Living in Spain: Setup Guide for Expats
Spain offers several residency pathways for non-EU citizens, including options for remote workers, retirees, and investors. This guide covers the administrative sequence for setting up banking, healthcare, and legal residency.
What to Expect
What to know about bureaucracy:
Spanish bureaucracy tends to be paper-based and appointment-driven. Processes often require in-person visits to government offices, and documentation requirements can vary between regions. Many official systems operate independently, meaning you may need to provide the same documents multiple times to different agencies.
What to consider about language:
The official language is Spanish (Castilian), with Catalan, Basque, and Galician as co-official languages in their respective regions. Most government offices and banks operate in Spanish. English-language support varies; it is more common in tourist areas and large cities but limited in official processes.
What to know about timing:
Full setup—from visa application to established banking and healthcare—typically takes several months. Visa processing times vary by type and consulate. After arrival, obtaining an NIE, completing empadronamiento, and opening a bank account may take additional weeks depending on appointment availability in your city.
What to prepare beforehand:
Before beginning the process, most applicants need: apostilled documents from their home country (criminal background check, birth certificate for some visas), proof of income or financial means, and health insurance coverage. Specific requirements vary by visa type.
How Life Setup Works in Spain
Most processes in Spain depend on your legal status and official documentation. The following sequence shows how each step unlocks the next. Understanding these dependencies helps avoid delays.
Visa/Residency Status
Your legal status determines access to banking, healthcare, and long-term housing.
NIE (Foreigner ID Number)
The Numero de Identificacion de Extranjero is required for almost all official processes.
Empadronamiento (Address Registration)
Municipal registration proves your residence in a specific city.
Bank Account
A Spanish bank account enables salary deposits, direct debits, and local payments.
Healthcare Registration
Access to public healthcare requires enrollment through Social Security or regional health services.
Common Workarounds
Some setup steps depend on others being completed first. In practice, people often use temporary or partial solutions to move forward.
Some processes in Spain create circular dependencies. A common example: some landlords require a Spanish bank account for deposits, but banks may require proof of address. A common approach: Short-term rentals, serviced apartments, or Airbnb typically accept international payment methods and can provide documentation for empadronamiento. Some neobanks (Wise, N26, Revolut) allow account opening without Spanish residency, providing a bridge solution.
Note: This sequence applies to most non-EU citizens. EU citizens have different requirements and typically do not need a visa to live in Spain, though registration is still required for stays over 90 days.
What You Need to Set Up
These are the core areas to research and plan for. Each links to a detailed guide with Spain-specific information.
Visas & Residency
Spain offers several visa pathways including the Digital Nomad Visa, Non-Lucrative Visa, and Golden Visa. EU citizens have different rules.
Key question: What visa or residency pathway applies to my situation?
View GuideBanking
Spanish banks often require an NIE and proof of address. Non-residents may face restrictions on account types. Neobanks offer alternatives during transition.
Key question: How do I open a bank account, and what do I need first?
View GuideHealthcare
Spain has a public healthcare system accessible to legal residents. Access depends on your residency and employment status. Many expats use private insurance initially.
Key question: How do I access healthcare, and what coverage do I need during the transition?
View GuideCost of Living
Costs vary significantly between Madrid, Barcelona, and smaller cities. Budget expectations depend heavily on location and lifestyle.
Key question: What financial planning do I need for relocation and ongoing life?
View GuidePopular Cities in Spain
Where you live in Spain affects your cost of living, administrative processes, and daily language. Regional differences can be significant.
Barcelona
Catalonia's capital with higher costs and Catalan as a co-official language
View Guide
Madrid
Central location, larger job market, and a more traditionally Castilian Spanish environment
View GuideValencia
Lower costs than Barcelona/Madrid with beach access and a growing expat community
View GuideWhere to Start Based on Your Stage
Your next step depends on where you are in the process.
If you're still researching whether to move
Start with cost of living to understand whether your budget aligns with life in Spain. Review visa options to confirm you have a viable pathway.
If you've decided to move but haven't started the process
Visas and residency should be your first research area. Everything else depends on your legal status and visa type.
If you have a visa and are preparing to arrive
Gather apostilled documents, arrange initial accommodation, and consider opening a neobank account before departure for immediate banking access.
If you've arrived and need to complete setup
Focus on NIE appointment, empadronamiento, then banking and healthcare. These typically require your passport, visa, and proof of address.
If you're established but have specific questions
Browse the detailed guides below for specific topics, or explore city-specific information for local considerations.
Common Pitfalls & Misconceptions
These are common mistakes and misunderstandings that can cause delays or complications when setting up life in Spain.
Pitfall: Assuming you can open a bank account immediately
Many Spanish banks require an NIE and proof of address before opening an account. Without these documents, options are limited to certain neobanks or non-resident accounts with restrictions.
Pitfall: Underestimating appointment wait times
NIE appointments, empadronamiento, and other official processes often have wait times of several weeks. In high-demand cities like Barcelona or Madrid, securing appointments requires advance planning or persistence.
Pitfall: Not having documents apostilled before arrival
Criminal background checks, birth certificates, and other official documents typically need apostilles from your home country. Getting these after arrival is significantly more complicated and time-consuming.
Misconception: Believing English is sufficient for all processes
While English is spoken in tourist areas and some businesses, most government offices, banks, and healthcare providers operate primarily in Spanish. Having documents translated and bringing a Spanish speaker to appointments is often necessary.
Misconception: Assuming healthcare is automatic with residency
Public healthcare access depends on your specific situation. Self-employed workers must contribute to Social Security, and some visa holders are required to have private insurance. Coverage is not automatic for all residents.
Important: This guide provides general information for planning purposes. Requirements, costs, and processes change frequently. Always verify current information with official Spanish government sources, consulates, or qualified professionals before making decisions. This is not legal, tax, or immigration advice.