Category: Moving to Spain

Thinking about swapping long commutes and gray skies for Mediterranean light and late dinners? You’re not alone. Spain attracts expats for its sunny climate, rich culture, friendly communities, and a cost of living that’s often easier on the wallet than elsewhere in Western Europe.

Whether you’re relocating for work, study, retirement, or the remote-worker lifestyle, this step-by-step guide walks you through everything you need to move with confidence—from visas and housing to healthcare, banking, and settling into daily life.

What you’ll learn:

• Which visa fits your situation (work, student, non-lucrative, digital nomad, and more)
• How to choose a city or region that matches your budget and lifestyle
• Where to find housing and how to avoid common rental pitfalls
• How Spain’s healthcare works and how to get covered from day one
• How to open a bank account, register with authorities, and handle taxes
• Practical tips to integrate into Spanish culture and build a local network

Step 1: Choose Your Location and Lifestyle

Spain is diverse. Your experience in Madrid won’t be the same as life in Málaga, Valencia, or Bilbao. Narrow your options before diving into paperwork.

• Big-city energy (Madrid, Barcelona): Fast transport, international jobs, world-class culture. Higher rents, especially in central neighborhoods.
• Coastal life (Valencia, Málaga, Alicante): Beach access, plenty of sun, growing expat communities, better value on housing.
• Island living (Balearic or Canary Islands): Slower pace, great weather, smaller job markets, higher import costs in some cases.
• Northern green belt (Galicia, Asturias, Basque Country): Cooler, rainier, excellent food, strong regional culture, lower tourism pressure.
• Andalusian charm (Seville, Granada, Cádiz): Historic centers, vibrant traditions, hot summers, good value inland.

Tip: Create a short list of 2–3 cities and spend at least a week in each if possible. Track daily costs, commute times, and how neighborhoods feel at night and on weekends.

Step 2: Pick the Right Visa Path

Important question: Do you need a visa to go to Spain?

Your visa determines how long you can stay and what you can do. Start here.

Non-Lucrative Visa (No Work)

Best for retirees and those with sufficient passive income or savings. You can live in Spain but not work for Spanish employers. Many use it as a path toward long-term residency.

What you need:

• Proof of income/savings above a set threshold (updated annually)
• Comprehensive private health insurance with no co-pays
• Background check and medical certificate
• Proof of accommodation (temp is often acceptable)

Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Workers)

Ideal if you work for non-Spanish employers or your own foreign company. Allows residence while working remotely, subject to income thresholds and eligibility rules.

What you need:

• Proof of remote employment or business activity outside Spain
• Minimum income level (varies; verify current threshold)
• Health insurance coverage
• Background check and supporting documentation

Work Visa

For those with a Spanish job offer or transfer. Your employer typically initiates the authorization in Spain.

Paths include:

• Highly qualified professionals (e.g., EU Blue Card)
• General employment permits
• Intra-company transfers
• Seasonal work

Student Visa

For degree programs or long courses. You can often work part-time within set limits.

Requirements typically include:

• Acceptance letter from a recognized institution
• Proof of funds and accommodation
• Health insurance

Entrepreneur/Startup Visa

For founders with innovative projects and investment plans.

Pro tip: Start early. Appointment slots at consulates fill up, and some approvals require extra steps in Spain.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

A strong application gets decisions faster and reduces back-and-forth.

• Passport: Valid well past your intended stay; keep spare copies.
• Application forms: Complete carefully; keep dates and details consistent.
• Proof of income: Bank statements, pension letters, contracts, or dividends.
• Health insurance: Private policy with comprehensive coverage (for many visas).
• Background and medical checks: Follow consular instructions on validity windows.
• Accommodation: Hotel booking, rental, or invitation letter; some consulates accept temporary bookings at the application stage.
• Translations and apostilles: If required, use sworn translators and apostille documents from your home country’s authorities.

Tip: Keep a digital folder with PDFs and a printed set. Name files clearly (e.g., “Passport_YourName.pdf”).

Step 4: Apply at the Correct Consulate

Apply from your country of legal residence. If Spain isn’t your main destination (for multi-country trips), apply where you’ll spend most time. Many consulates outsource appointments to visa centers, follow their process closely.

• Book early (8–12 weeks ahead for many long-stay visas).
• Bring originals and copies.
• Be ready to provide biometrics (fingerprints) if requested.
• Track your application status and keep your contact info updated.

