Moving to Spain Made Simple: Step‑By‑Step Guides on Visas, Residency, Driving, Pets, Healthcare, Schools, Culture, Language and More

Schengen refers to the EU passport-free zone that covers most European countries which includes Spain. You can stay for short stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period, any longer as an EU or Non-EU Citizen then in accordance with the National Laws you must apply for a visa or residency. Learn about the Schengen Zone and new EU EEA and EITAS systems in this article.

Make your dream a reality by planning out all the steps for your move. Take the stress out of your move by being prepared and using our free moving / relocation guide and checklist. It covers many topics including understanding your Finances, Budgeting for Your Move, Planning for your Family, Accommodation, Health Care and much more.

If you hold an EU passport, you and your family members can get residency in Spain with an offer of employment with a Spanish company, or if you want to register as Self Employed(Autonomo). Planning ahead is important as there are likely many things you will need such as obtaining your NIE number before you can start.

You are considered a fiscal (tax) resident if are in Spain more than 183 days, or your centre of economic interests are in Spain.Get to grips with your finances and tax obligations including income tax, budget, banking, currency exchange, capital gains, wealth taxes, self employment (social security and autonomo).

If you are moving to Spain the timing of when you move to Spain is important to avoid a big tax bill. Under Spanish Taxation Law, when you become a tax resident you are taxed on your worldwide income. If you are selling your property, even if you don't have to pay Capital Gains tax in the country where the property is being sold you may still have to pay Capital Gains tax in Spain.

Choosing the right school in Spain is one of the most important decisions families face — especially for expats relocating to Spain or parents wanting the best educational opportunities for their children. Spain offers four main types of schools: public schools, concertado (state subsidised) schools, private schools, and international schools. Each comes with different costs, curricula, admissions processes, and long-term pathways.

EU Driving Licenses continue to be valid in Spain until renewal although there are some exceptions. Non-EU including UK and Ireland Driving Licences can be exchanged if there is an agreement with Spain, for countries without an agreement a practical driving and theory test is required. Practical guidance on purchasing, leasing, hiring or importing your vehicle. Once you have exchanged your licence, remember you may need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in other countries.

Planning for individual and family public and private health care cover is vital if you live abroad. You may require Private Health Insurance for your Residency or Visa application or you may be eligible to access public health care straight away. Don't forget if you have residency in Spain and you travel abroad you may not have access to Health Care without insurance, or the European Health Insurance Card - EHIC (when travelling in the EU). After one year in Spain you may also want to consider joining the Convenio Especial program.

Your furry friend is a big part of the family and requires extra special attention during the move. There are a few things to consider such as how you will transport your pet to Spain, requirements for registering your pet, legal requirements for liability insurance and how to access Veterinarian services. Spain introduced a new animal welfare law in September 2023 that recognised pets as "living, sentient beings".

Since April 2025 this visa is no longer available in Spain, for existing golden visa holders we provide visa renewal services, get in touch to find out more. Flexibility without tax residency if you spend less than 183 days in Spain per calendar year.

If you wish to continue living in Spain, ensuring you renew your Spanish Non‑Lucrative Visa correctly is essential, a mistake can be very costly.  Applications must be submitted within the official timeframe - typically 60 days before your visa expires or up to 90 days after.