How to make the most of moving to and living in Spain as an expat

Our free guides and resources have been designed to help people moving to and living in Spain.

Created in partnership with our trusted experts advice, we can guide you across all areas of Spanish life, including taxes, visas, residency, property, healthcare, finances and more.

If you need help, our partners are on hand to offer a free discovery call allowing you to get the tailored advice and services you need.

Timeline for moving to Spain from the UK

Relocation timeline and when to speak to specialists

Moving abroad can feel a lot like preparing for a marathon. While most people reach the finish line, without proper preparation and timely specialist support the risk of stress, mistakes and costly delays increases.

When relocating to Spain, the order of your decisions matters. Visa applications can take months, tax obligations come with firm deadlines, property decisions require research and access to healthcare depends on your residency status and registration timing. Building in time for Spanish administrative processes is essential.

Consular and local appointments can book up well in advance, offices often operate limited hours, and August and regional holidays can slow progress. Some steps require in-person appointments, repeated visits and officially translated documents. Applying for your NIE, exchanging or applying for a TIE, registering locally and setting up healthcare all tend to work more smoothly when extra time is allowed.

That is why we have created a relocation timeline specifically for Spain.

- Shortlist regions and cities in Spain
- Research Spain-UK tax obligations
- Review your finances and cost of living
- Visit and experience different areas
- Watch videos, read articles and get informed.
- Book a consultation with a Spanish relocation specialist
- Confirm where you're going to live
- Start researching properties and seeking a mortgage
- Research Spanish visa options
- Begin currency and financial planning
- Begin your visa application
- Speak to a UK tax specialist
- Speak to an Spanish tax specialist
- Arrange health insurance to cover the gap before SSN access
- Get moving costs and quotes
- Review investments, pensions and finances
- Line up Spanish address and accommodation
- Confirm removal company
- Move funds and consider FX strategy
- Sort out your driving license
- Open bank account if not already done
- Confirm removals and final packing
- Check all documents and insurance
- Keep all originals handy for in-Spain applications
- Say goodbye to family and friends
- Book taxi to the airport
- Register locally and obtain your NIE (if not already issued)
- Apply for or collect your TIE residence card
- Register on the local padrón (town hall registration)
- Arrange healthcare access and confirm insurance cover
- Set up banking, utilities and ongoing admin
- Confirm tax residency status and reporting obligations

Essential reading to help with your move to Spain

We help British people moving to Spain, whether for work, family, retirement or a complete lifestyle change.

Every move is different, which is why, alongside our detailed guides and checklists, we also offer the option to speak with a specialist through a free discovery call to help you pull the information together.

Spanish visas for British citizens

Learn about key visa routes for UK nationals, including non-lucrative residence, work, self-employment and family reunion, and how Spain’s residency and registration process works after arrival.

Read about Spanish Visas

Financial planning in Spain

Understand how to manage UK pensions, investments and currency transfers when relocating to Spain, and when regulated advice may be appropriate for British citizens living overseas.

Financial planning in Spain

Spain-UK Tax Planning

Avoid double taxation by understanding the UK–Spain tax treaty, Spanish tax residency rules, split year treatment and reporting obligations for income and assets held in both countries.

Guide to Spain-UK Tax

Accessing Spanish healthcare

Spanish healthcare works differently from the NHS. Learn how the system operates, when private insurance is required, and the steps to register once you move.

Learn about healthcare in Spain

Request a free discovery call

Get help with your Spanish relocation plans

Chat to one of our Spanish relocation specialists

If you're unsure about your next steps and would like some help from a specialist, we can help.

Request a free discovery call with us and we will listen to your situation and use the information you provide to introduce you to one or more of our specialists who will be able to help you with your move to Spain.

The discovery call is completely free and you are under no obligation to proceed with introductions or paid services.

During the call with us, you can:

Explain your current situation, including objectives and plans
Understand which of our trusted partners we believe would be able to assist you with your move to Spain
Help to remove any uncertainty before committing to any plans

Request your discovery call using the form and tell us about your situation and plans.

woman holding spanish flag above her head 1000

Best Spanish Immigration Lawyers

If you're considering moving to Spain, ensuring you get the best possible help securing your visa is essential.

Best Spanish immigration lawyers

John C.SpainSpanish Tax Planning

The whole process has been conducted in a timely and professional manner. We feel that our recent issues with our taxes in Spain are being addressed and we are currently feeling optimistic of a satisfactory outcome.

Carl P.SpainPensions and Brexit

I found the session with the consultant to be very helpful in that it helped allay any concerns I had around my choice to manage my pension post-Brexit. I really valued the opportunity to be able to discuss what I was planning with an someone who could give an independent perspective.

Darren C.JapanTax

Dealing with financial issues from overseas is stressful and difficult. Experts for Expats take away that stress.

How to make the most of moving to and living in Spain as an expat

Explore our expat help and advice articles about moving to and living in Spain

Spanish Visas: A guide to the different visas in Spain and how to apply

How to get a visa in Spain: The application process, documents and common mistakes

Moving to Barcelona: What Expats Need to Know

Taxes in Spain: An explanation of Spanish taxes for expats and foreign nationals

Spanish Investment Bonds explained

Spanish income tax (IRPF): state and regional rates, deductions and exemptions explained for foreign nationals

Relocation timeline and when to speak to specialists

More Than 12 Months Before Move

6–12 Months Before Move

3–6 Months Before Move

1–3 Months Before Move

1 Week Before Move and Moving Day

After Arrival

Common questions British people ask when moving to Spain