Step 5: Plan Your Move and Temporary Housing

Once approved, your visa will specify entry dates. Book flights and arrange short-term housing while you search for a long-term rental.

• Short-term base: 2–6 weeks in an aparthotel or furnished rental gives you time to view apartments in person.
• Season matters: Summer and September are high-demand months in many cities. Expect competition and book earlier.

Step 6: Find Long-Term Accommodation

Spain’s rental market varies by city. In-person visits help you spot noise levels, natural light, and building condition.

Where to look:

• Major portals: Fotocasa, Habitaclia (Catalonia), Milanuncios
• Local agents: Often have properties before they hit portals
• Expat and neighborhood groups: Useful for leads, but vet carefully

What landlords commonly request:

• Passport/NIE (once available)
• Proof of income (contracts, bank statements)
• One to two months’ deposit, plus agency fee in some regions
• References (optional but helpful)

Lease tips:

• Check if the apartment is exterior (more light) or interior (quieter, sometimes darker).
• Test water pressure and appliances during the visit.
• Confirm heating/AC type (central vs. split units).
• Ask about community fees and utilities (who pays what).
• For older buildings, confirm elevator and insulation quality.

Step 7: Register Locally and Get Your NIE/TIE

After arrival, you’ll complete key admin steps:

• Empadronamiento (local registration): Register your address at the town hall. You’ll need your lease, passport, and sometimes utility proof. This helps with school enrollment, health services, and other procedures.
• NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero): Your foreigner ID number for tax and official paperwork. Many visas grant it during the TIE process.
• TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero): Your residence card with photo and fingerprint. Book an appointment (cita previa) soon after arrival and bring required documents (visa, passport, photos, fee form, proof of address).

Tip: Appointment slots can be tight. Check early mornings and refresh often. Consider authorized gestoría services if you want help.

Step 8: Set Up Healthcare

Spain offers both public and private systems.

• Public healthcare: High quality. Access depends on your status (employed, self-employed, student, family member). Once registered with social security and assigned a health center, you can book appointments with your primary care doctor.
• Private insurance: Popular for new arrivals and required for many visas. It offers fast specialist access and English-speaking options in larger cities.
• Pharmacies: Play a strong role in basic care; pharmacists can advise on minor issues and prescriptions.

Tip: For families, check pediatric coverage and local hospital ratings. For chronic conditions, bring medical records and set up a primary doctor early.

Step 9: Open a Bank Account and Handle Finances

A Spanish bank account makes rent, utilities, and mobile plans easier.

• Documents: Passport, NIE/TIE (or pre-residence “non-resident certificate” if needed), proof of address, and sometimes proof of income.
• Banks: Large national banks (e.g., Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank) and online options can work well. Compare fees, English support, and app usability.
• Utilities and internet: Set up direct debits (domiciliaciones). Internet providers include Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, and regional players. Ask neighbors which service is most reliable in your building.
• Cost of living snapshot: Rents vary widely—central Madrid/Barcelona are pricier than Valencia, Seville, or Alicante. Groceries, fresh produce, and dining out are often more affordable than in many Northern European or North American cities.

Step 10: Understand Taxes and Employment Basics

• Work contracts: Permanent (indefinido) offers stability; temporary (temporal) has end dates. Review probation periods and benefits.
• Self-employment (autónomo): Register with the tax agency (AEAT) and social security. You’ll pay monthly social security contributions and file quarterly taxes.
• Income tax: Residents are generally taxed on worldwide income. Double-taxation treaties may apply. Non-residents are taxed only on Spanish-sourced income at non-resident rates.
• Digital nomads: The visa may include favorable tax options if you meet criteria. Get professional advice to optimize and stay compliant.

Pro tip: Hire a tax advisor (asesor) familiar with expat situations. They’ll set up your quarterly filings, explain deductions, and help with year-end returns.

Step 11: Mobile, Transport, and Daily Logistics

• Mobile plans: Competitive prepaid and contract options. Bring an unlocked phone and compare data deals.
• Public transport: Major cities have efficient metro and bus networks with monthly passes. Trains (AVE/Avlo/OUIGO) connect cities quickly; buses cover smaller towns.
• Driving: Spain drives on the right. You may need to exchange your license depending on your nationality. Car-sharing and rentals can fill gaps outside big cities.
• Deliveries and shopping: Local markets are excellent for produce and fish. Supermarkets (Mercadona, Carrefour, Lidl) and online delivery services make weekly shopping easy.

