Practical Guide to Moving to Spain

People from all over the world are drawn to live in Spain by its warm climate, excellent food and lifestyle, strong public healthcare, relatively low cost of living when compared with many Western capitals, a good work–life balance, and family-friendly culture.

Cities like Valencia, Málaga, and Alicante frequently top expat lists for the best places to live in the world, so in this week’s home-moving blog, we share all you need to know about planning your move to Spain.

The Pros and Cons of Moving to Spain

Like anywhere you choose to relocate, there are going to be pros and cons. Here is a list of pros and cons created by expats.

Pros

• Lifestyle & climate: Mediterranean coast, outdoor culture, family-friendly society, strong social life, and amazing food and drink.
• Healthcare: Highly rated public system with good standards, whilst private insurance is affordable if you want shorter waiting times.
• Cost vs quality: Outside Madrid/Barcelona, you can get a much higher quality of life for less money.
• Family-friendly: Emphasis on family meals, parks, good public schooling options, and many child-friendly services.
• Retirement-friendly: Pensioners often cite healthcare, climate, and lifestyle as major draws.

Cons

• Housing crunch in big cities: Due to high demand, tourist rental pressure and tighter rental markets in Barcelona and Madrid, this year especially has seen protests and more regulatory activity has become common.
• Bureaucracy: Some Spanish admin is slow or requires many local visits (appointments, “cita previa”). Expect numerous forms and many stamps, so you will need lots of patience.
• Language & regional variation: Spanish is essential for full integration; Catalan/Basque/Galician/Va­lencian in some regions is essential for school and local admin.
• Job market: For some sectors (tech, tourism, hospitality), there are opportunities; salaries in many industries are lower than in NW Europe / US.
• Golden Visa change: Residency-by-property programs changed in 2025 — don’t assume you’ll get residency simply by buying a home. (See visas section.)

You may also like to read: I Want to Move – My Partner Doesn’t – Now What? In this guide, we suggest a strategy and solutions to this very common home-moving dilemma.

Visas and Residency

Important: visa rules changed in 2025 (notably the Golden Visa ended/changed in April 2025), so the best option depends on nationality, intent, and resources.

Main non-EU Visas

• Non-lucrative (residence) visa — for people who want to live in Spain without working here (sufficient savings/income required; renewals lead to long-term residency). This remains a widely used option for retirees and independent savers. Official guidance is on the Spanish consulate pages.
• Work visas — employer-sponsored if you have a job offer; permits vary (temporary, highly skilled). EU/EEA citizens don’t need a work visa.
• Digital Nomad visa — for remote workers employed by foreign companies (many EU countries introduced these recently; Spain offers a version — check current local consulate rules).
• Student visas — study stays can sometimes be converted to job search permits after graduation.
• Family reunification — join a family member who’s a resident/citizen.
• Golden Visa (historical) — previously allowed residency via property investment, but the program changed/ended in April 2025, so do not rely on property purchase alone for residency now.

How to start a visa application

1. Determine which visa applies, and read the instructions from your local Spanish consulate. (Requirements differ by consulate.)
2. Gather: passport, proof of funds, criminal record check, health insurance, proof of accommodation, and application forms.
3. Apply at the consulate (in many cases, you must do this from your home country).
4. Once in Spain with an approved visa, apply for a TIE (foreign ID card) and register locally.

You may also like to read: Best Countries to Retire to. In this guide, we look at the best countries in which to spend your retirement.

Cost of living

Spain is generally cheaper than the US/UK, but where you choose to live in Spain affects this greatly: Madrid & Barcelona are the priciest; Valencia, Málaga, and Alicante are more affordable and often rated the best-value expat cities.

Typical monthly costs

Single person, modest (small city / provincial town): €900–1,400 (excluding rent).

• One-bedroom city centre rent: Madrid/Barcelona €900–1,600+; Valencia/Málaga €600–1,000 (this varies wildly by neighborhood).
• Family of four (comfortable life, mixed schooling): €2,500–4,500+ (depends on private school choice and lifestyle).

Sample budget — Valencia (midrange)

• Rent (2-bed outside centre): €800
• Utilities + internet: €120
• Groceries + eating out: €350
• Transport (public): €50
• Health insurance/extras: €60
• Total (monthly, excl. one-off costs): ~€1,380

You may also like to read: Home Moving Insurance. Being underinsured is the number one home moving mistake – especially when moving abroad. Find out all you need to know about insuring your move in this essential guide.

