Your move to Spain, step by step.

A practical plan from the first decision to your first months in Spain. Tick off what you have handled, add your own deadlines, and skip anything that does not apply to your household.

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Dina Badamshina / Unsplash · Unsplash License · Illustrative photograph.

Tick what you have handled. Progress stays on this page unless you choose to save it on this device. The PDF starts with empty boxes.

Choose your route & budget

Start here · before making commitments

Identify your residence routeUse your citizenship and circumstances, not just where you currently live.
Confirm permission to workCheck employment, remote work and self-employment separately for your route.
Build a household budgetInclude rent, bills, healthcare, transport, dependents and one-off moving costs.
Compare a realistic city shortlistTest housing options, your commute, climate needs and local services.
Review your tax positionAsk about tax residence, income abroad, reporting and any home-country obligations.
Set a flexible moving windowAllow for document preparation, application decisions and housing availability.
Check every family member’s routeA partner or child may need a different application and their own documents.
Keep a separate emergency reserveBudget for delays, temporary housing and an unexpected trip home.

Visa navigator Budget calculator

Build your document file

Before applying · follow your route’s checklist

Check passports and identity documentsConfirm validity requirements for the application and travel dates.
Order civil-status records if neededObtain the required birth, marriage or partnership records and certified copies.
Arrange criminal-record certificatesOnly where required; check countries covered and document validity windows.
Check apostille or legalisation rulesConfirm which documents need authentication and any applicable exemption.
Arrange accepted translationsCheck language, sworn-translator rules and whether the apostille also needs translation.
Prepare financial evidenceCollect the income, savings or employment records your authority requests.
Check insurance wordingMatch cover, exclusions, waiting periods and dates to your residence route.
Keep originals and secure backupsMake a document inventory; store readable copies securely and separately.

Documents & digital guides Legal & admin file

Applications & appointments

Before travel where your procedure requires it

Find the responsible authorityUse the consulate, immigration office or other authority for your circumstances.
Use current forms and instructionsDownload the correct application form and the authority’s latest document list.
Confirm where you may applyCheck whether filing must begin abroad or is allowed while legally in Spain.
Record deadlines and validity datesTrack application windows, document expiry and any entry deadline.
Pay the correct fee when instructedMatch the form, fee code and current amount; keep payment evidence.
Keep proof of every submissionSave application copies, reference numbers and appointment confirmations.
Monitor official notificationsCheck the channel used by the authority and respond within the stated deadline.
Check the decision before committingVerify conditions and travel requirements before relying on a visa or approval.

Visas & residency Check application status

A home, banking & bills

Before signing · then set up your address

Plan temporary accommodationLeave time to inspect a long-term home and test its neighborhood.
Verify the person letting the homeConfirm their authority and inspect the property before sending money.
Read the complete rental contractCheck habitual-home versus seasonal use, duration, charges and responsibilities.
Document the property’s conditionPhotograph the inventory, meter readings, keys and any damage on handover.
Separate deposits from monthly costsGet a written breakdown and receipts for each payment or guarantee.
Arrange usable banking and paymentsCompare account conditions, identification needs, fees and transfer costs.
Confirm electricity, water and gasRecord who holds each account, billing arrangements and setup requirements.
Check phone and internet accessVerify coverage at the actual address and keep access to two-factor codes.

Housing & costs Bank-account guide

Health, family & pets

Prepare before departure · adapt to your household

Establish everyone’s healthcare routeCheck public entitlement, an S1 where applicable, or suitable private cover.
Gather useful medical recordsBring medication names, prescriptions, vaccination records and key summaries.
Check medicine travel requirementsConfirm permitted quantities and any certificate needed for controlled medicines.
Contact the school-admissions serviceCheck the relevant stage, school year, available places and late-arrival process.
Prepare children’s supporting documentsAsk about family, custody, consent, school-record and translation requirements.
Check each pet’s entry requirementsRules depend on origin and species; verify identification, rabies and certificates.
Confirm pet transport and housingBook permitted carriers and accommodation; check airline and landlord conditions.
Plan immediate care on arrivalIdentify a pharmacy, medical contact and vet; keep necessary supplies accessible.

Healthcare guide Moving with pets

The last weeks before you go

Departure preparation · once travel is realistic

Arrange work and tax adminConfirm employer approval, social-security arrangements and reporting duties.
Close or transfer contracts deliberatelyReview notice periods, insurance, utilities and subscriptions you still need.
Set up mail and account accessKeep a reliable contact address and access to important accounts abroad.
Pack a carry-on document folderKeep originals, decisions, booking details and essential contacts with you.
Recheck entry and travel conditionsConfirm passport, visa, insurance and family documents against your route.
Prepare an arrival essentials bagInclude medicine, chargers, adapters and supplies for the first two days.
Book the complete arrival journeyPlan airport-to-home transport, luggage, pets and access to the accommodation.
Share your arrival planGive a trusted person your itinerary, address and a way to reach you.

Relocation budget Plan your move

Your first weeks in Spain

Check legal deadlines for your specific route

Register your actual municipal addressFollow the padrón procedure and housing-evidence rules for your municipality.
Complete EU / EEA / Swiss registrationFor stays over three months, check EX-18 and apply within three months of entry.
Arrange a TIE if your route requires oneCheck the applicable deadline, police appointment, fee and evidence for your status.
Register with the health serviceOnce entitlement is established, arrange your health card and assigned center.
Confirm Social Security arrangementsCheck your number and the appropriate affiliation or registration before working.
Complete work or business registrationsCoordinate employer or autónomo registrations with permission to do the activity.
Check driving-licence and vehicle rulesUse DGT guidance for your issuing country, residence date and any exchange deadline.
Set up digital administration accessChoose the suitable digital certificate or Cl@ve route; store access securely.

Padrón guide TIE appointment guide Digital certificate

Build your everyday routine

The first months · keep reviewing the essentials

Check the first bills and bank paymentsConfirm amounts, direct debits, meter readings and services in your name.
Update your address where requiredCheck immigration, tax, Social Security, banking and driving records separately.
Keep a tax and travel recordTrack days, income and relevant expenses; note reporting dates with an adviser.
Set renewal remindersInclude residence documents, passports, insurance and any padrón renewal duty.
Make room for language learningChoose practical Spanish practice and the local language where useful.
Choose a regular local activityTry a library, class, sports group or community activity near your home.
Prepare a household emergency planSave 112, key contacts, insurance details and a plan for children or pets.
Review the move after a monthCompare actual spending and journeys with the plan; adjust what is not working.

Everyday life & families Tax & finance

Official starting points

Spanish immigration procedures EU / EEA / Swiss registration Tax Agency Social Security DGT driving-licence guidance EU pet-travel guidance

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