Checklist
The 12-Month Moving to Spain Checklist
A friendly, month-by-month plan from first idea to settled. Download our PDF or follow along below.
Moving abroad is mostly project management. Follow this checklist and you'll avoid 90% of the bureaucratic surprises that catch people out. Save it, print it, share it with your partner.
Free download
Printable 4-page Moving to Spain checklist (PDF)
Full timeline, documents you'll need and an indicative first-year budget.
1
12 months before
Decide and research
- Pick your destination region (Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, etc.)
- Choose your visa route (NLV, DNV, Golden, work, study)
- Open a savings buffer for the move (€10–€20k recommended)
- Start learning basic Spanish (Duolingo, online classes)
2
9 months before
Gather documents
- Apply for FBI / DBS / police criminal record check
- Get apostille on criminal record and any required docs
- Order sworn translations (traducción jurada) into Spanish
- Update passport (must have 1+ year validity)
3
6 months before
Visa & insurance
- Book consulate appointment
- Buy Spanish private health insurance (no co-pay)
- Get medical certificate from doctor
- Prepare 12 months of bank statements & proof of income
4
3 months before
Logistics
- Submit visa application
- Book moving company / shipping container
- Start tying up rentals, subscriptions, utilities at home
- Tell your bank you're moving abroad
5
1 month before
Practical setup
- Open a Spanish non-resident bank account (online: Wise / N26 / Revolut)
- Book first month accommodation (Airbnb or short-term let)
- Get pet's EU Pet Passport + microchip + rabies if applicable
- Pack & ship belongings
6
First week in Spain
Arrive & register
- Get NIE if you don't have one
- Register at town hall (empadronamiento)
- Book TIE appointment at police station
- Buy a Spanish SIM card
7
First month in Spain
Settle in
- Pick up TIE card
- Register with social security
- Sign up at local health centre — get SIP card
- Open a resident bank account
- Find long-term rental or schedule property viewings
8
First year in Spain
Fully integrate
- File first Spanish tax return (April–June)
- Apply for Spanish driving licence if non-EU
- Enrol kids in school (if applicable)
- Join local clubs/communities, keep learning Spanish
Frequently asked questions
Need help moving to Spain?
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