The first thing you have to know if you’re planning to move to Spain is that you need a reason; more specifically, you need a valid immigration pathway to let you live in Spain for longer than three months.
Usually, this means you need a job—or at least enough money saved up so you can live independently.
So, here’s how to move to Spain in three steps.
Step 1. Understand Your Immigration Options
To live in Spain, you need a residence permit—you can get a residence permit, if you qualify for one of these immigration options:
- You can work—if you have a job offer from a Spanish employer.
- You can retire—if you can support yourself financially without working.
- You can live in Spain as a digital nomad—if you have a remote job for a company abroad.
Two other common reasons people move to Spain are for family reunification or for studies. These reasons are very specific, and you would either need to be married to a Spanish citizen/resident or have an admission letter to a Spanish university.
Moving to Spain requires navigating the visa and residency application process, which can be complex. If you need guidance, consulting an immigration professional can help ensure you meet all requirements and streamline the process. Experienced lawyers can assess your situation, provide tailored advice, and assist with the necessary paperwork, making your move smoother and stress-free.
Moving to Spain for Work
If you’re considering moving to Spain for work, you have several visa options depending on the type of job you plan to do:
- Employment visa. You can apply for this type of visa if you have a work offer from a Spanish employer, and you are over the age of 16. This visa also allows seasonal work.
- EU Blue Card. If you have a job offer in highly-qualified employment, and will earn at least €33,908 annually, you can apply for a Spanish EU Blue Card.
- AU Pair Visa. You can apply for this type of visa if you are a student aged 18-30 and have a host family in Spain. This visa allows domestic work such as helping with chores or caring for children.
- Freelancer/self-employment visa (Autónomo Visa). Designed for self-employed individuals or freelancers (aged 16+), this visa requires a viable business plan demonstrating economic benefits to Spain.
- Entrepreneur visa. If you plan to open a business in Spain, which is innovative and may have a positive impact on the economy in Spain, you can apply for the entrepreneur visa.
- Working holiday visa. You can apply for this visa if you are a citizen (aged 18-30) of one of these countries: Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Japan.
In-demand jobs in Spain
There’s a strong demand for workers in several shortage fields in Spain. Some of the in-demand jobs include:
- Data analysts
- Computer engineers
- Cybersecurity & big data experts
- Renewable energy engineers
- Business intelligence specialists
- Healthcare workers
- Plumber, bricklayer, or carpenters
- Hospitality staff (cooks, waiters, etc.)
- Truck & forklift drivers
English-speaking jobs in Spain
Typically, you will need at least a basic understanding of Spanish to move to Spain, however, it is possible to find primarily English speaking jobs. Popular job positions include:
- English-teachers and tutors
- Customer service (tourism and retail)
- Hospitality in tourist-heavy regions
- Sales and marketing for international clientele
- Roles in software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity
Finding a job in Spain
You can look for job opportunities in Spain through the usual pathways: LinkedIn and other online job portals.
Some of the most popular job listing sites in Spain include:
If you are an EU citizen, you can also sign up for Empleate, Spain’s national employment service (Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal (SEPE)).
Moving to Spain to Retire
If you have enough independent income or savings, you can move to Spain for retirement. The conditions for retiring in Spain are:
- You must have at least €28,800 in savings or annual income/pension. If you are bringing your family, the annual income requirement increases by €7,200 for every family member.
- You must not have criminal charges.
- You must be in good health.
- You must not work in Spain.
If you meet these basic conditions, then you can apply for the Spanish non-lucrative visa (NLV) for retirement.
Moving to Spain as a Digital Nomad
Another popular way to move to Spain, especially in the last few years is, is as a digital nomad. To qualify for this immigration pathway you have to meet the following conditions:
- You must work remotely for a company registered abroad (not in Spain). If you are self-employed, you must prove your clientele is predominantly abroad.
- You need educational qualifications and professional experience (at least three years).
