Moving to Spain: an overview for newcomers

Documents you need

• Valid passport (or national ID card for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens)

  required

• Birth and marriage certificates with apostille and sworn translation

  optional

• Criminal record certificates

  For most non-EU visas.

  optional

• Degree certificates

  optional

• Health insurance

  Required for several visa routes.

  optional

Step by step

1. 1

   Step 1: Choose your residence route (non-EU citizens)

   Work out whether you will come as an employee, highly qualified professional, international teleworker, student, family member or on your own means (non-lucrative residence). Requirements, fees and timelines differ widely. See Visas and residence permits for Spain.

2. 2

   Step 2: Prepare your documents before you leave

   Spanish offices generally ask for originals and copies. Foreign public documents (birth and marriage certificates, criminal records, degrees) usually need:

   • an apostille under the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961, or legalisation through diplomatic channels if your country is not a party; and
   • a sworn translation into Spanish (traducción jurada).

   Multilingual EU standard forms need neither translation nor apostille. Order several certified copies of civil status documents before you move; replacing them from Spain takes time.

3. 3

   Step 3: Plan your budget and housing

   Housing in the big cities is the largest cost and requires a deposit and sometimes guarantees at signing. Plan temporary accommodation for the first weeks. See Finding a flat to rent in Barcelona and Tenant rights in Spain.

4. 4

   Step 4: Know the order of your first formalities

   1. Book your police appointment for the TIE (non-EU) or EU registration certificate (EU) as soon as you arrive; appointments are scarce in some provinces.
   2. Register in the padrón at your address; it is free and needed for health care, schools and most immigration procedures.
   3. Get a social security number if you will work; your employer registers you before you start.
   4. Open a bank account.
   5. Request your health card from the regional health service.
   6. Find a long-term home, then update your padrón registration.

   See Your first 30 days in Barcelona for a city-specific plan.

5. 5

   Step 5: Understand tax residence

   If you spend more than 183 days a year in Spain, or your main economic interests are here, you are usually tax resident and taxed on your worldwide income. Some people moving to Spain for work can opt into a special tax regime within six months of starting. See Income tax in Spain for newcomers.

6. 6

   Step 6: Use free official help

   Many town halls have newcomer services. In Barcelona, the Barcelona International Welcome service and the city's SAIER give free information and advice, and the bar association's legal orientation service gives free first legal guidance.

Watch out

Common mistakes

• Travelling on a visa-free entry and expecting to apply for residence from Spain; most routes start at a consulate.
• Arriving without apostilled and translated civil status documents.
• Leaving the police appointment search until after you have found a long-term flat.

Tips

• Keep digital scans of every document and receipt in one folder.
• Learn basic Spanish (and in Catalonia, some Catalan) before you arrive; most forms and offices work in Spanish.

Frequently asked questions

Editorial answers written by our team, based on the sources below.

Official links

In your plan

• Gather apostilled and translated documentsAdd to plan
• Find the residence route that fits your moveAdd to plan
• Apply for your national visa at the Spanish consulateAdd to plan
• Check what free movement means for you in SpainAdd to plan

Sources

Written and checked by HomiStart editorial against the official sources below. Next scheduled check: 5 Feb 2027.