Essential Guide for relocating in Spain
This page provide a comprehensive overview of moving to and living in Spain, specifically focusing on the Andalusia region. Prospective residents are advised to prepare for complex bureaucracy and a distinctive lifestyle characterised by slower daily rhythms, late meal times, and a high cultural emphasis on food. Financial considerations are highlighted as crucial, with experts discussing varying tax implications, the fluctuating cost of living between urban and rural areas, and the rising prices of housing and vehicles. Regional diversity is a key theme, contrasting the lush, cooler north with the sunny, arid south while detailing transport links and specific coastal hubs like the Costa del Sol. Practical guidance is also offered on visa requirements, the necessity of learning Spanish, and the benefits of integrating with local communities. Ultimately, the collective advice suggests that while a move to Spain is deeply rewarding, it requires thorough research and an open mind to navigate potential challenges.
The idea of moving to Spain is often painted in broad, idyllic strokes: endless sunshine, leisurely tapas, a slower pace of life, and a strong sense of enjoyment. For many people, Southern Spain in particular represents the ultimate lifestyle upgrade.
That dream is real — but it is incomplete.
What most relocation guides fail to explain is that successfully moving to Spain is not just about embracing the good life, but about navigating a series of practical, cultural, and administrative realities that can be surprising, counter-intuitive, and sometimes frustrating. Those who thrive long-term are not the ones who expect perfection, but those who arrive informed, prepared, and adaptable.
This guide combines essential practical information with the lived experiences of expats who have already made the move, highlighting what people often wish they had known beforehand.
1. Residency and Visas
1.1. EU / EEA citizens staying in Spain for more than 3 months
If you plan to live in Spain for more than three months, you do not need a visa or a traditional residence permit. However, you must complete a short legal registration process once you are in Spain.
Step 1: Secure accommodation in Spain
Before you can complete any legal registration, you must have a place to live in Spain.
You will need proof of accommodation, which can be:
A long-term rental contract (usually 11–12 months or longer), or
A property deed if you have purchased a home
This step is essential because you cannot register as a resident without a fixed address.
Step 2: Register your address at the town hall (Empadronamiento)
Once you have accommodation, the next step is to register your address at the local town hall, a process known as empadronamiento.
This confirms where you live and is required for most administrative procedures in Spain.
You typically need:
Passport or national ID
Rental contract or property deed
A completed registration form from the town hall
After registration, you will receive a certificado de empadronamiento.
Step 3: Apply for the EU Registration Certificate
If you are staying longer than 90 days, you must apply for the EU Registration Certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE).
You apply in Spain, at a police station or immigration office, by appointment.
You will need to provide:
Valid passport or national ID
Proof of address (empadronamiento)
Proof of sufficient financial means
Health insurance (public or private)
Once approved, you will receive the green EU registration certificate, which includes your NIE number.
Key points to remember
The EU registration certificate is not an ID card; you must carry it together with your passport or ID.
The process is usually quick and straightforward.
Family members who are also EU/EEA citizens follow the same steps.
Working in Spain as an EU / EEA citizen
As an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you are legally allowed to work in Spain without a work visa or permit. However, you must complete a few administrative steps, depending on whether you will work as an employee or as a self-employed professional (autónomo).
These procedures are completed after securing accommodation and registering your address.
Option 1: Working as an employee (cuenta ajena)
If you are employed by a Spanish company or organization, the process is straightforward.
What you need:
A job offer or employment contract
An EU Registration Certificate (or proof you are in the process of obtaining it)
Administrative steps:
Social Security registration
Your employer usually registers you with the Spanish Social Security system. This assigns you a Social Security number if you do not already have one.Tax registration
Once employed, you become a tax resident in Spain if you live in the country for more than 183 days per year. Your salary will be taxed through the Spanish payroll system.Healthcare access
As a registered employee, you gain access to Spain’s public healthcare system.
In most cases, the employer handles the main formalities, making this the simplest option.
Option 2: Working as self-employed (autónomo)
If you plan to work independently, freelance, or run your own business, you must register as autónomo.
Key requirements:
EU Registration Certificate
NIE number
Proof of address in Spain
Administrative steps:
Register with the Spanish Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria)
You must register your economic activity and choose the applicable tax regime.Register with Social Security as autónomo
This gives you access to healthcare and confirms your self-employed status. Monthly contributions apply.Ongoing obligations
As an autónomo, you must:File quarterly tax returns
Pay monthly social security contributions
Issue compliant invoices
Many freelancers choose to work with a gestor or tax advisor, especially during the first year.
Working remotely for a foreign company
EU citizens working remotely for a non-Spanish company while living in Spain usually need to:
Register as autónomo, or
Use an employer-of-record or equivalent legal structure
Tax residency rules still apply, and income must generally be declared in Spain.
Non-EU Citizens
If you are not a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you must obtain a long-stay (Type D) visa before moving to Spain for more than 90 days. The visa you need depends on whether you will work, study, live on passive income, or join family members.
Below are the main visa options:
1. Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
Best suited for:
Retirees
Individuals living on passive income (pensions, savings, investments)
What it allows
Legal residence in Spain
No work of any kind, including remote work
Income requirement
Around €28,800 per year for the main applicant
Additional income required for dependants
Key requirements
Proof of sufficient financial means
Private health insurance valid in Spain
Clean criminal record
Proof of accommodation
This visa is often referred to as the Spain retirement visa.