- You must earn at least 200% of Spain’s minimum wage. In 2025, the minimum wage is €1,184, which means you must earn at least €2,368/month.
- You must have a clear criminal record.
Step 2. Apply for a Visa
To actually move to Spain, you first have to apply for a national visa (type D) at the nearest Spanish embassy or consulate. Here’s a general overview of the visa application process:
- Schedule a visa appointment. Depending on where you live, find the nearest Spanish embassy or consulate, and check the website for directions on how to set an appointment.
- Collect the required documents. The embassy/consulate will have likely posted a list of required documents for each visa type. This is typically under the “Consular services” section of the website. Make sure you have all your documents in order before your appointment.
- Attend your appointment and pay the visa fees. On the day of your appointment, you have to submit all the required documents, and pay a visa processing fee. You have to show up in person to submit the application and provide your fingerprints.
- Wait for the visa to process. You can expect to wait anywhere from fifteen days to three months to hear a decision on your visa application.
If your visa is granted, you can move to Spain and start the process of becoming a legal resident.
Documents
The exact documents you need to submit for a Spain visa depend on why you want to move to Spain. So, for example:
- For a work visa, you need:
- Employment contract or job offer
- Educational qualifications (diplomas, training certificates, etc)
- Proof of work experience (resume, letters of recommendation, etc)
- For a retirement visa (non-lucrative visa), you need:
- Proof of income (savings or pensions)
- Proof you are in good health
- For a digital nomad visa, you need:
- Work contract with a company abroad, or
- Business registration certificate (if applicable) or a self-employment license from your home country
- Bank statements or recent tax returns showing your salary or self-employment income
Additionally, there are several documents everyone needs to submit, including:
- National visa application form
- Valid passport
- Biometric pictures
- Travel health insurance
- Visa fee payment receipt
Fees
The fees for Spain’s national visas are:
| Visa type | Visa fee (US citizens) | Visa fee (all other nationalities) |
| Work and residence visa | $190 | €80 |
| Family reunification visa | $140 | €80 |
| Non-lucrative/Retirement visa | $140 | €80 |
| Self-employment work visa | $270 | €80 |
| EU Blue Card | €418 | €418 |
| Digital nomad visa | $190 | €80 |
| Student, AU Pair, or Internship visa | $160 | €80 |
Please note: Fees are paid in the currency of the country in which you are applying. You may pay extra if you apply through a visa application agency, as they charge service fees.
Step 3. Settle in Spain
Once you travel to Spain with your national visa, you have to start the process of settling in, which includes:
- Getting your identification number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE))
- Finding accommodation
- Registering your address
- Applying for a residence permit card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjeros (TIE))
- Registering for health insurance
Getting Your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)
As soon as you arrive in Spain, you should schedule an appointment (here) with either the local Police Station or Oficina de Extranjeros (Foreigner’s Office) to get your foreigner’s identification number (NIE).
The NIE is going to be your identity number for the time you live in Spain, and you need it for nearly everything, starting from signing a work contract or renting an apartment. So, make sure this is the first thing you do as soon as you arrive. You may have to wait a few days for the appointment, depending on where in Spain you are, but you do not need to wait to obtain your NIE—you get it on the same day.
The documents you need for the NIE include:
- Your valid passport
- The appointment confirmation number
- NIE application form
- Proof of payment of the processing fee
- Any additional documents which support your reason for being in Spain, such as your work contract.
Sometimes, you may apply for a NIE before you travel to Spain, through a consular office. You will have to check whether the Spanish embassy/consulate that will issue your visa can also issue your NIE.
Finding Accommodation
Once you have your NIE, you can sign a rental agreement. You can find rental apartments through real estate websites, listings, or agents. Some popular websites for finding apartments in Spain are:
- Idealista
- Fotocasa
- Pisos
- Habitaclia
Registering Your Address (Certificado de Empadronamiento)
Once you have signed a rental agreement, you have to go to the local municipality office or city hall and register your address. Once you register your address, you will get a registration certificate (Certificado de Empadronamiento), which you will need when you apply for your TIE residence card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjeros).
