Moving to Spain

Spain

Spanish (plus Catalan, Basque, Galician regionally)

Capital: Madrid

Currency: EUR

Register within Within 3 months of arrival

Residence procedure: Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE + Empadronamiento

Official government website

Your 7-step relocation checklist

1. Step 1

   EU Free Movement confirmed

   As an EU citizen, you have the right to live and work in Spain with no visa. Bring a valid passport or national ID card.

2. Step 2

   Find accommodation

   A local address is required for most other steps (registration, bank, tax number). Check housing costs before you move.

   Cost of living in Spain
3. Step 3

   Register your residence — Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE + Empadronamiento

   Deadline: Within 3 months of arrival. This is the local residence registration procedure required under EU Directive 2004/38/EC after your first 3 months.

   Official government portal
4. Step 4

   Get your NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) / NIF

   You need a NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) / NIF to work, get paid, or open a bank account in Spain.

   Apply for NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) / NIF
5. Step 5

   Register with Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS)

   Once resident and working, register with Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS). In the meantime your EHIC covers necessary care.

   Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS) portal
6. Step 6

   Open a local bank account

   Most Spain employers pay salary into a local EUR account. Bring your ID, proof of address and NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) / NIF.

7. Step 7

   Calculate your expected net salary

   See what you'll actually take home in Spain after tax and social security.

   Open net salary calculator

FAQ — Moving to Spain

Information verified for 2026 from official Spain government sources. This guide applies to EU citizens under EU Directive 2004/38/EC.