is for a visit, not for living there. Independent research, not a government service or immigration or tax advice.

COSTA RICA · SCREENED ONLY

WHAT WE FOUND

SOURCE

CHECKED

Entry as a visitor, United States passport

Visa-free, for stays of up to 90 days

[M23]

27 May 2026

Tax system

Residents are taxed mainly on income earned in the country

[M24]

30 May 2026

Top personal income tax rate

25%

[M25]

28 May 2026

Tax residency threshold (days)

183 days in a year

[M26]

30 May 2026

Tax treaty with United States

Not listed in the Tax Map’s treaty data

[M27]

30 May 2026

Digital nomad visa listed

Yes: Digital Nomad Visa (Estancia para Trabajadores y Prestadores Remotos de Servicios en el Exterior)

[M28]

31 May 2026

Residence visa income test

Unknown. Not covered by the screening data. Your in-depth chapters cover this where research exists.

–

–

Setup costs

Unknown. Not covered by the screening data. Your in-depth chapters cover this where research exists.

–

–

Cities

Unknown. Not covered by the screening data. Your in-depth chapters cover this where research exists.

–

–

[M23]Costa Rica: Entry as a visitor, United States passport · [M24]Costa Rica: Tax system · [M25]Costa Rica: Top personal income tax rate · [M26]Costa Rica: Tax residency threshold (days) · [M27]Costa Rica: Tax treaty with United States · [M28]Costa Rica: Digital nomad visa listed Visa Map and Tax Map facts checked 27 May 2026–31 May 2026; each row shows the date its source was checked. Entry is for a visit, not for living there. Independent research, not a government service or immigration or tax advice.

09 / YOUR COUNTRY SHORTLIST

Portugal

A change of scene. Your work comes with you.

EUROPE / ATLANTIC COAST

YOUR FIRST PLACE TO INVESTIGATE

Start with Braga and test it against your own priorities before deciding on Portugal.

THE TRADEOFF

A wet, cool winter in the north. The apartment’s heating, insulation and ventilation matter as much as the neighbourhood. [B6]

A moderate living budget makes northern Portugal worth a closer look. The Braga model prices only two lines, rent and a bus pass. The rest are unpriced, and personal tax and social contributions are excluded. [F2, A1, F3]

[F2]Braga one-bedroom flats for rent · [A1]Braga one-bedroom rentals · [F3]Bus pass tariffs · [B6]Braga climate summary Research checked 3 October 2026. Requirements for 2027 need reconfirmation. The Portuguese minimum wage is scheduled to rise to €970 in 2027, which would change the four-times income figure. Research information, not an official decision or personal professional advice. Prepared for you from your brief. Residence and after tax affordability remain conditional.

YOUR COUNTRY FOUNDATIONS

Permission that fits your plans

Keep your remote job or clients. Settle the length of stay before choosing a route.

REMOTE-WORK CHECKLISTS / 2026

€3,680 / approx. $4,131

Average monthly income over the last three months, set at four times the Portuguese minimum wage of €920 for 2026. A UK checklist dated 6 March 2026 also asks for a separate €920 available balance. The retrieved text of the US checklist cuts off at its income line, so confirm both amounts with VFS USA. The wage is scheduled to be €970 in 2027. [V3, V4, V5, V1]

A fixed stay up to one year

If you plan to stay longer

Research the temporary stay visa for remote work first. A private adviser describes it as valid for up to a year. The US checklist asks for travel insurance, a return flight ticket, proof of accommodation such as a signed lease, an FBI police certificate and a personal statement. [V1, V11]

Research the residency visa for remote work. It is a two-stage route: a consular visa, then a residence permit through AIMA after you arrive. A private adviser describes a 120-day visa with two entries, and a first permit lasting two years. The US checklist lists similar core documents. [V6, V9, V11, V2]

What your documents must establish

TIME THE APPLICATION

Employees can show an employment contract, a promise of one, or an employer declaration confirming the work link. Freelancers can show articles of association, a service contract, a proposal of one, or a document attesting services to clients. A UK checklist adds three months of invoices and bank statements for self-employed applicants. Embassy checklists also list a tax residence certificate; the IRS issues residency certification on Form 6166, but confirm with VFS USA what it accepts. The FBI certificate must be apostilled and issued less than 90 days before submission. [V1, V2, V3, V4, V8]

The VFS USA page states decision deadlines of 30 days for a temporary stay visa and 60 days for a residence visa, and the embassy suggests applying at least two months ahead. One private adviser reports 6 to 9 months for this visa as of June 2026 because of AIMA delays, which conflicts with those deadlines. Plan for uncertainty, and expect a separate AIMA step after arrival for the residence route. [V6, V7, V10]

YOUR NEXT DECISION

Is this a fixed year or a stay that might continue? Confirm exact dates and the current VFS USA checklist before booking non-refundable travel or signing a lease. Neither route is approved for you, and visa permission and tax are separate questions.

[V3]Residence visa, remote work (UK checklist, used as a cross-check) · [V4]Temporary stay visa, remote work (embassy checklist) · [V5]Minimum wage 2026 to 2028 · [V1]Temporary stay visa, remote work (US checklist) · [V11]Digital nomad visa for Americans · [V6]Visa information and decision deadlines · [V9]Residency visa and residence permit steps · [V2]Residency visa, remote work (US checklist) · [V8]Certification of US residency (Form 6166) · [V7]Visa information · [V10]Digital nomad visa guide, June 2026 · [F1]Euro reference rates, 2 October 2026 Research checked 3 October 2026. Requirements for 2027 need reconfirmation. The Portuguese minimum wage is scheduled to rise to €970 in 2027, which would change the four-times income figure. Research information, not an official decision or personal professional advice.

YOUR COUNTRY FOUNDATIONS

Your dates matter, too

Look at both tax systems before deciding what you can comfortably spend.

THE DATES QUESTION

A year away may not line up with a US tax year or with Portugal’s 12-month test.

Portugal counts days in any 12-month period that begins or ends in the tax year, and any day including an overnight stay counts. The US foreign earned income exclusion has a physical presence test of 330 full days abroad in 12 months, and you miss it if you fall short, whatever the reason. Exact start and end dates, and any visits to the US, need checking. [T1, T6]

Expect to become Portuguese tax resident

The US keeps its claim on you

US citizens abroad generally file as they would at home. The expatriation tax provisions apply to people who renounce citizenship, not to leaving the country. If you file before meeting a residence test, you report worldwide income and can amend later. The 2026 exclusion limit is $132,900, and it needs a foreign tax home plus a qualifying test. Foreign accounts together above $10,000 at any point in the year are reportable on an FBAR. The 1994 treaty sets conditions for taxing employment and independent services income, but no tax saving is assumed. [T3, T4, T5, T6, T10, T13]

Portugal treats you as resident if you stay more than 183 days in a relevant 12-month period, or if you have a home there that suggests you intend to keep it as your habitual residence. Residents are taxed on worldwide income, including income earned outside Portugal. [T1, T2]

Check contributions separately

Your US state and special regimes

Under the US–Portugal social security agreement, a self-employed person resident in Portugal is assigned Portuguese coverage, and one resident in the US is assigned US coverage. A certificate shows which system covers you. A consumer organisation summarises Portuguese independent-worker contributions as 21.4% of 70% of service income, with a €20 monthly floor and a cap. Employees of an employer abroad may fall under different rules, so ask both agencies. This is a mechanism, not your bill. [T7, T8, T9]

Moving abroad does not automatically end residency for state tax, and your ties to your state matter. Portugal’s IFICI regime targets research and innovation activities and asks for no Portuguese tax residence in the previous five years plus an eligible activity. Eligibility has not been established, so no 20% rate is assumed. [T14, T11, T12]

Before committing: get a dated tax reserve and filing plan from an adviser who knows both US and Portuguese rules.