Step 12: Schooling and Family Considerations

• Public schools: Free and solid, with Spanish (or regional language) immersion. Enrollment requires padrón registration and available places.
• Concertado schools: Semi-private, partly state-funded—often a balance of cost and class size.
• International schools: English, French, and other curricula in major cities. Higher fees; apply early.

Tip: Visit schools, meet staff, and ask about language support for newcomers.

Step 13: Learn the Language (and a Bit of the Local One)

Spanish opens doors—socially and professionally. In some regions, you’ll also hear Catalan, Galician, or Basque. You don’t need fluency on day one, but even a few phrases make life smoother.

• Classes: Municipal language schools (EOI), private academies, or online tutors.
• Daily practice: Chat with neighbors, order at markets, and switch your phone to Spanish.
• Goal: Aim for basic conversational ability within 3–6 months. It accelerates integration.

Step 14: Build Your Community and Integrate

Moving is easier when you’re connected.

• Join local groups: Sports, language exchanges, hiking clubs, volunteering, professional meetups.
• Use coworking spaces: Great for remote workers and making friends.
• Embrace the rhythm: Lunch 1–3 pm, dinner from 9 pm, Sundays slower. Plan appointments and errands around siesta hours in smaller towns.
• Celebrate local traditions: Fallas, Semana Santa, feria season, human towers in Catalonia, romerías in the south—each region has its own calendar.

Step 15: Map Your Residency Timeline

If you plan to stay long term, plan ahead.

• Renewals: Note renewal windows for your visa or residence card.
• Long-term residence: Many residents are eligible after five years of legal stay.
• Citizenship: Requirements vary and can include language/integration tests and residency timelines. Dual citizenship rules differ by nationality—check what applies to you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting to hunt housing until your last week: Give yourself time on the ground.
• Underestimating admin: Book appointments early, keep organized folders, and consider a gestor for complex steps.
• Ignoring regional differences: Language, documents, and processes can vary. Ask locally.
• Overlooking insurance and taxes: Get coverage from day one and professional tax advice in your first year.

Rough First-Year Budgeting (Example Snapshot)

Your costs will vary by city and lifestyle, but here’s a simple framework to plan:

• Housing: 30–40% of budget (more in central Madrid/Barcelona, less elsewhere)
• Utilities/internet/mobile: 5–10%
• Groceries/markets: 10–15%
• Dining/entertainment: 10–15%
• Transport: 5–10%
• Insurance/health: 5–10%
• Admin/pro services (gestor, translations): One-time setup costs in month 1–3

Track your spending for the first three months and adjust. Spain rewards local shopping and off-peak travel with lower costs.

Your First 30 Days Checklist

• Week 1: Arrive, settle into temporary housing, get SIM card, start apartment viewings
• Week 2: Sign lease, empadronamiento appointment booked, gather TIE docs
• Week 3: TIE biometrics appointment, open bank account, set up utilities
• Week 4: Register with healthcare system or activate private insurance, start language classes, join a local group

Conclusion: Take the First Step

Moving to Spain is a big decision but with the right plan, it’s absolutely doable. Choose your city, pick the visa that fits your life, and line up your documents early. Book those first appointments, secure a short-term base, and give yourself time to find the right home. The rest; friends, language, favorite cafés, follows faster than you think. Start with step one today and get closer to your Spanish life.

Moving from USA? Check out our How to Move to Sapin from the US guide

Planning a trip to Spain is exciting, museums, beaches, tapas, the works. But before you book flights, you need to know whether you’ll be allowed to enter the country.

Visa rules can feel confusing, especially with the Schengen Area and different visa types to consider. This guide breaks it all down in plain language so you can confidently check your eligibility, figure out what you need, and avoid last-minute surprises.

What you’ll learn:

• Who can travel to Spain without a visa and for how long
• How the Schengen Area rules work (and what they mean for your trip)
• The main visa types: tourist (Schengen), student, work, and long-stay
• What to prepare for a successful visa application
• Practical tips to avoid common mistakes at the border

If you are contemplating a more permanent move to Spain, be sure to check out our How to Move to Spain guide.

