Moving to Spain Guide – Contents and Introduction
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Thinking about moving to Spain? Start here!
This comprehensive guide is your perfect starting point for planning a move to Spain. It brings together all of our expert resources, practical guides, and essential information in one easy-to-navigate place.
Originally sponsored by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, it’s packed with insights specifically tailored for UK nationals – but don’t worry, it’s just as useful for anyone considering a new life under the Spanish sun.
Whether you’re dreaming, planning, or already packing, this guide will help you make informed choices, avoid common pitfalls, and feel confident about your move.
Make your move to Spain smoother, smarter, and stress-free – start with us.
How to Use This Guide
This guide is made up of 16 easy-to-read chapters. You can navigate straight to the sections you’re most interested in – or why not grab a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy reading it from start to finish?
The guide is structured as a reference resource to provide you with the appropriate level of information you will need at each stage of your journey to being resident in Spain. There is also a substantial section which provides more history and explanation of how the institutions of Spain work.
As you use the guide you will see buttons to click for links to Guides on our main site or to other useful sources of information … for example, when applying for a visa to live in Spain you will need to know how to arrange healthcare. (This is explained in chapter 4). You may also wish to understand how the National Health Service in Spain is organised – if so, just click the button and a new window will open.
Need tailored advice?
If you have a specific question or need personal support, our friendly Infoline team is here to help – just reach out! Contact us by clicking here.
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Preface - A House in Spain - Living the Dream
Sunshine, warmth, a relaxed holiday vibe, beautiful views, and affordable living – what’s not to love?
That’s exactly what drew my husband and I to Spain nearly ten years ago. We followed our dream and bought a cortijo surrounded by olive groves in the province of Córdoba.
Like many newcomers, we had so many questions:
- How do we find a dentist?
- Can we register our car here?
- What’s the healthcare like
- Do we need to speak fluent Spanish?
- How will we make friends?
- Can we keep working?
- Can we swim in the pool all year round?
This Moving to Spain Guide from Age in Spain is here to help. Whether you’re just dreaming, actively planning, or already living in Spain, you’ll find practical, reliable answers all in one place.
A big thank you to everyone who helped create and maintain this guide – especially the UK Government Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for their generous support.
It’s time to turn your dream into reality – let your Spanish adventure begin
Marijke Cazemier,
President, Age in Spain
Introduction
Thinking of moving to spain?
This guide is for you!
Whether you’re dreaming of sun-soaked coastlines, a more relaxed lifestyle, or a fresh adventure, Spain continues to be a popular destination for UK citizens – even after Brexit.
What’s Changed Since Brexit?
When the UK left the EU, the rules for moving to Spain as a UK citizen changed significantly. These changes are set out in the Withdrawal Agreement, signed on 24 January 2020. This agreement outlines key issues like citizens’ rights, residency, and border controls.
If you were legally living in Spain before 31 December 2020, you had the right to apply for residency under the Withdrawal Agreement protections.
Can UK Citizens Still Move to Spain?
Absolutely! But things are a little different now. Whether you’re planning to retire, work, or study, there are new visa and residency processes to follow – this guide walks you through them clearly and step-by-step.
More than 400,000 UK nationals are officially living in Spain, and many more are enjoying life here part-time or in retirement. You’re in good company!
Not Just for Brits!
While this guide often refers to UK-specific sources, it’s packed with practical information that applies to any English speaker looking to make Spain their home—from Ireland, the USA, Australia, Canada, or anywhere else.
So whether you’re planning your move or just exploring your options, this guide is designed to help you feel informed, prepared, and inspired.
Let’s get started!
Chapter 1 - Making The Dream a Reality
How much do you know about living in Spain?
Age in Spain Readiness Reckoner
Preparation at home
Family considerations
Bringing a dependent relative to Spain
Chapter 2 - Where in Spain will you move to?
Guess the region map
The regions of Spain and their characteristics
Chapter 3 - Learning Spanish.
Learning before you go
Improving your language skills in Spain
Videos and essential vocabulary
Chapter 4 - Becoming an official resident of Spain.
Visas and how to apply
‘Sufficient means’
If you are not working
Healthcare and visa application
UK Nationals Form S1
Chapter 6 - Driving in Spain.
Driving with the licence from your home country
Licence Exchange
Spanish Driving Test
Bringing a car to Spain
Chapter 9 - Preparation in Spain.
Affordability
Buying versus renting
Professional Advice
FIVE important Steps to take BEFORE you buy property in Spain
Chapter 10 - Making the move – practicalities.
The Age in Spain Moving Checklist
Chapter 11 - Registrations on arrival.
Introduction
The NIE
The Padron
The TIE
Digital Certficate and Cl@ve
Chapter 12 - Legal matters.
Making a Will
Granting Power of Attorney
Translation of Documents
Medical Certificates
Chapter 13 - Settling in.
Introduction – welcome to Spain
What are you going to do in Spain?
Chapter 14 - How Spain works.
Section One – Cultural Aspects of Life in Spain
Section Two – How Spain works
Section Three – The History of Spain, Significant Events
Chapter 15 - Longer term considerations.
Temporary Right To Residency Versus Permanent Right to Residency
Permanent Right to Residency Versus Citizenship
Permanent Residency for EU citizens
Permanent residency for UK nationals who are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement (those who legally lived in Spain prior to 2021)
Permanent residency for all other third country nationals (non-EU, EEA Switzerland)
Applying for Spanish citizenship
Chapter 16 - When we need support.
General Information
Social Care
Carers
Benefits
Representation – Power of Attorney
Remain in Spain or go back?
Dying in Spain
Obtaining assistance from your home country
Recent Info Guides
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