Quick Overview
Moving to Spain as an expat requires obtaining a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) foreigner ID number, which takes 1-4 weeks and costs €9.84. You must open a Spanish bank account (€0-20/month with most banks), register for healthcare through your local Centro de Salud after getting Social Security number, and understand the 183-day tax residency rule. Housing searches require NIE, 3 months payslips, and typically 1-3 months deposit. The Beckham Law offers a flat 24% tax rate for qualifying employed expats. Total setup costs range €2,000-5,000 including deposits, agency fees, and initial expenses.
Key Facts
NIE processing time
1-4 weeks (€9.84 fee)
Bank account
€0-20/month maintenance, requires NIE + passport
Housing deposits
1-3 months rent (sometimes 6 for expats)
Healthcare
Free public system if employed/paying social security
Tax residency
183+ days in Spain = worldwide taxation
Beckham Law
24% flat tax for qualifying expats (apply within 6 months)
How It Works
Moving to Another EU Country in Spain
For detailed step-by-step guidance, please see our 5 specialized Spain expat checklists: NIE & Identification, Banking, Housing, Healthcare, and Taxes & Registration. Each checklist provides focused, actionable steps for that specific area of your move to Spain.
Your foreigner identification number - required for everything in Spain
Book NIE appointment (Cita Previa)
Schedule appointment at immigration office or police station.
Complete Form EX-15
Official NIE application form.
Pay NIE fee (Modelo 790)
Pay the €9.84 fee at a Spanish bank.
Attend NIE appointment
Go to your scheduled appointment with all documents.
Alternative: NIE via Spanish Consulate
Apply from your home country before arriving.
Essential for rent, utilities, and daily life in Spain
Research and choose a bank
Compare Spanish banks and digital options.
Book bank appointment
Schedule appointment to open account.
Gather required documents
Prepare all paperwork for bank account opening.
Attend appointment and open account
Complete account opening at bank branch.
Set up online banking and services
Activate digital services, direct debits, and transfers.
Alternative: Digital bank accounts
Open N26, Revolut, or Wise for quick solution.
Navigating Spain's competitive rental market as an expat
Research neighborhoods and prices
Understand local areas and typical rental costs.
Prepare rental application documents
Gather all documents landlords will request.
Search for rental properties
Actively search and schedule viewings.
Attend property viewings
View properties and assess suitability.
Submit rental applications
Apply for properties you like.
Sign rental contract
Review and sign the lease agreement.
Alternative: Temporary housing first
Use Airbnb, hostels, or coliving for first month.
Registering for Spain's public healthcare system
Determine healthcare eligibility
Understand which system you qualify for.
Get Social Security number
Register at TGSS office to receive SS number.
Register at local health center (Centro de Salud)
Enroll for healthcare at your assigned center.
Receive health card (Tarjeta Sanitaria/SIP)
Wait for official health card to arrive by mail.
Consider private health insurance
Optional private insurance for faster service.
Apply for Convenio Especial (if non-working)
Special agreement for healthcare if you don't qualify otherwise.
Download regional health app
Install app for appointments and medical records.
Spanish tax residency and compliance requirements
Understand the 183-day rule
Learn when you become a Spanish tax resident.
Research Beckham Law eligibility
Special expat tax regime with 24% flat rate.
Understand Modelo 720 requirements
Foreign asset declaration for Spanish tax residents.
Find English-speaking tax advisor
Locate qualified tax professional for expat matters.
Register as autónomo (if self-employed)
Self-employment registration with Social Security and tax agency.
Learn Spanish tax calendar
Understand key tax filing deadlines.
Understand double taxation treaty
Learn how treaty with your home country affects you.
Essential registrations and setup tasks
Register on Padrón (town registry)
Register your residence at local town hall.
Get Spanish phone number
Set up local mobile phone service.
Set up utilities
Arrange electricity, gas, water, internet.
Apply for TIE card (if non-EU)
Foreigner Identity Card for non-EU residents.
Exchange driving license (if applicable)
Exchange foreign license for Spanish one.
Moving to Another EU Country Costs in Spain (2025)
One-time government fee
Some banks require opening deposit, monthly fees €0-20
1-3 months rent, sometimes higher for expats
10% of annual rent + 21% VAT (if using agency)
Varies by city and apartment size
Setup fees for internet, electricity, gas
Mobile service, prepaid or contract
Public system free if employed
If preferred over public system
For Beckham Law, Modelo 720, returns
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NIE application fee | €9.84 | One-time government fee |
| Bank account opening | €0-300 | Some banks require opening deposit, monthly fees €0-20 |
| Housing deposit | €800-4,000 | 1-3 months rent, sometimes higher for expats |
| Real estate agency fee | €0-1,500 | 10% of annual rent + 21% VAT (if using agency) |
| First month rent | €700-2,000 | Varies by city and apartment size |
| Utilities connection | €0-200 | Setup fees for internet, electricity, gas |
| Phone plan | €10-40/month | Mobile service, prepaid or contract |
| Healthcare registration | Free | Public system free if employed |
| Private health insurance (optional) | €35-150/month | If preferred over public system |
| Tax advisor (first year) | €150-1,500 | For Beckham Law, Modelo 720, returns |
| Total estimate | €2,000-5,000 for initial setup (including deposits and first month). Monthly: €800-2,000 depending on lifestyle. | |
*Main upfront costs are housing-related. For detailed breakdowns, see our specialized checklists. Prices current as of January 2025.
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