Spain and the Schengen Area: The Basics

Spain is part of the Schengen Area, a group of European countries that share a common short-stay visa policy and no internal border checks between them. If you enter one Schengen country, you can travel to the others during your permitted stay without additional border control.

Key rule: For short visits, the maximum stay is 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. This applies whether you’re visa-exempt or traveling on a Schengen short-stay visa.

Who Doesn’t Need a Visa to Visit Spain?

Citizens of many countries can visit Spain for tourism or business without a visa, as long as they stay within the 90/180 rule. This includes travellers from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and most Latin American countries like Argentina and Chile, among others.

What visa-free means:

• Purpose: Tourism, business meetings, family visits, short courses (non-degree), and transit.
• Duration: Up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area.
• Documents still required: Valid passport, proof of onward travel, accommodation details, and proof of funds. Border officers can ask for these even if you’re visa-exempt.

Important: Visa-free entry doesn’t guarantee admission. You must satisfy entry conditions at the border. Overstays can lead to fines, bans, and future visa refusals.

ETIAS Travel Authorization: What to Expect

The European Union is introducing ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) for visa-exempt travelers. When active, most visa-exempt visitors will need to apply online for a low-cost authorization before travel. It’s not a visa, but a security pre-check linked to your passport, typically valid for multiple entries.

What to know:

• Apply online before your trip.
• Keep the same passport you used to apply.
• ETIAS does not change the 90/180-day rule.

Check official EU sources for the latest rollout timeline and requirements before you fly.

When You Do Need a Visa: Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C)

If your nationality is not visa-exempt for the Schengen Area, you must apply for a short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) to visit Spain for tourism, business, or family visits.

Key points:

• Valid for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
• May be single-entry or multiple-entry.
• Apply at the Spanish consulate (or the consulate of the main destination) in your country of residence.
• Processing time typically ranges from 15 to 45 days, but start early in peak seasons.

Required documents usually include:

• Completed application form and fee payment
• Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned exit date, with at least two blank pages
• Passport photos meeting Schengen standards
• Travel itinerary (flight reservations, not necessarily ticketed)
• Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, invitation letter, or rental)
• Proof of funds (bank statements, payslips, sponsorship)
• Travel health insurance covering at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid across Schengen
• Additional documents depending on purpose (business invitation, conference registration, family ties)

Understanding the 90/180-Day Rule

This rule applies to both visa-exempt visitors and holders of Type C Schengen visas. You can stay a maximum of 90 days within any rolling 180-day window across all Schengen countries combined.

How to track it:

• Use a Schengen calculator (many official sites offer one).
• Count backwards 180 days from your intended date of exit; ensure total days in Schengen within that window don’t exceed 90.
• Multiple entries are fine as long as you don’t exceed 90 days total.

Common mistake: Assuming the clock resets with each border crossing. It doesn’t. The rolling calculation always applies.

Long-Stay National Visas (Type D): When You’re Staying Longer

If you plan to study, work, retire, or live in Spain for more than 90 days, you’ll need a Spanish national long-stay visa (Type D). This is different from the Schengen short-stay visa and is country-specific.

Student Visa (Type D)

For degree programs, exchanges, or long courses.

Typical requirements:

• Acceptance letter from a recognized Spanish institution
• Proof of sufficient funds or scholarship
• Health insurance (private or public, depending on program)
• Background check (police certificate)
• Medical certificate (fit to travel/study)
• Proof of accommodation

After you arrive: You’ll apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) and register locally.

Work Visas

Several categories exist depending on your job type and contract. In most cases, your employer in Spain initiates the work authorization before you apply for the visa.

Common pathways:

• Highly qualified professionals or EU Blue Card
• General work permit (employment contract required)
• Seasonal work permits
• Intra-company transfers
• Entrepreneur visa for business founders meeting innovation/investment criteria
• Digital Nomad Visa (remote workers meeting income and tax conditions; allows residence while working for non-Spanish employers)

Expect:

• Employer sponsorship or proof of self-employment
• Qualifications and experience evidence
• Background checks and medical certificate
• Health insurance
• Consular interview

Family Reunification and Spouse/Partner Visas

For joining a family member who legally resides in Spain. Requirements vary by relationship (spouse, registered partner, dependent child or parent) and the sponsor’s status.

Non-Lucrative (No-Work) Residence Visa

For retirees and individuals with sufficient passive income or savings. You cannot work in Spain under this visa, but you can live there long-term.

