Moving to Spain sounds romantic until you’re knee‑deep in paperwork and trying to open a bank account without the right number. A proper moving to Spain checklist makes the whole process far less stressful.
These are the essentials you’ll actually need to sort out when relocating to Spain.
1. Check your visa or residency status first
Before booking removals, make sure you’re legally allowed to stay.
- EU citizens can live and work in Spain but must register as residents if staying longer than 90 days.
- Non‑EU citizens, including Brits, must apply for the appropriate visa if staying beyond 90 days in any 180‑day period.
Common long‑stay routes include work visas, the non‑lucrative visa and the digital nomad visa.
2. Apply for your NIE number early
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is your foreigner identification number, and you’ll use it constantly. It’s essentially your administrative key to Spain.
You’ll need a NIE to:
- Sign a rental contract
- Buy property
- Open a bank account
- Set up utilities
- Pay taxes
3. Register on the padrón
Once you have an address, you must register at your local town hall on the padrón municipal (local residents’ register).
This registration proves where you live and is often required for residency paperwork, school enrolment and access to certain public services.
4. Open a Spanish bank account
You’ll struggle to function without a Spanish bank account. Rent, utilities, taxes and even gym memberships are usually paid by direct debit.
Banks are strict about documentation due to anti‑money laundering regulations. Expect to show a valid passport, your NIE, proof of income or employment, and tax identification details
Once your Spanish bank account is set up, you’ll likely need to transfer funds. If this transfer involves a currency other than euros, it’s important to consider how you make the transfer, as exchange rates and hidden fees can notably impact the final amount you receive.
To help you, idealista has launched a secure and competitive currency exchange service designed specifically for people transferring funds from outside the Eurozone to Spain.
5. Sort out healthcare cover
Spain’s public healthcare system is strong, but access depends on your status.
If you’re employed and registered with Spanish Social Security, you’ll normally be covered. If you’re applying for certain visas, you may need comprehensive private health insurance as part of the application process.
6. Register for Social Security if you’re working
If you’re employed by a Spanish company, your employer will register you with the Spanish Social Security system.
If you’re self‑employed (known locally as autónomo), you must register yourself and pay monthly contributions. Freelancers also need to file quarterly tax returns for income tax and VAT.
7. Understand your tax residency
If you spend more than 183 days per year in Spain, you’re generally considered a tax resident for the hacienda. That means declaring your worldwide income to the Spanish tax authorities.
Tax rules can be complex, especially if you still have income or property abroad. Getting proper advice early can prevent expensive mistakes later.
8. Secure accommodation before committing long-term
Spain’s property market varies widely by region, and demand remains high in cities. When renting a flat in Spain, landlords typically ask for proof of employment, recent payslips and a deposit of one or two months’ rent.
In tighter markets, competition moves quickly, and digital processes such as online room booking have started to reshape parts of the rental sector.
If you’re buying, remember that the purchase price is only part of the equation. Resale properties are subject to transfer tax (ITP), while new builds usually include VAT (IVA). Notary fees, land registry costs and annual local taxes should also be factored in before you commit.
9. Get your documents translated and copied
Spain loves paperwork. Many official documents must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator and, in some cases, legalised or apostilled.
Keep digital and physical copies of everything. It sounds dull, but it saves endless back‑and‑forth later.
10. Learn basic Spanish
Even in areas with large international communities, daily life runs more smoothly if you tackle the language and can handle simple conversations.
Being able to book an appointment, speak to your landlord or ask questions at the town hall makes integration far easier. It also shows respect for the local community, which matters in a country with strong regional identities and co‑official languages in some areas.
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