[T1]Portuguese tax residence (article 16) · [T6]Physical presence test · [T2]Worldwide income for residents (article 15) · [T3]US citizens abroad: filing requirements · [T4]Publication 54, tax guide for US citizens abroad · [T5]Foreign earned income exclusion limit · [T10]Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts · [T13]US– Portugal income tax convention · [T7]US–Portugal totalization agreement · [T8]US–Portuguese Social Security Agreement text · [T9]Contributions for independent workers · [T14]State taxes after moving abroad · [T11]IFICI regime · [T12]IFICI conditions circular Research checked 3 October 2026. Requirements for 2027 need reconfirmation. The Portuguese minimum wage is scheduled to rise to €970 in 2027, which would change the four-times income figure. Research information, not an official decision or personal professional advice.

The living model excludes personal tax and social contributions.

YOUR COUNTRY FOUNDATIONS

Build a working base

Confirm access, documents and the home itself. An administrative number is only one step.

Healthcare through the transition

01

The temporary stay checklist asks for travel insurance covering medical expenses, urgent assistance and repatriation. The government’s migrants guide says a foreign national with legal residence can get an SNS user number, and that the number alone does not guarantee the SNS covers your costs. For that, the record also needs identification, a NIF, a full Portuguese address and a valid residence permit. Registering at a health centre follows the same residence-permit logic. Do not assume SNS access on a visa alone. A private guide notes that Medicare does not work in Portugal, so budget for private cover until you confirm your position. [V1, H1, H2, H3, H4]

Identifiers and your business

02

A NIF can be requested at a tax office or through the tax portal by a legal representative, and it is first assigned as non-resident, with an address change once you become resident. The tax authority leaflet says a non-resident starting self-employment must appoint a fiscal representative first. A freelancer must open activity at the tax office before starting, at the latest on the start date. [H5, H6, H7]

Banking and accepted documents

03

Banco de Portugal says accounts can be opened in person or at a distance, with identification and supporting documents. A private guide reports that banks’ own online sign-up may ask for documents a newcomer does not yet have. Check each bank’s exact requirements and fees. [H8, H9]

A home that supports your work

04

Check heating, ventilation and which bills are included. One Braga centre advert lists water, electricity and internet as included, but most do not say. Confirm fibre at the exact address and the installation date, then test upload speed, call quality and mobile backup. Visit at your normal working hours. [A2]

Before a deposit: get written tenancy terms, the exact upfront amount and confirmation of which income evidence the landlord accepts. Visa checklists ask for a signed lease or other accommodation proof, so ask whether the contract will satisfy that.

[V1]Temporary stay visa, remote work (US checklist) · [H1]Registering at a health centre · [H2]SNS user number · [H3]Migrants: health care in Portugal · [H4]US Social Security and Medicare abroad · [H5]NIF assignment questions · [H6]NIF for foreign non-residents · [H7]Opening activity at the tax office · [H8]Opening a bank account · [H9]Opening a Portuguese bank account online · [A2]Furnished rentals in Braga Research checked 3 October 2026. Requirements for 2027 need reconfirmation. The Portuguese minimum wage is scheduled to rise to €970 in 2027, which would change the four-times income figure. Research information, not an official decision or personal professional advice.

THE CITY IN FOCUS

Braga

A walkable northern city.

MONTHLY LIVING

RENT ALLOWANCE

YOUR WORKING HOURS

Not complete

€750–1,000

13:00–21:00

Missing costs are not zero

Approx. $842–1,123

Local time in Braga

What gives Braga its character

Before choosing a flat

Home condition Check damp, heating and ventilation.

Historic streets, everyday walks

01

Internet Test the connection at the flat.

The historic centre has a cathedral described as the oldest in Portugal, with squares and gardens around it. A private guide describes the centre as largely pedestrianised and almost flat. Without a car, start with homes close to the routes you would use. [B1, B2]

Daily essentials Walk to groceries and transport.

Lease & costs Confirm deposit, terms and documents.

A taste of Minho

02

Bacalhau à Braga, frigideiras and moletinhos give the city a food identity of its own. Bacalhau is served in most historic restaurants, so check evening noise before renting above one. [B3]

Hills and green space

03

Picoto viewpoint sits at one of the city’s highest points, with walking circuits and an adventure park. Bom Jesus has a water-counterweight funicular opened in 1882. Test the journey from a prospective home, since a green break only becomes routine if the trip works. [B4, B5]

Local buses

04

TUB’s tariff page lists a normal monthly pass at €12 for one zone and €24 for two. The council announced a 14% cut for residents from March 2026, so confirm which fare you would pay. [F3, F4]

YOUR MAIN COMPROMISE

[B1]Braga historic centre tour · [B2]Braga walking route · [B3]Braga food · [B4]Picoto viewpoint · [B5]Things to do, Bom Jesus funicular · [F3]Bus pass tariffs · [F4] Bus pass cut for residents · [B6]Braga climate summary Monthly figures are planning allowances; breakdown on the finances page. FX: €1 = $1.12250, 2 October 2026, before fees. Research checked 3 October 2026. Requirements for 2027 need reconfirmation. The Portuguese minimum wage is scheduled to rise to €970 in 2027, which would change the four-times income figure. Research information, not an official decision or personal professional advice.

A wet, cool winter. One modelled climate summary has rain through the year, with December the wettest month at about 138 mm and July the driest at about 14 mm. It is not the official IPMA normals, so check those before relying on it. [B6]

FROM CITY TO ADDRESS

Find your part of Braga

Start with these three areas. Then let the actual flat, your working day and the walk to essentials decide.

Where to start looking

ONE ADVERTISED RENT

Historic centre

Rua Dom Afonso Henriques, 16 (Maximinos – Sé – Cividade)

01

Maximinos – Sé – Cividade and São João do Souto Results include a one-bedroom on Rua Dom Afonso Henriques advertised at €800, and a 44 m² flat in São José de São Lázaro e São João do Souto at €850. A centre advert on another page lists bills as included. [F2, A1, A2] Your test: Start here for central city life. Visit during a morning call slot and after dinner to check street and building noise.

€800 / $898

PER MONTH

São Vicente

One bedroom (T1)

02

Around Rua de Santo André and the centre’s edge An advert describes a furnished one-bedroom in São Vicente, in the historic centre, with services and shops nearby. Another lists a 55 m² one-bedroom with a patio on Rua de Santo André at €1,000. [F2, A1] Your test: Compare an actual flat with the central streets. Walk your grocery route and check how the building handles winter damp.

49 m² gross floor area

Second floor, with lift

Furnishing and included bills not stated in the result

ADVERTISED UPFRONT

Deposit and advance rent are not stated in the result. Confirm them before comparing this with other homes. = €0 / about $0

São Vítor

03

Near the University of Minho and Braga Parque Listings here include a furnished 1+1 flat near the University of Minho at €750, and a furnished one-bedroom near Braga Parque at €850 with garage. [F2, A1] Your test: Compare desk space, light and acoustics, then check bus times from the actual stop.

THE IMPORTANT CONDITION

The result shows a 31 Aug date, and availability, lease length and the landlord’s income evidence are unconfirmed. The link opens idealista’s results page for Braga one-bedroom flats, not a direct advert, so look for the street address.

Advertiser listing [F2]

Price is only the first filter. An affordable listing still needs suitable lease terms, acceptable documents and a flat that supports your working day.

[F2]Braga one-bedroom flats for rent · [A1]Braga one-bedroom rentals · [A2]Furnished rentals in Braga Asking rent inspected 3 October 2026; availability and terms are unconfirmed. Areas are scouting suggestions, not verified noise or safety rankings. Research checked 3 October 2026. Requirements for 2027 need reconfirmation. The Portuguese minimum wage is scheduled to rise to €970 in 2027, which would change the four-times income figure. Research information, not an official decision or personal professional advice.

OTHER PLACES TO INVESTIGATE

Two different ways to settle

Use these alternatives to test what matters most. The homes shown are individual leads.

01 / COIMBRA / SOLUM / BAIXA

SOLUM / BAIXA

University streets. A riverside city.

