What does it cost to move to Spain?

Beyond the property itself, there are a number of set-up costs involved in the move to Spain itself. Here is the realistic budget.

Removal company

An international move with a removal company typically costs 2,000-6,000 EUR depending on the volume of belongings and distance. Smaller moves (just the essentials) can be handled more cheaply with a trailer or small van, while a full household move sits at the higher end.

Deposit and first months' rent (if renting before buying)

If you choose to rent first to "test the water" before buying, you typically need to set aside 1-2 months' rent as a deposit plus the first month's rent in advance — for an ordinary apartment at 800 EUR/month, that is 1,600-2,400 EUR in start-up capital.

NIE number and administrative fees

The NIE application itself costs a small administrative fee (typically under 15 EUR), but if you use a lawyer or gestoria (administrative agent) to handle the process for you, budget 100-300 EUR for this assistance.

Car and driving licence

If you want a car in Spain, you can either bring your own (requiring re-registration after a certain period) or buy a Spanish car. Re-registering a foreign car on Spanish plates involves a technical inspection and environmental test plus fees typically of 300-600 EUR on top of any registration tax.

Furnishing and appliances

Many Spanish rentals are furnished, but if you buy a property and need to furnish it from scratch, budget 3,000-8,000 EUR for basic appliances, furniture and furnishing, depending on the size of the property and your ambitions.

A buffer for unforeseen costs

As with any major life change, you should have a buffer of at least 2-3 months' living costs for unforeseen expenses in the first months, while you settle in administratively and practically.

Combined estimate: A "lean" move (limited belongings, rental property, no car re-registration) can be done for 5,000-8,000 EUR in set-up costs. A full move with a removal company, a car and complete furnishing of a purchased property can run to 15,000-25,000 EUR.

School and child-related costs when moving

If you are moving with children to an international school, beyond the ongoing fees (5,000-15,000 EUR/year) you often need to budget for an enrolment fee and possibly a school uniform and materials at 500-1,500 EUR in start-up costs.

Should you rent or buy from the start?

Most relocation advisors recommend renting for the first 6-12 months, even if the eventual goal is to buy. That gives you the chance to get to know the area, town and neighbourhood better before committing to a purchase — and it markedly reduces the initial set-up capital needed, since you avoid the 10-13% in purchase-related taxes and fees from day one.

Moving with a car — the practical details

If you choose to drive your own car to Spain, you can use it for up to 6 months without re-registering, after which it needs to be re-registered on Spanish plates if you become a resident. The process requires a technical inspection (ITV, the Spanish equivalent of an MOT/roadworthiness test), payment of a registration tax depending on the car's CO2 emissions and age, and presentation of the original paperwork from home. Budget both time (several weeks) and money for this process.

Tax considerations when moving assets

If you sell your property at home to finance the Spanish purchase, be aware of any capital gains tax rules at home (though these are typically tax-free on the sale of your primary private home in many countries). If you transfer larger sums to a Spanish account, there are no special restrictions, but Spanish banks may in some cases ask about the origin of larger transfers as part of their anti-money-laundering checks — this is normal procedure and nothing to worry about, just something to be prepared for with documentation.

Frequently asked questions about moving costs

Can I save money by driving the move myself in a trailer?

Yes, if you are only moving the essentials, a self-driven move with a trailer or rented van can cost under 1,000 EUR in fuel and rental, markedly cheaper than a full removal company — but it requires more time and physical effort from you.

Are there tax advantages to moving my belongings to Spain?

As an EU citizen you move freely without customs formalities between EU countries, so there are no import duties on your personal belongings. There is therefore no special tax advantage to gain, but also no extra cost beyond the transport itself.

What is the most overlooked expense when moving to Spain?

Many underestimate the cost of translating official documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, diplomas), which often need to be certified-translated to be accepted by Spanish authorities — this can add up to several hundred euros in total.