How to Move to Spain

If you’re planning to move to Spain, exciting times are ahead: from the vibrant culture to the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle, Spain offers one of the most attractive expat destinations in the world.

However, before you can enjoy tapas and sunshine full-time on the Iberian coast, there are a few essential steps you must complete, starting with registering in Spain and securing expat insurance.

This guide covers everything you need to know about how to move to Spain, including:

Choosing the right visa
How to register to live in Spain
The steps you need to open a bank account, set up a phone and rent a flat
The best expat health and travel insurance for a smooth relocation.

Let’s kick things off…

How to choose the right visa for your stay in Spain

Before you can fully enjoy life under the Spanish sun, it’s important to make sure you have the correct legal status to live and stay in Spain. If you’re a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you do not need to apply for a visa – if not, you’ll need to apply if you plan to remain in Spain for longer than 90 days.

Choosing the right visa is a crucial first step in your relocation journey.

The type of visa you apply for will depend on your individual circumstances — whether you’re moving to work remotely, retire, study, or join a family member already living in Spain.

Each visa category comes with:

Specific eligibility criteria
Financial requirements
Health insurance obligations

Understanding your visa options early can help avoid unnecessary delays and ensure a smoother transition when you arrive.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common visas available for expats moving to Spain:

Digital nomad visa

Spain’s new Digital Nomad Visa is a popular choice for remote workers who are employed by non-Spanish companies, and many online lawyers can help with this.

To qualify, you must prove:

Stable remote income of around €2,400 per month or €28,000 per year
At least one year of consistent work experience in your field: typically, this includes payslips, employment contracts or client contracts
Private health insurance that meets Spanish visa requirements

This visa allows you to enjoy the Spanish lifestyle while continuing to work for your foreign employer (or clients) — perfect for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote employees.

Non-lucrative visa (NLV)

Ideal for retirees or individuals who can support themselves without working in Spain.
To apply, you must demonstrate:

Proof of sufficient passive income: a minimum annual income of €28,800 is mandated, and for those with dependents, an additional €600 per month is needed for each dependent
Full private health insurance coverage: equal or better than what the Spanish public health service offers

The Non-Lucrative Visa is particularly suited for those seeking a quieter retirement in Spain’s beautiful cities or countryside without engaging in paid employment locally.

Work visa or self-employed (autónomo) visa

If you plan to work directly for a Spanish company or start your own business, you will need either a work visa or a self-employed visa. This will require:

A formal job offer or detailed business plan
Financial projections if you are self-employed
Relevant professional qualifications
Proof of health insurance covering your stay

Keep in mind that employer-sponsored visas require significant paperwork from your prospective Spanish employer.

Family reunification visa or student visa

If you are moving to Spain to join family members who are already legal residents, the Family Reunification Visa is likely your best option. Similarly, if you plan to enroll in a university or another educational institution, a Student Visa will cover your stay. Both visa types demand:

Proof of relationship or enrollment
Adequate financial resources: a family of two would need a minimum annual income of €10,800
Private health insurance that complies with Spanish requirements

Make sure to carefully check the rules. For family members like a spouse or children, you’ll need to show proof of your relationship, that you can support them financially, and that they’ll have health insurance too. These requirements can change depending on your situation.

Please note that visa processing times can range from several weeks to several months, depending on your local Spanish consulate. We highly recommend gathering your documents and submitting your application as early as possible.
You will usually need to show proof of comprehensive health insurance at the time you apply, even if your trip is months away. Travel insurance is optional but highly recommended.

How to register to live in Spain

After settling into your new home and adjusting to the pace of Spanish life, where everything moves a little slower, it will be time to get your paperwork in order. Registering properly is essential for living legally in Spain, accessing healthcare, signing rental contracts, and even setting up basic services like broadband access and mobile phones.

1. Empadronamiento (local address registration)

Your empadronamiento is your official registration with the local municipality (ayuntamiento) that proves where you live. This document is needed for almost every administrative process, from getting a healthcare card to enrolling your children in school.

To register, you’ll typically need:

Your passport and valid visa
A rental contract, property deed, or written authorisation from your landlord if subletting
A completed application form (which you can often download from your local town hall’s website)

Some ayuntamientos require an appointment (cita previa) and may ask for extra documents, so do check ahead online or call before you visit. Once registered, you’ll receive a Certificado de Empadronamiento, usually issued on the spot or within a few days.

2. NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero – foreigner identification number)

Your NIE is your all-purpose tax and ID number in Spain. You’ll need it to:

Open a Spanish bank account
Sign a rental or employment contract
Pay taxes or social security contributions
Set up utilities and other essential services

There are two ways to apply:

From abroad: Apply at the Spanish consulate in your home country before you move
In Spain: Apply at an immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería) or certain police stations once you arrive

You’ll need to bring:

Your passport and visa
Proof of your reason for needing an NIE (like a job offer letter, lease agreement, or enrollment confirmation)
Completed EX-15 form
Proof of payment of a small application fee (Modelo 790)

Be sure to book your NIE appointment (cita previa) online early — slots can fill up fast, especially in larger cities like Madrid and Barcelona.

3. TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero – foreigner identity card)

If you’re staying in Spain longer than 6 months, you must apply for a TIE, which is your physical biometric residency card. The TIE officially confirms your right to reside in Spain and contains your NIE number, personal information, and a photo.

To get your TIE, you will need to follow these steps:

Book an appointment online at a designated immigration office (select the option “Toma de Huellas – Expedición de Tarjeta”).
Bring the following to your appointment:
- Passport and visa
- Empadronamiento certificate
- Completed EX-17 form
- Two passport-sized photos (Spanish format: white background, 32 x 26 mm)
- Proof of payment of the TIE fee (around €15, paid via Modelo 790 form)

After your appointment:

You’ll receive a resguardo (receipt), which temporarily proves your residency status
Your actual TIE card will usually be ready for pickup 30–45 days later

Always check the exact photo and document requirements before your appointment — missing even one item can mean having to reschedule, costing you valuable time!

What health insurance do expats need to live in Spain?

One of the biggest surprises for newcomers looking at how to move to Spain is how critical insurance is — not just for peace of mind, but because it’s legally required for many visa types.

Spain’s public healthcare system is high quality and widely accessible, but it’s not always immediately available to newcomers. To apply for a visa, you’ll need private expat health insurance. This means a plan from a Spanish or approved international provider that includes full coverage with no deductibles or co-pays. It must cover general care, hospital stays, emergencies, and repatriation, and it must be valid for the entire length of your visa.

Even after you arrive and begin paying taxes in Spain—whether employed or self-employed — it can take time to be fully registered in the public system (Seguridad Social). Until then, your private expat insurance will be your only access to healthcare. If you’re not eligible for public coverage through work, you may be able to join via the Convenio Especial, a government program for long-term residents who pay into the system independently.

Private health insurance isn’t just for the visa process — it remains valuable even after you’ve joined the public system. Many expats keep their private plans for faster access to care, shorter wait times, more flexibility with specialists, and easier communication with English-speaking doctors. In many cases, private insurance can even provide broader coverage than the public system.

Feather’s expat health insurance ticks every box. It’s fully digital, visa-compliant and managed entirely online in English. It couldn’t be simpler.

The essential checklist for living in Spain

Once the major paperwork is sorted, you’ll need to get your life up and running:

Open a Spanish Bank Account:

Bring your NIE and empadronamiento. Some banks may also ask for proof of income or a utility bill.

Online options like N26, Revolut, or Wise can get you started quickly.

Set Up Your Phone:

Most mobile providers offer prepaid SIMs with generous data plans. Once you have a local address and NIE, you can sign up for monthly contracts.

Renting a Flat:

Start with short-term rentals or a co-living arrangement while you get your documents sorted. When signing a long-term lease, expect to pay a deposit and potentially provide proof of income or a Spanish guarantor.

What to expect once you move to Spain

Tapas in the evening. Weekend trips to the coast. Long lunches that roll into siestas. It’s all waiting for you in Spain once the paperwork is complete, you can finally enjoy all the reasons you chose to move to Spain — and there’s so much to look forward to.

A more relaxed pace of life

Spain is famous for its “tranquilo” way of life. People prioritise family, friends and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Shops often close for siesta, and while patience is key, many expats find this slower pace brings a deeper sense of balance and well-being.

Rich culture and incredible food

From tapas in Andalusia to seafood in Galicia, Spain is a paradise for food lovers.
Each region has its own traditions, festivals, and historic charm, making everyday life an adventure. Embrace the local customs — every corner of Spain has something unique to offer.

Stunning nature and outdoor living

Spain’s landscapes range from golden beaches to rugged mountains, offering endless opportunities for outdoor living. With its mild climate, you’ll find yourself hiking, cycling, or relaxing at an outdoor café most of the year.

A welcoming expat community

Spain’s expat communities are vibrant and supportive, especially in cities like Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga and Madrid. Joining local groups, attending events and learning the language will help you build a new life faster than you might expect.

How to move to Spain with confidence

Moving to Spain isn’t just changing your address — it’s choosing a lifestyle filled with culture, sunshine and connection. While the paperwork can seem overwhelming at first, getting the right support makes all the difference.

Feather can help make your move smoother with visa-compliant expat health insurance that’s 100% digital, transparent, and trusted by thousands of newcomers to Spain. From short-term travel coverage to full health plans, Feather takes the hassle out of protecting your new life abroad.

Start your journey with Feather today and move to Spain with total peace of mind.