Coimbra

€680 / $763

Alta is the steep university quarter and Baixa is the flat commercial lower town. The university, Alta and Sofia form a UNESCO World Heritage property. The advertised flat is in Solum, not in Alta or Baixa, so check its walking and bus routes. [C1, C2] Your deciding question: can a one-bedroom flat comfortably support your working day, and what do bills add?

MONTHLY

One bedroom (T1), 65 m² built area

First floor, with lift

Advertised as furnished and equipped, with dishwasher and washing machine mentioned

UPFRONT

Not stated in the result. Confirm deposit, advance rent and whether bills are included. €0 / $0

Lease length is not stated, and a separate work space is not established. The link opens a results page. No complete Coimbra living budget is available. [C3]

02 / PORTO / BONFIM

BONFIM

More connections. More choice.

Porto

€1,100 / $1,235

Bonfim lies east of the centre, a walk from Aliados or a metro ride from Combatentes, 24 de Agosto or Heroísmo. A city guide describes local shops with few big brands, and warns that the area is changing quickly. [P1] Your deciding question: will the landlord accept your records, and does this address fit your routine?

MONTHLY

One bedroom (T1), 55 m²

First floor, with lift

Rua de Coutinho de Azevedo, 338, Bonfim

[C1]Coimbra guide · [C2]Coimbra travel guide · [C3]Furnished rentals in Coimbra · [P1]Bonfim and the east of Porto · [P2]Furnished one-bedroom flats in Porto These are different homes, not city price averages. Confirm the exact unit, terms, documents and availability directly. Research checked 3 October 2026. Requirements for 2027 need reconfirmation. The Portuguese minimum wage is scheduled to rise to €970 in 2027, which would change the four-times income figure. Research information, not an official decision or personal professional advice.

UPFRONT

Not stated in the result. Confirm deposit, advance rent and bills. €0 / $0

BRING THE DECISION TOGETHER

Protect your room to choose

Braga is the first place to inspect. The country decision still depends on permission, tax and housing.

BRAGA / MONTHLY PLANNING MODEL

EUR

APPROX. USD

Rent

€750–1,000

$842–1,123

Utilities and connectivity

Unknown

Unknown

Groceries and household

Unknown

Unknown

Cafés and leisure

Unknown

Unknown

Local transport

€12–24

$13–27

Insurance and care provision

Unknown

Unknown

Personal incidentals

Unknown

Unknown

Flexibility buffer

Unknown

Unknown

No dated, sourced 2026 price was found for utilities, internet, groceries, leisure, health cover or incidentals, so those lines are null rather than estimated. A flexibility buffer is a personal choice, so it is also left blank. No total is given because it would be incomplete. Personal tax and social contributions are excluded. Missing costs are not zero.

Your monthly living budget is not in your brief, so no headroom is calculated.

YOUR MOVING FUND

$50,000 − $20,000 protected reserve = $30,000 available for the move. The Braga listing’s $0 upfront uses about 0% of that fund. Separate advance rent from the refundable deposit, then add documents, cover, travel and temporary stays. Do not count prepaid rent twice.

Our country verdict

BEFORE COMMITTING

This pack compares places and does not recommend one. Braga is the main case because its asking rents and bus passes could be priced. Coimbra and Porto are shown for contrast, with one advertised rent each.

Confirm dates and permission, a tax reserve, an acceptable tenancy, and healthcare and connectivity from arrival.

[F2]Braga one-bedroom flats for rent · [A1]Braga one-bedroom rentals · [F3]Bus pass tariffs · [F1]Euro reference rates, 2 October 2026 Rent shows the spread of one-bedroom asking prices seen on two results pages, not a city average or a quote. Transport is the one- and two-zone normal monthly pass. FX: €1 = $1.12250, 2 October 2026, before fees. Research checked 3 October 2026. Requirements for 2027 need reconfirmation. The Portuguese minimum wage is scheduled to rise to €970 in 2027, which would change the four-times income figure. Research information, not an official decision or personal professional advice.

17 / YOUR COUNTRY SHORTLIST

Spain

A change of pace. Your work comes with you.

EUROPE / IBERIAN PENINSULA

YOUR LEADING ALTERNATIVE

Start with Zaragoza and test it against your own priorities before deciding on Spain.

THE TRADEOFF

More paperwork before you travel. The Washington consulate asks for an NIE, an apostilled and translated FBI check, health insurance from an insurer authorised in Spain, and proof of Spanish Social Security coverage, all before the visa is decided. [V1, V6]

A moderate living budget makes inland Zaragoza worth a closer look: in March 2026 its average asking rent per m² was below Valencia, Málaga and Alicante. The Zaragoza model prices only rent and a monthly transport pass. The rest is unpriced, and personal tax and social contributions are excluded. [B4, F2, B3]

[B4]Rental prices in Spain by city, March 2026 · [F2]Furnished one-bedroom flat near Plaza de Toros (Casco Histórico) · [B3]Bus and tram fares for 2026 · [V1] Telework (digital nomad) visa · [V6]Foreigner Identity Number (NIE) Research checked 4 October 2026. Requirements for 2027 need reconfirmation. The teleworker income test is a percentage of the Spanish minimum wage, which is set each year by royal decree. Research information, not an official decision or personal professional advice. Prepared for you from your brief. Residence and after tax affordability remain conditional.

YOUR COUNTRY FOUNDATIONS

Permission that fits your plans

Keep your remote job or clients. Settle the length of stay before choosing a route.

TELEWORK VISA / 2026

€2,442 / approx. $2,741

Monthly income for a single applicant, set at 200% of the Spanish minimum wage of €1,221 a month for 2026. The Washington consulate shows this figure, and the royal decree confirms the €1,221. At the ECB rate of 2 October 2026 it is about $2,741. The San Francisco consulate page still showed the 2025 figures when checked, so confirm the amount with the consulate for your state. [V1, V3, V8, F1]

A fixed stay up to one year

If you plan to stay longer

Research the visa for international telework first. It lasts up to one year, or less if the work period is shorter, and is enough on its own to live in Spain and work remotely while it is valid. Employees may work only for companies outside Spain; freelancers may take Spanish clients for up to 20% of their professional activity. You need a degree or at least three years of experience. The non-lucrative visa does not fit: the consulate says it allows no work at all, including remote work. [V1, V2, V4, V5]

Research the residence permit for international telework, decided in Spain by the large companies unit (UGE). It can last up to three years and be renewed for two years at a time while the conditions still hold. Visa holders can apply in the 60 days before the visa expires. The consulate also says US citizens in Spain without a visa, within their 90 days, can apply for the permit directly. [V2, V4, V1]

What your documents must establish

TIME THE APPLICATION

Employees: a company certificate showing at least three months with the employer, your pay, and explicit permission to work from Spain. Freelancers: proof of at least three months with one or more clients outside Spain, and that the work continues for at least a year. Both: a certificate showing the company has operated for at least a year, an NIE, an FBI check issued within six months with an apostille and sworn translation, Spanish-registered health insurance, proof of Spanish Social Security coverage (the employer's registration in Spain, or your own registration as self-employed), and a signed commitment to meet Social Security obligations. [V1, V2]

Get the NIE first: the Washington consulate says it normally takes 20 to 30 days. The consulate then has a legal deadline of 10 days, counted from when it forwards the file, not from your appointment. For the residence permit, the law sets 20 days, after which silence counts as approval. From 1 September 2026, Washington applications are made by appointment at the BLS visa centre. The US citizen fee is $190. [V6, V1, V2]

[V1]Telework (digital nomad) visa · [V3]Royal Decree 126/2026, minimum wage for 2026 · [V8]Telework visa (cross-check) · [F1]Euro reference rates, 2 October 2026 · [V2]Law 14/2013, articles 74 bis to 76 (international telework) · [V4]International teleworkers (digital nomads) · [V5]Non-working (non-lucrative) residency visa · [V6]Foreigner Identity Number (NIE) Research checked 4 October 2026. Requirements for 2027 need reconfirmation. The teleworker income test is a percentage of the Spanish minimum wage, which is set each year by royal decree. Research information, not an official decision or personal professional advice.

