Is Lifetti free to use?

Yes, all Lifetti crisis guides and checklists are 100% free. Access them without creating an account. Premium services like English-speaking professional matching are optional.

Which countries does Lifetti cover?

Lifetti covers Spain, Germany, France, Netherlands, and Italy with country-specific crisis guides and bureaucracy checklists for expats.

Where can I download official Spanish government forms?

Lifetti offers a free Spanish Government Forms Finder that links every official form, EX-15 (NIE), EX-17 (TIE), EX-18 (EU registration), EX-19 (family member), Modelo 036, Modelo 303 and Modelo 790, directly from the government source, each with a plain-English explanation of what it is for and why you need it.

Which form do I need to get a NIE in Spain?

Use form EX-15 to apply for your NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero). You pay the €9.84 fee with Modelo 790 código 012. The NIE is required to open a bank account, sign a contract, get paid, or buy property in Spain. Lifetti's free form finder links the official EX-15 PDF.

What is the difference between EX-15, EX-17 and EX-18?

EX-15 gets you the NIE number and certificates. EX-17 applies for the TIE, the physical foreigner ID card for non-EU residents. EX-18 registers EU/EEA citizens as residents and issues the green certificate (green card).

Is EX-03 for self-employment or employment?

EX-03 is the residence-and-work permit for employees (por cuenta ajena), your Spanish employer sponsors it. It is commonly mislabeled as a self-employment form. Self-employment (autónomo) work permits use a different application.

What is Modelo 790 used for?

Modelo 790 is the fee-payment slip for immigration procedures. Código 012 covers the NIE and TIE; código 052 covers residence and work permits. You must pay it at a bank before your appointment and bring the stamped receipt.

How do I register as autónomo with the tax agency?

File Modelo 036 with Hacienda before your first invoice to declare your activity, VAT regime and tax obligations. Modelo 037 (the simplified version) was discontinued in February 2025, so new autónomos now use Modelo 036.

Is there a national form for the padrón (empadronamiento)?

No. There is no single national padrón form, each town hall (ayuntamiento) uses its own sheet. Download it from your municipality's website or request it at your local padrón office. The residence certificate (certificado de residencia) is issued the same way.

Are these Spanish government forms free to download?

Yes. Every form links directly to the official government source (inclusion.gob.es, Agencia Tributaria or Seguridad Social) and is free to download. Some procedures carry an official fee, for example €9.84 for the NIE, paid separately via Modelo 790.

Where can I find every official Spanish immigration form?

The complete master index of extranjería forms (all EX models) is published at inclusion.gob.es/web/migraciones/modelos-generales. This finder links the most common forms with plain-English explanations of what each one is for.

Plan Your Budget in Spain

Compare living costs across Spanish cities and create a realistic monthly budget

What this tool does

The Lifetti Cost of Moving to Spain Calculator is a free tool that estimates how much money you need to move to Spain in 2026, your emergency fund, visa income proof, rental deposit and one-off setup costs, and compares the total across Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and other major cities.

Total cash-to-move estimate, compared across major cities
Includes deposit, setup costs and a 3-month emergency buffer
Helps meet non-lucrative and digital nomad visa income proof
Free, no sign-up

Best for: expats planning a move to Spain and budgeting visa or relocation costs

Primary City

Compare With

Housing Type

Adjust Your Lifestyle

Fine-tune based on your habits

Groceries

Average

Dining

Average

Transport

Average

Fun

Average

Health

Average

Madrid

Community of Madrid

Avg. Salary

€2,200

Monthly Cost

€2,105

Housing

€1200

Utilities

€120

Internet

€35

Groceries

€280

Dining Out

€180

Transport

€55

Money-Saving Tips

Mercadona/LidlSave 20-30% on groceries

Transport passMonthly pass vs tickets

Menú del día3-course meal €10-15

Local gyms€25-35 vs €50+ chains

WallapopSecond-hand furniture

Share rentSave 40-50% on housing

Your estimate: €2,105/month in Madrid. A relocation specialist typically saves movers €3,000–15,000 on deposits, agency fees and visa proof, and handles the paperwork end to end. Free quote →

Get non-lucrative visas, NIE and residency handled by experienced Spanish immigration lawyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What it really costs to move to Spain, and how much cash to have ready.

Is there a free calculator for the cost of moving to Spain?

Yes, Lifetti offers a free Cost of Moving to Spain Calculator. It adds your emergency fund, visa income proof, rental deposit and one-off setup costs and compares the total cash you need across Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and other major cities. No sign-up required.

How much money do I need to move to Spain in 2026?

Most people need a buffer of €10,000–€20,000 to move to Spain comfortably: a 2–3 month rental deposit, first month’s rent, flights and shipping, and a 3-month emergency fund covering rent, food, transport and insurance. Lifetti’s free calculator works out your exact figure by city. Visa applicants also need to show separate proof of income or savings.

What is the income requirement for the non-lucrative visa?

The non-lucrative visa requires proof of roughly €2,400/month (about €28,800/year), based on 400% of Spain’s IPREM, plus around €600/month for each dependent. The figure is updated annually with the IPREM.

How much is a rental deposit in Spain?

For a main home, the legal deposit is 1 month’s rent, but landlords commonly ask for 1 month deposit plus 1–2 months as an additional guarantee, so budget 2–3 months of rent upfront plus the first month.

Which Spanish city is cheapest to move to?

Valencia, Seville and Málaga are generally cheaper than Madrid and Barcelona for both rent and setup costs. This calculator compares the total cash you need across major Spanish cities so you can plan your budget.

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