Welcome to the Loving Life in Spain Expat Resource Hub. Moving to Spain means dealing with specific administrative procedures, legal frameworks, and local council requirements. Below, you’ll find an organised roadmap of verified, step-by-step guides for each stage of your relocation.
1. Visas & Legal Residency
Check eligibility criteria, financial thresholds, and the main application routes for Spanish residency:
- Digital Nomad Visa & Beckham Law (2026 Guide) — €2,849/mo income threshold (200% SMI) and 24% flat tax criteria under Law 28/2022.
- Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV Guide) — €28,800 annual IPREM savings requirement, health insurance rules, and renewal schedules.
- NIE Number Application Guide — Form EX-15, Modelo 790 Code 012 fees (€9.84), and Cita Previa appointments.
2. Housing, Renting & Municipal Registration
Find accommodation and register with your local municipality without unnecessary stress:
- Renting an Apartment in Spain (Ley de Vivienda) — Tenant rights, prohibited agency fees, and 1-month fianza caps.
- Buying Property in Spain as a Foreigner — Regional ITP transfer taxes (6–11%), notary conveyancing, and Golden Visa status.
- Empadronamiento in Madrid — How to register on the municipal padrón with Línea Madrid OAC offices.
- Cost of Living in Spain (2026 National Guide) — City-by-city rental and monthly expense benchmarks.
3. Healthcare, Driving & Family Life
Find your way through public services, schools, and transport options:
- Healthcare in Spain for Expats — Public SNS system vs. Convenio Especial (€60/€157/mo) vs. private insurance.
- How to Register for Public Healthcare — 4-step guide to INSS affiliation and getting your regional SIP / TSI card.
- Spanish Driving License Exchange — DGT rules for UK, US, and non-EU drivers and the 6-month driving deadline.
- Education System in Spain — Public, concertado, and private schools, admissions points, and curriculum.