The complete costs of moving to Spain: a detailed guide for expats

Spain continues to be a top destination for expats seeking a more relaxed lifestyle, warm climate, and relatively affordable cost of living. Whether you’re retiring, pursuing a new job, or simply looking for a change of scenery, moving to Spain is an exciting opportunity. However, understanding the full range of costs involved is essential for anyone planning this significant life change. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the key expenses associated with relocating to Spain, covering visas, accommodation, healthcare, and transportation.

Visas and documentation: the essential first step for moving to Spain

Securing the appropriate visa is one of the first steps in your move to Spain. Depending on your country of origin, visa requirements and processes can vary widely. If you're from a non-EU country, including the UK, the United States, Canada, Australia, or any other region, you must apply for a visa before your move.

For a more in-depth look at the different visa options and their specific requirements, refer to our comprehensive guide on visas for Spain.

Types of visas

While there are several types of visas available depending on your situation, here are two of the most common options:

• Non-Lucrative visa: Ideal for retirees or those not planning to work in Spain. This visa requires proof of sufficient financial resources and private health insurance, with an application fee typically ranging from €80 to €150.
• Work visa: If you plan to work in Spain, a work visa is necessary. Your employer may handle the paperwork, but you may still need to pay for document translations and legalisations. The visa itself typically costs around €160, with additional expenses for document preparation.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information about visa costs and requirements, visit the official website of the Spanish consulate in your country.

Additional documentation

Beyond the visa, you’ll need to account for the cost of translating and legalising documents. All official documents not in Spanish must be translated by a sworn translator, typically costing between €20 and €50 per page. Legalisation and apostille services may also be required, with costs ranging from €30 to €100 per document.

Finding a home in Spain: renting or buying?

Accommodation is one of the most significant expenses when moving to Spain. Your choice to rent or buy will depend on factors such as the length of your stay and your financial situation.

Renting a property

Renting a property in Spain is often the preferred option for expats who are new to Spain, allowing you to get a feel for the area before making a long-term commitment. Rental prices vary significantly depending on the location:

• Major cities like Madrid and Barcelona: Expect to pay between €1,000 and €1,700 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. In certain areas, such as the heart of Madrid or the most sought-after districts in Barcelona, prices can reach up to €2,500 per month. These figures reflect current market trends based on recent rental listings and property market reports.

• Smaller cities and towns: In regions such as Ciudad Real and Cáceres, less populated and with a lower demand for housing, rental prices are significantly lower. They typically range from €400 to €600 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Coastal cities like Málaga, Alicante, and Valencia also offer more affordable options compared to the larger cities, with prices generally between €700 and €1,200 per month depending on the specific location and property type.

In addition to rent, budget for a deposit (usually one to two months’ rent), agency fees (if applicable), and utility bills, which typically range from €100 to €150 per month. Remember that the monthly community fees are to be paid by the owner and not by the tenant.

Buying a property

If you’re planning a long-term stay or have significant capital, buying property in Spain may be more economical in the long run. Property prices vary widely across Spain:

• Major cities like Madrid and Barcelona: Prices typically range from €3,500 to €6,000 per square metre. These figures reflect the current housing market, where demand remains high, particularly in central and sought-after areas.
• Coastal and rural areas: Prices are generally lower, ranging from €1,800 to €3,000 per square metre. Coastal areas, especially those popular with expats, can be on the higher end of this range.

* Based on recent data from reports from real estate consultancies such as Tinsa and Knight Frank.

Additional costs when buying property include legal fees (about 1% of the purchase price), notary fees (€600 to €1,000), registration fees (around €500, although they depend primarily on the cost of the acquisition), and taxes (typically 8% to 10% of the property value).

Banking and financial setup when moving to Spain

Setting up a bank account in Spain is essential for managing your finances, paying bills, and receiving income. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for expats, often with multilingual staff to assist with the setup.

For detailed guidance on managing your utility payments once your bank account is set up, you can refer to our article on how to set up, connect, and pay your utility bills.

Bank account setup costs

Opening a bank account in Spain is usually free, though some banks may charge a maintenance fee of €15 to €60 per year, depending on the account type and services. Some banks also require a minimum deposit to open the account. These costs are based on information from banks like BBVA, Santander, and CaixaBank, which frequently update their fees.

Currency exchange and international transfers

When transferring money from your home country to Spain, consider currency exchange rates and transfer fees. Using a specialised currency exchange service can save you money compared to standard bank transfers, which often come with high fees and less favourable exchange rates. Services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Revolut offer competitive rates and lower fees, according to user reviews and market comparisons.

