Pre-Move Checklist: Preparing for Your Move to Spain

Moving to Spain requires significant preparation. This checklist helps you organize everything you need to do before departure, from critical legal requirements to practical logistics. Start working through this list at least 3-6 months before your move date.

6+ months before moving

Visa and legal status

• Determine your visa pathway

  • EU citizens: No visa needed, but registration required after 90 days
  • Non-EU citizens: Identify which visa applies (non-lucrative, digital nomad, student, work, golden, etc.)

• Gather visa documents

  • Valid passport (6+ months validity, blank pages)
  • Criminal background check (apostilled)
  • Birth certificate (apostilled if required)
  • Marriage certificate if applicable (apostilled)
  • Passport photos (requirements vary by consulate)

• Schedule visa appointment

  • Book early—some consulates have long wait times
  • Note: Some visas require in-person application

• Apostille documents

  • Background checks, birth/marriage certificates
  • Process varies by country—can take weeks

Financial preparation

• Assess your financial requirements

  • Non-lucrative visa: ~€2,400/month passive income or €28,800/year in savings
  • Digital nomad visa: ~€2,520/month income
  • Other visas: Check specific requirements

• Organize financial documentation

  • Bank statements (3-6 months)
  • Investment account statements
  • Pension or social security proof
  • Employment contract (if applicable)

• Research banking options

  • International transfers (Wise, Revolut)
  • Banks that work with non-residents
  • Currency exchange strategies

• Understand tax implications

  • Exit tax obligations in home country
  • Spain’s worldwide income taxation
  • Tax treaty benefits
  • Consult international tax advisor if complex situation

Healthcare preparation

• Research health insurance options

  • Private insurance required for most visas
  • Get quotes from Spanish insurers (Sanitas, Adeslas, MAPFRE, Cigna)
  • Check coverage requirements for your specific visa
  • Note: Many visas require insurance with no copays

• Gather medical records

  • Request copies of complete medical history
  • Vaccination records
  • Current prescriptions and generic names
  • Specialist reports if relevant

• Stock up on medications

  • 3-6 month supply of regular medications
  • Prescription copies with generic names
  • Note: Some medications have different names/availability in Spain

• Schedule medical appointments

  • Dental checkup and any needed work
  • Eye exam and updated prescription
  • General physical
  • Any specialists you see regularly

Housing research

• Research target areas

  • Compare cities and neighborhoods
  • Consider cost of living, climate, lifestyle
  • Join expat groups for insights

• Understand rental market

  • Price ranges in target areas
  • Rental process and requirements
  • Temporary accommodation options

• Plan initial accommodation

  • Book temporary housing for first 1-2 months
  • Airbnb, aparthotel, or short-term rental
  • Needs valid address for some registrations

3-6 months before moving

Visa application

• Complete visa application

  • Submit all required documents
  • Pay visa fees
  • Attend interview if required

• Track application status

  • Follow up with consulate if delayed
  • Prepare for potential additional document requests

Employment and income

• Arrange work situation

  • If employed: Negotiate remote work or transfer
  • If freelancing: Establish client base, contracts
  • If starting business: Research Spanish company formation
  • If retiring: Ensure income documentation ready

• Understand Spanish work rules

  • Autónomo registration requirements
  • Employment contract types
  • Tax obligations

Housing arrangements

• Secure temporary accommodation

  • Book for first 4-8 weeks minimum
  • Ensure valid for address registration (padrón)
  • Have backup options identified

• Begin long-term housing search

  • Set up alerts on Idealista, Fotocasa
  • Connect with relocation agents if using
  • Join housing groups on Facebook

Financial setup

• Open accounts that work internationally

  • Wise multi-currency account
  • Revolut or N26 for easy Europe banking
  • Maintain home country accounts for transitions

• Plan currency strategy

  • Set up recurring transfers if needed
  • Consider forward contracts for large amounts
  • Compare exchange rate services

• Notify financial institutions

  • Tell banks about your move
  • Update addresses where needed
  • Check international access to accounts

Logistics planning

• Decide what to bring

  • Ship, store, or sell furniture?
  • What’s worth the shipping cost?
  • What’s easily available in Spain?

• Get shipping quotes

  • International moving companies
  • Container shipping for large loads
  • Air freight for essentials

• Create inventory

  • List items to ship
  • Document condition for insurance
  • Photograph valuables

Documents to gather

• Personal documents

  • Passport (plus copies)
  • Driver’s license (international permit if needed)
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage/divorce certificates
  • Educational diplomas
  • Professional certifications/licenses

• Financial documents

  • Bank statements (6 months)
  • Tax returns (2-3 years)
  • Investment statements
  • Property deeds
  • Insurance policies

• Medical documents

  • Complete medical records
  • Vaccination history
  • Prescription list with generic names
  • Optical prescriptions
  • Dental records

• Pet documents (if applicable)

  • Microchip records
  • Vaccination certificates
  • Health certificates
  • Pet passport (EU)

1-3 months before moving

Legal and administrative

• Receive visa approval

  • Collect visa from consulate
  • Verify all details are correct
  • Note entry deadline if applicable

• Power of attorney

  • Consider Spanish power of attorney
  • Useful if needing someone to act on your behalf

• Notify relevant authorities

  • Deregister from home country if required
  • Notify tax authorities
  • Update voter registration

Home country loose ends

• Housing

  • Sell or rent out property
  • End rental lease properly
  • Forward mail arrangements

• Utilities and subscriptions

  • Cancel or transfer utilities
  • Cancel subscriptions not needed
  • Keep essential services accessible (streaming, etc.)

