Spain remains one of the most popular destinations for people moving within Europe and from the English-speaking world: for the climate, the cost of living in many regions, and the quality of life on the coasts and in the cities. The move itself is straightforward. The administration is where most people lose time — so this guide puts it in order.
Your NIE: the number you need for everything
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is your identification number in Spain. You need it to sign a rental contract, buy property, open a bank account, connect utilities and pay taxes.
- EU citizens receive their NIE on the EU registration certificate (certificado de registro de ciudadano de la UE), applied for once you settle.
- Non-EU nationals receive their NIE with their visa or residence authorisation, and then a TIE — the physical residence card that shows it.
Book your appointments early: in popular areas, slots at the foreigners' offices and police stations fill up weeks ahead.
The padrón: registering your address
Empadronamiento means registering your address at your town hall. It is free, usually quick, and it unlocks many other steps: access to public healthcare, school enrolment, some tax procedures and, in many cases, the start of your residency timeline. Bring your passport, your NIE or residence document, and your rental contract or property deed.
Residency routes
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens have the right to live in Spain. After three months, they register and receive the EU registration certificate.
UK nationals arriving since 2021, Americans and other non-EU nationals need a visa for long stays. The most common routes are:
| Route | For whom |
|---|---|
| Non-lucrative visa | People with sufficient passive income or savings who will not work in Spain |
| Digital nomad visa | Remote workers employed by, or working for, companies outside Spain |
| Work visa | People with a job offer from a Spanish employer |
| Family reunification | Family members of legal residents |
Spain's investment-based golden visa closed on 3 April 2025 — older guides that still recommend it are out of date.
Shipping your belongings to Spain
From another EU country
No customs declaration and no duty. Your belongings travel like a domestic move, by dedicated truck (fixed dates, usually within a week from Western Europe) or shared load (cheaper, flexible dates, two to four weeks).
From the UK
Since Brexit, your move is a UK export followed by a Spanish import. Your used belongings enter free of duty and VAT under transfer of residence relief if you have lived outside the EU for 12 months, owned them for 6 months and import them within 12 months of becoming resident. Shipments to a holiday home are taxed.
From the USA, Canada or Australia
Your belongings travel by sea container to Valencia, Barcelona or Algeciras, then by road to your door. The same transfer of residence relief applies. Allow six to ten weeks door to door from the US East Coast.
The Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla
They are outside the EU VAT area and have their own tax rules. A move from the mainland — or from elsewhere in Europe — to the Canaries involves customs formalities. Tell us your island at quote stage.
Your car and your driving licence
Driving licence. EU licences remain valid in Spain. A UK licence can be used for six months after you become resident, during which you exchange it for a Spanish one. Other non-EU licences depend on agreements between Spain and the issuing country.
Your car. A foreign-registered car must be registered in Spain once you are resident. Registration involves a technical inspection (ITV) and, depending on your situation, registration tax — check the cost before shipping an older vehicle.
Healthcare, banking and schools
- Healthcare: once registered, you may access the public system depending on your situation (employment, pension, residence). Many non-lucrative visa holders need private insurance as a visa condition.
- Banking: a Spanish account makes paying rent and utilities simpler; you need your NIE.
- Schools: public school places are allocated by address — another reason to register on the padrón early.
Your Spain moving timeline
Three months before: start your visa or registration file, estimate your volume, request quotes. Two months before: find your home in Spain, book your mover, prepare proof of residence abroad. One month before: detailed inventory, customs documents if you come from outside the EU, give notice on contracts. After arrival: padrón, NIE/TIE appointments, bank account, healthcare registration, licence exchange within the deadline.
Frequently asked questions
More guides
- Moving to Portugal: NIF, residency and your belongingsMoving to Portugal from the UK, the USA or elsewhere in Europe: NIF, residence permits and AIMA, registration, your car and how to ship your belongings.
- Moving back to the UK: ToR01, your car and timingReturning to the UK after living abroad: Transfer of Residence relief (ToR01), importing your car with NOVA, and how long the move takes.