The reasons for moving to Spain are endless. Many will move for work whilst others have saved in order to spend their retirement under the Mediterranean, sun-filled skies.

Others just want a change of scene or perhaps to be closer to family.

 

 

We have put together these 5 helpful hints and tips in order to make your transition as smooth as possible.

1. Paperwork is everything in Spain! Bring multiple photocopies of your birth certificate, passport and driver’s license. Often official government organisations will want notorised copies of these which can be done at any local notary office in Spain for a couple of euros or in your home country if you need to submit paperwork through your local consulate.
2. Check the legalities. If you are from a country within the European Union, there are no time limits on the duration of time you may spend in Spain. You also have the right to drive on your own license and can use your home passport as a form of ID. In order to spend unlimited time in Spain if you are from a non-EU country you will be required to apply for residency. There are a number of different visas available.
3. Apply for your NIE (Numero d’Identificacion Extranjero) as soon as possible. Even if you don’t need to apply for residency; you will need an NIE number. This is used when completing any official documents, and is your identification number that will be used to identify you on a centralized database. You can do this through your local consulate in your current country of residence or through any Comisaria General de Extranjería in Spain. You will need a copy of your passport, a completed Ex-15 form available
4. Find a good Gestor. This is neither a lawyer nor an estate agent. Their fees are generally low and they can assist you with applying for residency, moving your car over or a registering a car in Spain, paying taxes and so much more paperwork. There is a lot of this in the country and a good gestor can make all the difference.
5. Note what items are prohibited from being brought into the country. If you have a good moving company they will be able advise you better but here’s where we would start:

• Alcohol and tobacco items over a certain amount.
• Animal skins.
• Certain food items, including beetroot and mustard seeds.
• Plants without a phytosanitary certificate.
• Sports guns without an appropriate licence.