Moving to Spain: The Successful Expat’s Guide

Published on October 2, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Spain, with its sunny climate, rich culture, and enviable quality of life, attracts many expatriates each year seeking a fresh start. Whether you’re drawn to the beaches of the Costa del Sol, the vibrancy of Barcelona, or the authentic charm of Andalusia, moving to Spain can be an exciting adventure. However, like any relocation abroad, it requires careful preparation and knowledge of the necessary procedures. Here is your comprehensive guide to successfully settling in Spain and fully enjoying the Spanish version of la dolce vita.

Pack Your Bags and Documents: Essentials Before the Big Move

Before packing your boxes and saying adios to your home country, it’s crucial to properly prepare for your move to Spain. Good planning will save you many hassles once you’re there and will greatly facilitate your settlement.

Learn the basics of Spanish: Even though many Spaniards speak English, especially in tourist areas, mastering the basics of the local language will be a major asset for your integration. Enroll in Spanish classes or use language learning apps before your departure. A B1 level is recommended to be independent in most daily situations, but even solid basics will greatly help with your initial procedures and social interactions.

Research your future region: Spain is a diverse country, with significant differences between regions in terms of climate, culture, and cost of living. Research your future city or region of settlement to get a precise idea of what to expect. Check expatriate forums, read blogs and travel guides to form a realistic picture of your future living environment.

• Valid passport
• Birth and marriage certificates (if applicable) translated into Spanish
• Diplomas and professional certificates
• Bank statements from recent months
• International health insurance certificate

Plan your budget: Although the cost of living in Spain is generally lower than in France, it’s essential to establish a precise budget for your move. Plan for sufficient funds to cover your first months there, including rent, security deposit, moving expenses, and daily costs.

Welcome to Spain: First Steps to Settle In

Once you’ve arrived on Spanish soil, several administrative procedures await to formalize your status and begin your new life legally.

• Completed EX-15 form
• Original passport and photocopy
• Proof of address in Spain
• Proof of the reason for your application (employment contract, university registration, etc.)

Register with the residents’ registry (Padrón): This procedure is mandatory if you reside in Spain for more than three months. It allows you to access many public services and is necessary for various administrative procedures. Go to your local town hall with your passport, NIE, and proof of address.

Open a Spanish bank account: Having a local bank account will greatly facilitate your daily life for paying bills, rent, and receiving your salary if you work in Spain. Most Spanish banks offer specific accounts for expatriates. You’ll need your passport, NIE, and proof of address to open an account.

Subscribe to health insurance: If you’re not covered by Spanish social security (for example, if you’re self-employed or retired), it’s crucial to subscribe to private health insurance. This is actually a requirement to obtain your residence permit.

Become a True Local: Secrets to Integrating into the Spanish Community

Integrating into your new community is essential to fully enjoy your expatriate experience. Here are some tips to feel at home in Spain:

Immerse yourself in the local culture: Participate in local festivals and traditions, like the Feria de Abril in Seville or the Fallas in Valencia. It’s an excellent way to understand Spanish culture and meet locals.

Adopt the Spanish pace of life: Spaniards have a different relationship with time than the French. Meals are later, and the siesta is still practiced in some regions. Try to adapt to this rhythm to better integrate.

Join clubs or associations: Whether you’re passionate about sports, art, or cuisine, there are many associations where you can meet people who share your interests, whether they’re Spanish or expatriates.

Improve your Spanish: Continue practicing the local language. Enroll in Spanish classes locally or find a language partner for conversation exchanges.

Explore your region: Spain is full of hidden treasures. Use your free time to explore the surroundings, visit small villages, and discover local gastronomy. It’s an excellent way to immerse yourself in the culture and history of your new region.

Visa and Residence Permit: Your Key to Legal Life in Spain

Depending on your situation and the planned duration of your stay, the procedures for obtaining a visa or residence permit may vary. Here are the main options:

For EU citizens: If you’re a citizen of the European Union, you don’t need a visa to enter Spain. However, if you plan to stay more than three months, you must register with the Spanish authorities and obtain a registration certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión).