Best Places to Live for Expats

• Valencia — Affordable, great beaches, a strong expat community, high rankings in expat surveys.
• Málaga / Costa del Sol — great climate, big international community, easy airports.
• Alicante — lower cost, good air links, appealing for retirees and families.
• Madrid — capital, best for careers in finance, tech, government, and culture, but beware of higher rents.
• Barcelona — culture & jobs, but expensive, and there is more tourist pressure; the Catalan language is important in some areas.
• Palma de Mallorca — island life, excellent expat services (but tourist season prices).
• Smaller cities/towns — Zaragoza, Salamanca, Girona: cheaper and peaceful, but fewer international services.

You may also like to read: How to Choose the Best Neighborhood in Which to Live. In this guide, we suggest things to take into consideration when choosing where to live.

Schooling

System basics

• Compulsory schooling: Ages 6–16. Public schools are free (aside from books/meals); concertado (semi-private) schools blend public funding and fees; fully private/international schools charge higher fees but often teach in English and follow foreign curricula.

Cost and choices

• Public: minimal fees (materials, meals; usually quite affordable).
• Concertado: €2,000–5,000/year (varies).
• Private / International: €6,000–18,000+/year

Things to consider

• Language: Many public schools have bilingual programs, but younger kids often pick up Spanish quickly. In Catalonia/the Basque Country/Galicia, local language lessons are common.
• Enrollment: Public/concertado often use a points system and seasonal application rounds; international schools have their own admissions schedules and sometimes waiting lists.

You may also like to read: How to Choose a New School. In this guide, we suggest things to take into consideration when choosing a new school for your kids.

Healthcare

• Spain’s Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS) is widely regarded as high quality; many expats access it once registered as residents. Many retirees and expats combine public care with private insurance for faster specialist access.

What to know

• If you’re employed or registered and paying social security, you’re normally eligible. Non-working residents (e.g., non-lucrative visa holders) typically need private health insurance to meet visa requirements until they become residents. Check your visa conditions and regional rules.

Working in Spain and Taxes

Jobs

• Popular industries for foreigners: tourism, hospitality, education (ESL), tech (in hubs), health & social care, and startups (Madrid/Barcelona). Salaries are generally lower than in major US/UK cities.

Taxes and residency

• Tax residency occurs if you spend more than 183 days in Spain in a calendar year, or if Spain is your center of economic interests or family base. Tax residents pay on worldwide income; non-residents pay only Spanish-source income.

Social security

• If employed in Spain, both you and your employer contribute to social security (healthcare, pensions). Self-employed (“autónomo”) contributions exist and can be significant, so factor this into your budgeting.

Get professional tax advice if you’ll have income from multiple countries or substantial assets. Double tax treaties and “Beckham” style regimes (past special tax schemes) are complicated, so always confirm the current rules.

You may also like to read: Moving for Work. In this guide, we suggest things to take into consideration when thinking about moving for work.

Things to Do Once You Arrive

Must-do as soon as you can

1. Register on the padrón (empadronamiento) at your local town hall — this proves your address, is often required for school enrolment, healthcare, and other services, and can be mandatory within a short time of arrival. Municipal procedures vary but are well-documented.
2. Get your NIE / TIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero / Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) — essential for taxes, opening a bank account, signing leases, getting utilities, and a phone contract. Appointments are usually required online (“cita previa”).
3. Open a bank account (many banks require NIE or at least a proof of address).
4. Register for healthcare / get a health card (tarjeta sanitaria) once eligible.
5. If staying over 183 days: register taxes appropriately and understand residency rules.

Important Documents

• Passport, visa decision letter, proof of address/lease, empadronamiento receipt, NIE/TIE, Spanish phone number, EU/foreign driving license (you may need to exchange), EU S1 form if returning retirees from some countries.

You may also like to read: How to Ship a Car Overseas. If you are thinking of taking your car with you to Spain, then you will find this guide invaluable.

Shipping Household Goods to Spain

Sea freight (container) is the most common for full household moves

• Transit times (typical): 2–6 weeks (approx. 15–60 days) depending on origin (East Asia → ~40+ days; US East Coast → ~18–25 days typical; West Coast → longer), port congestion, and season. Allow additional time for inland pickup and Spanish customs/port clearance.

Tips

• Get quotes for FCL (full container load) and LCL (less than container load); LCL costs less but takes more handling time.
• Plan oversized or special items (pianos, cars), as they have extra paperwork and cost.
• Insurance: always insure goods in transit.
• Customs: EU residents often have simpler import formalities than non-residents; consult your mover and check temporary import rules.

You may also like to read: How to Choose an International Mover. In this guide, we take you step-by-step through the process of picking a good international moving company.

