Moving to Spain Checklist (2026)
Moving to Spain in 2026?
This complete Moving to Spain Checklist walks you through every step you must complete before, during and after your relocation — including visas, health insurance, documents, housing, banking, taxes, registrations, and essential local procedures.
It is designed for all non-EU expat profiles:
- Digital nomads
- Retirees & passive-income expats
- Families relocating
- Students
- Professionals & entrepreneurs
- Long-term residents
- Important: All Spanish long-stay visas require private health insurance with no copayments and no waiting periods.
Full legal explanation:
Visa-ready product:
Before You Start
Moving to Spain is not complicated — but the order matters.
Most visa rejections, delays and relocation problems happen because steps are completed in the wrong sequence or with incorrect documentation (especially health insurance).
This checklist is structured exactly as Spanish consulates and immigration offices expect, so you can move calmly, legally, and without surprises — whether you’re moving to Spain from the US, UK, Canada or any non-EU country.
If you still have practical questions about visas, documents, timelines or daily life in Spain, our Spain Expat FAQ answers the most common doubts expats face before and after relocating.
Table of Contents
- 1. Visa Requirements Checklist (2026)
- 2. Documents to Prepare Before Moving
- 3. Health Insurance Requirements (Mandatory for All Visas)
- 4. Accommodation & Housing Checklist
- 5. Banking & Financial Setup
- 6. NIE, TIE & Empadronamiento (Essential Registration)
- 7. Moving to Spain With Family
- 8. Schools & Universities in Spain
- 9. Practical Setup: Phones, Driving & Utilities
- 10. Healthcare in Spain (Public vs Private)
- 11. After Arrival: First 30 Days Checklist
- 12. External Official Resources
- 13. Related Spain Visa & Insurance Guides
- 14. Get Visa-Approved Health Insurance
1. Visa Requirements Checklist (2026)
All non-EU citizens staying in Spain for more than 90 days must apply for a long-stay visa under Spanish Immigration Law.
Choose your visa type:
- Digital Nomad Visa → remote workers & freelancers
- Retirement / Non-Lucrative Visa → passive income & pensions
- Residence Visa Spain → long-term relocation
- Student Visa Spain → university & language programs
- Job Seeker Visa → graduates of Spanish universities
- Entrepreneur / Startup Visa → innovative projects
- HQP Visa Spain → executives & highly skilled professionals
For a full comparison of all visa types, timelines and eligibility rules, see the Spain Visas Guide (2026):
Most Spanish consulates require:
- Passport (issued within last 10 years, 12+ months validity)
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- Proof of accommodation
- Passport photos
- Medical certificate (if required)
- Visa application forms
- Private health insurance (mandatory)
- Visa fee payment receipt
For a complete legal breakdown by visa type (financial thresholds, documents and insurance rules), see Spain Visa Requirements (2026):
2. Documents to Prepare Before Moving
Preparing documents early avoids delays and rejections.
- Passport + copies
- Birth certificate (translated/apostilled)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Custody documents for minors
- Diplomas & transcripts
- CV / résumé
- Professional certifications
- Bank statements (3–6 months)
- Pension or investment records
- Proof of passive income
- Rental contract
- Property deed
- Notarised host invitation
3. Health Insurance Requirements (Mandatory for All Visas)
Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC) requires private health insurance with:
- No copayments
- No waiting periods
- Full hospital & specialist care
- Nationwide validity
- Insurer authorised in Spain
- Travel insurance is not accepted for residence visas.
For the full legal explanation of what consulates accept — and what they reject — see:
For visa-ready plans with same-day certificates:
Most expats are unsure which visa they qualify for and which insurance is actually accepted.
We help you choose the correct option before you apply — avoiding rejections and delays.
4. Accommodation & Housing Checklist
Consulates require proof of accommodation before approving your visa.
Accepted options:
- Signed rental contract
- Property purchase deed
- Hotel or temporary reservation
- Notarised invitation letter
Tips:
- Most consulates prefer rentals of 1–12 months
- Bring printed copies
- Address must match all visa documents
5. Banking & Financial Setup
Opening a Spanish bank account is strongly recommended for:
- Paying rent & utilities
- Receiving income
- Residency renewals
- Paying taxes
Tax residency rule:
You become a Spanish tax resident if you stay 183+ days per year.
6. NIE, TIE & Empadronamiento (Core Legal Steps)
After arrival, you must complete three registrations:
Foreigner Identification Number used for all legal and financial procedures.
Residence card. Apply within 30 days of arrival.
Town hall registration required for:
- Healthcare
- School enrollment
- Renewals
- Municipal services
7. Moving to Spain With Family
Family inclusion depends on the visa type.
- Family allowed from the start:
- Digital Nomad Visa
- HQP Visa
- Entrepreneur Visa
- Retirement Visa
- Student Visa
Family documents required:
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificates
- Proof of sufficient income
- Health insurance for each dependent
8. Schools & Universities in Spain
Education options include:
- Public schools (free)
- Concertado (semi-private)
- Private international schools
- Universities & postgraduate programs
Documents commonly required:
- School records
- Vaccination card
- Birth certificate
- NIE / TIE
9. Practical Setup: Everyday Essentials
- Phones & Internet
Major providers: Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, MásMóvil.
- Utilities
You may need to set up:
- Electricity
- Gas
- Water
- Internet
- Driving in Spain
Licence rules depend on nationality.
Some licences can be exchanged; others require a Spanish driving test.
Car insurance guide:
10. Healthcare in Spain (Public vs Private)
- High quality
- Low cost
- Not accessible to new visa applicants
- Long waiting times
- Fast access
- Specialists without referrals
- English-speaking doctors
- Mandatory for visas
Full system overview:
11. After Arrival: First 30 Days Checklist
Within your first month:
- Apply for TIE
- Register at the padrón
- Open bank account
- Set up utilities
- Enrol children in school
- Register with Social Security (if working)
- Activate health insurance
12. External Official Resources
- Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC) — exteriores.gob.es
- Ministry of Inclusion, Migration & Social Security — inclusion.gob.es
- Spanish Tax Agency — agenciatributaria.es
- BOE — boe.es
14. Get Visa-Approved Health Insurance
Start your move to Spain with private health insurance trusted by all Spanish consulates:
- No copays
- No waiting periods
- Full hospitalisation
- Nationwide coverage
Fast support. Real guidance. Zero pressure.