Moving to Spain: where do you start?
Moving to Spain is more than just packing your bags and finding a house. Discover step by step what you need to arrange to be well prepared and emigrate without unnecessary stress.
Moving to Spain is a big step
Many people dream of life on the Spanish coast – sunshine, sea, a relaxed pace of life. But in reality, emigrating to Spain involves much more than most people expect.
You will deal with Spanish bureaucracy, documents in another language, unfamiliar procedures and a complex web of administrative, legal and practical steps. From applying for a NIE number and residency to arranging insurance, taxes and housing.
Without proper preparation and guidance, this often leads to delays, unnecessary costs and stress. With the right help, you know exactly what to do, when to do it and how to avoid common mistakes.
Moving to Spain step by step
1. Define your emigration plan
The first step is to get clear about what your move looks like. Are you going permanently, temporarily, as a retiree, entrepreneur, family or property buyer? Each scenario requires a different approach and different documents.
2. Apply for a NIE number
The NIE number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is your personal identification number in Spain. Without a NIE you can arrange virtually nothing: no bank account, no buying property, no insurance.
More about NIE application →3. Arrange your residency
If you stay in Spain for more than three months, you must register as a resident. The residency gives you the right to officially live in Spain and is mandatory for EU citizens.
More about residency application →4. Register with the municipality
The empadronamiento is the registration with your Spanish municipality. This is mandatory and necessary for access to healthcare, applying for a driver's license and other local services.
5. Arrange your health insurance
Health insurance is an essential part of your emigration. Whether you go through the Spanish public system or choose private insurance, it must be properly arranged before your arrival.
More about insurance →6. Think about taxes and banking
Financial preparation is crucial. Think about tax obligations in Spain, opening a Spanish bank account and correctly completing your fiscal obligations in the Netherlands.
7. Arrange transport, housing and practical matters
From registering a car and finding housing to telecom and utilities – there is a lot of practical work involved. Good planning prevents stress after arrival.
What do you need to arrange before leaving for Spain?
Good preparation in the Netherlands prevents problems after arrival.
Deregister from the Netherlands
Report your deregistration to your Dutch municipality. This has consequences for allowances, DigiD and insurance.
Gather important documents
Think of birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas and medical records. Have documents apostilled if necessary.
Check DigiD
After deregistration you may lose your DigiD. Arrange beforehand whatever you still need to handle digitally.
Financial preparation
Consider opening a Spanish bank account in advance, inform your bank and check your pension and tax situation.
Health insurance and pension
Check whether your Dutch health insurance continues or whether you need Spanish insurance. Check with your pension fund.
Arrange school matters
If you are moving with children, research school options, enrollment procedures and possible language courses.
Important matters when moving to Spain
NIE number in Spain
The NIE number is required for virtually all official and financial transactions in Spain. Without a NIE you cannot open a bank account, buy property or take out insurance.
More informationResidency and registration
As an EU citizen you must register as a resident after 3 months. The green card (Certificado de Registro) is your proof of legal residence.
More informationTaxes in Spain
As a resident you are liable for tax in Spain on your worldwide income. Inform yourself well about modelo 720, wealth tax and filing obligations.
Health insurance
Choose between the Spanish public system (Seguridad Social) or private insurance. The right choice depends on your situation, age and income.
Bank account
A Spanish bank account is almost always necessary for rent, mortgage, utilities and taxes. Open one preferably before your move.
Bringing your car to Spain
As a resident you must register your car on Spanish plates within a certain period. This requires an ITV inspection, tax payment and registration.
More informationBuying or renting property
Whether you buy or rent, there are Spanish rules around contracts, taxes and property transfer that you need to take into account.
More informationWho benefits from emigration guidance?
Families
Moving with children requires extra planning around schools, healthcare and documents.
Couples
Building a new life together in Spain with everything well arranged.
Retirees
Enjoying your retirement in Spain with the right insurance and tax arrangements.
Entrepreneurs
Starting a business or working as self-employed in Spain.
Property buyers
Buying property in Spain with guidance throughout the entire purchase process.
Remote workers
Working from Spain for a Dutch or international company.
Common mistakes when moving to Spain
Avoid these common pitfalls with the right preparation.
Why do people choose emigration guidance?
With professional help you save time, avoid mistakes and reduce the stress of the emigration process.
Frequently asked questions about moving to Spain
How can we help you?
NIE application in Spain
Help with applying for your NIE number.
Residency application
Guidance with registering as a resident.
Import car to Spain
Register your car on Spanish plates.
Buy property in Spain
Help with buying a property.
Insurance in Spain
The right insurance for your situation.
Costa Assist All-in Package
Complete guidance for your emigration.
Costa Assist Plus
Support after your move.
Lees ook deze gidsen
Alles wat je moet weten over emigreren, wonen en leven in Spanje — in één overzicht.
Wonen in Spanje
Ontdek hoe het dagelijks leven eruitziet en wat je praktisch moet regelen.
Kosten emigreren
Overzicht van alle kosten: administratie, woning, verzekeringen en meer.
Verhuischecklist
Stap voor stap afvinken: van uitschrijven tot inschrijving in Spanje.
NIE of Residencia?
Het verschil uitgelegd: wat heb je nodig en in welke volgorde?
Discuss your emigration plans
Want to know what needs to be arranged in your situation? Book a free consultation and discover how we can help you with your move to Spain.