YOUR NEXT DECISION

Is this a fixed year or a stay that might continue? Check how your employer or clients can show Spanish Social Security coverage before booking anything, and confirm the current figures with the consulate for your state. Neither route is approved for you, and visa permission and tax are separate questions.

YOUR COUNTRY FOUNDATIONS

Your dates matter, too

Look at both tax systems before deciding what you can comfortably spend.

THE DATES QUESTION

Spain decides residence by calendar year; the US exclusion counts any 12 months.

Spain treats you as resident for a whole calendar year if you spend more than 183 days there in that year, counting sporadic absences, or if your main economic interests are there. The US foreign earned income exclusion's physical presence test needs 330 full days abroad within 12 consecutive months. A year that starts mid-year can split across two Spanish tax years, so exact dates and any US visits need checking. [T1, T7]

Expect to become Spanish tax resident

The US keeps its claim on you

US citizens abroad generally file as they would at home, on worldwide income. The 2026 exclusion limit is $132,900. You can usually take foreign income tax as a credit, but not on income you exclude. Foreign accounts together above $10,000 at any point in the year are reportable on an FBAR. The IRS lists a 1990 US–Spain treaty and a 2013 protocol amending it; no tax saving is assumed from either. [T4, T5, T6, T8, T9, T10]

Any one of the criteria is enough: more than 183 days in the calendar year, or Spain as the main base of your economic activities or interests. Residence applies to the whole year, because a change of residence does not split the tax year. Where both countries treat you as resident, treaties look at a permanent home, then the centre of vital interests. A residence permit and tax residence are separate questions. [T1]

Check contributions separately

Your US state and Spain's special regime

Under the US–Spain agreement, self-employed people resident in Spain are assigned Spanish coverage, but someone who moves their self-employment for five years or less stays in the original country's system. The Washington consulate nevertheless asks for proof of Spanish coverage with the visa, so ask both agencies how the two fit. Spanish self-employed contributions are based on actual net income. An employee of a US company needs the employer's position confirmed. This is a mechanism, not your bill. [T11, V1, T13, T5]

Moving abroad does not automatically end residency for state tax. Spain's special regime for people moving there requires no Spanish residence in the previous five tax years, and covers employees working remotely; holders of the telework visa are named as meeting that condition. Freelancers qualify only in narrower cases, such as an approved entrepreneurial activity or highly qualified work for start-ups. You opt in on form 149 within six months of the start date in your Social Security registration. Eligibility has not been established, so no special rate is assumed. [T12, T2, T3]

Before committing: get a dated tax reserve and filing plan from an adviser who knows both US and Spanish rules.

[T1]When an individual is resident in Spain · [T7]Physical presence test · [T4]US citizens abroad: filing requirements · [T5]Publication 54, tax guide for US citizens abroad · [T6]Foreign earned income exclusion limit · [T8]Foreign tax credit · [T9]Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) · [T10]Spain tax treaty documents · [T11]Totalization agreement with Spain · [V1]Telework (digital nomad) visa · [T13]Contribution system for self-employed workers · [T12]State taxes after moving abroad · [T2]Form 149 instructions: special regime for people moving to Spain · [T3]Form 149: opting into the special regime Research checked 4 October 2026. Requirements for 2027 need reconfirmation. The teleworker income test is a percentage of the Spanish minimum wage, which is set each year by royal decree. Research information, not an official decision or personal professional advice.

The living model excludes personal tax and social contributions.

YOUR COUNTRY FOUNDATIONS

Build a working base

Confirm access, documents and the home itself. An identity number is only one step.

Healthcare through the transition

01

The telework visa needs public or private health insurance from an insurer authorised in Spain, covering everything the public system covers for the whole authorisation, with no co-payments or limits. Travel insurance is not accepted. The certificate is not needed if you prove Spanish public Social Security coverage instead. Price the insurance before you apply, since it is a fixed monthly cost. [V1]

NIE, TIE and the padrón

02

The NIE is a personal number for dealing with Spanish administrations; the consulate says it does not give the right to live in Spain. A residence permit lasting more than six months is followed by a foreigner identity card (TIE); one embassy page describes requesting it within a month of entering, and warns appointments can take weeks. Everyone living in Spain must register on the padrón of the municipality where they usually live. [V6, V2, V7, H1]

Banking and US reporting

03

EU residents have the right to a basic payment account. The Banco de España says its fee is capped at €3 a month, including up to 120 payments a year in euros within the EU. Check each bank's documents and fees, since a newcomer may not yet have every paper a bank asks for. A Spanish account counts toward the FBAR $10,000 threshold. [H2, H3, T9]

A home that supports your work

04

Check heating, cooling and which bills are included. Several Zaragoza adverts show the lowest energy rating, G, and one top-floor flat has no lift. One advert asks for a one-month legal deposit plus two months' additional guarantee. Confirm fibre at the exact address and the installation date, then test upload speed and call quality. Visit at your normal working hours. [F2, A1, A2]

Before a deposit: get written tenancy terms, the exact deposit and any extra guarantee, and confirmation of which income evidence the landlord accepts from a remote worker or freelancer. Some adverts ask for a Spanish work contract, so ask early.

[V1]Telework (digital nomad) visa · [V6]Foreigner Identity Number (NIE) · [V2]Law 14/2013, articles 74 bis to 76 (international telework) · [V7]Foreigner identity card (TIE) · [H1]Municipal register (padrón) for foreign nationals · [H2]Basic payment account fees · [H3]Basic accounts: what, why, for whom · [T9]Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) · [F2]Furnished one-bedroom flat near Plaza de Toros (Casco Histórico) · [A1]One-bedroom flat, Paseo Sagasta (Centro) · [A2] Two-bedroom top-floor flat, Calle Pamplona Escudero (Universidad) Research checked 4 October 2026. Requirements for 2027 need reconfirmation. The teleworker income test is a percentage of the Spanish minimum wage, which is set each year by royal decree. Research information, not an official decision or personal professional advice.

THE CITY IN FOCUS

Zaragoza

A large city between Madrid and Barcelona.

MONTHLY LIVING

RENT ALLOWANCE

YOUR WORKING HOURS

Not complete

€750–900

14:00–22:00

Missing costs are not zero

Approx. $842–1,010

Local time in Zaragoza

What gives Zaragoza its character

Before choosing a flat

Home condition Check damp, heating and ventilation.

Between two big cities

01

Internet Test the connection at the flat.

Zaragoza sits midway between Madrid and Barcelona, with trains to each in about 1 hour 20 minutes. Zaragoza-Delicias station is about 4 km from the centre. If you expect regular trips, compare the journey from a prospective home to the station. [B1]

Daily essentials Walk to groceries and transport.

Lease & costs Confirm deposit, terms and documents.

An old town to walk

02

The old town is walkable and holds many of the main sights and food spots: the Basílica del Pilar, the Moorish Aljafería palace, El Tubo's tapas bars and the Mercado Central. Check evening noise before renting close to the busiest streets. [B1]

Tram, buses and bikes

03

The 30-day bus and tram pass costs €29.05 in 2026, and a single ticket €1.70. A guide lists the tram, city buses and the Bizi bike-share as the ways around. Check the nearest stop from any flat you consider. [B3, B1]

Rents below the coast

04

A property portal's index put Zaragoza's average asking rent at €12.99 per m² in March 2026, against €14.50 in Alicante, €16.80 in Málaga and €16.92 in Valencia. That is an average across adverts, not a quote for any one home. [B4]

YOUR MAIN COMPROMISE

Hot summers and grey, windy winters. AEMET's 1981 to 2010 normals for the airport give an average July high of 32.4°C, a January low of 2.7°C, about 22 foggy days a year and 322 mm of rain. A guide warns of the cold cierzo wind in winter. Check cooling, heating and the energy rating of any home. [B2, B1]

[B1]A guide to Zaragoza · [B3]Bus and tram fares for 2026 · [B4]Rental prices in Spain by city, March 2026 · [B2]Climate normals, Zaragoza airport, 1981 to 2010 Monthly figures are planning allowances; breakdown on the finances page. FX: €1 = $1.12250, 2 October 2026, before fees. Research checked 4 October 2026. Requirements for 2027 need reconfirmation. The teleworker income test is a percentage of the Spanish minimum wage, which is set each year by royal decree. Research information, not an official decision or personal professional advice.

