Moving to Spain checklist: Key steps to take

Moving to Spain is an exciting step, but it involves a considerable amount of planning and administration — more than many people expect. The good news is that breaking the process down into stages makes it far more manageable. This checklist covers the key tasks to complete before you leave, when you arrive, and once you have settled in, whether you are an EU/EEA citizen or moving from outside the EU.

Stage 1: Before the move

There is a great deal to organise before you commit to the move. Starting early gives you time to research, gather documents, and make arrangements without unnecessary pressure.

Arrange your accommodation

Many people moving to Spain choose to rent first, giving themselves time to get to know the country and confirm where they want to settle permanently. If you have already spent time in Spain and are confident about the location, you may decide to buy straight away. If you are still weighing up the options, our guide to buying vs renting property in Spain covers the key differences.

If you own a property in your home country, consider what you will do with it. Selling it may fund your purchase in Spain; renting it out could provide a useful income during your first months in the country.

Apply for your NIE number

The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a tax identification number required for almost every official transaction in Spain — from buying a property and opening a bank account to registering a car or enrolling children in school. Both EU and non-EU citizens need one, and it is worth applying as early as possible, as processing can take time. We explain what the NIE is, why you need it, and how to apply in full detail.

Arrange a visa if required

EU and EEA citizens do not need a visa to live in Spain. If you are a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA — including the United Kingdom following Brexit — you will need a visa if you plan to stay for more than 90 days within any 180-day period. The type depends on your circumstances: whether you plan to work, retire, or live off savings or investment income. Our comprehensive guide to visas for Spain covers all the main options and what each requires.

*Non-EU/EEA citizens: apply well in advance of your planned move date. Processing times vary and some visa types require appointments at a Spanish consulate in your home country.

Gather and translate your documents

Depending on your nationality and circumstances, you will need to produce a range of official documents during the move process — including proof of identity, financial means, and in some cases marriage or birth certificates. Only legally sworn translations are accepted for official use in Spain. A full list of the documents you are likely to need before moving to Spain will help you plan ahead.

Arrange private health insurance

You will need private health insurance from the moment you arrive in Spain. If you are applying for a long-stay visa, a comprehensive policy with no co-payments or waiting periods is a mandatory requirement. Even if you expect to qualify for State healthcare once you are registered as a resident, cover takes time to arrange and you will not be protected from day one without it.

Research schools if you have children

If you are moving with children, identifying a suitable school before you arrive is strongly advisable. Enrolling children in a Spanish state or private school is generally recommended for language immersion and integration. If your child is facing major exams shortly, an international school may offer better continuity. For a full overview of education in Spain and what you need to know about schools, including the different types available and how the system works, we cover it in detail.

Plan the move of your belongings

Deciding what to take with you is one of the most time-consuming parts of the process. Transport costs, space in your new home, and the practicalities of shipping furniture abroad all influence what makes sense to bring. Many people moving to Spain find it more cost-effective to sell furniture and buy again on arrival.

Always use a professional international removal company — they will be covered by insurance and can manage any customs paperwork. If you are moving from a non-EU/EEA country, check in advance whether any items are restricted or require customs declaration. A step-by-step house move checklist covering the key steps will help you stay on track.

If you plan to rent temporarily before committing to a permanent home, consider whether you want to store some belongings in your home country until you are settled.

Arrange transport for your pets

Moving pets to Spain requires planning well in advance. Depending on your country of origin and the animal, you may need blood tests, veterinary health certificates, and a pet passport. Rules differ by species and country, so it is worth familiarising yourself with the legal requirements for moving to Spain with your pets early. Always use a specialist pet transport company to ensure your animals travel safely and with the correct documentation.

Start learning Spanish

Spanish is essential for day-to-day life in Spain, and the earlier you start, the better. Some regions have co-official languages such as Catalan, Basque, or Galician, but Castilian Spanish is universally understood throughout the country. Whether you choose classes, self-study, or online courses is a personal decision — what matters is giving yourself enough time to reach a functional level before you arrive. If you are not sure where to begin, we cover how to start learning Spanish when moving to Spain with practical first steps.

Obtain an International Driving Licence if needed

Non-EU/EEA citizens are recommended to obtain an International Driving Licence from their home country before moving. This allows you to drive in Spain before you have obtained proof of legal residence — for full details on what is permitted, see our guide to driving in Spain with a licence from another country. Once resident, you may need to exchange your licence for a Spanish one, and we explain how to exchange a foreign driving licence in Spain step by step.

Stage 2: On arrival — registrations to complete as soon as possible

Once you are in Spain, there are several registrations and arrangements that need to be completed promptly. Some have legal deadlines; others simply make everything else easier. Completing these tasks early ensures your situation is fully legal and gives you access to the services you need.

