Moving to Spain is one of the most exciting decisions you'll make - and one of the most administratively demanding. Between visa applications, NIE appointments, bank accounts, and healthcare registration, the to-do list can feel endless. This checklist covers everything, in order.
This guide is written for people relocating from the UK, US, Ireland, Australia, and other non-EU countries. EU/EEA citizens have a slightly different process - we'll note where it differs.
6 Months Before You Move
Decide on your visa category
Spain has several visa options for non-EU citizens. The most common for long-term stays are:
- Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) - for those with sufficient passive income or savings. No working in Spain.
- Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) - for remote workers employed by or freelancing for companies outside Spain.
- Student Visa - for language courses or university enrolment.
Each has different income requirements, document lists, and processing times. Book an expert Q&A session if you're unsure which applies to you - choosing the wrong visa costs time and money.
Gather your documents
Most visas require apostilled documents from your home country. Start this process early - apostilles can take 4–8 weeks in some countries. Typical requirements include:
- Valid passport (minimum 1 year validity beyond your intended stay)
- Criminal background check (apostilled)
- Birth certificate (apostilled, sometimes translated)
- Proof of income or savings (bank statements, pension letters, company contracts)
- Private health insurance policy valid in Spain
Get private health insurance
Required for most visa applications and essential before you have access to Spain's public health system. Providers popular with expats include Sanitas, Adeslas, and AXA. Compare policies carefully - some exclude pre-existing conditions or have significant co-pays.
3 Months Before You Move
Research your destination
Spain is not one city. Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Madrid, and the Costa all have very different lifestyles, costs, weather, and expat communities. Factor in: cost of rent, climate, proximity to international schools (if needed), and public transport quality.
Sort your finances
- Notify your bank of your move and check international transfer fees
- Open a Wise or Revolut account for low-cost transfers
- Research Spanish bank accounts - some accept non-residents (Sabadell, BBVA)
- Understand your tax residency implications (183-day rule)
Start the rental search
Spanish landlords move fast. Start browsing Idealista and Fotocasa. Prepare to act quickly - good apartments in popular expat areas are typically gone within days. Budget for 1 month's rent deposit (fianza) plus 1–2 months extra commonly requested by landlords.
1 Month Before You Move
- Cancel or pause UK/US direct debits and subscriptions
- Redirect your post (Royal Mail offers a 12-month redirect service)
- Inform HMRC/IRS of your departure date
- Get an International Driving Permit if driving on arrival
- Arrange pet travel paperwork (EU pet passport or USDA health certificate)
- Book your removal company - get at least 3 quotes
- Sort storage for anything you're not taking immediately
First 30 Days in Spain
Get your NIE
The Número de Identidad de Extranjero is your Spanish tax identification number - you'll need it for almost everything. Book your appointment at the nearest Oficina de Extranjería or Comisaría de Policía. Appointments are scarce; book as soon as you arrive. See our dedicated NIE guide for the full process.
Register on the Padrón
The Padrón is the municipal register of residents. You register at your local Ayuntamiento (town hall) with your passport and a signed rental contract or property deed. The Padrón certificate is required for many bureaucratic processes including NIE applications, school enrolment, and healthcare registration.
Open a Spanish bank account
Most landlords require payment from a Spanish account. Bring your NIE, passport, and proof of address. BBVA and Sabadell have English-language apps and branches used to dealing with expats.
Register for healthcare
If you're a worker, you'll be registered automatically through social security. If you're on an NLV or retired, you'll need private insurance until you qualify for the public system (S1 form for UK pensioners, or via reciprocal agreements). Check your specific situation carefully.
First 3 Months
- Get your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) - your physical residency card
- Register your car or arrange Spanish insurance
- Exchange your driving licence (UK licences must be exchanged within 6 months)
- File your first Spanish tax declaration if you become tax resident
- Set up utilities in your name
- Enrol children in school
The Easy Part: Living
Once the admin is behind you, Spain genuinely delivers. The food, the pace, the weather, the communities - it's worth every appointment and every form. And if you want support navigating any of the above, we're here.
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