What do you need to know before moving to Spain?

Moving to Spain is a big decision with many practical details. Here is the full checklist of what you need to have in order — from paperwork to everyday life.

1. NIE number

NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is your Spanish identification number and is required for almost everything — buying property, opening a bank account, applying for jobs and even getting a mobile contract. You can apply at the Spanish embassy in your home country or directly in Spain at a police station (Oficina de Extranjería).

2. Local registration (empadronamiento)

Once you have a fixed address, you need to register at the local town hall (ayuntamiento). This document (certificado de empadronamiento) is needed for access to public services, school enrolment and often for opening certain bank accounts.

3. Residence permit (if relevant)

As an EU citizen you can live in Spain without a visa, but if you plan to stay for more than 3 months, you need to register as a resident and get a "Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión" — described in detail in our article on how long you can stay in Spain. Non-EU citizens face different visa and residence requirements.

4. Health insurance

Depending on your situation (employee, self-employed, retiree or not working), you have different options for health coverage. See our in-depth review in the article on the Spanish healthcare system.

5. A bank account

A Spanish bank account is practically essential for paying rent, bills and utilities. The major banks (Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank, Sabadell) all have experience with foreign customers, and the process is usually straightforward with a passport and NIE number in hand.

6. Tax and double taxation

If you move permanently to Spain, you become a tax resident after 183 days a year in the country. Spain has double taxation agreements with most countries that prevent you from being fully taxed twice — but the rules are complex, and we always recommend consulting an accountant who specialises in cross-border taxation before you move.

7. Moving your belongings and pets

As an EU citizen you can move your belongings without customs formalities. Pets need an EU pet passport with valid vaccinations, including rabies, plus a microchip — plan this well in advance, as there can be waiting times for vaccination programmes.

Tip: Start the paperwork 2-3 months before your planned moving date. The NIE application, bank account and finding a property often take longer than expected, especially in high season.

8. School and childcare

If you are moving with children, you need to choose between public Spanish school (free, but fully taught in Spanish or the regional co-official language), a private international school (English-language teaching, but typically 5,000-15,000 EUR/year in fees) or a hybrid solution. The major expat areas have several international schools to choose from, while the choice is more limited outside the established destinations.

9. Phone and digital infrastructure

Switch to a Spanish mobile plan relatively soon after arrival — it is cheaper than staying on a home-country plan with roaming, and necessary for using Spanish apps for banking, health and public administration. The major providers (Movistar, Vodafone, Orange) as well as cheaper alternatives like Lebara or Digi offer good coverage along the coast.

10. Translating documents

Official documents from your home country — birth and marriage certificates, diplomas, medical records — often need to be translated by a certified translator (traductor jurado) to be recognised by Spanish authorities. Get this done before departure if possible, as it can take time to find a qualified translator and cost several hundred euros per set of documents.

11. Insurance policies to update or set up

Beyond home and health insurance, you should consider liability insurance (responsabilidad civil), which in Spain is often more widespread and expected than elsewhere — particularly if you have children, a dog or a pool. Car insurance needs to be taken out locally if you re-register or buy a car in Spain, and prices can differ markedly from your home-country premiums depending on your age and driving history.

Frequently asked questions about moving to Spain

How long does it take to get a NIE number?

Typically 2-8 weeks depending on whether you apply via the Spanish embassy in your home country or directly in Spain, and depending on the season. If you apply in Spain during high season (summer), waiting times for a police appointment can be longer.

Do I need to deregister at home?

Yes, if you move permanently, you typically need to notify your home country's civil registry of your move abroad. This affects your tax liability at home, access to public benefits and your health insurance card.

Can I move without having a property in place first?

Yes, many people choose to rent short-term for the first few months while they explore areas and find the right permanent home. This lets you "test" different towns before committing to a purchase.

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