FROM CITY TO ADDRESS

Find your part of Zaragoza

Start with these three areas. Then let the actual flat, your working day and the walk to essentials decide.

Where to start looking

ONE ADVERTISED RENT

Centro

Near Plaza de Toros and Avenida César Augusto (Casco Histórico)

01

Paseo Sagasta and around One advert lists an unfurnished one-bedroom, 55 m² on a seventh floor with a terrace, at €900 a month with community fees and central heating included and a one-month deposit. Its energy rating is G. [A1] Your test: Start here for central city life. Compare what the rent includes with flats where you pay heating yourself.

€750 / $842

Universidad

PER MONTH

02

Near the San Francisco campus and Avenida de Valencia An advert lists a furnished two-bedroom top-floor flat, about 59 m² with an enclosed terrace usable as an office, at €850. It is on a third floor without a lift, about 400 m from a tram stop. Utilities are paid by the tenant, with a one-month deposit plus two months' extra guarantee. [A2] Your test: Check whether the spare room or terrace works as a quiet desk, and how much upfront cash the guarantee ties up.

One bedroom, 65 m², first floor with lift

Fully furnished, ducted heating and air conditioning

Community fees included; long- term let

Energy rating G

ADVERTISED UPFRONT

Delicias

Deposit and any extra guarantee are not stated in the advert. Confirm them before comparing this with other homes. = €0 / about $0

03

La Bozada – Parque Delicias An advert lists a furnished two-bedroom, two-bathroom flat of 62 m² opposite the Aragonia shopping centre at €900, with a garage space, ducted air conditioning and central heating with individual meters. Its energy rating is E. [A3] Your test: Compare more space with a longer trip to the old town, and check how central heating is billed.

THE IMPORTANT CONDITION

The advert says it is near a tram stop and a five-minute walk from Plaza España, and is pitched at public employees and hospital staff. Availability, lease length and which income evidence the landlord accepts are unconfirmed. The exact street address is given only on request.

[A1]One-bedroom flat, Paseo Sagasta (Centro) · [A2]Two-bedroom top-floor flat, Calle Pamplona Escudero (Universidad) · [A3]Two-bedroom flat, Gómez Laguna (Delicias) · [F2]Furnished one-bedroom flat near Plaza de Toros (Casco Histórico) Asking rent inspected 4 October 2026; availability and terms are unconfirmed. Areas are scouting suggestions, not verified noise or safety rankings. Research checked 4 October 2026. Requirements for 2027 need reconfirmation. The teleworker income test is a percentage of the Spanish minimum wage, which is set each year by royal decree. Research information, not an official decision or personal professional advice.

Advertiser listing [F2]

OTHER PLACES TO INVESTIGATE

Two different ways to settle

Use these alternatives to test what matters most. The homes shown are individual leads.

01 / GRANADA / ZAIDÍN

ZAIDÍN

A university city. Lower rents, hotter summers.

Granada

€650 / $730

A property portal's index put Granada's average asking rent at €10.92 per m² in March 2026, below Zaragoza. A local guide says a drink usually comes with a free tapa. AEMET's airport normals give an average July high of 34.8°C, a January low of 0.0°C and about 48 frost days a year. [B4, C1, C2] Your deciding question: can a small studio support your working day, through a hot summer and a cold winter?

MONTHLY

Studio, 40 m², ground floor, Avenida de Barcelona

Newly furnished, long-term let, pets possible

Energy rating G; the landlord asks for proof of solvency

UPFRONT

Not stated in the advert. Confirm deposit, any extra guarantee and which bills are included. €0 / $0

There is no separate bedroom or office space, and acceptance of foreign income records is unknown. No complete Granada living budget is available. [C3]

02 / ALICANTE / CAMPOAMOR

CAMPOAMOR

A coastal city. Milder winters, busier streets.

Alicante

€900 / $1,010

A guide calls Alicante the mainland provincial capital most influenced by tourism, with a castle, an old quarter, a long waterfront and nightlife that is busy year-round. AEMET normals give a January low of 6.3°C and a July high of 30.3°C. Its March 2026 average asking rent was €14.50 per m². [P1, P2, B4] Your deciding question: will a landlord accept your remote income, and is the busier, more touristic city a fit for your routine?

MONTHLY

One bedroom, 35 m², fifth floor with lift, Calle Teniente Llorca

Furnished, all bills included; long- term let

[B4]Rental prices in Spain by city, March 2026 · [C1]Tapas bars in Granada · [C2]Climate normals, Granada airport, 1981 to 2010 · [C3]Studio flat, Avenida de Barcelona (Zaidín) · [P1]Alicante · [P2]Climate normals, Alicante, 1981 to 2010 · [P3]Top-floor one-bedroom flat, Calle Teniente Llorca (Campoamor) These are different homes, not city price averages. Confirm the exact unit, terms, documents and availability directly. Research checked 4 October 2026. Requirements for 2027 need reconfirmation. The teleworker income test is a percentage of the Spanish minimum wage, which is set each year by royal decree. Research information, not an official decision or personal professional advice.

The landlord asks for a work contract, preferably from staff posted temporarily to Alicante

UPFRONT

BRING THE DECISION TOGETHER

Protect your room to choose

Zaragoza is the first place to inspect. The country decision still depends on permission, tax and housing.

ZARAGOZA / MONTHLY PLANNING MODEL

EUR

APPROX. USD

Rent

€750–900

$842–1,010

Utilities and connectivity

Unknown

Unknown

Groceries and household

Unknown

Unknown

Cafés and leisure

Unknown

Unknown

Local transport

€29

$33

Health insurance

Unknown

Unknown

Personal incidentals

Unknown

Unknown

Flexibility buffer

Unknown

Unknown

No dated, sourced 2026 price was found for utilities, internet, groceries, leisure, private health insurance or incidentals, so those lines are null rather than estimated. Health insurance is required for the visa, so price it before applying. A flexibility buffer is a personal choice, so it is also left blank. No total is given because it would be incomplete. Personal tax and social contributions are excluded. Missing costs are not zero.

Your monthly living budget is not in your brief, so no headroom is calculated.

YOUR MOVING FUND

$50,000 − $20,000 protected reserve = $30,000 available for the move. The Zaragoza listing’s $0 upfront uses about 0% of that fund. Separate advance rent from the refundable deposit, then add documents, cover, travel and temporary stays. Do not count prepaid rent twice.

Our country verdict

BEFORE COMMITTING

This pack compares places and does not recommend one. Zaragoza is the main case because its asking rents and transport pass could be priced from current sources. Granada and Alicante are shown for contrast, with one advertised rent each.

Confirm dates and permission, how Spanish Social Security coverage will be shown, a tax reserve, an acceptable tenancy, and health insurance from arrival.

[F2]Furnished one-bedroom flat near Plaza de Toros (Casco Histórico) · [A1]One-bedroom flat, Paseo Sagasta (Centro) · [A2]Two-bedroom top-floor flat, Calle Pamplona Escudero (Universidad) · [A3]Two-bedroom flat, Gómez Laguna (Delicias) · [B3]Bus and tram fares for 2026 · [F1]Euro reference rates, 2 October 2026 Rent shows the spread of four asking rents seen on individual adverts today, not a city average or a quote. Transport is the standard 30-day bus and tram pass. FX: €1 = $1.12250, 2 October 2026, before fees. Research checked 4 October 2026. Requirements for 2027 need reconfirmation. The teleworker income test is a percentage of the Spanish minimum wage, which is set each year by royal decree. Research information, not an official decision or personal professional advice.

25 / YOUR COUNTRY SHORTLIST

Mexico

Same time zones, a different pace. Your work comes with you.

