How to plan your move to Spain: a practical guide to starting a new life
Moving to another country is an exciting decision, but it also involves a number of tasks that can feel overwhelming at first. If you're thinking about relocating to Spain, whether for work, study, or simply to begin a new chapter, this step-by-step guide will help you organize everything with ease.
1. Before the move: prepare your documents
One of the most important aspects of planning your move to Spain is ensuring that all your paperwork is in order. Depending on your country of origin, the requirements may vary:
- EU citizens: no visa is required, but you must register as a resident and obtain a NIE (Foreigner Identity Number).
- Non-EU citizens: you’ll need to apply for a visa based on your reason for staying (work, studies, non-lucrative residency, etc.).
Other essential documents include:
- Valid passport
- Health insurance (public or private)
- Job contract or university acceptance letter (if applicable)
- Proof of income or financial means
2. Finding accommodation: rent, buy, or coliving?
Securing a place to live from abroad can be challenging. That’s why many people moving to Spain opt for flexible, temporary solutions like coliving.
At Cotown, for example, we offer fully furnished, move-in-ready spaces in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Bilbao—with everything included: Wi-Fi, utilities, cleaning, and a built-in community to connect with from day one.
This allows you to settle in quickly, get used to your new surroundings, and search for long-term housing at your own pace if you wish.
3. Transporting your belongings
You have several options to bring your belongings to Spain:
- International moving services by road or sea: ideal if you’re relocating with furniture or large items.
- Parcel shipping: convenient for smaller boxes, clothes, or important documents.
- Extra luggage on your flight: practical if you're traveling light.
We recommend comparing prices and reading reviews before hiring an international moving company.
4. Arrival and essential paperwork in Spain
Once you arrive at your new destination, you’ll need to take care of some key administrative steps:
- Obtain your NIE and register your residence at the local town hall
- Open a Spanish bank account
- Get a local phone number
- Enroll in the public healthcare system or choose private insurance
- Validate your driver’s license if you plan to drive in Spain
Some of these procedures can take time, so staying in a comfortable, fully equipped space during your first few months can help reduce stress.
5. Adapting and integrating
Relocating isn’t just a physical move—it’s an emotional and social transition too. Make the most of this fresh start by:
- Learning or improving your Spanish
- Getting to know the local culture
- Joining events or activities for expats
- Exploring the city and its surroundings
Cotown’s coliving spaces make it easier to meet people, share experiences, and build a support network from day one.
Ready to move to Spain?
Planning your move to Spain doesn’t have to be difficult if you have the right information and make smart decisions from the start. At Cotown, we offer modern, flexible spaces designed for people like you—coming from abroad and ready to begin a new life without unnecessary worries.