• Insurance

  • End home/renter’s insurance
  • Understand car insurance transition
  • Health insurance bridge coverage if needed

• Driver’s license

  • Get international driving permit
  • Check if your license can be exchanged in Spain
  • Get certified translation if needed

Shipping and moving

• Book shipping/moving company

  • Confirm dates and costs
  • Understand insurance coverage
  • Know expected delivery timeline

• Pack strategically

  • Essentials in carry-on and checked bags
  • Important documents in carry-on
  • Seasonal appropriate clothes accessible

• Arrange storage if needed

  • For items not being shipped
  • For items to ship later
  • Secure and climate-controlled if valuable

Family and pets

• Children’s education

  • Research schools (public, private, international)
  • Apply to schools if possible
  • Gather educational records and translations

• Pet transportation

  • Book pet-friendly flights or transport
  • Complete required vet visits (within specific timeframe)
  • Prepare pet for travel

• Inform family and friends

  • Share your plans and timeline
  • Set up video calling apps
  • Plan visits in both directions

Technology and communication

• Phone plan

  • Research Spanish carriers
  • Unlock current phone if needed
  • Consider keeping home number (Google Voice, etc.)

• VPN service

  • Access home country services
  • Banking apps that geo-restrict
  • Streaming libraries

• Important accounts

  • Update addresses where safe
  • Enable international access
  • Set up 2FA backup methods

2-4 weeks before moving

Final preparations

• Confirm all bookings

  • Flights
  • Temporary accommodation
  • Airport transfers
  • Car rental if needed

• Prepare essential documents folder

  • Passport and visa
  • Printed copies of all important documents
  • Emergency contacts
  • Insurance cards and policy numbers
  • Temporary accommodation confirmation

• Cash and cards

  • Notify banks of travel
  • Carry some euros in cash
  • Have multiple card options
  • Know ATM withdrawal limits

• Final medical prep

  • Fill prescriptions
  • Carry medications in original packaging
  • Keep prescription copies accessible

Home country closure

• Final mail forwarding

  • Set up forwarding service
  • Update critical addresses
  • Go paperless where possible

• Cancel last services

  • Final utility readings
  • Return equipment (router, etc.)
  • Close local memberships

• Say goodbyes

  • Friends and family gatherings
  • Professional contacts
  • Healthcare providers (get final records)

Moving day and first week

Travel day

• Carry-on essentials

  • Passport and visa
  • Important documents folder
  • Medications (several days’ supply)
  • Phone and chargers
  • Laptop and valuables
  • Change of clothes
  • Cash and cards
  • Temporary accommodation details

• Arrive at accommodation

  • Confirm working utilities
  • Get WiFi access
  • Locate nearest essentials (pharmacy, supermarket)

First days in Spain

• Get Spanish SIM card

  • Prepaid available at phone shops, supermarkets
  • Just need passport

• Open Spanish bank account

  • Digital banks easier initially (N26, Revolut)
  • Traditional bank once you have NIE

• Book essential appointments

  • TIE card appointment (within 30 days for long-term visas)
  • Padrón registration
  • NIE if not yet obtained

First week tasks

• Register on padrón

  • Municipal registration
  • Book appointment at Ayuntamiento
  • Need accommodation proof

• Activate health insurance

  • Register with insurer
  • Get insurance cards
  • Locate nearby providers

• Start long-term housing search

  • If not already secured
  • Visit properties
  • Prepare application documents

Essential contacts to save

Emergency

• Emergency services: 112 (EU-wide)
• Police (Policía Nacional): 091
• Local police (Policía Local): 092
• Fire department: 080
• Ambulance: 061

Your embassy/consulate

• Save local embassy address and phone
• Register your presence if your country offers this
• Know after-hours emergency contacts

Healthcare

• Your insurance provider’s 24/7 line
• Nearest hospital address
• Nearest pharmacy
• Nearest urgent care

Utilities and services

• Electricity provider service line
• Gas provider
• Water utility
• Internet provider

Documents checklist summary

Must have (carry on person)

Document	Copies
Passport	2 color copies
Visa/visa approval	2 copies
Travel insurance proof	1 copy
Accommodation confirmation	1 copy
Flight itinerary	1 copy
Emergency contacts	1 copy

Important (carry in bags)

Document	Notes
Birth certificate	Apostilled if required
Marriage certificate	Apostilled if required
Background check	Apostilled, recent
Bank statements	6 months
Proof of income	Employment, pension, etc.
Health insurance policy	Full terms
Medical records	Summary and prescriptions
Educational diplomas	With translations
Driver’s license	Plus international permit

Digital backup

• Scan all documents
• Store in cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox)
• Email copies to yourself
• Ensure accessible offline

Key timelines to remember

Task	Deadline
TIE application	Within 30 days of arrival
Padrón registration	As soon as possible after arrival
Health system registration	After padrón
Driver’s license exchange	Within 6 months (non-EU)
Tax residency	Automatic after 183 days

Final tips

1. Start early — Visa processes and apostilles take longer than expected
2. Stay organized — Use folders, checklists, and digital backups
3. Have buffer funds — Unexpected costs always arise
4. Be flexible — Things won’t go exactly as planned
5. Connect early — Join expat groups before arrival for advice
6. Celebrate the milestone — Moving abroad is a significant achievement

This checklist covers the essentials, but your specific situation may require additional steps. Customize it based on your visa type, family situation, and circumstances.

Good luck with your move to Spain!