NORTH AMERICA / LATIN AMERICA

YOUR EXPLORATORY ALTERNATIVE

Start with Mérida and test it against your own priorities before deciding on Mexico.

THE TRADEOFF

A high solvency test and uneven safety. Two consulates checked ask for $4,510 to $4,630 a month in income, or $75,950 to $78,025 in average savings, for temporary residence. Canada's government advises a high degree of caution across Mexico and avoiding non- essential travel to parts of several states. [V2, V3, V5]

Moderate asking rents make Mérida worth a closer look: one-bedroom adverts seen today ranged from MXN 8,000 to 13,000 a month, and Yucatán is not among the states Canada advises avoiding. The Mérida model prices only rent, a bus allowance and one public health insurance option. The rest is unpriced, and personal tax is excluded. [A1, F2, A2, V5, B4, H3]

[A1]Furnished one-bedroom flat, Barrio de Santiago (Centro) · [F2]Furnished one-bedroom flat, Colonia Alemán · [A2]Furnished one-bedroom flat, Benito Juárez Norte · [V5]Mexico travel advice and advisories · [B4]Va y Ven routes and 2026 fares · [H3]IMSS family health insurance (Modalidad 33): cover, requirements and 2026 fees · [V2]Temporary resident visa: economic solvency (2026 checklist) · [V3]Temporary resident visa requirements (2026) · [V5]Mexico travel advice and advisories Research checked 4 October 2026. Requirements for 2027 need reconfirmation. The solvency test is set in days of the UMA, which INEGI updates each February, and each consulate converts it to dollars at its own rate. Research information, not an official decision or personal professional advice. Prepared for you from your brief. Residence and after tax affordability remain conditional.

YOUR COUNTRY FOUNDATIONS

Permission that fits your plans

Keep your remote job or clients. Settle the length of stay before choosing a route.

TEMPORARY RESIDENCE / 2026

MXN 79,771 / approx. $4,385

Monthly income after tax over the last six months, set in the rules as 680 days of UMA (MXN 117.31 a day in 2026). The alternative is an average monthly balance of 11,460 days of UMA, about MXN 1,344,373, over the last twelve months. Consulates publish their own dollar figures: San Diego asks for $4,510 a month or $75,950 in savings, Las Vegas $4,630 or $78,025. At the Banco de México FIX of 2 October 2026 the peso figure is about $4,385, so confirm the amount with the consulate for your state. [V1, V4, V2, V3, F1]

A stay of up to 180 days

A year or longer

As a visitor you cannot stay longer than 180 days, and the immigration officer at entry decides how many days you get; the maximum is not automatic. One Canadian government page says the stay cannot be extended or changed from inside Mexico. The visitor category does not allow paid activities in Mexico, and no page reviewed here says remote work for a foreign employer is allowed as a visitor, so treat a year-long stay as needing residence. [V1, V5]

Research the temporary resident visa, applied for at a Mexican consulate before you travel. The status lasts more than 180 days and up to four years. The visa itself is valid for 180 days and one entry, and you must get the residence card from the migration institute (INM) within 30 days of arriving. The San Diego consulate asks employees for a supervisor's letter that explicitly agrees with you living in Mexico and working remotely. Las Vegas accepts proof of self-employed income such as a business licence or 1099 forms. [V1, V2, V3]

What your documents must establish

TIME THE APPLICATION

Employees: six months of bank statements showing the income, plus an employment letter on company letterhead with your position, salary and, in San Diego, explicit agreement to remote work from Mexico. Freelancers: six months of statements plus a business licence or, in Las Vegas, 1099 forms, payslips or proof of direct deposits. Savings route: twelve months of statements. Statements must be originals with a bank stamp or a bank verification letter. Requirements differ by consulate. [V2, V3]

The rules give consulates up to 10 working days to decide; Las Vegas says 1 to 10 working days from the appointment. The visa fee at both consulates checked is $56. San Diego books appointments through MiConsulado and Las Vegas by email; San Diego advises against buying flights before the visa is issued. Then allow for the INM card appointment within 30 days of entry; its separate fee was not confirmed here. [V1, V2, V3]

[V1]General guidelines for issuing visas (2025) · [V4]Value of the UMA · [V2]Temporary resident visa: economic solvency (2026 checklist) · [V3]Temporary resident visa requirements (2026) · [F1]Peso exchange rates (FIX and rates against other currencies), 2 October 2026 · [V5]Mexico travel advice and advisories · [F3]Euro reference rates, 2 October 2026 Research checked 4 October 2026. Requirements for 2027 need reconfirmation. The solvency test is set in days of the UMA, which INEGI updates each February, and each consulate converts it to dollars at its own rate. Research information, not an official decision or personal professional advice.

YOUR NEXT DECISION

Is this a fixed stretch under 180 days or a year or more? Check which consulate serves your state, its current

YOUR COUNTRY FOUNDATIONS

Your dates matter, too

Look at both tax systems before deciding what you can comfortably spend.

THE HOME QUESTION

Mexico looks at where your home is, not only how many days you spend.

Under the Federal Tax Code, you are resident in Mexico if you set up your home there. If you also keep a home in the US, Mexico looks at your centre of vital interests, for example whether more than half your income comes from Mexican sources or your main professional activity is there. The US exclusion's physical presence test separately needs 330 full days abroad within 12 months. [T1, T6]

Mexican residents are taxed on worldwide income

The US keeps its claim on you

US citizens abroad generally file as they would at home, on worldwide income. The 2026 foreign earned income exclusion limit is $132,900. You can usually take Mexican tax as a credit, but not on income you exclude. Foreign accounts together above $10,000 at any point in the year must be reported on an FBAR. The US–Mexico treaty settles dual residence by permanent home, then centre of vital interests, but its saving clause lets the US keep taxing its citizens. [T3, T4, T5, T7, T8, T9, T10]

If you become resident, Mexican income tax applies to all your income wherever it comes from. Employees paid by an employer that does not withhold Mexican tax, including pay from abroad, work out monthly provisional payments themselves, pay them by the 17th of each month and file an annual return. Freelancers face their own registration, invoicing and payment rules. The law copies reviewed here may predate later reforms. [T2]

No social security agreement with Mexico

Your US state may not let go

Moving abroad does not automatically end state residency. Some states look at whether you truly gave up your old domicile, using things such as a home you keep, your driver's licence and where your accounts are. If both countries treat you as resident, the treaty tie-breaker applies, but it does not remove US filing. No tax saving is assumed. [T12, T10]

Mexico is not on the Social Security Administration's list of agreements in force, so there is no agreement to prevent paying into both systems. US self- employment tax applies to net self-employment profit even when that income is excluded from income tax. An employee of a US company needs the employer's position confirmed. This is a mechanism, not your bill. [T11, T4]

Before committing: get a dated tax reserve and filing plan from an adviser who knows both US and Mexican rules.

The living model excludes personal tax and social contributions.

[T1]Federal Tax Code (Código Fiscal de la Federación), article 9 · [T6]Physical presence test · [T2]Income Tax Law (Ley del Impuesto sobre la Renta), articles 1, 96 and 98 · [T3]US citizens abroad: filing requirements · [T4]Publication 54, tax guide for US citizens abroad · [T5]Foreign earned income exclusion limit · [T7]Foreign tax credit · [T8]Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) · [T9]Mexico tax treaty documents · [T10]US–Mexico income tax convention (1992), text · [T11] US international Social Security agreements · [T12]State taxes after moving abroad Research checked 4 October 2026. Requirements for 2027 need reconfirmation. The solvency test is set in days of the UMA, which INEGI updates each February, and each consulate converts it to dollars at its own rate. Research information, not an official decision or personal professional advice.

YOUR COUNTRY FOUNDATIONS

Build a working base

Confirm access, documents and the home itself. An identity number is only one step.

