Planning a move to Spain is exciting. For non-EU citizens, choosing the right Spanish visa and careful planning are essential for a smooth relocation.
Here at Move to Malaga we have assisted many expats moving to southern Spain. Our relocation packages are designed to make every step of the relocation process simple and stress-free. Our Property Finder service eliminates the risk involved in purchasing Spanish property.
If you are planning to apply for a Spanish visa and either rent or purchase property, these 6 tips are for you …
- It’s Never Too Soon to Start Planning
Relocating to another country involves many moving parts, so starting early is key. Think of it as building a puzzle: you want all the pieces in place well before your move date.
- Why start early? Spain’s visa applications, especially for non-EU citizens, can take time. For example, documents like background checks and bank statements need official translations and stamps called apostilles. These steps alone can take weeks.
- Proactive approach: Consider creating a timeline with milestones for each step. Sites like Move to Malaga offer resources to help you structure your plan.
The earlier you start, the more prepared you’ll be for surprises. And trust us, surprises happen!
- Consider the Different Visa Options
This is the most important decision when planning your move. The type of visa you choose shapes your lifestyle in Spain.
- Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV): Perfect if you’re retiring or living off savings, as it doesn’t allow you to work. You’ll need to prove you have enough income or savings to support yourself. (Read more HERE)
- Golden Visa: If you can invest €500,000 or more in property, this visa offers great benefits like the ability to work and easier residency for family members (You need to be quick though as this is planned to be phased out in early 2025!).
- Digital Nomad Visa: Remote workers and freelancers can now apply to live and work in Spain while earning income from outside the country.
How to decide? Think about your long-term goals. Do you want to work, start a business, or simply enjoy the Spanish lifestyle? Each visa has unique requirements, so make sure to match your situation with the right option. If in doubt, seek expert advice to avoid costly mistakes.
- Visit Potential Areas as Soon as You Can
Pictures online might look amazing, but nothing beats walking the streets of your future home. Each region in Spain offers something different:
- Andalucía: Known for its warm weather, rich history, and relaxed pace of life.
- Barcelona: A cosmopolitan hub with great cultural and professional opportunities.
- Valencia: Famous for its beaches, paella, and affordability.
When you visit, think practically: Can you see yourself living there? Is the local infrastructure, like schools or healthcare, what you need? Visiting in advance will make choosing your new neighborhood much easier. (Our relocation packages are designed to help you with this)
- Allow Time for “Unexpected” Events
Things can (and will) go off script. You might run into delays with paperwork, last-minute changes to visa requirements, or even issues finding suitable housing. These hiccups can be stressful, but they’re less overwhelming if you’ve planned for extra time.
- Example: Many official documents (like translated birth certificates or financial records) are only valid for a few months. If something gets delayed, you might need to redo the paperwork.
- Pro tip: Build flexibility into your timeline. Aim to have all visa-related tasks done well in advance of your planned move date.
- Obtain All Required Documentation Before Leaving Your Home Country
Here’s the golden rule: Don’t leave without every document you need. Why? Because getting them while living abroad can be a nightmare.
- For most visas, you’ll need:
- A clean criminal record from your home country.
- Recent marriage/birth certificates.
- Proof of income (e.g., bank statements, pension documents).
- Valid health insurance for Spain.
- Each document must meet specific standards, such as being officially translated into Spanish. Be meticulous, as even small errors can lead to rejection.
- Only Bring What You Really Need
Relocating is expensive. Save money wherever you can. Moving everything that you own to Spain isn’t practical. Instead:
- Pack essentials like clothing for Spain’s diverse climate, important documents, and sentimental items.
- Leave behind bulky furniture or appliances. You can find everything you need locally, and it’s often cheaper than shipping.
Think of it as starting fresh. Moving light will make settling in smoother and less stressful.
Relocating to Spain, with or without a Spanish visa, is a life-changing adventure. It requires careful planning, especially when navigating visa applications, property searches, and the intricacies of settling into a new country.
By following these six tips: starting early, selecting the right visa, visiting potential locations, preparing for unexpected events, gathering all necessary documentation, and packing wisely; you can ensure a smoother transition and set yourself up for success in your new Spanish lifestyle.
Planning your move to Spain doesn’t have to be daunting if you take it one step at a time.
For more detailed guidance, check out the resources on our Move to Malaga blog. We are a trusted source for expats planning to move to southern Spain.