Moving to Spain: Complete Guide 2025

Moving to Spain is an exciting adventure, but requires careful planning and preparation. This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step checklist, visa options, housing search strategies, shipping logistics, and everything you need to successfully relocate to Spain in 2025.

Quick Facts:

• Best Time to Move: September-October (after summer, before holidays) or January-February (new year, lower competition for housing)
• Timeline: Allow 6-12 months for planning (visa processing, housing search, shipping)
• Average Moving Costs: €5,000-€15,000 (visa, flights, shipping, deposits, initial setup)
• Essential First Steps: Choose visa, apply for NIE, secure housing, book flights, arrange shipping
• First Month Priorities: Empadronamiento, bank account, healthcare registration, phone/internet

Why Move to Spain?

Top Reasons Expats Choose Spain:

1. Quality of Life

• 300+ days of sunshine annually (most regions)
• Mediterranean lifestyle (emphasis on family, leisure, good food)
• Work-life balance (siesta culture, late dinners, socializing)
• Low stress compared to northern Europe/US

2. Affordable Cost of Living

• 30-50% cheaper than UK, US major cities
• €1,500-€2,500/month comfortable lifestyle (varies by city)
• Excellent value for housing, food, healthcare

3. World-Class Healthcare

• Ranked #7 globally by WHO
• Free public healthcare (if contributing to Social Security)
• Private insurance €50-€150/month

4. Safety

• One of Europe’s safest countries
• Low violent crime rates
• Safe for families, solo travelers, women

5. Cultural Richness

• UNESCO World Heritage sites (49—third most in the world)
• Vibrant arts, music, festivals
• Rich history and architecture

6. Climate

• Mediterranean coast: Mild winters, hot summers
• Interior (Madrid): Four seasons
• Northern coast: Moderate, rainy (similar to Ireland)

7. Central European Location

• 2-3 hours flight to most European capitals
• Easy weekend trips (Paris, Rome, London, Lisbon)
• High-speed AVE trains connect major Spanish cities

Moving Timeline: 6-12 Months Before

12 Months Before: Research & Planning

Research Visa Options:

• Determine which visa you qualify for (work, digital nomad, non-lucrative, student, golden visa)
• Understand requirements and processing times
• Complete Visa Guides →

Research Cities/Regions:

• Consider: Job market, cost of living, climate, expat community, language (Catalan in Barcelona, Basque in Bilbao)
• Popular expat cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Málaga
• City Guides →

Visit Spain (If Possible):

• Spend 1-2 weeks exploring target cities
• Visit neighborhoods, check rental markets
• Network with expats (Facebook groups, meetups)

Assess Finances:

• Calculate moving costs: Visa fees, flights, shipping, deposits (typically €8,000-€15,000)
• Build emergency fund: 6 months living expenses
• Research Spanish taxes and cost of living
• Cost of Living Guide →

6-9 Months Before: Visa Application & Documentation

Gather Required Documents:

• Criminal background check (FBI check for US, DBS for UK)
• Birth/marriage certificates (apostilled)
• Proof of income/savings
• Health insurance quotes
• Employment contracts or business plans

Apply for Visa:

• Non-lucrative visa: 2-4 months processing
• Digital Nomad Visa: 1-2 months
• Work visa: 3-4 months (employer initiates)
• Visa Guides →

Learn Spanish:

• Start basic Spanish course (Duolingo, Babbel, local classes)
• Aim for A2-B1 level before arrival (conversational basics)
• Even in Barcelona, Spanish is essential for daily life

3-6 Months Before: Housing & Logistics

Housing Search:

• Start online (Idealista.com, Fotocasa.es)
• Join expat Facebook groups for housing tips
• Consider short-term rental first (1-3 months) to explore before committing
• Barcelona Housing Guide →

Shipping Decisions:

• Decide: Ship belongings OR sell everything and buy new
• Get shipping quotes (€2,000-€8,000 for full container from US/UK)
• Book shipping company 2-3 months in advance

Notify Important Parties:

• Employer (if quitting)
• Landlord (give notice)
• Banks, credit card companies, insurance (inform of move)
• Government agencies (tax authorities, social security)

Book Flights:

• Book 2-3 months in advance for better prices
• Consider: One-way vs round-trip, checked baggage allowance
• Bring essentials in carry-on (important documents, 1-week clothing, electronics)

1-3 Months Before: Final Preparations

Close Out Home Country Affairs:

• Cancel subscriptions, gym memberships
• Forward mail (set up mail forwarding service)
• File taxes (if moving mid-year)
• Keep home country bank account open temporarily

Medical Preparations:

• Schedule final check-ups (dentist, doctor, eye exam)
• Get prescriptions filled (bring 3-6 month supply)
• Request medical records (translated if possible)

Pet Preparations (If Applicable):

• EU Pet Passport (microchip, rabies vaccination)
• Book pet-friendly flight or pet relocation service
• Pet Relocation Guide →

Pack Essentials:

• Important documents (passport, visa, apostilled certificates, NIE paperwork)
• Electronics (laptop, phone, chargers—Spain uses EU plugs, 220V)
• Medications
• Clothing for first 2 weeks
• Sentimental items (photos, jewelry)

Moving Checklist: First Week in Spain

Day 1-3: Immediate Essentials

✓ Arrival & Accommodation:

• Check into temporary housing (Airbnb, hotel, or long-term rental)
• Exchange currency (or withdraw from ATM—avoid airport exchange)
• Buy Spanish SIM card (Vodafone, Orange, MásMóvil—€10-€30/month plans)

✓ Get Your Bearings:

• Learn public transport (buy metro card)
• Locate nearest supermarket, pharmacy, hospital
• Download essential apps: Google Maps, Google Translate, public transport app

✓ Register Arrival (If Visa Holder):

• Non-EU: Report to police within 3 days (empadronamiento serves this purpose in most cases)

Week 1: Critical Registrations

Priority 1: Apply for NIE (If Not Already Done)

• NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) required for everything
• Book appointment (cita previa) at police station or immigration office
• Gather documents: Passport, visa, proof of address, payment (€10.71)
• Processing: Same day to 4 weeks
• Complete NIE Guide →

Priority 2: Open Bank Account

• Needed for salary, rent, utilities
• Options: N26 (digital, easiest), BBVA, CaixaBank (traditional)
• Documents: NIE/passport, proof of address
• Bank Account Guide →

Priority 3: Register for Padrón (Empadronamiento)

• Municipal registration at town hall (ayuntamiento)
• Required for healthcare, visa renewals, school enrollment
• Documents: NIE, rental contract, registration form
• Empadronamiento Guide →

Moving Checklist: First Month

Weeks 2-4: Essential Setup

✓ Healthcare Registration:

• If employed: Employer registers you with Social Security (automatic healthcare access)
• If autónomo: Register with regional health service (SERMAS, CatSalut, etc.)
• If visa requires private insurance: Activate insurance policy
• Healthcare Guide →

✓ Set Up Utilities:

• Electricity: Iberdrola, Endesa, Naturgy (compare prices on comparador-luz.com)
• Internet/phone: Movistar, Orange, Vodafone (100-600 Mbps fiber, €30-€45/month)
• Water: Usually arranged by landlord
• Gas (if applicable): Same providers as electricity

✓ Apply for TIE Card (If Non-EU Visa Holder):

• Within 30 days of arrival
• Book appointment at police station/immigration office
• Documents: Visa, passport, proof of address, photos, fee (€12)
• Processing: 45 days
• Work Visa Guide →

✓ Transportation:

• Get metro/transport pass (abono transporte)
• Register for bike-sharing (BiciMAD in Madrid, Bicing in Barcelona)
• Consider: Used car, Spanish driver’s license (if needed)

✓ Social Integration:

• Join expat Facebook groups
• Attend language exchange (intercambio)
• Meetup.com events
• Coworking spaces for networking

Visa Options for Moving to Spain

For Workers

1. Work Visa (Cuenta Ajena)

• Requires: Job offer from Spanish employer
• Employer sponsors visa
• Processing: 3-4 months
• Work Visa Guide →