Healthcare through the transition

01

Arrange private cover from the day you arrive; this pack found no dated private insurance prices. Later, the IMSS family health insurance (Modalidad 33) is a voluntary scheme for people with no other social security, paid as one annual fee by age: MXN 11,550 for ages 20 to 29, rising to MXN 14,850 for ages 50 to 59, according to a June 2026 press report. Its listed requirements include a CURP. Confirm with IMSS whether temporary residents qualify, and any waiting periods or exclusions. [H3]

CURP and RFC

02

Foreign temporary and permanent residents get a CURP, the population registry number, automatically when INM issues their foreigner number, and it should be printed on the residence card. With a CURP, you can register for an RFC, the tax number, online with SAT. Registering with tax obligations means visiting a SAT office within 30 days for a password or e.firma. [H1, H2]

Banking and US reporting

03

One guide to BBVA says foreigners must open accounts at a branch, with a residence card, passport, a Mexican phone number and a proof of address under three months old. The bank's own app account asks for an INE, the Mexican voter card. Check each bank's documents and fees. A Mexican account counts toward the FBAR $10,000 threshold. [H4, H5, T8]

A home that supports your work

04

Ask which bills are included: one Colonia Alemán advert includes electricity, water and internet, while a Centro advert leaves electricity to the tenant. Air conditioning matters in Mérida's heat. Several adverts ask for a one-year contract signed before a notary, a deposit and a guarantor, or a double deposit instead. Confirm internet at the exact address, test upload speed and call quality, and visit at your normal working hours. [F2, A1, A3, B3]

Before a deposit: get written tenancy terms, the deposit, any guarantor or double-deposit condition and notary costs in writing, and confirm which income evidence the landlord accepts from a remote worker or freelancer.

[H3]IMSS family health insurance (Modalidad 33): cover, requirements and 2026 fees · [H1]CURP for foreign temporary and permanent residents · [H2]RFC registration for individuals with a CURP (form 3/CFF) · [H4]BBVA Mexico accounts for foreigners: requirements · [H5]BBVA Cuenta Digital · [T8]Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) · [F2]Furnished one-bedroom flat, Colonia Alemán · [A1]Furnished one-bedroom flat, Barrio de Santiago (Centro) · [A3] Unfurnished one-bedroom flat, Temozón Norte · [B3]Best time to visit Mérida: weather month by month Research checked 4 October 2026. Requirements for 2027 need reconfirmation. The solvency test is set in days of the UMA, which INEGI updates each February, and each consulate converts it to dollars at its own rate. Research information, not an official decision or personal professional advice.

THE CITY IN FOCUS

Mérida

A walkable old city in the Yucatán.

MONTHLY LIVING

RENT ALLOWANCE

YOUR WORKING HOURS

Not complete

MX$8,000–13,000

07:00–15:00

Missing costs are not zero

Approx. $440–715

Local time in Mérida

What gives Mérida its character

Before choosing a flat

Home condition Check damp, heating and ventilation.

An old centre to walk

01

Internet Test the connection at the flat.

The historic centre starts at the Plaza Grande and the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, with museums nearby and the Lucas de Gálvez market for local food. A guide says the centre is walkable but the heat can shape when you go out. Check how far a prospective home is from the streets you would actually use. [B1]

Daily essentials Walk to groceries and transport.

Lease & costs Confirm deposit, terms and documents.

Free culture through the week

02

Every Thursday at 9 p.m. since 1965, Parque de Santa Lucía has hosted a free Serenata Yucateca with trova music and folk dance. On Sunday mornings Paseo de Montejo closes to cars for cycling and walking. Check the current calendar for something you would choose to attend. [B2, B1]

Cenotes within a day trip

03

A guide describes cenotes around Mérida, with the Cuzamá circuit about 46 km away and more at Homún. If weekends outdoors matter to you, compare the trip from a prospective home, with or without a car. [B1]

Buses and a regional advisory

04

A regular Va y Ven bus trip costs MXN 12, and airport and Tren Maya station routes MXN 45, according to a 2026 press report. Canada's travel advice does not list Yucatán among the states to avoid, but advises a high degree of caution across Mexico. [B4, V5]

[B1]What to do in Mérida: the complete guide · [B2]Parque de Santa Lucía, Mérida · [B4]Va y Ven routes and 2026 fares · [V5]Mexico travel advice and advisories · [B3]Best time to visit Mérida: weather month by month Monthly figures are planning allowances; breakdown on the finances page. FX: MX$1 = $0.05497, 2 October 2026, before fees. Research checked 4 October 2026. Requirements for 2027 need reconfirmation. The solvency test is set in days of the UMA, which INEGI updates each February, and each consulate converts it to dollars at its own rate. Research information, not an official decision or personal professional advice.

YOUR MAIN COMPROMISE

Heat. A local guide puts April to June afternoons at 38 to 40°C, with a wet season from June to October and hurricane season from 1 June to 30 November. If heat is hard for you, reconsider Mérida before committing, and check air conditioning in any home. [B3]

FROM CITY TO ADDRESS

Find your part of Mérida

Start with these three areas. Then let the actual flat, your working day and the walk to essentials decide.

Where to start looking

ONE ADVERTISED RENT

Centro

Colonia Alemán, near the park

01

Barrio de Santiago One advert lists a furnished one-bedroom, 50 m² on a second floor without a lift, five blocks from Parque de Santiago, at MXN 8,000 with water, gas and internet included; electricity is extra. It asks for a one-year contract before a notary, a deposit, a month's legal costs and a Yucatán guarantor or extra deposit. [A1, B1] Your test: Start here for central city life. Visit after dark and during a morning call slot to check street noise and the walk home.

MX$10,000 / $550

PER MONTH

Furnished one-bedroom, 55 m², second floor

Electricity, water, internet and rubbish included

Benito Juárez Norte

02

Inverter air conditioning in the bedroom

Near Avenida García Lavín An advert lists a furnished one-bedroom, 61 m² on a first floor, at MXN 13,000 including maintenance, water and rubbish collection, with two air-conditioning units, a rooftop pool and one parking space. The advert says images are renders. [A2] Your test: Check the finished flat in person, and how long trips to the centre take without a car.

Minimum one-year term; up to two people

ADVERTISED UPFRONT

Rent in advance, a security deposit and notary costs for the contract. The deposit and notary amounts are not stated; confirm them before comparing. = MX$0 / about $0

Temozón Norte

03

Gated developments in the north An advert lists a new, unfurnished one-bedroom of 55 m² in a complex with a coworking room, gym and pool, at MXN 11,500. It asks for a month's rent, a month's deposit with a guarantor or a double deposit, and a notarised agreement. The advert says maintenance is included but also shows an approximate MXN 2,440 fee. [A3] Your test: Ask whether maintenance is extra, budget for furniture, and test the coworking room's internet before signing.

THE IMPORTANT CONDITION

The advert says it is available immediately and has no parking or lift. Which income evidence the landlord accepts from a remote worker or freelancer is unconfirmed.

Advertiser listing [F2]

[A1]Furnished one-bedroom flat, Barrio de Santiago (Centro) · [B1]What to do in Mérida: the complete guide · [A2]Furnished one-bedroom flat, Benito Juárez Norte · [A3]Unfurnished one-bedroom flat, Temozón Norte · [F2]Furnished one-bedroom flat, Colonia Alemán Asking rent inspected 4 October 2026; availability and terms are unconfirmed. Areas are scouting suggestions, not verified noise or safety rankings. Research checked 4 October 2026. Requirements for 2027 need reconfirmation. The solvency test is set in days of the UMA, which INEGI updates each February, and each consulate converts it to dollars at its own rate. Research information, not an official decision or personal professional advice.

Price is only the first filter. An affordable listing still needs suitable lease terms, acceptable documents and a flat that supports your working day.

OTHER PLACES TO INVESTIGATE

Two different ways to settle

Use these alternatives to test what matters most. The homes shown are individual leads.

01 / QUERÉTARO / JURIQUILLA

JURIQUILLA

A colonial centre. A milder, inland climate.

Querétaro

MX$15,000 / $825

A guide describes a historic centre of colonial houses turned into museums and restaurants, a 74-arch aqueduct, and wine and cheese routes nearby. Canada's travel advice does not list Querétaro state among the areas to avoid. [C1, V5] Your deciding question: is a suburban flat with amenities worth a higher rent and a longer trip to the old centre?

