Moving to Spain: The Complete Checklist

Moving abroad is always a big job — and Spain is no exception. The logistics are what make it tricky: once you’ve “upped sticks”, fixing something you forgot is harder from another country. Use this step-by-step checklist to plan your move to Spain with fewer surprises.

12 months before moving: decisions and groundwork

Accommodation strategy. Decide whether you’ll rent first or buy. Most newcomers rent for 6–12 months to learn the area and avoid buyer’s remorse. If you buy, line up an independent lawyer and a reliable currency transfer provider to manage deposits and completion funds.

School planning. If you have children, shortlist Spanish state schools and international schools. Costs and integration vary by age and language level. Start with our overview: Schools In Spain: Options For Expats.

Language plan. Even basic Spanish helps with the town hall, police, banking and health appointments. Build your starter vocabulary with Essential Spanish Phrases For Expats.

6–9 months before moving: documents, visas and pets

Choose the right visa/residency route. Requirements differ by route (work, family, student, digital-nomad, non-lucrative). All routes that require private cover generally expect no copayments for the entire visa term — see the CTA at the end to compare compliant plans.

Passports. Ensure all passports have ample validity; renew now if needed so you’re not waiting close to departure. If you’re British and already living in Spain, see How To Renew Your UK Passports When Living In Spain.

Bringing pets. Start early on microchips, vaccinations and paperwork. Our primer on Spanish pet rules and travel is a useful companion when you book transport and timelines.

3–6 months before moving: bookings and core paperwork

Removals. Get 3–5 quotes, confirm insurance cover, and align delivery with your arrival date. Declutter to cut truck space and cost.

Driving and vehicles. Decide whether to bring a car. Importing and registering (matriculating) a vehicle can be costly; right-hand drive cars are awkward on Spanish roads. If you’re weighing it up, read Importing A Car Or Other Vehicle Into Spain and, for running costs, The Low-Down On Spanish Car Road Tax.

Financial housekeeping. Audit a full year of bank statements to catch annual subscriptions, standing orders, and renewals. Cancel or update what you won’t need after moving. Set up international banking and plan your first-month living funds in euros.

NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero). This ID number underpins most admin (property, utilities, cars, taxes). Get the steps here: How To Get Your NIE Number In Spain.

1–3 months before moving: health, schools, utilities

Private health insurance. Many visa routes require cover with no copayments for the full term and equivalence to the public system. Obtain your insurer certificate for the consulate. You can compare compliant no-copay plans at the end of this guide.

Medical records and prescriptions. Bring summaries of chronic conditions, vaccination records, and e-prescription printouts. Translate critical documents into Spanish if needed.

School enrollment. Confirm places, deposit deadlines, and documentation (passports, vaccination records, prior transcripts). Public schools usually require proof of address (padrón) — see the empadronamiento note below.

Utilities for your new home. If you’ll have a long-term rental or you’re buying, line up electricity and water activation so you don’t arrive to a dark, dry property. A local lawyer or gestor can help.

2–4 weeks before moving: packing and final admin

Pack and declutter. Be ruthless — you pay per cubic metre. Photograph valuables and note serial numbers for insurance.

Mail redirection. Arrange forwarding for a few months to catch stragglers. Notify tax authorities, banks, credit cards, insurers, and subscriptions of your address change or closure.

Cash and cards. Bring some euros and confirm your debit/credit cards work in Spain. Enable travel notices and two-factor authentication apps.

Travel changes at EU borders. Non-EU travellers (including UK and US citizens) are registering biometrics under the EU Entry/Exit System at first Schengen entry. Plan extra time for initial crossings.

Arrival week in Spain: first steps

Secure accommodation paperwork. You’ll need a signed lease, property deed or cession letter from the owner/lead tenant to handle many early tasks.

Empadronamiento (town-hall registration). Register at your local ayuntamiento to access public services, enroll children, and complete other admin. Bring your passport, NIE (if you have it), and proof of address (lease, utility bill, owner’s authorisation if sub-letting). Pair this with your NIE steps above to save repeat visits.

Bank account. Open a Spanish account if you haven’t already; it simplifies utilities, rent, and mobile contracts. Bring passport, NIE (or passport for non-resident accounts), and proof of address.

Healthcare basics. If you have private insurance, install the app and learn how to book GPs/specialists. If you later gain public cover (S1, employment), your centro de salud will help register you for a tarjeta sanitaria. For context on plan types, see Sanitas Health Plans.

Phones and internet. Pick a mobile plan and, if needed, book fibre installation early — many areas can schedule you within a week.

First 30 days in Spain: settle legal and practical items

NIE (if pending) and TIE card. Complete NIE and, where applicable, the biometric TIE residence card appointment. Keep copies of visa pages, padrón certificate, insurance, and proof of means.

Social Security number (número de afiliación). If you’ll work or be hired in Spain, obtain your number via form TA.1 (your employer or gestor can help). Use alongside our practical explainer: How Do I Get My Social Security Number In Spain?

Driving licence and vehicles. If you’re eligible or required to exchange your licence, book your DGT appointment and the psicotécnico medical. If you brought a car, start Spanish registration within legal timeframes. To understand road-tax obligations, see The Low-Down On Spanish Car Road Tax.

Insurance housekeeping. Beyond health cover, consider home/contents, car, and liability insurance. Spain is insurance-heavy; landlords often require proof of cover.

Kids and daily life. Confirm school timetables, transport and canteen registration. Explore after-school activities to help children integrate and practice Spanish.

Quick UK- and US-specific notes

UK nationals. GHIC/EHIC can cover medically necessary care during short visits — not residency. For most residency routes, private health insurance is required until you qualify for public cover. Keep an eye on our residency articles and DGT guidance for UK licence exchanges.

US citizens. Expect FBI background checks and apostilles (state or federal) when required by your visa type. Plan time for apostilles and sworn translations. Driving: there’s no universal US–Spain exchange; you may need a Spanish test unless covered by a specific agreement.

Final checks before you move

Relocating to Spain is a big step, but a clear checklist makes it manageable. If you’ve lined up your visa route, documents, accommodation, and first-month tasks, you’re already ahead. Keep digital copies of everything, book any pending appointments, and you’ll land ready to start your new life.

Residency-compliant health insurance (no copayments)

Most visa and residency routes require comprehensive private cover with no copayments for the full duration of your stay. Our Sanitas no-copayment plans meet Spanish consulate requirements and give you fast access to private hospitals and English-speaking doctors.

Compare no-copayment health plans that meet visa and residency rules

With insurance and paperwork sorted, you can focus on the good stuff — settling in, learning the ropes, and enjoying everyday life in Spain.

Sources

EU Entry/Exit System overview and timing: ETIAS official site. Recent rollout context: Reuters: EU digital border system rollout.

NIE assignment (official): Policía Nacional — Asignación de NIE.

Social Security number (TA.1): Seguridad Social — Form TA.1 Affiliation.

GHIC/EHIC scope: NHS — GHIC and EHIC guidance.

Driving licence basics and process: Administración del Estado — Driving licence information.

Pet travel rules (official): MAPA — Travelling with dogs, cats and ferrets.

Closing note

That’s everything you need to land smoothly in Spain. Keep this checklist handy, tick things off in order, and update it as your plans evolve. When you’re ready, explore our related guides in the sidebar to go deeper on NIE, empadronamiento, banking, driving, tenancy, and healthcare — everything you’ll need to build your new life with confidence.