How to Move to Spain in 2026: The 10-Step Guide to Starting a New Life Under the Spanish Sun

Moving to Spain is entirely possible, but it requires careful planning, a realistic understanding of bureaucracy, and knowledge of local life. This guide provides a step-by-step approach for expats, remote workers, retirees, or couples seeking to relocate in 2026, highlighting practical considerations, costs, and strategies that actually work.

Step 1: Clarify Your Lifestyle and Location Goals

Before starting any paperwork or visa applications, it’s essential to define the type of life you want in Spain. Location affects daily routines, cost of living, climate, and opportunities. Urban centers such as Madrid and Barcelona offer high-energy environments with international networking, cultural institutions, and active social scenes, but also higher living costs. Coastal cities, including Málaga, Valencia, and Alicante, combine moderate costs with beach access and a more relaxed pace. Smaller towns and rural areas like Granada, Ronda, or Cádiz offer affordable living and deep immersion in Spanish culture, but fewer amenities and professional opportunities.

If possible, spend a few weeks in Spain before committing to a move. Experiencing everyday life rather than tourism will provide a clearer understanding of where you want to settle.

Step 2: Understand Your Visa Options

Visa requirements depend on nationality, intended length of stay, and professional activity. Begin this process at least three to four months before your intended move, as appointments, document translations, and certifications take time. For 2026, the main options include the Digital Nomad Visa, Non-Lucrative Visa, Work Visa, and Student Visa. The Digital Nomad Visa suits remote workers employed by non-Spanish companies and requires an income of approximately €2,700 per month. It can eventually lead to permanent residency after five years. The Non-Lucrative Visa is ideal for retirees or individuals with savings or passive income, typically requiring a minimum annual income of €30,000 for singles or €38,000+ for couples. Work Visas are available to those employed by Spanish companies, though they are often harder to secure. Student Visas allow for long-term study or language courses. For a detailed breakdown of administrative requirements, see NIE Explained and Padrón Explained.

Step 3: Gather and Legalize Your Documents

Spanish bureaucracy requires careful organization and official documentation. Essential items include a valid passport with at least six months remaining, an apostilled criminal record certificate, proof of income or employment, private health insurance meeting visa requirements, a medical certificate confirming good health, and proof of accommodation. All foreign documents must be officially translated into Spanish by a sworn translator (traductor jurado). Make several copies of each document, as individual offices often request their own sets.

Step 4: Secure Temporary Accommodation

It is generally unwise to commit to long-term housing before arriving. Most expats start with a one- to three-month rental, using platforms such as Idealista, Fotocasa, or Spotahome. Choosing a neighborhood that aligns with your lifestyle goals is critical. In Málaga, for example, El Palo offers a family-friendly seaside environment, Soho provides a central, artsy, walkable district, and Teatinos offers quiet, modern, and affordable living. Beginning with temporary accommodation allows you to explore areas in person and make a more informed decision about long-term rentals. For a detailed comparison of housing options, see Long-Term vs Short-Term Rentals in Spain.

Step 5: Complete Key Administrative Steps on Arrival

Upon arrival, certain legal and administrative steps are essential for establishing residency and accessing services. Obtaining your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is mandatory, as it underpins nearly every official process in Spain, including banking, renting, and signing contracts. Registration on the padrón at the local ayuntamiento proves residency and is required for healthcare, schooling, and other bureaucratic procedures. Opening a Spanish bank account, even as a non-resident initially, facilitates rent payments, utilities, and income deposits. Additionally, securing a Spanish SIM card ensures connectivity and access to local services. Providers such as Orange, Movistar, Lowi, or Digi offer competitive plans suitable for expats.

Step 6: Budget Realistically for Spanish Life

While Spain is more affordable than many Western European countries, realistic budgeting is essential. In Málaga, a one-bedroom rental ranges from €850 to €1,200 per month. Groceries typically cost €250 to €350, utilities €100 to €150, and private health insurance between €50 and €80. Eating out at a daily menu del día averages €10–€15 per meal. Overall, a single person can live comfortably on €1,800 to €2,200 per month, while a couple should plan for €2,800 to €3,200. Salaries in Spain are generally lower than Northern Europe or North America, so remote work, savings, or passive income is often necessary.

Step 7: Organize Healthcare and Insurance

Healthcare in Spain is high quality, but proper coverage is essential. Private insurance is required for most visa types, particularly the Non-Lucrative and Digital Nomad visas. Providers such as Sanitas, Adeslas, and Cigna offer comprehensive plans covering hospitalisation, doctor visits, prescriptions, and sometimes repatriation. It is important to compare coverage limits, co-pays, waiting periods, and the insurer’s presence in your city of residence. Once employed or self-employed, you contribute to the public healthcare system (Seguridad Social), which provides excellent coverage and affordable services. Many expats initially maintain both private and public coverage to ensure seamless access during the transition. Always keep your documents in Spanish and carry digital copies for appointments or visa renewals.

Step 8: Prepare Language Skills

Even basic Spanish dramatically improves integration and efficiency in daily life. Before moving, use apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Memrise to build foundational vocabulary, and consider online tutors via platforms such as iTalki or Preply for tailored lessons. After arrival, participate in local language exchanges (intercambios), which combine social interaction with language practice. Engaging with locals and learning common phrases — greetings, numbers, basic conversational skills — enhances your ability to navigate housing, banking, healthcare, and professional interactions. For practical integration tips, see Living in Málaga as an Expat.

Step 9: Build Community and Local Networks

Establishing connections early helps reduce isolation and provides practical support. Join local Facebook or LinkedIn expat groups, attend coworking spaces such as The Living Room Málaga or Innovation Campus, and participate in cultural or volunteer activities. These networks offer insights on housing, bureaucracy, professional opportunities, and social life. Many expats find that forming a small circle of contacts in the first few months accelerates adaptation and makes daily tasks easier.

Step 10: Align Housing, Work, and Administrative Steps

A successful relocation requires coordinating housing, employment, and administrative compliance. Start with short-term rentals while exploring neighborhoods and finalizing long-term options. Align visa requirements with employment plans, especially for remote workers or freelancers. Complete the NIE, padrón, and bank account setup in parallel to avoid delays. Digital resources such as the Spain Job Search Starter Pack, NIE + Padrón Toolkit, and Málaga Insider Guide provide structured, practical support for these steps, including checklists, timelines, and real-world examples. Taking a coordinated approach ensures your relocation is efficient, predictable, and sustainable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Spain in 2026

• How much money do I realistically need to move to Spain?

  There is no single figure, but most expats underestimate initial costs. Between deposits, temporary housing, bureaucracy, insurance, and living expenses, the first few months often require several thousand euros beyond basic rent. Poor financial planning is one of the most common relocation mistakes.

• Should I secure housing before or after arriving?

  This depends on your situation. Many newcomers begin with short-term accommodation while searching locally for long-term housing. However, this approach works best when combined with a clear timeline and realistic understanding of rental requirements in Spain.

• Do I need an NIE before I move to Spain?

  You do not always need an NIE before arriving, but you will need one early in the process. The NIE underpins nearly all administrative tasks, including renting long-term accommodation, opening bank accounts, and formalising work or self-employment.

• Is it better to work remotely or look for a job in Spain?

  This depends on income expectations, language skills, and professional background. Many expats choose remote or international work due to lower local salaries. The blogpost on Working Remotely in Spain explores how these options differ and what each requires.

• Is registering on the padrón mandatory?

  While not always legally mandatory, registering on the padrón is practically essential. It is required for healthcare access, school registration, and many local administrative procedures. Without it, settling long-term becomes significantly more difficult.