Register on the padrón

The padrón is the municipal population register, and you are legally required to register as soon as you establish residence in a Spanish town or city. Registration is compulsory if you intend to stay for more than six months. It enables you to apply for residence, register with a doctor, and carry out many other essential transactions. Every member of your household must be registered at your address.

A padrón certificate is valid for three months and may be required for various official processes. You do not need to renew it unless you need to produce it for a specific transaction.

Apply for proof of residence

The process and documentation required for residency differs depending on your nationality.

EU/EEA citizens apply for a CUE (also known as the ‘green certificate’), which confirms permanent legal residence in Spain. It is not accepted as photo ID but is required for most official transactions. To be approved, you must demonstrate a minimum level of income — for 2026 this is €8,803.20 per year for a single person or €14,965.44 for a couple. We cover everything you need to know about the green certificate in full detail.

Non-EU/EEA citizens must apply for a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) within one month of arriving in Spain. The TIE is a photo identity card confirming legal residence. You must already hold a valid long-stay visa before applying. If you are unsure about the difference between residencia, padrón, NIE and TIE, we explain each one and when you need it.

Open a Spanish bank account

A Spanish bank account is required for paying household bills, setting up direct debits, and — if applicable — your mortgage. Most banks require a NIE number to open an account, though some will accept a passport. Spanish banks typically charge annual fees for accounts and for issuing debit and credit cards, so it is worth comparing options before committing. If you are buying a property, whether you need a Spanish bank account and how to open one is covered in full detail.

Register for State healthcare

Now that you are in Spain, the next step is to establish your long-term healthcare cover. Whether you qualify for State healthcare from the outset depends on your circumstances:

• If you are employed or registered as self-employed, you are automatically covered through the social security system
• EU/EEA citizens are covered by their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for the first three months
• Spain has bilateral agreements with some non-EU/EEA countries that may entitle retirees and some non-working residents to State healthcare — check whether your country of origin is included
• If none of the above apply, your private health insurance will remain necessary until you qualify for State cover

State healthcare in Spain is free at the point of use for those who qualify, though some payment is required for prescription medication. Once you know what you are entitled to, visit your local medical centre to register with a doctor and obtain your Tarjeta Sanitaria (healthcare card), which you will need for all appointments and prescriptions. Our guide to how Spain's national healthcare system works explains what you are entitled to and how to access it.

Stage 3: Once you are settled in

Once the more urgent registrations are in place, there are a few further practical steps worth taking. These are less time-sensitive but important for day-to-day life in Spain.

Get a Spanish mobile phone or SIM card

If you are from a non-EU/EEA country, continuing to use your home country mobile phone in Spain can be expensive. Getting a local SIM card as soon as possible will help you avoid excessive roaming charges. EU/EEA citizens are not subject to roaming charges within member states, so this is less urgent for them — though a Spanish number can still be useful for local contacts and services.

Register your pets with a local vet

Once you are settled, find a local veterinary practice and register your pets. Having a regular vet means your animals’ medical history is on file and you know where to go in an emergency. Asking neighbours or local expat communities for recommendations is a good way to find a reliable practice.

Register to pay tax in Spain

If you live in Spain or have any income or economic activity in the country, you will most likely have tax obligations. Residents are required to file an annual tax return (Declaración de la Renta) between April and June for income earned in the previous calendar year, if their income exceeds the applicable threshold. Spain has double taxation agreements with many countries, so you will not necessarily pay tax twice on the same income. Our tax guide for expats in Spain covers the taxes most likely to affect you as a new resident.

Tax in Spain can be complex, and the rules vary depending on your residency status, income sources, and the autonomous community where you live. We strongly recommend working with a qualified tax adviser (gestor or asesor) to handle your tax affairs. It is also worth notifying the relevant authorities in your home country of your move — updating your tax status, informing your pension provider, and checking your entitlement to any state pension payments while living abroad.

Set up your utilities

Once you have the keys to your new home, you will need to set up or transfer electricity, water, gas, and internet contracts into your name. The process is straightforward but involves dealing with different suppliers for each service, and requirements can vary depending on whether you are taking over an existing contract or starting from scratch. We cover how to set up, connect and pay your utility bills in Spain in full detail.

Consider making a Spanish will

If you own property or have assets in Spain, making a Spanish will is strongly advisable. Spanish inheritance law works very differently from most other countries — it restricts how you can distribute your estate and determines who is entitled to inherit, regardless of your wishes. Without a will registered in Spain, the process for your heirs can become lengthy and costly. We explain how Spanish inheritance laws work and why you should have a will, including the key rules and what to do.

A well-prepared move makes all the difference

Moving to Spain involves more administration than many people anticipate, but approaching it in stages makes the process far more manageable. The most important thing is to start early — particularly for documents, visas, and NIE applications, which can take longer than expected. A full list of the documents you are likely to need at each stage will help you stay on track from the outset.

When you are ready to start searching for your ideal home, see all properties for sale in Spain using our search filters to find the right property in the right place.