Typical requirements:

• Proof of significant monthly income or savings
• Comprehensive private health insurance
• Background checks and medical certificate
• Proof of accommodation

Where to Apply and Processing Timelines

• Short-stay Schengen visa: Apply at the Spanish consulate/visa center responsible for your place of residence. If Spain is not your main destination, apply to the consulate of the country where you’ll spend the most time.
• Long-stay national visa: Apply at the Spanish consulate serving your residence. Some categories require pre-approval from Spanish authorities before the consulate can issue a visa.

Timing:

• Short-stay: Apply 15 days to 6 months before travel (earlier is better in peak seasons).
• Long-stay: Start 2–3 months in advance, or longer for complex categories.

Documents You May Be Asked for at the Border

Even if you’re visa-exempt, border officers may ask for:

• Valid passport (with sufficient validity and blank pages)
• Proof of onward or return travel
• Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, invitation letter)
• Proof of funds for your stay
• Travel insurance (recommended; required for many visas)
• Purpose of trip (tourism, business meetings, event registration)

Answer questions clearly and keep documents handy. Being organized goes a long way.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa: Step-by-Step

1. Confirm the correct visa type and where to apply (Spain vs. another Schengen country).
2. Book an appointment with the Spanish consulate or its outsourced visa center (e.g., BLS or VFS where applicable).
3. Complete the application form and gather documents:
   • Passport, photos, itinerary, accommodation, proof of funds, insurance, purpose-specific documents.
4. Pay the fee (varies by nationality and age; reduced rates for children).
5. Attend your appointment:
   • Submit biometrics (fingerprints) if required.
   • Provide originals and photocopies; keep copies for yourself.
6. Track your application and wait for a decision.
7. If approved, check your visa sticker:
   • Entry type (single/multiple), validity dates, and duration of stay.
8. If refused, review the reason, gather stronger evidence, and reapply if appropriate.

Tips for a Smooth Visa or Entry Experience

• Match your documents to your itinerary: Dates, names, and bookings should align.
• Book refundable or “pay later” accommodations and flights until your visa is approved.
• Don’t over-explain at the border. Answer questions directly and politely.
• Keep proof of funds: Recent bank statements or a letter from a sponsor if applicable.
• Get the right insurance: For Schengen, minimum €30,000 medical coverage across all Schengen states, including repatriation.
• Track your days: Use a Schengen day calculator to avoid overstays.
• Mind your passport validity: At least 3 months beyond planned exit date is the standard; 6 months is safer.
• For long stays, check regional requirements: Some Spanish regions may have additional steps after arrival (e.g., local registration, TIE appointment).
• Start early: Appointment slots fill quickly before holidays and summer.

Special Cases and FAQs

Can I work on a tourist or visa-free entry?

No. Visa-free and Schengen Type C visas don’t allow you to work in Spain. You need an appropriate work visa or residence authorization.

Can I study short courses on a tourist entry?

Short, non-degree courses and language programs under 90 days are usually fine. Longer programs require a student visa.

What if I plan to visit multiple Schengen countries?

Apply to the consulate of the country where you’ll spend the most days. If time is equal, apply where you first enter.

Can I extend a Schengen short-stay visa while in Spain?

Extensions are rare and granted only for exceptional reasons (force majeure, humanitarian reasons). Plan within the 90/180 rule.

Do I need a transit visa if I’m connecting through Spain?

Some nationalities need an airport transit visa (ATV) even if they don’t pass border control. Check your nationality’s rules and airline requirements.

What Happens If You Overstay?

Overstaying can lead to fines, entry bans, and problems getting future visas. Border systems track entries and exits, and airlines may be alerted. If you realize you’re at risk, seek advice at a local immigration office before your permitted days run out.

Planning Your Trip with Confidence

Visa planning doesn’t have to be stressful. Start with your nationality and purpose of travel, decide whether you’re visa-exempt or need a Schengen or national visa, and work through the checklist. Keep copies of everything, arrive with a clear itinerary, and know your rights and limits under the 90/180 rule.

Conclusion: Check Your Eligibility and Start Packing

Spain welcomes millions of visitors every year, and most travelers find the process straightforward once they know the rules. Check whether you’re visa-exempt, confirm the 90/180-day allowance, or choose the right visa for study, work, or long-term stays. Then line up your documents, apply early if needed, and get ready to enjoy Spain’s cities, coastlines, and culture.