Moving to Spain in 2026: everything you need to know

Moving to Spain is no longer just a dream but a real plan for more and more international citizens. Sunshine, a relaxed pace of life and lower living costs attract both young families and retirees. But emigrating is more than just buying a house in Spain. In this comprehensive article we explain how to take the official steps, what the tax benefits are and how to set up your life in your new home country.

Why people are moving to Spain en masse

In 2025, more than 12,000 Dutch and 8,000 Belgians moved permanently to Spain — a record. The main reasons:

• Climate: 300+ days of sunshine per year, mild winters.
• Quality of life: Mediterranean cuisine, healthy food, relaxed pace.
• Lower costs: groceries, energy and dining out 20-30% cheaper on average.
• Safety: Spain ranks in the top 15 safest countries worldwide.
• Good healthcare: high quality and affordable.
• Easy administration: as an EU citizen you have free right of residence.

Step 1: Apply for NIE and residency

The NIE number

The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a personal ID number. You need it for all official matters: buying a house, opening a bank account, energy contracts, school registration, etc.

Apply via:

• Spanish consulate in your home country.
• Police station in Spain with appointment.
• Processing time: 2-6 weeks.

Residency permit

As an EU citizen you don't need a visa, but you do need a Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión (registration certificate) if you stay longer than 90 days.

Requirements:

• Sufficient income (minimum ~€600/month for a single person in 2026).
• Or employment in Spain.
• Or studying at a Spanish institution.
• Health insurance covering Spain.

Apply at the Oficina de Extranjeros or police station in Spain.

Step 2: Becoming a tax resident in Spain

When are you a tax resident?

You are a tax resident in Spain if:

• You spend more than 183 days per calendar year in Spain, OR
• Your main residence or primary economic interests are in Spain.

The Beckham Law (favourable for expats)

The Beckham Law is a Spanish tax regime under which expats working for a Spanish employer pay only 24% income tax for 6 years up to €600,000. Excellent for digital nomads and assigned employees.

Requirements:

• You were not a Spanish tax resident in the last 5 years.
• You move to work for a Spanish company.
• Apply within 6 months of arrival.

Tax rates for regular residents

Spain has progressive income tax:

• 19% up to €12,450
• 24% up to €20,200
• 30% up to €35,200
• 37% up to €60,000
• 47% above €300,000

Important: as a tax resident you pay tax on your worldwide income (including foreign pensions). Tax treaties prevent double taxation.

Step 3: Setting up healthcare

Spain has an excellent public healthcare system (Sistema Nacional de Salud, SNS). But as an EU citizen you don't have immediate access — you need additional health insurance.

Options:

1. Private health insurance (€60-150 per month). Faster access, English-speaking doctors possible.
2. Convenio Especial (Spanish voluntary public insurance, €60-150/month).
3. EHIC card (only for temporary stay, not for residents).
4. Working in Spain: automatic via employer in the SNS.

Tip: many expats choose Sanitas or Adeslas as private insurer — high quality, reasonable price.

Step 4: Housing — rent or buy?

Rent first (1 year)

For most people, renting first makes sense. You get to know the region, avoid impulsive purchases and have time to find the right home.

Rental prices (for 100m² apartment):

• Torrevieja: €700-900/month
• Moraira: €900-1,300/month
• Almeria city: €600-800/month

Then buy

Once you know where you want to settle permanently, buying a house in Spain is often cheaper than continuing to rent — especially given current value appreciation.

Step 5: Schools for families with children

Spain has three school types:

1. Public schools (Colegios Públicos)

• Free.
• Classes in Spanish (or Catalan/Valencian/Galician).
• Good level, integration with Spanish children.
• Recommended for children under 10 (rapid language acquisition).

2. Semi-private schools (Colegios Concertados)

• €100-300/month.
• Often religious (Catholic).
• Sometimes bilingual English-Spanish.

3. International schools

• €600-1,500/month.
• British, American, IB curriculum.
• English-language education.
• Ideal for teenagers who don't speak Spanish.

Well-known international schools on the Costa Blanca:

• The Lady Elizabeth School (Llíber)
• Sierra Bernia School (Alfaz del Pi)
• Xabia International College

Step 6: Learning Spanish

Although many people on the Costa Blanca speak English, learning Spanish is essential for integration and official matters. Tips:

• Take an intensive course in the first 6 months.
• Apps: Duolingo, Babbel, Pimsleur.
• Practice: go to Spanish cafés, bakery, barber.
• Avoid the "expat bubble" as much as possible.

Goal: B1 level after 1 year (hold conversations, understand instructions).

Step 7: Driving

Your foreign driver's licence

As an EU citizen you can drive with your home country's licence in Spain. After 2 years of residency you must exchange for a Spanish licence (free of charge).

Import or buy a car?

• Importing is expensive and complex (VAT + registration). Only worthwhile for newer cars.
• Buying in Spain is usually easier. Second-hand market is large, prices comparable.

Step 8: Banking and pension

Bank account

Mandatory for every resident. Popular with expats:

• Sabadell: international, online in English.
• BBVA: large bank, wide ATM network.
• N26 / Revolut: for daily online payments.

Receiving foreign pension

Your pension is simply transferred to your Spanish bank account. Taxes are governed by the tax treaty between your home country and Spain.

Common mistakes when moving to Spain

1. Emigrating without trial period — first try 6-12 months!
2. Buying immediately without renting first — regions differ enormously.
3. Underestimating bureaucracy — Spain is more formal than expected.
4. Not hiring a lawyer for administrative matters.
5. Staying in the expat bubble — learn Spanish and integrate.

Conclusion: moving to Spain is a great decision

With the right preparation, moving to Spain is a wonderful step. The climate, quality of life and tax benefits make Spain an ideal destination for those wanting to start a new chapter.

At CasaOthers we guide international families in finding their new home in Spain — from Costa Blanca to Costa Almeria. View our property listings and take the first step towards your life under the Spanish sun.