2. Digital Nomad Visa

• Requires: €2,334/month income from foreign sources
• For remote workers/freelancers
• Processing: 1-2 months
• Digital Nomad Visa Guide →

3. Self-Employment Visa (Cuenta Propia)

• For entrepreneurs, freelancers
• Requires: Business plan, €25,000-€50,000 capital
• Autónomo Guide →

For Non-Workers

4. Non-Lucrative Visa

• Requires: €600/month passive income (no work allowed)
• For retirees, people with savings/investments
• Processing: 2-4 months
• Non-Lucrative Visa Guide →

5. Student Visa

• Requires: Enrollment in Spanish educational institution
• Allows part-time work (20-30 hours/week)
• Processing: 1-3 months

6. Golden Visa

• Requires: €500,000+ property investment OR €1M securities
• Fast-track residence permit
• Golden Visa Guide →

For EU Citizens

No Visa Required

• Automatic right to live and work in Spain
• Register for residencia after 3 months
• Still need NIE for official procedures

Finding Housing in Spain

Where to Search

Online Portals:

• Idealista.com - #1 Spanish housing portal
• Fotocasa.es - Second largest
• Habitaclia.com - Strong in Catalonia

Facebook Groups:

• “[City Name] Apartments/Flats”
• “[City Name] Expats”
• “Pisos [City Name]”

Agencies (Inmobiliarias):

• Charge 1 month’s rent + VAT (€1,000-€1,500 typical)
• Help with paperwork, viewings
• Useful for newcomers

Rental Costs by City (2025)

1-Bedroom Apartment:

• Madrid: €1,200-€1,600
• Barcelona: €1,200-€1,600
• Valencia: €800-€1,100
• Seville: €600-€900
• Málaga: €900-€1,300

Deposits:

• 1-2 months’ rent (held by government, refundable)
• Agency fee: 1 month’s rent + 21% VAT (if using agency)

Rental Tips

Tip 1: Start with Short-Term

• Rent Airbnb or short-term (1-3 months) initially
• Explore neighborhoods before committing
• Avoid rushing into 1-year lease

Tip 2: Get NIE First

• Most landlords require NIE to sign contract
• Apply for NIE in first week

Tip 3: Viewings in Person

• Don’t sign contracts without seeing property
• Scam alert: Fake landlords requesting deposits without viewings

Tip 4: Check Contract Carefully

• Ensure LAU (Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos) compliance
• Minimum 1-year contract (standard)
• Understand termination clauses (30 days notice after 6 months)

Tip 5: Landlord May Refuse Padrón

• Some landlords (illegally) refuse to let you register
• This is illegal—tenants have right to padrón
• Consider red flag if landlord refuses

Barcelona Housing Guide →

Shipping Your Belongings

Option 1: Ship Everything

When to Ship:

• Long-term move (5+ years)
• Sentimental items, expensive furniture
• Large household (family with kids)

Costs:

• Full container (20ft): €3,000-€8,000 (US/UK to Spain)
• Shared container: €1,500-€4,000 (smaller volume)
• Timeline: 4-8 weeks ocean freight

Customs:

• Duty-free if moving personal belongings (not commercial goods)
• Provide: Inventory list, proof of residence change, NIE
• Customs clearance: €200-€500 (broker fees)

Recommended Companies:

• Crown Relocations - Premium, full service
• Allied International - Mid-range
• Movecube (by PODS) - Budget-friendly, self-pack

Option 2: Sell Everything, Buy New

When It Makes Sense:

• Short-term trial (1-2 years)
• Minimal belongings
• Shipping costs > replacement costs

Advantages:

• Lower upfront costs
• Fresh start
• No customs hassle
• IKEA, Leroy Merlin, Zara Home widely available in Spain

Disadvantages:

• Lose sentimental items
• Setup costs (€3,000-€5,000 to furnish)

Option 3: Bring Essentials Only

What to Bring:

• Electronics (laptop, phone)
• Important documents
• Medications
• Sentimental items (photos, jewelry)
• Clothing for 2 weeks