 Why Spain is Great for Families and Retirees

Retirees

• Spain offers climate, healthcare, and an established expat retiree community. Public healthcare access for legal residents and affordable private insurance make it attractive. Many move to coastal areas (Costa del Sol, Alicante) where services for English speakers are common.

Taxes for retirees

• If you become a tax resident (183+ days), your worldwide pension income is taxable in Spain. Tax treaties can mitigate double taxation, so seek professional tax advice. The Spanish Tax Agency outlines residency rules and the need to declare worldwide income once resident.

Families

• Families especially love Spain for the community-oriented culture, good public education options, outdoor activities, relative safety, and access to parks, beaches, and a Mediterranean lifestyle. Bilingual/international schools exist in bigger cities for those wanting English curricula.

You may also like to read: Moving in Retirement. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of moving after you have retired.

Housing

• Renting: Expect competition in major cities and verify rental contract details (duration, deposit, inventory list).
• Buying: Due diligence is crucial (community fees “comunidad”, IBI property taxes, notary fees, taxes). Also note changes to past investment-for-residency visas (Golden Visa changed in 2025).

Moving Timeline

• 12+ weeks before: decide city/area; research visa; compare local school options; request initial quotes from movers; work out your budget.
• 8–10 weeks: apply for visa (if required from home country); start looking at rentals; prepare documents (criminal record check, apostilles).
• 4–6 weeks: book flights; finalize mover; arrange temporary accommodation & flights for pets; notify banks/insurers.
• Arrival week 0–2: empadronamiento, open bank account, get local SIM, start NIE/TIE process.
• Week 2–6: settle into longer-term housing, register with health services, enroll kids in school, pick up the shipped container.
  (This is a guide — some visas require longer lead times; do the visa step first.)

Important Documents

• Passport (must be valid for 6+ months), visa paperwork, birth/marriage certificates (apostilled), criminal record check, health insurance, driver’s license, and international driving permit (if needed), school records, pet vaccination & export docs.

You may also like to read: Moving Abroad Checklist. In this guide, we have compiled a comprehensive checklist for moving overseas so that you do not miss any important home-moving tasks.

FAQs

Q: Is the Golden Visa still available if I buy property?
A: No — the program changed/ended in April 2025; buying property no longer guarantees residency. Check consulate updates for alternatives.

Q: How long to ship my household goods from the US?
A: Typically 2–5 weeks port-to-port from major US ports; allow more time for pickup, customs, and inland delivery.

Q: Do I automatically get healthcare as a resident?
A: Employed residents paying social security normally do. Non-working residents often must show private insurance until they’re registered as residents. Regional rules vary, so check with the local health authority.

Q: When am I a Spanish tax resident?
A: Generally, when you spend more than 183 days in Spain in a calendar year, or when Spain is your center of economic/family interests. Register with Agencia Tributaria guidance for specifics.

You may also like to read: Best Countries for Americans to Move to. If you are undecided which country you would like to relocate to, then this guide offers some interesting alternatives.

Useful Resources

• Spanish consulate pages (visa category details; see non-lucrative visa page for example).
• Agencia Tributaria (Spanish Tax Agency) — residency rules.
• Numbeo for up-to-date cost of living and rent averages.
• Internations — Best cities & expat rankings (Valencia, Málaga, Alicante top).
• Greenback — Healthcare & retiree guides.
• Empadronamiento guides & municipal registration (how/why to register).
• Agencia Tributaria — Tax residency rules (183-day rule & criteria).
• Goodschoolsguide – Read reviews of Spanish schools
• Removal Reviews – In-depth regional guides
• Find reputable International Movers

Practical Tips

• Visit first for 2–4 weeks to research neighborhoods and commutes.
• Learn Spanish — it transforms daily life and dealing with official institutions.
• Be patient with bureaucracy and make appointments early (“cita previa”).
• Network — local expat groups and town halls are gold for local knowledge (schools, doctors, tradespeople).
• Budget a buffer (3–6 months of living costs) while you settle.

You may also like to read: Moving Pets Abroad. In this guide, you will find some useful tips about moving abroad with pets.

Spain continues to be a very popular destination for expats, but you need to get reliable and up-to-date information to ensure a stress-free move.

Visit expat forums for real-life information, but as always, be wary of out-of-date information or the usual keyboard warriors.

Spain is an amazing place to live, but where you put down your roots is often the key. Plenty of visits at different times of the year will help you choose the best region for you.

Good luck with your new life in Spain, and be sure to visit our home moving blog, which is packed with guides to make every aspect of your move easier, cheaper, and safer.