• Work visa: if you have a job offer in Spain
• Student visa: for studying or training in Spain
• Retiree visa: for people wishing to spend their retirement in Spain
• Non-lucrative visa: for those who can prove sufficient resources without working in Spain

• Visa application form
• Valid passport
• ID photos
• Proof of financial resources
• Health insurance
• Clean criminal record
• Specific documents according to visa type (employment contract, university registration, etc.)

Finding Your Cozy Nest: The Quest for the Perfect Home in Spain

Finding housing that suits your needs and budget is a crucial step in your move to Spain. Here are some tips to help you in this search:

Rent or buy?: If you’re not yet sure about long-term settlement, renting is often the best option. It allows you to discover different neighborhoods before committing to a purchase. The Spanish real estate market offers good investment opportunities, but make sure you know the region well before buying.

Where to look?: Use specialized websites like Idealista, Fotocasa, or Habitaclia to get an overview of the local real estate market. Don’t hesitate to use real estate agencies, especially if your Spanish isn’t yet perfect. Some agencies specialize in assisting expatriates.

• Your NIE
• Proof of income or employment contract
• Bank references
• Security deposit (usually equivalent to one or two months’ rent)

Understanding contract terms: Make sure you fully understand all terms of the rental contract before signing. In Spain, leases are typically for 12 months, automatically renewable for up to 5 years (7 years for leases signed from March 2019).

Stay Legal: Renewing Your Residence Permit and Other Administrative Obligations

Once settled in Spain, it’s important to remain compliant with local authorities. Here are the main procedures not to forget:

Residence permit renewal: For non-EU nationals, renewing the residence permit is a crucial step. The first residence authorization is generally valid for one year, then can be renewed for two years, then another two years, before being able to apply for permanent residence after five years of continuous legal residence.

To renew your permit, you’ll need to prove that you still meet the initial conditions (employment, sufficient resources, etc.) and that you don’t have a criminal record in Spain.

Tax declaration: If you reside in Spain for more than 183 days per year, you’re considered a tax resident and must declare your worldwide income to Spanish authorities. Familiarize yourself with the Spanish tax system and any tax treaties between Spain and your home country to avoid double taxation.

Padrón update: Remember to update your registration in the residents’ registry (Padrón) if you change address. This procedure is important because many services and rights depend on this registration.

Driver’s license: If you’re a permanent resident in Spain, you must exchange your foreign driver’s license for a Spanish one within six months of obtaining your residence.

Know Your Rights: Laws and Regulations Concerning Foreigners in Spain

As an expatriate in Spain, it’s crucial to know your rights and obligations. Here’s an overview of the main laws and regulations concerning foreigners:

Labor law: If you work in Spain, you benefit from the same rights as Spanish workers in terms of working conditions, minimum wage, and social protection. The standard work week is 40 hours, with a minimum of 30 days of paid vacation per year.

Access to healthcare: Legal residents in Spain have access to the Spanish public healthcare system, renowned for its quality. If you work and contribute to Spanish social security, you and your family are automatically covered. Retirees and unemployed persons must subscribe to private health insurance.

Education: Expatriate children have the right to free education in Spanish public schools. Education is compulsory from ages 6 to 16.

Family reunification: Legal residents in Spain can apply for family reunification for their spouse and minor children after one year of legal residence, under certain conditions of resources and housing.

Acquisition of nationality: After 10 years of continuous legal residence in Spain (2 years for nationals of Spanish-speaking countries), you can apply for Spanish nationality. This period is reduced to 5 years for refugees and to 1 year in certain special cases (marriage to a Spaniard, birth in Spain, etc.).

Moving to Spain as an expatriate is an exciting adventure that requires preparation and patience. By following this guide and remaining open to the local culture, you’ll quickly feel at home in your new adoptive country. Remember that every expatriate experience is unique, so take the time to discover Spain at your own pace and enjoy every moment of your new life under the Iberian sun.