Check luggage allowance:

• Most airlines: 2 bags × 23kg (international flights)
• Excess baggage: €50-€150 per extra bag

Ship rest via:

• Luggage shipping services: SendMyBag, Luggage Forward (€100-€300 for 2-3 bags)
• Mail services: USPS, Royal Mail (slow, cheap—€50-€150 per box)

Pet Relocation

EU Pet Passport Requirements

Dogs, Cats, Ferrets:

1. Microchip

• ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip
• Must be done before rabies vaccination

2. Rabies Vaccination

• Minimum 21 days before travel
• Must be current (1-3 years depending on vaccine)

3. EU Pet Passport

• Issued by veterinarian
• Records microchip, vaccinations, health checks

4. Tapeworm Treatment (Dogs Only)

• If coming from UK, Ireland, Finland, Norway, Malta
• 1-5 days before entry

Timeline: Allow 4-6 weeks to complete all requirements.

Pet Travel Options

Option 1: In-Cabin

• Small pets only (carrier <8kg total)
• Airlines: Iberia, Vueling, Air Europa allow in-cabin
• Cost: €50-€150

Option 2: Cargo Hold

• Larger pets
• IATA-approved crate required
• Cost: €200-€500
• Some airlines don’t allow (British Airways, Ryanair, EasyJet)

Option 3: Pet Relocation Service

• Door-to-door pet transport
• Handle paperwork, booking, crate
• Cost: €800-€2,500
• Recommended for: Large dogs, complex itineraries, peace of mind

Recommended Services:

• AirPets - Specialized pet relocation
• PetRelocation - Worldwide service
• JetPet - Premium option

Pet-Friendly Housing

Challenges:

• Many Spanish landlords don’t allow pets
• More common in houses than apartments
• May require higher deposit

Tip: Use “se admiten mascotas” (pets allowed) filter on Idealista/Fotocasa.

Costs of Moving to Spain

One-Time Moving Costs

Expense	Cost
Visa Application	€0-€160
Apostille & Translations	€200-€600
Flights	€300-€1,500 (varies)
Shipping Belongings	€2,000-€8,000 (or €0 if not shipping)
NIE Application	€11
Housing Deposits	2-3 months’ rent (€2,000-€5,000)
Agency Fee	1 month + VAT (€1,000-€1,800)
Initial Furniture/Setup	€1,000-€5,000 (if not shipping)
Pet Relocation	€500-€2,500 (if applicable)
Health Insurance (First Year)	€600-€1,800
Total Estimate	€8,000-€25,000

Budget: Allow €10,000-€15,000 for average single person move from US/UK.

First Month Living Costs (Madrid Example)

Expense	Cost
Rent (1-bed)	€1,400
Utilities	€100
Groceries	€300
Transport	€54 (metro pass)
Phone/SIM	€30
Eating out	€200
Miscellaneous	€200
Total	€2,284

Cost of Living Guide →

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1: Not Getting NIE Early Enough

Problem: NIE takes 1-4 weeks. Without it, you can’t sign rental contracts, open bank accounts, or start work.

Solution: Apply for NIE within first 3 days of arrival. Or apply from home country (Spanish consulate) before moving.

Mistake 2: Rushing Into Long-Term Rental

Problem: Signing 1-year lease in wrong neighborhood or overpriced apartment.

Solution: Start with 1-3 month short-term rental. Explore neighborhoods. Then commit to long-term.

Mistake 3: Underestimating Bureaucracy

Problem: Spanish bureaucracy is slow. Appointments (citas previas) can take weeks.

Solution: Start processes early. Book appointments immediately. Use gestorías for complex procedures (€50-€200).

Mistake 4: Not Learning Spanish

Problem: Assuming English is enough. Many Spaniards speak limited English (even in Barcelona).

Solution: Learn basic Spanish (A2 level minimum) before arrival. Take classes upon arrival.

Mistake 5: Overpacking

Problem: Excess baggage fees, shipping costs exceed value of belongings.

Solution: Sell most belongings. Bring essentials only. Buy furniture in Spain (IKEA, Leroy Merlin).

