Relocating to Spain — Visa, Setup & Shipping Guide

Spain attracts retirees, remote workers, families and intra-EU movers in large numbers. Non-EU newcomers most commonly arrive on a non-lucrative visa, the digital nomad visa (DNV) introduced in 2023, a work-permit visa, a student visa or — historically — the Golden Visa, which Spain has announced it intends to wind down. This guide is a planning-level overview only — always confirm current rules with the Servicio de Extranjería and a licensed Spanish immigration lawyer.

Main residency routes

Non-lucrative visa — for applicants with sufficient passive income or savings; does not permit local employment.
Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) — for remote workers and freelancers earning above a defined threshold from non-Spanish clients/employers.
Work-permit visa — sponsored by a Spanish employer; typically subject to labour-market rules.
Highly Qualified Professional / Entrepreneur visa under Law 14/2013.
Student visa — for studies of a defined duration; can sometimes transition to other categories.
Family reunification — for relatives of legal residents.

Your first 30 days on the ground

Obtain your NIE (foreigner identification number) — essential for tax, banking and any contract.
Register with your local town hall (empadronamiento / padrón) — proof of address used for many services.
Open a Spanish bank account — most banks require NIE, passport and proof of address.
Register with Seguridad Social if you will work or contribute.
Register at your local health centre to receive your TSI (health card).
Apply for or exchange your driving licence (rules differ by nationality and bilateral agreements).

Beckham regime and tax basics

Spain's special expats' regime under Article 93 LIRPF (commonly called the 'Beckham law') allows qualifying inbound workers to be taxed on Spanish-source employment income at a flat rate (currently 24% up to a defined threshold) for a limited number of years, instead of at standard progressive rates. Eligibility is restrictive and the regime has changed over time. Get personalised tax advice — Spain also has wealth tax and regional variations to consider.

Healthcare and schools

Spain's public healthcare system (Sistema Nacional de Salud) is high quality and accessible to legal residents who contribute to social security. Private health insurance is common (and required for some visa categories such as the non-lucrative). International schools (British, American, French, German, IB) cluster in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and the Costa del Sol; admissions for the most-established schools are competitive.

Shipping personal effects to Spain

New Spanish residents can typically import used household goods duty-free under the cambio de residencia provisions, supported by NIE, padrón and a packing list. Documentation is normally pre-cleared with the Spanish consulate in your country of departure. Valencia, Algeciras and Barcelona are the main ocean-freight ports; Madrid-Barajas handles most air freight. Confirm current customs documentation with your appointed mover before shipping.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I work on a non-lucrative visa?

No. The non-lucrative visa explicitly does not permit local employment in Spain. Remote work for non-Spanish clients is a grey area — most applicants use the Digital Nomad Visa instead.

Is the Golden Visa still available?

Spain has announced its intent to wind down the Golden Visa programme. Confirm the current legal status before applying — the Digital Nomad Visa or non-lucrative visa are the more typical routes for non-EU newcomers.

Do I need an NIE before arriving?

You can apply at a Spanish consulate before travel or in Spain after arrival. Without a NIE you cannot sign most contracts (lease, utilities, bank). Many newcomers prioritise it in their first week.

Where do most newcomers settle?

Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and the Costa del Sol (Marbella, Estepona) are the most popular. Mid-sized cities such as Málaga, Seville, Bilbao and Alicante are increasingly chosen for cost of living and quality of life.

How does healthcare work for expats?

Once you register with social security and your local health centre, you can use the public system. Visa categories that don't grant social-security access (e.g. non-lucrative) require private cover.

Related guides

This guide is general information for planning purposes only. Visa, customs, tax, school admissions and shipping rules change. Always confirm requirements with the relevant government authority, school or licensed advisor before making decisions.