Moving to Spain – complete checklist
Moving to Spain: Complete Checklist
Moving to Spain is an exciting step, but it also requires proper preparation. With good planning, you can avoid surprises and ensure everything runs smoothly. Below you will find a clear checklist of the most important things to arrange before departure and after arrival.
Before departure: what you need to arrange
Prepare your documents
Make sure you gather all important documents and check whether they need to be translated or legalized. Think of a valid passport or ID card, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), medical records, and your driver’s license.
It is advisable to make digital copies and store them securely online so you always have access to your documents.
Arrange or adjust your insurance policies
Not all Dutch or Belgian insurance policies are valid in Spain. Therefore, carefully check what you need and what must be adjusted.
Important insurance policies include health insurance (Spanish or international), contents insurance, home insurance for purchased property, and car insurance if you bring a vehicle.
Always check what is and is not covered abroad.
Review and prepare your finances
Good financial preparation helps prevent unexpected expenses. It is wise to gain insight into your financial situation and the cost of living in Spain beforehand.
This includes opening a Spanish bank account, checking your pension or income, and understanding your tax situation.
After arrival: arrange immediately
Apply for an NIE number
The NIE number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is essential in Spain. Without this number, you cannot arrange important matters.
You need it to buy a property, open a bank account, sign contracts, and work. Apply for it as soon as possible at the police station or through an authorized representative.
Register with the municipality (empadronamiento)
After arrival, you must register with the municipality where you live. This is called empadronamiento.
This registration is required for access to local services such as healthcare and education and serves as the official registration of your address.
Arrange utilities
Make sure your home is fully functional. Check whether contracts for electricity, water, gas, internet, and television are already active or whether you need to arrange or transfer them yourself from the previous owner.
Extra tips for successful integration
Learn basic Spanish
Although you can manage with English or Dutch in many regions, speaking basic Spanish makes daily life much easier. It helps with practical matters and improves contact with local people.
Build a local network
A social network contributes to a smooth start in Spain. You can build this by participating in local events, joining expat groups, connecting with neighbors, and working with local businesses.
The difference between fiscal resident and non-resident
When moving to Spain, it is important to understand when you are considered a fiscal resident.
In principle, you are a fiscal resident in Spain if you stay there for more than 183 days per year or if your main economic activities are based in Spain. As a fiscal resident, you pay tax in Spain on your worldwide income.
If you stay in Spain for less than 183 days per year, you generally fall under non-resident status and only pay tax on income generated in Spain.
Because this has consequences for your tax obligations, it is advisable to seek guidance from a specialist.
Finally
Moving to Spain requires good preparation, but with this checklist you have a solid foundation. By taking the right steps beforehand and arranging important matters immediately after arrival, you can start your new life in Spain without worries.