MONTHLY

Semi-furnished one-bedroom, 64 m², sixth floor with lift

Maintenance included; pool, gym and 24-hour security

Two parking spaces

UPFRONT

Not stated in the advert, apart from a legal guarantee policy charged on top. Confirm deposit and policy cost. MX$0 / $0

Juriquilla is outside the historic centre; acceptance of foreign income records is unknown. No complete Querétaro living budget is available. [C2]

02 / OAXACA DE JUÁREZ / COLONIA REFORMA

COLONIA REFORMA

Markets and mountains. Lower rents, more earthquakes.

Oaxaca de Juárez

A guide describes a World Heritage centre with the pedestrian Macedonio Alcalá street, the 20 de Noviembre and Benito Juárez markets and Monte Albán above the valley. Canada's travel advice names Oaxaca among the states where earthquakes particularly occur, but does not list it among states to avoid. [P1, V5] Your deciding question: are you comfortable with earthquake risk and a smaller city's services for a year?

MX$9,000 / $495

MONTHLY

Furnished one-bedroom, 60 m², for one or two people

[C1]What to do in Querétaro · [V5]Mexico travel advice and advisories · [C2]Semi-furnished one-bedroom flat, Cumbres del Lago (Juriquilla) · [P1]What to do in Oaxaca de Juárez · [P2]Furnished one-bedroom flat, Colonia Reforma (Oaxaca) These are different homes, not city price averages. Confirm the exact unit, terms, documents and availability directly. Research checked 4 October 2026. Requirements for 2027 need reconfirmation. The solvency test is set in days of the UMA, which INEGI updates each February, and each consulate converts it to dollars at its own rate. Research information, not an official decision or personal professional advice.

Water and internet included

No parking; a small pet accepted

BRING THE DECISION TOGETHER

Protect your room to choose

Mérida is the first place to inspect. The country decision still depends on permission, tax and housing.

MÉRIDA / MONTHLY PLANNING MODEL

MXN

APPROX. USD

Rent

MX$8,000–13,000

$440–715

Utilities and connectivity

Unknown

Unknown

Groceries and household

Unknown

Unknown

Cafés and leisure

Unknown

Unknown

Local transport

MX$480–720

$26–40

Health cover (IMSS family insurance, ages 20 to 59)

MX$963–1,238

$53–68

Personal incidentals

Unknown

Unknown

Flexibility buffer

Unknown

Unknown

No dated, sourced price was found for electricity, internet, groceries, leisure, private health insurance or incidentals, so those lines are null rather than estimated. Some adverts include utilities in the rent and others do not. A flexibility buffer is a personal choice, so it is left blank. No total is given because it would be incomplete. Personal tax and social contributions are excluded. Missing costs are not zero.

Your monthly living budget is not in your brief, so no headroom is calculated.

YOUR MOVING FUND

$50,000 − $20,000 protected reserve = $30,000 available for the move. The Mérida listing’s $0 upfront uses about 0% of that fund. Separate advance rent from the refundable deposit, then add documents, cover, travel and temporary stays. Do not count prepaid rent twice.

Our country verdict

BEFORE COMMITTING

This pack compares places and does not recommend one. Mérida is the main case because its asking rents, bus fare and one public health option could be priced from current sources. Querétaro and Oaxaca are shown for contrast, with one advertised rent each.

Confirm dates and the right status, your consulate's solvency figure and how it treats your income, a tax reserve for both countries, an acceptable tenancy, and health cover from arrival.

[A1]Furnished one-bedroom flat, Barrio de Santiago (Centro) · [F2]Furnished one-bedroom flat, Colonia Alemán · [A3]Unfurnished one-bedroom flat, Temozón Norte · [A2]Furnished one-bedroom flat, Benito Juárez Norte · [B4]Va y Ven routes and 2026 fares · [H3]IMSS family health insurance (Modalidad 33): cover, requirements and 2026 fees · [F1]Peso exchange rates (FIX and rates against other currencies), 2 October 2026 · [F3]Euro reference rates, 2 October 2026 Rent shows the spread of four asking rents on individual adverts today, not a city average or a quote. Transport assumes 40 to 60 regular bus trips at MXN 12. Health cover is the 2026 annual IMSS fee for ages 20 to 59 divided by 12, if you are eligible; private insurance is not priced. FX: MX$1 = $0.05497, 2 October 2026, before fees. Research checked 4 October 2026. Requirements for 2027 need reconfirmation. The solvency test is set in days of the UMA, which INEGI updates each February, and each consulate converts it to dollars at its own rate. Research information, not an official decision or personal professional advice.

THE DECISION

Choose your compromise.

There is no single winner independent of your priorities. These are conditional research judgements, not numerical fit scores.

Portugal · Braga

Spain · Zaragoza

Mexico · Mérida

Braga first, if its trade-offs suit your routine.

Zaragoza first, if its trade-offs suit your routine.

Mérida first, if its trade-offs suit your routine.

The compromise: A wet, cool winter. One modelled climate summary has rain through the year, with December the wettest month at about 138 mm and July the driest at about 14 mm. It is not the official IPMA normals, so check those before relying on it. [B6]

The compromise: Hot summers and grey, windy winters. AEMET's 1981 to 2010 normals for the airport give an average July high of 32.4°C, a January low of 2.7°C, about 22 foggy days a year and 322 mm of rain. A guide warns of the cold cierzo wind in winter. Check cooling, heating and the energy rating of any home. [B2, B1]

The compromise: Heat. A local guide puts April to June afternoons at 38 to 40°C, with a wet season from June to October and hurricane season from 1 June to 30 November. If heat is hard for you, reconsider Mérida before committing, and check air conditioning in any home. [B3]

Where to start

Start with Braga and keep the others open until permission, tax and housing are checked.

Research checked 3 October 2026–4 October 2026; source dates vary. Independent research, not a government service, official eligibility decision or tax, legal or immigration advice.

YOUR FINANCES

Your monthly living costs.

These are constructed living allowances. They do not calculate disposable income or a personal tax bill.

Braga, Zaragoza, and Mérida are not yet comparable: their living budget is not complete, or there is no reference rate for USD. Missing costs are not zero.

FX: €1 = $1.12250, 2 October 2026, before fees. FX: €1 = $1.12250, 2 October 2026, before fees. FX: MX$1 = $0.05497, 2 October 2026, before fees. Research checked 3 October 2026–4 October 2026; source dates vary. Independent research, not a government service, official eligibility decision or tax, legal or immigration advice.

YOUR NEXT STEPS

Make each decision in order.

Resolve the questions that could undo the move before making avoidable irreversible commitments.

Confirm your profile and dates

1

Check the answers marked unknown or unconfirmed, and fix your moving dates.

Validate the permission route

2

Check the current requirements for the route that fits your stay, from the sources in each chapter.

Get a dated tax and contribution plan

3

Ask a qualified adviser familiar with both countries for a reserve and filing plan.

Test an actual address and tenancy

4

Visit at your working hours, and confirm terms and the documents a landlord accepts.

Commit in dependency order

5

Permission and tax first, then the home, then travel and the move itself.

Research checked 3 October 2026–4 October 2026; source dates vary. Independent research, not a government service, official eligibility decision or tax, legal or immigration advice.

THE EVIDENCE

Understand the evidence.

Rules, observations and judgement

Dates matter

Each source shows the date it was checked. Requirements change; reconfirm them for your moving date.

Rules come from official sources. Observations, such as an asking rent, show one moment. Judgements combine both with your brief and are marked as research, not advice.

Evidence is not equally complete

Verify consequential claims

Where a figure is missing, it is shown as unknown. Missing costs are never treated as zero.

Before paying, signing or applying, open the linked source and confirm it still says the same.

Independent research, not government representation or tax, legal or immigration advice. Countries outside this report have not been established as worse choices.

Research checked 3 October 2026–4 October 2026; source dates vary. Independent research, not a government service, official eligibility decision or tax, legal or immigration advice.