Mistake 6: Not Building Emergency Fund

Problem: Unexpected costs (visa delays, housing issues, medical emergencies).

Solution: Save 6 months living expenses (€10,000-€15,000) before moving.

Mistake 7: Closing Home Country Bank Account Too Soon

Problem: Need to access funds or receive money from home.

Solution: Keep home country account open for 6-12 months after move.

Cultural Adjustment Tips

Spanish Culture Essentials

1. Meal Times Are Different

• Lunch: 2-4pm (main meal)
• Dinner: 9-11pm (lighter meal)
• Breakfast: Light (coffee + pastry)
• Restaurants don’t open until 8-9pm for dinner

2. Siesta Is Real (But Fading)

• Shops close 2-5pm in small towns
• Not as common in big cities
• Banks, government offices have limited hours

3. Greetings

• Two kisses (cheek-to-cheek) for introductions
• Handshake in business settings
• First names used quickly (less formal than UK)

4. Spanish Is Essential

• Even in Barcelona (Catalan spoken, but everyone speaks Spanish)
• English limited outside tourist areas
• Learning Spanish = better integration, job opportunities

5. Work-Life Balance

• Less workaholic culture than US/UK
• Emphasis on family, leisure, socializing
• Long lunches common
• August = vacation month (many businesses close)

6. Bureaucracy

• Everything requires paperwork (cita previa, forms, stamps)
• Slow pace—patience essential
• Hire gestorías for complex procedures

7. Cash Still Common

• Small shops, markets, cafes prefer cash
• Cards widely accepted in cities
• Always carry €20-€50 cash

8. Tipping

• Not mandatory
• Round up bill or leave €1-€5 for good service
• 10% considered generous

Resources for Expats

Expat Communities

Facebook Groups:

• “Expats in [City Name]”
• “Americans in Spain”
• “Brits in Spain”
• “[City Name] Digital Nomads”

Meetup.com:

• Language exchanges (intercambios)
• Expat social events
• Networking groups

Internations.org:

• Global expat network
• Monthly events in major cities

Spanish Government Resources

Agencia Tributaria (Tax Agency):

• sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es

Social Security (Seguridad Social):

• sede.seg-social.gob.es

Immigration Office:

• extranjeria.inclusion.gob.es

Useful Apps

Transport:

• Moovit (all Spanish cities)
• Renfe (trains)
• BlaBlaCar (ridesharing)

Housing:

• Idealista, Fotocasa, Habitaclia

Food Delivery:

• Glovo, Just Eat, Uber Eats

Banking:

• N26, BBVA, CaixaBank (mobile banking)

Language:

• Duolingo, Babbel, Tandem (language exchange)

Get Expert Help

Moving to Spain involves complex logistics, visas, and bureaucracy. Professional help saves time and stress.

Recommended Services:

• Relocation Agents → - Full-service move assistance, housing search, registrations (€1,000-€5,000)
• Immigration Lawyers → - Visa applications, legal advice (€500-€2,000)
• Moving Companies → - International shipping, customs (€2,000-€8,000)
• Gestorías → - Paperwork, registrations, NIE (€50-€300 per service)

Related Guides

• Moving from USA to Spain → - US-specific guide
• Moving from UK to Spain → - UK-specific guide (Brexit implications)
• Digital Nomad Visa → - Remote work visa
• Work Visa Spain → - Employment visa
• Cost of Living → - Budget planning
• NIE Application → - Essential first step
• Bank Account → - Opening Spanish account
• Healthcare → - Public and private options

Moving to Spain FAQs

How much money do I need to move to Spain?

Budget €10,000-€15,000 for a single person from US/UK: Visa (€0-€160), flights (€300-€1,500), shipping (€2,000-€8,000 or €0 if not shipping), housing deposits (2-3 months rent = €2,000-€5,000), setup costs (€1,000-€3,000), emergency fund (€2,000-€5,000). Additionally, save 6 months living expenses (€10,000-€15,000) as safety net. Total recommended: €20,000-€30,000 in savings before moving.

