Are you considering an international move to Spain? Many expats find a new home in this gorgeous country, as it offers an incredible place to live, work, learn, and explore. However, preparing for a move abroad can be difficult, especially without the proper know-how.
What’s the best way to approach your upcoming relocation to Spain? Dive into our complete Spain moving guide, and discover how you can streamline this exciting transition.
Moving internationally is an involved process, but with the proper approach, it doesn’t need to be stressful. Follow our 15 steps to enjoy a streamlined experience ahead of your move to Spain!
As with any relocation, doing your research is critical. Before you go ahead with your Spain moving plans, take the time to understand what to expect when you relocate. You should have a strong grasp on what the culture and lifestyle in Spain looks like and how this differs from your current life. How will school or work look in this country? What can you expect in your daily life? Doing your due diligence will allow for an easier transition if you do decide that Spain is the right country for your move.
Spain isn’t a monolith; each city and region has its own distinct vibe and culture that differentiates it from the others. Are you looking for a city or a beach? A big, bustling city or a quiet, laidback town? Which region offers the employment or educational opportunities you’re seeking? Define your personal goals and desires for your new home, and look into which areas of Spain will most comprehensively suit your personal wants.
If you don’t already have a solid knowledge of the Spanish language, get started as soon as you can. Although it isn’t impossible to navigate Spain with limited knowledge of the language, it will certainly be easier if you can hold your own. Whether you opt for self-study methods, one-on-one tutoring, or a class, make sure you invest time in learning Spanish so you can more easily transition to your new home and fully embrace the people and the culture.
Be mindful that Basque, Catalan, and Galician are also official languages in different regions of Spain. If you’re moving to one of those areas, make sure you brush up on the appropriate language in addition to Spanish.
For best results during your international move, plan as extensively as possible. This means creating a timeline and budget to guide your relocation process. Deciding on your schedule and deadlines for the move will keep you on track with the necessary tasks to complete, and having a budget will ensure you don’t overspend on your relocation. Create these plans early on to guide you throughout the move.
One of the most important aspects of an international move is understanding the visa requirements and obtaining the correct one for your needs in a timely manner. Spain offers an array of visa options, including student, job search, work, digital nomad, and self-employed. Take time to understand the requirements for each one, and decide which option best suits your circumstances.
For those who move to Spain, a TIE (tarjeta de identidad de extranjero, or foreigner ID card) card and an NIE (número de identidad de extranjero, or foreigner identity number) are needed. You must apply for the TIE card within a month of moving to Spain and the NIE within 90 days of moving to Spain. The NIE is needed for everything from filing taxes to receiving packages, and the TIE card proves your legal status. Be mindful of these deadlines to ensure you follow all requirements to rightfully stay in Spain.
For international relocations, decluttering a considerable amount is generally recommended, as this can save time and money on your move. Eliminate the items you no longer want or need, and if necessary, invest in a storage unit for any items you don’t want to bring with you but don’t want to get rid of either. Overall, you will enjoy a much more streamlined relocation if you declutter first.
Packing for any move, especially an international move, can be a significant undertaking. When you start packing, make sure to protect your items carefully, using high-quality packing supplies and effective techniques to appropriately prepare them for transit. Long distances can increase the risk of damage in transit, so be mindful as you pack.
International movers’ schedules can fill up fast, so booking promptly is of the utmost importance. Especially during the busy summer months, many people are moving, so be mindful of the time of year and how far in advance you need to book. To be sure you get the dates you need, booking as soon as possible is recommended. With international moves in particular, many people recommend securing your dates four to six months in advance. Although this may feel difficult, you may even gain the extra benefit of savings if you can access an early bird rate.
Researching ahead of your move is important, and one of the best ways to do this is to speak with other expats who have relocated to Spain. People who have already gone through this process will have the most insights to share with you, so asking them questions and hearing about their experiences will make the transition significantly easier. Allow these fellow expats to help you learn what to expect from your move to Spain, and lean on them for support as you navigate this transition.
When moving abroad, taking the time to understand taxes in your new country is a necessity. Do your research to cover all your bases when it comes to taxes, including when to file and what documents you will need. If you’re feeling unsure about how to approach the process, consulting a tax professional can help you avoid any errors.
Spanish residents are legally required to have health insurance, so make sure you understand your options and obtain coverage in a timely manner. Employed residents are eligible for public healthcare through the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS). However, if you’d prefer to find more extensive coverage with more English-speaking doctors, private healthcare is also a great option to explore.
When you move to Spain, opening a Spanish bank account is also a must. To do this, you will need your passport, NIE, and proof of employment, along with paystubs. You will conveniently receive payments from your job through direct debit, and money transfers within Spain and the EU as a whole have no fees with a Spanish bank account.
A week or two ahead of your relocation, be sure to confirm your bookings. This includes your movers, your flights or any other form of transportation you’re using, and lodging during the moving process. Making sure to double (or triple!) check everything will prevent any unexpected hiccups along the way and allow you to rest assured that your arrangements are in order.
Settling into a new country can be a difficult experience, as you are no longer around the people you’re familiar with. To make the transition easier, take the time to find a community of people around you. This may be a group of fellow expats or local people with similar hobbies and interests. Immersing yourself socially will allow for the richest experience possible as you explore Spain.
By following these steps, you can successfully transition to life in Spain as conveniently as possible. Want to move with the help of a trusted moving company? Count on Allied International, the top name in international moving for over a century.
Allied International has extensive experience facilitating moves of all sizes and scopes around the world, allowing us to understand the best ways to tackle these relocations.
Request a free quote online or call us today to learn more about our services!
We carefully and methodically pack and crate your items, ensuring their safe and secure arrival. We take pride in the expert packing, crating, and handling of your possessions.
Our aim is to have your belongings safely and quickly transported to your new location, with a focus on customer service and your utmost satisfaction.
We provide you with a personal moving coordinator. You can check in any time you wish, connecting to the same person who will be very familiar with your particular custom moving plan.
