What documents do I need before moving to Spain?

Moving to Spain as an expat demands not only a passion for a new lifestyle but also significant preparation. The journey involves familiarising oneself with document requirements, financial preparations, residency policies, and health coverage, among other things. Each step is crucial, as one missing piece could delay or even halt your adventure.

Yet the task is not as daunting as it may seem if you approach it systematically. In this article, we've provided a detailed checklist that can assist you in making sure nothing essential is overlooked whether you are travelling from within the EU or outside. We'll walk you through all the necessary paperwork you will need to ensure a hassle-free move to Spain. However, bear in mind that the requirements may vary based on your individual status, country of origin, and other factors, so contacting your local Spanish embassy or consulate is always advisable for the most recent and accurate information. Let's take a look:

Identification

• Passport: Essential for all ex-patriots moving to Spain. Must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.
• Valid ID Card: Required for EU citizens, must be valid upon entry.
• Birth Certificate: This is needed for various administrative purposes. It should be an original copy, translated into Spanish and notarised. The certificate should be recent, generally no more than 6 months old is the administrative requirement so we would suggest three months as a maximum.

Residency and Financial Proof

• Expat form (EX-18): This should be filled out by all EU citizens planning to stay longer than 3 months.
• Visa: Depending on your citizenship, you may need a visa to enter Spain if you are not from the European Union.
• Proof of Financial Self-Sufficiency: This could be demonstrated by presenting: bank statements or certificates, tax declarations, pay slips, pension release forms or an employment contract indicating that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Spain. If you work for a foreign company, have your contract translated into Spanish and bring 6 months of pay slips. Certificates should not be older than three months and we recommend collecting as much proof as possible.

Employment and Education

• Employment Contract: If you're moving for work from outside the EU, make sure you have your employment contract, translated into Spanish. It must be valid for the period of your stay.
• Acceptance Letter: For students, from your Spanish university or school.
• Academic report: If you are travelling with children make sure you have their most recent academic report with subjects and most recent results. This will be extremely helpful for settling your child into their new school. It should be translated into Spanish but does not need to be notarised. This applies to all primary schools and compulsory secondary education schools, as it is not a requirement to officially convalidate your studies until you have finished compulsory secondary education. If you are registering your child for further education, such as a Baccalaureat, you will need to convalidate the compulsory education certificate from your country of origin.

Health Coverage

• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): For EU citizens this guarantees access to healthcare. Normally between 1 year and 5 years depending on your country of origin. The expiry date is usually printed on the card.
• Health Insurance Policy: Non-EU citizens are required to possess a private health insurance policy. Make sure it's valid for the duration of your stay in Spain. This will be necessary when applying for residency and also for your visa if you are applying from outside the EU.
• Medical Certificates: If required, translated into Spanish and notarised. If you have a disability, for example, this should be certified by your doctor and then translated and notarised. It is always good to have a copy of your medical history, translated and notarised if you need this for official documents or government aid.

Family Documents (if applicable)

• Marriage Certificate: If you're moving with your spouse from outside the EU, it needs to be translated into Spanish and notarised. The certificate should be recent (no more than 6 months prior to your application).
• Children's Birth Certificates: If moving with children from outside the EU, translated into Spanish and notarised. Documents should be recent (no more than 6 months prior to your application).

Other documents

• Driving Licence: If you plan on driving in Spain, make sure you have a valid permit for the duration of your stay. If you have a paper counterpart, make sure you bring it with you. Spain’s Directorate of Traffic advises non-EU travellers to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is basically an official supplementary document offering a multi-language translation of your driving licence. If you apply for a residency permit, you will only have 6 months to change your licence to a Spanish one, once awarded.
• Criminal Background Check: Generally, this is needed when applying for a long-term visa (more than 6 months). Check must be conducted by authorities from every country in which you have lived in the previous 5 years.
• Documentation for Pets: You must have your EU international pet passport up to date or the corresponding animal health certificates/passport for non-EU expats. Your pet must be identified with a microchip or a tattoo (if it was done before 03/07/2011) which is still legible. Your pet must have the Rabies vaccine up to date. A rabies serology test will be necessary if you are travelling from a country with a risk of rabies.

Documents you will need once you are in Spain

• Padron Certificate: The Certificado de Empadronamiento is an official document issued in Spain that verifies a person's registration within a certain municipality. It is most commonly used as proof of residence. Find out how to apply for one here.
• NIE: A NIE, or Número de Identidad de Extranjero, is an identification number in Spain that's designated for foreigners (both residents and non-residents), who engage in any financial, professional, or social activities related to Spain. Find out how to apply for a NIE here.
• TIE: A TIE, or Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero, is the Foreigner Identity Card in Spain. It is a form of identification for foreigners residing in Spain. The TIE contains your essential information such as name and surname, your Foreigner Identity Number (also known as the NIE), validity period, personal details, fingerprint, and the expiration date of the card and your residency. It is a biometric card that serves as proof of your permission to reside in Spain. Find out how to apply for the TIE here.
• Bank Account: It is a good idea to open a bank account as soon as you can. Keep in mind that, although it's not legally necessary to have a Spanish bank account, having one might make managing your finances more convenient while living in Spain. It is also necessary for any direct debit payments for utility services. Find out more about opening a bank account in Spain here.

Now that you know all the steps to take and the essential documentation, why not start looking for your ideal property today - are you ready to embark on your adventure and embrace the Spanish culture?