3–6 Months Before You Move to Spain
Shift from “vision” to “action.” This phase is dominated by document legalisation, health insurance setup, and physical downsizing. Let’s ensure your application is airtight.
Start Preparing DocumentsYour Key Steps
1. Create Your Timeline
Moving takes longer than you think. Mapping your arrival around Spanish “dead zones” will save you from bureaucratic limbo.
- Timing Warning: Avoid arriving in August or late December; most government offices and services shut down.
- Set a hard target for your visa appointment and work backwards.
- Identify long-lead documents (State-level background checks).
2. Gather & Legalize Documents
Experts recommend starting the gathering process 6 months early to handle snags with Apostilles and translations.
- Order state/federal background checks and marriage/birth certificates.
- Sworn Translations: Must be done by Spanish-registered translators.
- Apostilles: Legalize your home country documents for use in Spain.
Apostille Services →
3. Health Insurance Strategy
A zero-copay, visa-compliant private Spanish health insurance policy is mandatory for most visa types.
- Ensure the policy is full coverage with no deductibles.
- Medical Certificate: Obtain this within 90 days of your consulate appointment.
4. Submit Your Visa Application
Book your appointment at the Spanish consulate early. Remember to choose changeable flight tickets in case of delays.
- Organize your paperwork in the exact order requested by your consulate.
- Keep multiple physical and digital sets of all your documents.
5. Strategic Housing Plans
Avoid the risk of renting sight-unseen. Use temporary housing to find your true home once you land.
- Temporary Housing: Book an Airbnb or Booking.com stay for 3–4 weeks to stress-test your neighborhood choice.
- Plan your arrival to avoid peak holiday or festival times.
6. Downsizing & Shipping
Liquidating your home is an emotional and time-consuming process. Start selling or storing items early.
- Shipping: Compare the cost of international moving vs. shipping smaller parcels.
- Sturdy Luggage: Invest in high-quality bags to handle travel and Spanish cobblestones.
SendMyBag Shipping →
7. Pet Relocation & Transport
Moving with pets is a significant project with unique veterinary and airline requirements.
- Research specific Spanish entry requirements for your pet’s breed.
- Coordinate with international pet transport specialists early.
- Ensure your airline is pet-friendly for long-haul flights.
Need personalized help?
Send us an email at hello@spainguru.es and we’ll guide you through your move to Spain.
Important Disclaimer & Professional Advice
Please note that this checklist provides a general roadmap for your move to Spain. Immigration laws, tax requirements, and financial obligations are highly complex and vary significantly depending on your personal circumstances, nationality, visa type, and family situation.
To ensure a successful and compliant relocation, SpainGuru strongly recommends engaging with qualified professionals for immigration, tax residency planning, and financial advice.