expat network

Moving to Spain – Relocating

So, you are moving to Spain!

Whether you are emigrating, taking a short term assignment or joining family in Spain we have put together the information you will need to make your move a smooth one.

Spain’s Climate

Spain’s climate and particularly its sunshine is a major attraction for people to live in Spain with most areas (apart from the North and Northwest) seeing over 300 days sunshine a year.  Spain is one of the warmest and sunniest countries in Europe, but there are variations in weather patterns depending on which area of Spain…

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Marbella’s Hotspots For Property Buyers

Move Myself To Spain From The UK

Move myself  to Spain from the UK?  As you plan your move to Spain we aim to provide you with the information you need to achieve your move.  Here is a step-by-step guide to help you to plan your move together with links to further information and to our carefully selected partners able to help…

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Driving In Spain

Driving In Spain

  Driving in Spain is allowed on a foreign licence as a visitor but non-EU residents need to exchange for a Spanish licence after six months.  What is involved?  You will also need to understand what items and documentation you need to carry in the car with you and what the penalties for traffic violations….

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Moving With Family

Any international move is complicated, but moving with family takes even more planning. The first challenge is to deliver the message to the family. This will require a detailed discussion; they are likely to have a large number of questions but it may not be easy to get them to ask them initially. Children of…

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Getting Connected In Spain

How to get telephone and internet connections in Spain Movistar (formerly known as Telefonica) is the main national provider of telephone services in Spain. Other providers can offer telephone and internet services, but they will be delivered through lines provided by Movistar as they are the only company authorised to install landlines in Spain.  There…

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Getting A Mobile Phone In Spain

Getting a mobile phone can be the best way to start getting connected when you first arrive in Spain as you will need a contact number when you apply for a telephone landline.  If you are moving within the EU you can now use your calling plan anywhere in the EU, but there are benefits…

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Getting A Social Security Number In Spain

Anyone who works or studies in Spain is required to have a social security number. This number (número de afiliación de la seguridad social) gives you access to the social security services and healthcare in Spain. Social security is generally paid for by the employer. Once you have been entered into the system the number…

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Move or retire to Spain

Can I Still Move Or Retire To Spain?

So with the Brexit transition period ended on 31st December, what are the chances of being able to move or retire to Spain in 2021?  Is it too late to take advantage of the existing rights as a citizen of an EU member country?   Written by Nigel Ayres, CEO of Expat Network   Spain…

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Customs Requirements For Entry To Spain

Visitors taking up residence in Spain may import household goods and furnishings and personal effects free from duty and VAT if the items have been used for at least sixmonths for a citizen of a non-EU country. They must have a certificate of change of residence issued by the shipper’s Embassy/Consulate at origin, stating that…

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Customs Regulations

Customs Regulations When Moving To Spain

If you are moving to Spain from another Member State you can move goods freely within the EU, without import duties, commercial restrictions, or customs requirements.  However, if you are moving from outside the EU the requirements are more extensive. Documents Required For Entry When moving to Spain, you will need: Prohibited Items In Spain,…

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