Moving to Spain: 9 Things to Organise Before You Go 🇪🇸 | telmyfriends
Dreaming of moving to Spain? You're certainly not alone!
Whether you're planning a new life in the sunshine, relocating for work, joining family or finally making that retirement dream happen, there's plenty to look forward to.
But before you start imagining long lunches, Spanish markets and evenings on the terrace, there are a few practical things to organise.
And here's something important to remember: moving to Spain from the UK isn't necessarily the same as moving from the USA or France. Your nationality, current country of residence and personal circumstances can all affect the process.
So, where should you start?
Here's a practical nine-point checklist to help you prepare.
1. Check Your Immigration and Residency Requirements
First, establish what permissions and documentation you need to live in Spain.
The requirements depend on your nationality and circumstances.
You may need to investigate:
Passport and identity documents.
Visa or residency requirements, where applicable.
NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero).
TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), where applicable.
Supporting paperwork and application procedures.
Appointments and registration requirements.
Remember that an NIE and a TIE are not the same thing, and having an NIE number does not automatically give you permission to reside in Spain.
Start with the official information relevant to your situation, and check for updates before making plans.
2. Understand the Padrón
The Padrón is the municipal register of residents maintained by your local Ayuntamiento (town hall).
If you're settling in Spain, you'll need to investigate how to register at your local town hall.
Requirements can vary between municipalities, but you may be asked for documents such as:
Identification.
Proof of your address.
Rental agreement or other accommodation documentation.
Additional paperwork required by your local council.
It's worth checking your town hall's website before attending, particularly if appointments are necessary.
3. Find Somewhere to Live
Are you planning to rent, buy or stay temporarily while looking for somewhere permanent?
Whichever route you choose, think about:
Temporary accommodation on arrival.
Rental deposits and initial costs.
Proof of income or references.
Property documentation.
Utilities and household bills.
Location and transport links.
If you're planning to rent, familiarise yourself with the process before you arrive. Spanish property terminology can be a little different from what you're used to!
4. Sort Out Banking and Finances
Moving money between countries and setting up your finances in Spain deserves some advance planning.
Consider:
Opening a Spanish bank account.
International transfers and currency exchange.
Access to your existing accounts.
Regular payments and direct debits.
Your initial living and moving costs.
Tax residency and any obligations in your previous country.
Tax residency can be complicated, particularly if you have income, property or financial interests in more than one country. Check the relevant rules and seek professional advice where appropriate.
5. Investigate Healthcare
Don't leave healthcare arrangements until after you've moved.
Find out what applies to your circumstances, including eligibility for public healthcare, registration procedures and whether private insurance is required or appropriate.
You may also want to organise:
Medical records.
Prescriptions and ongoing medication.
Existing treatment information.
Health insurance documentation.
Details of local healthcare services.
Your healthcare arrangements may depend on your nationality, residency status, employment and other circumstances.
6. Check Your Driving Licence and Vehicle Requirements
Planning to drive in Spain?
Before bringing your car or assuming you can use your existing licence indefinitely, check the rules for your country of issue and personal situation.
You may need to investigate:
Whether your licence is valid in Spain.
Whether an exchange is possible or required.
Vehicle registration.
Import requirements.
Insurance.
Relevant deadlines and administrative procedures.
Driving rules are one area where nationality and country of licence issue can make a significant difference.
7. Organise Work and Income
If you're moving to Spain to work, start researching the practical requirements early.
Think about:
Permission to work, where applicable.
Employment opportunities.
Recognition of qualifications.
Employment contracts.
Social Security arrangements.
Self-employment or business registration, if relevant.
Remote workers and people running businesses may have additional matters to investigate, so don't assume that working online automatically means there are no Spanish administrative requirements.
8. Make Plans for Family, Children and Pets
Moving with family brings a few extra items to your checklist.
Depending on your circumstances, you may need to organise:
School applications and enrolment.
Childcare.
Family documentation and residency arrangements.
Pet travel requirements and documentation.
Suitable accommodation.
Transport and everyday family services.
Some of these arrangements need to be started well in advance, so give yourself plenty of time.
9. Prepare for Everyday Life and Spanish Phone Calls
Once you've arrived, you'll have the usual practical jobs to tackle:
Electricity, gas and water.
Internet and mobile phone services.
Household insurance.
Local registrations.
Appointments and deliveries.
Finding useful local services.
And then there's communication.
You may be comfortable ordering a café con leche, chatting to neighbours and asking for directions, but a telephone call with a bank, healthcare provider, insurance company or government office can be a different story.
People speak quickly, use unfamiliar terminology and sometimes ask questions you weren't expecting.
That's why telmyfriends offers live telephone interpretation. An interpreter helps both parties understand each other by conveying what each person says, professionally and politely, without giving advice, taking sides or changing the message.
It's about making important conversations easier when language gets in the way.
Where Can You Find More Free Information About Moving to Spain?
Nine checklist points are a useful starting point, but every move is different.
The best way to prepare is to research the requirements that apply to your own nationality and circumstances, and check information with the relevant official authorities.
We've created a free collection of articles to help people planning a move to Spain.
Visit the telmyfriends Moving to Spain Help Section to explore practical information and useful resources.
There's no purchase required — just information to help you plan.
If you'd prefer to have the information brought together in a structured workbook, you can also explore our Moving to Spain guides and checklists.
There are dedicated editions for people moving from the UK and USA, plus a French-language edition specifically for people moving from France.
The 22-page guides include practical moving checklists and resources, and qualifying purchases include the first month of Expat Basic with 15 minutes of live telephone interpretation.
They're an optional extra for anyone who wants a more organised moving resource.
Useful Official Resources
Before making important decisions, always check the latest information with the relevant authorities.
A couple of useful starting points:
Spanish Public Administration Portal — official information about public administration and services.
GOV.UK — useful for British citizens researching their move to Spain.
One Last Thing...
Moving abroad can feel like a huge project when you look at everything at once.
But break it down into smaller jobs, check the requirements that apply to you, keep your documents organised and give yourself enough time.
And remember to enjoy the exciting bits too. You're moving to Spain, after all!
¡Buena suerte with your move! 🇪🇸
Brought to you by telmyfriends — helping people communicate across languages and borders.
For more practical information, visit our free Moving to Spain resources or explore our Moving to Spain guides and checklists.
You can also read our original Moving to Spain Checklist on the telmyfriends website.