Guides & resources

Moving to Spain: the complete checklist

A high-level overview of the major steps involved in moving to Spain, in a sensible order.

Before you move to Spain

The key decisions and preparation to sort out while you're still in your home country.

The first 30 days in Spain

A realistic order of priorities for your first month after arriving in Spain.

Essential documents checklist for moving to Spain

The core documents almost every move to Spain requires, and how to prepare them in advance.

Cost of living in Spain

A general overview of typical living costs, and how much they vary by region and city.

Best cities to live in Spain

How to think about choosing a Spanish city, based on lifestyle, cost and practical factors.

Spain's regions and autonomous communities explained

Why so many procedures in Spain depend on which region you live in.

Climate and weather across Spain

How much Spain's climate varies by region, and what to expect depending on where you settle.

Spanish public holidays: what newcomers need to know

Why Spain's holiday calendar matters for planning your move, and where to find the exact dates.

Essential emergency and helpline numbers for Spain

A curated resource list of Spain's key emergency, embassy and helpline numbers, beyond the basic 112.

Useful Spanish government websites

A curated list of the official government portals you'll use most often as a resident of Spain.

Important mobile apps in Spain

The official and everyday apps that make administrative life and daily living in Spain noticeably easier.

Spanish public services explained

A plain-English map of who handles what across Spain's national, regional and local public services.

Useful Spanish words and phrases for newcomers

Practical Spanish vocabulary for everyday admin, shopping and social situations, even if you're just starting out.

Building a monthly budget for living in Spain

A worked example of how to structure a realistic monthly budget once you're settled in Spain.

Typical costs of moving to Spain

A realistic breakdown of one-off relocation costs, separate from your ongoing monthly budget.

Banking and payment tips for newcomers to Spain

A quick-start overview of banking in Spain, pointing to our detailed Banking guides for the specifics.

Practical ways to save money living in Spain

Everyday habits and discounts that meaningfully reduce the cost of living in Spain.

Moving to Spain with children

The extra planning steps that matter when relocating to Spain as a family.

Moving to Spain with pets

The broader relocation planning involved in bringing a pet, beyond the entry paperwork itself.

Moving to Spain for work

The key pieces to plan when relocating to Spain specifically for employment.

Moving to Spain for retirement

The key financial, visa and healthcare considerations for retiring in Spain.

Moving to Spain as a student

The visa, enrolment and settling-in steps that matter specifically for international students.

Moving checklist: before you leave for Spain

A literal, actionable checklist of tasks to complete before you depart for Spain.

Arrival checklist: your first days in Spain

A literal, actionable checklist for the first days immediately after landing in Spain.

First month checklist for Spain

A literal, actionable checklist of the administrative tasks to complete within your first month.

Annual administrative checklist for residents of Spain

The recurring administrative tasks residents of Spain need to handle each year.