Pillar guides · 3 articles
Moving to Spain — the ultimate guides
In-depth, step-by-step guides for every phase of your move: paperwork, finances, housing, family, health. Researched, regularly updated — and honest.
The key steps when moving to Spain
Roadmap · 8 stagesA clear path from the first plan to everyday life in Spain — with links into our detailed guides.
- 01
Preparation & timeline
Plan realistically: start 6–12 months before the move. Choose the region, budget, gather documents, review insurance.
View the step-by-step plan - 02
Apply for the NIE number
The Número de Identidad de Extranjero is your tax ID — required for a bank account, rental contract, car and job.
Open the NIE guide - 03
Empadronamiento (register your address)
Without the Padrón there is no Tarjeta Sanitaria, no TIE and no school. The first task at the town hall after arrival.
Empadronamiento step by step - 04
Open a Spanish bank account
Essential for rent, utilities, taxes and salary. Often possible before residency — we show you how.
Read the bank account guide - 05
Residency & TIE card
From 90 days onwards EU citizens need the Certificado de Registro, non-EU citizens the TIE card.
View paperwork guides - 06
Health insurance & Tarjeta Sanitaria
S1, private cover or Convenio Especial — find the right solution for your status (working, retired, self-employed).
Open health guides - 07
Taxes & the 183-day rule
Anyone who lives more than 183 days a year in Spain becomes tax-resident here. Avoid double taxation, plan Modelo 720 and IRPF.
Open finance guides - 08
Housing, car & everyday life
Rental contract (LAU), deposit, utility connection, re-register the car, exchange the driving licence, enrol school.
Browse all guides
Priorities checklist — what needs to be done when
The most common pitfalls can be avoided if you work through these three phases cleanly. Save the list or download our full moving checklist as a print version.
Before the move
- Check passport and ID card (valid for at least 6 months)
- Get birth & marriage certificates with apostille
- International health insurance for the transition
- Book a flat or Airbnb for the first 4–8 weeks
- Deregister in Germany only AFTER empadronamiento in Spain
- International driving licence as a transitional solution
In the first 30 days on site
- Book the NIE appointment online via cita previa
- Apply for empadronamiento at the Ayuntamiento
- Open a Spanish bank account (easier with NIE)
- Spanish mobile number (Movistar, Vodafone, Yoigo, O2)
- Tarjeta Sanitaria or private health cover
- Electricity, water and internet contracts in your own name
Within 6 months
- Apply for residency / TIE (from 90 days of stay)
- Re-register the car or buy a Spanish car (ITV)
- Exchange the driving licence after 6 months of residence
- Clarify tax residency — 183-day rule
- Check Modelo 720 (foreign assets above €50,000)
- Enrol children in school or nursery (colegio público / concertado)
Bürokratie & Behörden
2 GuidesWie beantrage ich die NIE-Nummer in Spanien?
Die NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) ist deine steuerliche Identität in Spanien. Du brauchst sie für Bankkonto, Mietvertrag, Auto und Arbeitsvertrag — wir zeigen dir Schritt für Schritt, wie du sie bekommst.
Read the ultimate guideEmpadronamiento beantragen — Schritt für Schritt
Das Empadronamiento ist deine offizielle Wohnsitzanmeldung in Spanien. Ohne diesen Eintrag im Padrón Municipal gibt es keine Tarjeta Sanitaria und kein TIE — wir erklären den Ablauf in deiner Gemeinde.
Read the ultimate guide