Moving your belongings to Spain: international moving costs

The cost of moving your belongings to Spain varies greatly depending on the volume of goods, distance, and method of transport.

Shipping costs

When moving to Spain, shipping your belongings is a major expense.

• Sea freight: The most cost-effective option for large volumes, with prices ranging from €2,000 to €5,000 for a full container. However, shipping can take up to six weeks. This pricing is sourced from international moving companies such as AGS Movers and Crown Relocations. It can vary greatly depending on fuel prices and even on specific global events that make maritime transit difficult in some parts of the world.
• Air freight: Faster but more expensive, costing between €5,000 and €10,000 for a similar volume, at least if you need to move large goods, such as furniture. These figures are based on quotes from global shipping firms like DHL and FedEx.

Packing and insurance

Professional packing services can add to the cost but ensure your belongings are well-protected. Expect to pay between €500 and €1,500 depending on the size of your move. Insurance is also crucial, with premiums typically costing 1% to 3% of the declared value of your goods.

Transporting pets and family when moving to Spain

If you’re moving with children and pets, additional costs and preparations are necessary.

Moving with children

Relocating with children involves considering education and childcare. International schools in Spain can be expensive, with fees ranging from €5,000 to €20,000 per year depending on the school and level of education. Public schools are free, though they may require proficiency in Spanish. In some regions, however, public primary and secondary schools are increasingly available where a significant part of the curriculum is taught in English. The previous figures are drawn from current tuition rates at leading international schools in Spain, as published by the schools themselves.

Moving with pets

Transporting pets requires special arrangements, including pet passports, vaccinations, and transport. Pet relocation services can handle these details for you, but costs vary:

• Pet passport and vaccinations: Typically cost €50 to €150 depending on your pet and location. This data is based on current veterinary fees in Spain and international guidelines.
• Transport: Air transport costs between 50€ and 300€, approximately, depending on the animal’s size and breed, and whether they travel in the cabin or cargo hold. These figures are within the range of airlines such as Iberia, Lufthansa, Vueling, and Air France. If the pet weighs less than 10 kilos, it can be carried in the cabin in a carrier on most airlines; otherwise, it must travel in the hold.

Spanish healthcare: public versus private insurance

Healthcare is a crucial consideration for anyone moving to Spain. Spain boasts an excellent public healthcare system, but your access to it may depend on your residency status and employment.

Public healthcare

Some expats, depending on their country of origin, may have access to Spain’s public healthcare system, known as the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS). This system is generally funded through social security contributions. However, non-EU citizens might need to explore other options, especially if they are not employed in Spain.

Private health insurance

For non-EU citizens or those who do not have access to public healthcare, private health insurance is necessary. Costs vary depending on your age, health condition, and the level of coverage:

• Basic coverage: Typically costs between €50 and €100 per month.
• Comprehensive coverage: Broader plans can cost between €100 and €300 per month.

*These estimates are based on current pricing from major Spanish health insurers, including Sanitas, Mapfre, and Adeslas.

Transportation in Spain: car or public transport?

Once in Spain, you’ll need to consider how to get around. The choice between owning a car and using public transport depends on your location and lifestyle.

Buying a car

If you plan to live in a rural area or travel frequently, buying a car might be necessary. The cost of a car in Spain can range from €10,000 for a used vehicle to over €30,000 for a new one. Additionally, budget for:

• Registration and road tax: Around €200 to €600 depending on the vehicle.
• Insurance: Between €300 and €1,000 per year depending on coverage.
• Fuel: Petrol costs approximately €1.50 per litre (diesel fuel is typically around 10 cents per litre cheaper than unleaded fuel).
• Electric recharging: If your vehicle is electric, the cost of domestic charging per 100 kilometres is around €1.95, while the cost of fast charging is €7.67.

These figures are based on current market data from Spanish automotive associations, recent fuel price reports and official state sources.

Public transport

In urban areas, public transport is affordable and efficient. A monthly public transport pass costs around €40 to €60 in cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also widely available, with fares starting at around €1.50 per kilometre. This pricing is consistent with data from city transport authorities.

Planning for a smooth transition

Moving to Spain is an exciting journey, but it requires careful financial planning. From visa fees and healthcare to accommodation and transport, understanding the total costs involved is crucial for a smooth transition. By budgeting for these significant expenses and being aware of potential costs, you can ensure your move to Spain is as affordable and stress-free as possible. To help with this, our comprehensive moving checklist offers practical tips and insights on moving to Spain.