To apply for the Certificado de Empadronamiento, you will need:
- Your NIE
- Your valid passport
- A rental agreement
Applying for a Residence Permit Card (TIE)
Within 30 days of moving to Spain, you have to apply to get your residence permit—also referred to as a foreigner’s identity card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjeros – TIE). You apply for the TIE at the Extranjería (Foreigner’s Office) or Policía Nacional (National Police Station) in the province where you live.
Here’s an overview of the application process:
- Book an appointment via the Sede Electrónica You have to schedule the appointment within 30 days of arrival, and the appointment portal will let you know where to go (at the Extranjería or the Police Department) and which appointment dates are available.
- To book your appointment, you provide your NIE, name, nationality, and email.
- Collect the required documents. You have to submit the documents required by the Spanish immigration authorities, which include:
- Your valid passport
- The EX-17 form
- Visa confirmation (which you can get here by entering your NIE)
- Biometric photos
- Payment slip for the processing fee
- Address registration certificate (Certificado de Empadronamiento)
- Copy of your appointment confirmation
- Submit your application. On the date of your appointment, submit all the required documents, provide your fingerprint scans, and then you will wait to get your TIE.
- Receive your TIE. The staff at the office you applied to will let you know when to return to get your TIE. Typically, you have to go to the same address after 30 days.
The TIE will be issued for a duration of 1-5 years, depending on the reason why you are moving, and it can be renewed, as long as you still meet the same requirements (e.g., you still have a job).
Registering for Health Insurance
If you are moving for work, your employer will usually sign you up for the national health insurance scheme (Sistema Nacional de Salud– SNS) automatically. However, retirees, freelancers, and digital nomads can register themselves or opt for private insurance.
Many expats opt for private health insurance since it offers access to private hospitals and additional benefits. It’s also usually more familiar and easier to navigate.
Moving to Spain as an EU Citizen
EU citizens do not need a visa or residence permit to move to Spain. All you need to do as an EU citizen is to register at the Central Register of Foreign Nationals (Registro Central de Extranjeros) if you plan to stay longer than 90 days, and get your NIE.
Everyone who isn’t Spanish needs the NIE, even EU nationals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move to Spain?
The exact cost of moving to Spain will depend on the type of visa you apply for and where in Spain you are moving to. Here are some rough estimates:
- Visa and TIE application fees: €100–€300
- Flights and shipping personal belongings: €500–€3,000
- Initial accommodation (first month’s rent + deposit): €1,000–€3,000
- Health insurance (if private is required): €50–€150/month
Total estimated budget for moving to Spain: €3,000–€6,000+
What is the cost of living in Spain?
The cost of living in Spain depends on where you plan to live as well as your lifestyle. For example:
- Rent: €600–€1,500/month (varies by city)
- Utilities: €100–€200/month
- Groceries: €200–€400/month
- Public transport: €40–€60/month
Total estimate cost of living in Spain per month: €1,200–€2,500/month (larger cities like Madrid and Barcelona on the higher end)
What’s the average salary in Spain?
Salaries in Spain vary by sector and location (they are higher in larger cities like Madrid and Barcelona). The average salary is around €2,000/month (€24,000/year), whereas the minimum salary is €1,184.
What are the Spanish labor laws like?
In Spain, labor laws are generally worker-friendly, and there are strong protections in place. For example:
- There is a standard work week (max 40 hours/week with regulated overtime pay)
- 30 calendar days of paid vacation per year, plus public holidays.
- Paid sick leave for up to three days (from day 4, the employer pays 60% of the wage for up to 16 days).
- 16 weeks of paid maternity leave for both the mother and the father (salaries paid 100%). The maternity leave can be extended up to three years, but it is unpaid past the 16 weeks.