Relocating to Spain comes with several one-off expenses. We’ll cover immigration, removals, schools, and more. We’ve used our experience and contacts to help you budget the entire move.
Download our easy-to-use Moving Budget Planner to make the process simple.
Note: Head to our Spain Cost-of-Living article for ongoing day-to-day budgeting guidance.
Relocating to Spain Costs – Before Departure
Immigration (Pre-arrival permission)
All non-EU/EEA citizens need a visa or residence permit to live in Spain. US and UK citizens fall under this rule. The fees vary depending on which permission you require and how much support you need.
- Resource 1: Speak to our Spanish Immigration Law partner for advice and a transparent quote.
- Resource 2: Our articles on Spanish immigration options.
Note: EU and EEA citizens can apply for residency after they move to Spain and do not require a visa.
Exploratory Trip
Many Expats thinking of moving to Spain visit the country to finalize plans. You may check out cities, visit schools, take in open houses, or meet with prospective employers.
- Cover transport, accommodation, etc.
Shipping Cost to Spain
Having some of your favorite things around is comfort and saves on set-up costs in Spain. Consider storage in your home country and transport.
Resource 1: Get three quotes from quality shipping companies.
Resource 2: See our Shipping to Spain from the US, UK, and other countries guide.
School, College, or University (Application Fee)
You may need to pay a one-off application fee to submit your application for a place.
Resource: Our Education in Spain Articles have more information.
Pets (Pre-Departure Preparation)
You’ll need vaccinations, microchips, and a pet passport for your dog, cat, or ferret from a local veterinarian. Other pets have specific requirements, too.
Resource: How to Bring Your Pet to Spain.
Pets (Move to Spain)
Transporting your pets to Spain may need a specialist pet mover service or fee.
Resource: How to Bring Your Pet to Spain.
Important Documents
Do you have a valid passport with a few years of validity? Do you need copies of birth certificates, wedding certificates, or other official documentation? And does it need to be certified or translated?
Money
You’ll want access to Euros when you are living in Spain. This may be a small cash amount, your living money for a period, or a large transfer for a house purchase.
Resource: How to make International Money transfers to Spain.
Spanish Language Skills
We recommend getting a head start on your Spanish. Book some lessons (in person or online) or a course so you can say “hola” on day 1.
Resource: How to learn Spanish.
Mail Redirection
Unfortunately, essential items still come through snail mail as well as electronically. We always use a 12-month mail redirect to a friend to catch those items where we still need to update our postal address.
Travel to Spain
The big day! Your move to Spain. Plan on tickets, transfer, and travel insurance.
Relocating to Spain?
Fill out one form and get up to 5 quotes from our network of international moving specialists.
Relocating to Spain Costs – After Arrival
Immigration (Post-arrival residency)
Once you arrive in Spain, you must get your NIE (tax number) and TIE (residency card).
- Resource 1: Speak to our Spanish Immigration Law partner for help and a transparent quote.
- Resource 2: How to get your TIE, NIE, and residency in Spain.
Transport
Non-EU citizens must convert their driver’s licenses (lessons and tests). You’ll also need to budget to buy and register a car if required.
Resource: Driving in Spain
Short-term Accomadaiton
You may use an Airbnb or a hotel for short-term accomadation to get settled while you find a long-term home.
Long-term Accomadation
You’ll need a deposit for a rental, and if you buy a home, there are purchase charges. Also, think about new furniture and appliances.
Resource 1: How to Rent a Property in Spain.
Resource 2: How to Buy a Property in Spain.
International Mover Costs in Spain
Will you need to store furniture and belongings in Spain before you move into long-term accommodation? Do you have customs and duties charges to pay?
Resource 1: Get three quotes from quality shipping companies.
Resource 2: See our Shipping to Spain from the US, UK, and other countries guide.
School, College, or University (Application Fee)
You may need to pay a one-off admission fee to submit your application for a place.
Resource: Our Education Articles have more information.
Next Steps for your Move to Spain Budget Planner
The easiest way to gather this information is to download our easy-to-use spreadsheet. We cover all the steps with detailed items for each section we covered in this article. There are links, examples, and more, plus pre-loaded formulas for buffers and much more.
Download your Relocating to Spain Budget Planner here.
