International Removal Guide
Moving to Spain
Spain is probably the most well known and most popular destination for Expats looking to move away from the UK. Boasting over 320 days of sunshine a year, Spain is world-renowned for it’s sunny climate and ideal place to retire too.
So what does it take to Move to Spain in 2025? In this article, we look at everything Spain has to offer, what the cost of living is like, visa and immigration information, and how Spain compares to other popular Expat destinations. Read on to discover how easy it is to move to Spain with Euromovers, and get an international moving quote today!
1. Why Choose Spain?
Located on the western edge of Europe, Spain is home to year round sunshine and has mix of both urban and rural communities to suit everyone’s needs and tastes. With a classic blend of historic charm and modern infrastructure, Spain is a very popular destination for Expats looking for more sun than the United Kingdom has to offer! Here are some of the key highlights that make Spain so attractive to retire or move to permanently.
- Affordable Cost of Living: Compared to other Western European nations like France or Italy, Spain offers a much lower cost of living, particularly when living outside of the major cities like Madrid and Barcelona.
- Favourable Climate: Most regions in Spain benefit from over 300 days of sunshine all year round. The Mediterranean climate is a huge draw for many looking for a warmer place to call home.
- Strong Economy for Expats: With arguably the largest community of Expats abroad, you’ll be well catered for with a variety of jobs and communities to integrate with.
- Excellent Healthcare: Highly ranked by the World Health Organisation, Spain’s healthcare system is excellent, providing both private and healthcare for all.
- Quality of Life: Offering a significantly more relaxed lifestyle than the UK, Spain’s rich culture and diverse cuisine make it a top choice to live and enjoy a more laid back lifestyle.
- Golden Visa Program: If you’re a non-EU citizen (like the UK), you can invest in real estate (minimum of £500,000) to secure residency in Spain.
2. Key Facts and Figures
Here are some of the key facts and figures about Spain as a country:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Population | ~47 million (2025 estimate) |
| Official Language | Spanish |
| Currency | Euro |
| Time Zone | GMT+1 (GMT +2 in Summer) |
| Major Cities | