How Easy is it To Move to Spain?

Moving to Spain is one of the most popular international relocations for UK residents, and it’s easy to see why. But between the dream and the reality sits a process that requires more planning than many people expect. So how easy is it, really?

The truth is that moving to Spain sits somewhere between straightforward and complex. Certain parts of the process are relatively simple and easy to plan for, but others involve detail, paperwork, and careful timing.

With thorough planning and the right support in place, the process is very achievable. Many of the challenges come from uncertainty rather than difficulty, and knowing what to expect at each stage can make a big difference.

As an expert in removals to Spain from the UK, we’ve put together this guide breaking down the stages of relocating to Spain, so you can get a clear, realistic view of what the process actually involves.

What’s changed since Brexit?

Since the Brexit vote and the end of freedom of movement between the UK and the EU, relocating to Spain is no longer as simple as turning up and registering locally. Instead, UK citizens now fall under third-country national rules, which involve formal visa and residency requirements.

In real terms, this means that anyone who is planning a long-term move now needs to apply for the appropriate visa before or shortly after arriving, depending on the route you take.

While this is a clear shift from the pre-Brexit process, it’s important to stress that it has not made moving to Spain unachievable. It’s simply added some more structure and paperwork to the journey. With the right preparation and understanding of the requirements, the process is still very manageable, especially when planned in advance.

Choosing the right visa

The first and most important step when moving to Spain is to identify the appropriate visa route for your circumstances. A visa is required for any long-term stay, and the type you need to apply for depends on how you plan to support yourself once you arrive.

Most applicants fall into one of a few groups: retirees, individuals not intending to work in Spain, those who have secured local employment, or remote workers employed outside the country.

Below are some of the most common visa routes:

• Non-Lucrative Visa: designed for individuals who can financially support themselves without working in Spain
• Digital Nomad Visa: aimed at remote workers employed outside Spain who want to live in Spain while continuing their role
• Work Visa: required for those taking up employment in Spain, typically arranged and sponsored by the employer

Most visa routes require you to demonstrate sufficient financial means, although the exact income threshold is tied to Spain’s minimum wage and can change over time. Private health insurance is also mandatory for most long-stay visa types, and must provide full cover within Spain.

This is typically the stage where the most research is needed. Requirements can vary slightly depending on which Spanish consulate is handling the application. For an easier relocation process, it’s important to understand the correct route for your needs early on.

Getting your paperwork in order

Once you’ve identified the right visa route, the next stage is to gather the supporting documents needed for your application. The exact requirements will vary depending on the visa type and consulate, but there is a consistent set of core documents that most applicants will need to prepare.

These typically include a valid passport, proof of financial means (such as bank statements or income evidence), private health insurance that meets Spanish visa requirements, and a criminal record certificate (usually from the ACRO Criminal Records Office for UK residents). Depending on your circumstances, you might also need documents such as marriage or birth certificates, employment contracts, or proof of accommodation.

A key point that often catches people out is that many of these documents must be legalised before submission. This usually means obtaining an apostille from the relevant UK authority, followed by an official sworn translation into Spanish. This process is time-sensitive and can take longer than expected, especially when multiple documents are involved or if translation queues are busy.

In terms of timeline, most applicants spend anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months gathering everything, depending on how quickly documents can be issued and processed. Criminal record checks, in particular, can add delays if they’re not requested early enough.

At this stage, it can be best to start earlier than you think you need to. Even if you are still deciding on your move date, beginning the paperwork process early can prevent unnecessary delays.

Applying for residency

Once your visa route is underway, the next stage is to deal with residency paperwork in Spain, which centres around two main identifiers: the NIE and the TIE. The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is your foreigner identification number and is required for almost everything in Spain, from opening a bank account to signing a rental contract. The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is your physical residency card, which proves your legal right to live in Spain.

The process can vary depending on your visa type, but, generally, there are two pathways. Some applicants are issued an NIE during the visa process through the Spanish consulate in the UK, while others will obtain it after they arrive in Spain. The TIE is almost always completed in Spain after you arrive, as it requires biometric appointments and in-country registration.

In terms of timing, this stage can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months once you arrive, depending on appointment availability and regional processing times. Delays are common, especially around securing appointments at police stations or immigration offices, which can be heavily booked in some areas.

One challenge with this stage is the backlog for consulate and in-country appointments. In some regions, waiting times can stretch out significantly, which can slow down the overall move if they haven’t been factored into your planning. It’s not unusual for people to need flexibility in their timeline to accommodate this.

Sorting finances, tax, and healthcare

Once the relocation process is underway, the next stage is getting your financial and practical setup in order. This includes banking, understanding tax obligations, and making sure you have the right healthcare arrangements in place when moving to Spain.

Opening a Spanish bank account is often one of the first practical steps. In most cases, you will need your passport, NIE (or proof of application), and proof of address. Some banks might also request proof of income or employment status. It’s usually easier to open an account once you have your NIE in progress, although some providers allow you to start the process earlier with a non-resident account.

It’s also important to understand tax residency. In Spain, you are generally considered a tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in the country within a calendar year, or if your main economic interests are based there. Once you become a tax resident, you are typically required to declare your worldwide income in Spain, so this is an important milestone that can have significant financial implications.

Healthcare is another essential consideration. Spain has a public healthcare system, but access depends on your residency status and contributions. Many new arrivals initially rely on private health insurance, which is also commonly required for visa applications. Once you’re fully registered and contributing to the Spanish system, it might be possible to access public healthcare, depending on your circumstances.

Planning the physical move

This is the stage where the relocation becomes practical and logistics-led, focusing on how you physically move your belongings from the UK to Spain. Most people start by deciding what to take, what to sell, and what to leave behind, as shipping costs and space constraints mean it’s rarely practical to move everything.

When moving belongings internationally, there are also customs requirements to consider. As the UK is outside the EU, goods being brought into Spain might need to be declared, especially if they’re arriving as part of a permanent relocation. Used personal effects can often be imported without duty, provided the correct documents are in place and the move is clearly classed as a transfer of residence.

This is where using a specialist international removals company becomes particularly important. A company experienced in UK–Spain moves will typically handle packing, export wrapping, transport, customs documentation, and coordination at both ends. They can also advise on what can and cannot be shipped, as well as how to prepare goods for transit to reduce risk of damage or delays.

In terms of timing, it is generally recommended to book an international removal company several months in advance, especially if you’re moving during peak seasons. Before moving day, you will usually need to finalise your inventory, complete packing decisions, confirm access arrangements at both properties, and ensure all paperwork for transport and customs is ready.

Making your move to Spain straightforward

Moving to Spain involves a few clear stages, from visas and paperwork through to the physical relocation and settling in. While there is more administration involved than there was pre-Brexit, the process is still very achievable with the right preparation and timing.

For most people, the biggest difference comes from having structured support in place, particularly when it comes to coordinating international removals and ensuring important milestones line up with your visa and residency requirements.

Britannia Movers International has extensive experience in UK to Spain relocations, and can manage the logistics of moving your household goods safely and efficiently, while you focus on the administrative side of the move.

To discuss your move to Spain, you can contact us online or call 0845 600 6661, or find your nearest Britannia office to speak to your local team.

You can also read our blog, 7 Biggest Mistakes When Moving to Spain, to understand the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them when planning your relocation.