Moving to Spain: A Relocation Guide
Spain is one of the most popular countries in Europe to relocate to, and it is easy to see why. The climate, the relaxed pace of life, the food and a lower cost of living than much of Northern Europe draw people from all over, whether they are moving for work, for a project, or for a complete change of scene.
Moving abroad does take some planning, though, and Spain has its own paperwork and process to get to grips with. At Kassoe Housing we arrange furnished homes for people relocating to Spain for work, so we see the practical side of the move every day. This guide covers why people move, what to sort out before you go, where to live, what it costs, and how to find somewhere to stay.
Why move to Spain
For many people the appeal is simple: a better quality of life. A few of the things that make Spain such a draw:
- A warm, sunny climate for most of the year
- A cost of living that is generally lower than many other parts of Europe
- Excellent food, culture and history
- Good public and private healthcare
- Plenty of furnished and serviced accommodations
- Strong transport links and quick flights back home
- Well-established international communities in the major cities
For those moving for work, all of this comes alongside a growing economy and major business hubs in cities like Madrid and Barcelona.
What to sort out before you move
The practical side is where moving to Spain takes the most thought. The exact steps depend on your nationality and your situation, but the essentials usually include:
- Residency. Citizens of the EU can live and work in Spain freely. Citizens from outside the EU, including the UK since Brexit, will usually need a visa or residence permit, and the right one depends on your circumstances.
- An NIE number. This is your Spanish identification and tax number, used for working, banking, taxes and most official procedures.
- Registering locally. Once you have an address, you register at the local town hall, known as empadronamiento, which connects you to local services.
- A Spanish bank account. Useful for day-to-day life and local payments.
- Healthcare. Register for public healthcare if you are eligible, or arrange private cover.
- Tax. It is worth understanding your tax residency status early, and many people take professional advice on this.
Rules change and vary by situation, so always check the official guidance before you commit. The Spanish government’s immigration information for foreigners is the authoritative place to start, whatever your nationality.
If you are staying in serviced, furnished accommodation through Kassoe, the housing side of the move is much simpler. You are not navigating the local rental market, the home comes fully furnished and ready to move into, and the utilities and admin are handled for you. Your residency and tax status are still your own to arrange, since they apply to you wherever you live.
Where to live in Spain
Spain is a country of distinct regions and cities, and the right base depends on your work, your budget and the lifestyle you are after. As a broad guide:
- Madrid, the capital, is the business and cultural heart of the country, with the widest choice of work and a fast, cosmopolitan feel.
- Barcelona combines a major economy with the beach, striking architecture and a strong international scene.
- Valencia has become one of the most popular choices, offering coastal living and a relaxed pace at better value than the two biggest cities.
- The south, around Andalusia and the Costa del Sol, is known for its warm weather and large international communities.
- The north, including cities like Bilbao, is greener and cooler, with its own distinct culture and food.
The cost of living
One of Spain’s biggest draws is that your money tends to go further than it does in the UK or much of Northern Europe. Rent is usually the largest cost, and it varies a lot between the major cities and smaller towns.
Madrid and Barcelona are the most expensive places to live, while cities like Valencia and much of the coast and interior offer noticeably better value. Eating out, transport and everyday living are generally affordable, which is a big part of the appeal.
Finding somewhere to live
Once you have chosen a region, the next step is finding somewhere to actually live, and this is often the hardest part of any move abroad. A new rental market, a different language, deposits, furnishing a home and setting up utilities all take time, usually just when you are trying to settle into a new job.
This is where serviced, furnished accommodation makes a real difference, especially if you are relocating for a project or a fixed period. A home that is fully furnished and ready to move into, with utilities, wifi and the everyday essentials gathered into a single bill, takes most of the stress out of arriving. You can read more about what we offer.
At Kassoe Housing this is what we do across Spain and the rest of Europe. We have been arranging furnished accommodation since 2018, and we work with companies and their teams to handle every detail, from finding the right home in the right area to the paperwork and support during the stay. Quality matters to us too, with sustainability built into how we operate, from the furniture we choose to the energy that powers our homes.
Whether you are one person moving for a few months or a company relocating a whole team, we can put together accommodation that fits. You can also browse all the locations we cover.
In short
Moving to Spain is one of the most rewarding moves you can make, and a little preparation goes a long way. Sort the paperwork early, choose the region that fits your work and your budget, and have a comfortable home lined up before you arrive, and you will be free to enjoy everything that drew you there in the first place.
If you are moving to Spain for work, tell us what you need and we will help you find the right place to stay. For larger or recurring requirements, you can also make a tender request.