Step-by-Step Guide to Moving to Spain: How to Prepare Properly

Moving to Spain is a process that requires thorough preparation and the completion of necessary formalities both in the UK and after arriving in Spain. How can you best prepare for the move, and what key aspects should you keep in mind?

12.03.2025

For years, Spain has been attracting not only tourists but also investors and those seeking a warmer, more relaxed place to live—whether during their working years or in retirement. This comes as no surprise. The Iberian Peninsula offers over 300 days of sunshine per year, a relatively low cost of living, delicious cuisine, a rich cultural heritage, and access to the Mediterranean Sea, particularly in regions like the Costa Blanca or Costa del Sol. However, to fully enjoy this lifestyle, there are several important steps you need to take in advance. Here’s what you need to know about moving to Spain.

Contents:

What Should You Do Before Moving to Spain?

Contrary to what you might think, dealing with formalities is not the first step. Instead, the first thing you should do is choose your new place of residence from the many attractive locations Spain has to offer. Whether you prefer the vibrant cities, coastal towns, or quieter inland villages, researching the best areas to suit your lifestyle is essential.

Once you’ve decided to move, start learning Spanish as soon as possible. While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, daily life will be much easier if you can communicate in Spanish. You can join a course in your home country or use language-learning apps like Duolingo to get started.

How Do I Move to Spain?

A good starting point is finding a short-term rental property. While this step is optional, it is highly recommended. Renting temporarily allows you to get a feel for the area before committing to a permanent home. It also makes practical matters easier, such as opening a Spanish bank account in person or searching for a job before your official move.

Having a local address can simplify many administrative processes and give you time to explore different neighborhoods to find the perfect long-term place to live.

As a UK citizen, you do not need a visa to visit Spain for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, if you plan to move permanently, you must obtain a N.I.E. (Número de Identificación de Extranjero). This tax identification number is essential for opening a bank account, purchasing property, signing employment contracts, and taking out insurance in Spain.

You can obtain an NIE number both in Spain and from the UK.

• In Spain: You can apply at a police station, the Immigration Office, or the General Police Directorate.
• From the UK: You can apply through the Spanish Embassy in London or the Spanish Consulates in Edinburgh and Manchester.

Having an NIE number is one of the most important steps in making your move to Spain official.

To open a Spanish bank account, you will need an NIE number. Depending on the bank, you may also be asked to provide additional documents, such as:

• A valid passport or ID card
• Proof of employment or income (such as an employment contract or tax return)
• A rental agreement or proof of address in Spain

Having a local bank account is essential for everyday transactions, paying bills, and even purchasing property. In Spain, bank drafts (cheques bancarios) are mandatory for property purchases, as large cash transactions are prohibited.

Some of the most popular banks in Spain include:

• Santander
• Banco Sabadell
• BBVA
• ING
• La Caixa

It’s a good idea to compare different banks to find one that suits your needs, especially regarding fees, online banking options, and services for expats.

Once you have obtained your NIE number and opened a Spanish bank account, you are officially eligible to purchase property in Spain. Importantly, you do not have to finance the entire purchase yourself—Spanish banks offer mortgages of up to 70% of the property's value for non-residents.

Choosing the Right Location

If you're looking for a home in a warm, coastal region, the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca are excellent choices. These areas offer:

• A Mediterranean climate with over 300 sunny days a year
• Beautiful beaches and modern infrastructure
• A large international community
• Great investment potential

To make the process easier, you can work with a real estate agency like Elite World Estates, which specializes in helping international buyers find their perfect home—even while they are still in their home country. A professional agency can assist with legal formalities, property viewings, and negotiations, ensuring a smooth buying experience.

After moving to Spain, there are a few other formalities to keep in mind. These are:

• Número de la Seguridad Social – social security number. If you run your own company, you must register yourself. Otherwise, your employer will do it for you.
   
• Empadronamiento – You must register your address as soon as you move to Spain. You can do this when you visit the town hall. You need to register your address to use the public health service and to enrol your children in school. 
   
• Certificado de registro de ciudadano de la U.E. – Certificate of Registration as a Citizen of the European Union, which you receive after registering with the Registro Central de Extranjeros, i.e. the Central Register of Foreigners.

If you move to Spain with children, you will need to find a school for them. Depending on their age, this could be:
 

• Educación Primaria, which is the equivalent of primary school in the UK, divided into two stages: Educación Primaria Obligatoria – EPO and Educación Primaria Obligatoria – ESO. The total duration of education is six years.
   
• Educación Secundaria Obligatoria – ESO, which is a four-year secondary school.
   

Remember that in Spain, children attend the school closest to their home (district school system). Therefore, the choice of place of residence affects the education of your younger family members.

As a resident and worker, you are entitled to free public healthcare. To access it, you need a Número de la Seguridad Social and a Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual (TSI), which you can obtain at your local Centro de Salud.

Free healthcare is also available to children and pregnant women with resident status. If moving permanently, you must deregister from the UK’s NHS, unless you continue paying contributions.

You do not need to exchange your UK driving licence immediately after moving to Spain. You can use your UK-issued licence for up to 2 years, but you must register with the Registro Central de Conductores e Infractores (Traffic Directorate) within 6 months of arrival.

After 2 years, you must apply for a Spanish driving licence. This requires:

• Proof of identity
• A certified translation of your UK licence
• Empadronamiento (proof of address)
• A positive medical examination result

Now you know the key steps for moving to Spain. By handling formalities step by step, you can prepare for your new life on the Iberian Peninsula before you even leave the UK.

If you're looking for a home in Costa Blanca or Costa del Sol, check out properties for sale in Spain and get help from the Elite World Estates agency!

We are here to help you! Please enter your contact details below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Let us narrow down the search among the properties available through us, by contacting us and finding the best options for you. 
We are here to help you!
Please enter your contact details below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Let us narrow down the search among the properties available through us, by contacting us and finding the best options for you. We are here to help you! Please enter your contact details below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Let us narrow down the search among the properties available through us, by contacting us and finding the best options for you. We are here to help you!
Please enter your contact details below and we will contact you as soon as possible.