Interest in moving to Spain has significantly increased among Cuban Americans and Latinos residing in Miami, who see the European country as an opportunity to improve their quality of life and optimize their tax situation.
This trend is part of a broader phenomenon of Americans—especially professionals with the option to work remotely—who are applying for visas to live in Spain, taking advantage of benefits such as the so-called Beckham Law and the digital nomad visa.
According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), by mid-2024, there were 69,171 registered U.S. citizens in Spain, representing a 49% increase compared to 2018.
Federico González, founder of GS Legal Consulting, explained to the newspaper El Español that “residency applications have increased, especially those related to digital nomad visas, which are becoming more appealing to those looking to combine remote work with a better quality of life.”
For many Cuban-Americans and Latinos settled in Miami, Spain has become an attractive destination not only because of shared language and culture but also due to the tax advantages of the expatriate regime.
This regulation, popularly known as the Beckham Law, allows newcomers to pay taxes only on the income generated in Spain for six years, exempting income from abroad.
According to a report by El Confidencial, law firms in Madrid and Barcelona have reported a “flood of inquiries” from the United States, particularly from Florida, where there is a high concentration of Cuban Americans.
These requests come not only from highly skilled workers but also from digital entrepreneurs, influencers, liberal professionals, and families seeking economic stability and quality public services.
The factors driving this exodus go beyond fiscal considerations. Many of these migrants point to the high cost of living in Miami, the rising housing prices, unequal access to healthcare and education, as well as the perception of an increasingly tense political and social climate in the United States.
Although Spain is not without challenges, for this growing group of Latino migrants, it represents a viable alternative, offering access to a more peaceful, safe, and economically stable life.
The ease of cultural integration, the public healthcare system, and the possibility of acquiring Spanish nationality after two years of legal residency are additional incentives.
This new migratory flow marks a growing trend: the search for quality of life beyond the so-called “American dream.”
Frequently Asked Questions about the Migration of Cuban Americans and Latinos from Miami to Spain
Spain offers a better quality of life and significant tax advantages for Cuban Americans and Latinos in Miami, who are looking to improve their economic situation and enjoy quality public services. The Beckham Law and digital nomad visas are appealing factors for those who wish to combine remote work with a more favorable environment.
The Beckham Law allows newcomers to tax only the income generated in Spain for six years, exempting income from abroad. This regulation is particularly appealing for those looking to optimize their tax situation when relocating to Spain.
The challenges include the administrative collapse in Spanish consulates, especially in Latin America and the United States, which has significantly delayed the process of obtaining nationality. In places like Havana, the delays are even more severe, with waits of up to 10 months just to initiate the procedure.
The internal exodus in Miami-Dade has been offset by record international migration, which keeps the county’s population growth steady. However, Cuban-Americans are facing an increasingly hostile environment due to restrictive immigration policies in the United States, prompting many to seek alternatives outside the country.