2. Digital Nomad Visa
Best suited for:
Remote employees of non-Spanish companies
Freelancers working mainly with foreign clients
What it allows
Legal residence in Spain
Remote work for companies or clients outside Spain
Income requirement
Minimum €2,763 per month for the main applicant
Basic eligibility
University degree or at least 3 years of relevant professional experience
Proof of stable remote work
No more than 20% of income from Spanish clients
Key points
The job must be fully remote
Spanish immigration requires clear, verifiable documentation
Designed for established professionals, not short-term or casual work
3. Work Visa (Employment in Spain)
Best suited for:
Non-EU citizens with a job offer from a Spanish employer
What it allows
Residence and employment in Spain
Key requirements
Valid job offer and employment contract
Employer-sponsored work authorization
Visa application submitted before entering Spain
This visa is employer-driven and usually limited to roles that cannot be easily filled locally.
4. Student Visa
Best suited for:
Students enrolled in recognised educational institutions in Spain
What it allows
Legal residence for the duration of studies
Limited part-time work (under certain conditions)
Key requirements
Acceptance letter from a recognised institution
Proof of financial means
Health insurance
Clean criminal record
In some cases, a student visa can later be modified into a work permit.
5. Family Reunification Visa
Best suited for:
Family members of legal residents in Spain
Who can apply
Spouse or registered partner
Minor children
Dependent relatives (in specific cases)
What it allows
Residence in Spain
In most cases, the right to work
The sponsoring resident must prove sufficient income and suitable accommodation.
Essential Documents
Valid passport
NIE
Proof of income or employment
Health insurance
Criminal record certificate (apostilled)
Proof of address in Spain
2. Bureaucracy and Administration
Spain has a reputation for bureaucracy, and Southern Spain is no exception.
Key administrative tasks include:
Obtaining a NIE
Registering with the town hall (padrón)
Opening a Spanish bank account
Registering with social security (if working)
Healthcare registration
Appointments often need to be booked weeks in advance, and many offices operate only in Spanish. Professional assistance or a gestor (administrative agent) can significantly simplify the process.
3. Cost of Living
Southern Spain remains one of the most affordable regions in Western Europe.
Typical Monthly Costs (approximate):
Rent (1-bedroom): €500–900 (lower inland, higher on the coast)
Utilities: €100–150
Groceries: €250–350 per person
Public transport: €30–50
Private health insurance: €50–100
While housing prices have increased in popular coastal areas, inland towns and smaller cities still offer excellent value.
Southern Spain can be affordable, but the true cost of living is often underestimated.
Common financial surprises include:
Taxes
Spain taxes worldwide income for residents. Foreign pensions, rental income, or investments can push residents over tax-free thresholds, leading to unexpected tax bills.Property Maintenance
Older properties require frequent upkeep. The climate accelerates wear, and even small renovations may require local permits.Utilities
Electricity can be expensive, particularly in summer due to air conditioning. Temporary tax reductions may expire, increasing costs further.Community Fees
Properties in urbanizaciones often carry monthly fees for shared services, which can exceed €200 per month.
4. Taxation
Spain has a progressive tax system based on residency.
You are considered a tax resident if:
You spend more than 183 days per year in Spain
Your main economic interests are in Spain
Key taxes include:
Income tax (IRPF)
Wealth tax (regional variations apply)
Capital gains tax
Property taxes (IBI)
Spain has double taxation treaties with many countries, but tax planning is strongly recommended before relocating.
5. Lifestyle and Culture
Southern Spain is known for its relaxed pace of life and strong social culture.
Key characteristics:
Late meals and social gatherings
Strong emphasis on family and community
Outdoor living and terrace culture
Frequent local festivals (ferias)
Life tends to slow down in the afternoon, especially in summer, and many businesses close during siesta hours.
6. Regional Diversity
Southern Spain is far from homogeneous.
Examples:
Costa del Sol & Costa Tropical: international, coastal, tourism-driven
Seville, Córdoba, Granada: historic cities with strong cultural identity
Inland Andalusia: rural, traditional, lower cost of living
Almería: arid landscapes, agriculture, quieter lifestyle
Choosing the right location depends on work, language skills, climate preference, and lifestyle priorities.
7. Transport
Transport infrastructure is generally good.
High-speed trains (AVE) connect major cities
Regional buses cover most areas
Car ownership is essential in rural zones
Airports in Málaga, Seville, Granada, and Almería
- Importing a car is complex and costly
Public transport is reliable in cities but limited in smaller towns.
8. Families and Schooling
Families have several education options:
Public schools (Spanish language, free)
Concertado schools (semi-private, subsidised)
Private and international schools (English or bilingual)
Public schools integrate children quickly, but language adaptation may take time. International schools are popular in expat areas but costly.
9. Housing: A Competitive Market
Long-term rentals are often harder to find than expected, particularly in desirable areas.
Demand far exceeds supply
Prices are higher than many newcomers anticipate
Short-term holiday lets reduce long-term availability
Many expats plan to rent first, but the difficulty of securing suitable housing can be one of the biggest early obstacles.
10. Practical Challenges
Relocating to Southern Spain also involves challenges:
Language barrier in official settings
Slow administrative processes
Regional variations in services
Seasonal overcrowding in tourist areas
Heat in summer months
Preparation, patience, and realistic expectations are key to a successful move.