What visa do I need to move to Spain?

Depends on your situation: Workers: Work visa (employer-sponsored), Digital Nomad Visa (€2,334/month income from foreign sources), or Self-Employment visa. Non-workers: Non-Lucrative Visa (€600/month passive income, no work allowed) or Golden Visa (€500k+ investment). Students: Student visa. Retirees: Non-Lucrative or retirement visa. EU citizens: No visa needed. Complete visa guides →

Can I move to Spain without a job?

Yes, via Non-Lucrative Visa (requires €600/month passive income—pension, investments, savings; no work allowed) or Digital Nomad Visa (work remotely for non-Spanish companies). Alternatively, start job search from home country, secure offer, employer sponsors work visa. EU citizens can move without job and search locally. Budget: 6-12 months savings to support yourself while job hunting (€10,000-€20,000).

Is it difficult to move to Spain?

Moderate difficulty. Challenges: Spanish bureaucracy (slow, requires cita previa appointments), language barrier (Spanish essential for daily life), visa processing (2-4 months), housing competition (major cities), cultural adjustment. Easier aspects: High quality of life, affordable cost of living, welcoming culture, excellent healthcare. Tip: Allow 6-12 months planning, hire relocation agent or immigration lawyer (€1,000-€3,000 total) to simplify process.

What are the first steps to move to Spain?

Step 1: Research visa options—determine which you qualify for (3-6 months before). Step 2: Apply for visa (3-4 months processing). Step 3: While waiting, research cities, learn basic Spanish, save money (€20k-€30k). Step 4: Book flights, arrange shipping or sell belongings (1-2 months before). Step 5: Arrive, apply for NIE immediately (first week). Step 6: Register for padrón, open bank account, healthcare (first month). Complete timeline above

Should I ship my belongings or buy new in Spain?

Ship if: Long-term move (5+ years), sentimental items, expensive furniture, large family. Cost: €3,000-€8,000 full container. Buy new if: Short-term (1-2 years), minimal belongings, shipping costs exceed replacement value. IKEA, Leroy Merlin widely available. Setup costs: €3,000-€5,000 to furnish. Compromise: Bring essentials in checked luggage (electronics, documents, clothing), buy furniture in Spain.

Do I need to speak Spanish to live in Spain?

Technically no, practically yes. You can survive in tourist areas (Barcelona, Madrid city center) with English, but quality of life suffers significantly. Spanish required for: Housing search (most landlords don’t speak English), bureaucracy (NIE, padrón, healthcare—most offices Spanish-only), healthcare (many doctors limited English), job market (Spanish required for most positions), social integration. Recommendation: Learn A2-B1 Spanish before moving, continue classes after arrival.

Can I move to Spain permanently?

Yes. Path to permanent residence: Live legally in Spain for 5 continuous years on any visa (work, digital nomad, non-lucrative, student), then apply for long-term residence (residencia de larga duración)—no longer requires visa renewal, essentially permanent. Path to citizenship: After 10 years total residence (5 years for Latin Americans), apply for Spanish citizenship. Must pass Spanish language/culture exam (DELE A2, CCSE).

What is the best city in Spain for expats?

Madrid: Most jobs, international community, central location. Barcelona: Beach, startup scene, most international (but most expensive, touristy). Valencia: Best value—30-40% cheaper, beach, perfect climate, growing expat scene. Seville: Authentic Spanish culture, affordable, but very hot summers. Málaga: Costa del Sol beaches, year-round warmth, growing tech hub. Best overall for most expats: Valencia (balance of cost, quality of life, opportunities). City guides →

How do I find housing before moving to Spain?

Step 1: Research online (Idealista.com, Fotocasa.es, Facebook groups). Step 2: Book 1-3 month short-term rental (Airbnb, Spotahome) for when you arrive. Step 3: Arrive in Spain, get NIE (required for contracts), view apartments in person. Step 4: Sign long-term lease after exploring neighborhoods. Never: Wire money or sign contracts without seeing property—scams are common. Alternative: Hire relocation agent (€500-€2,000) to handle housing search remotely.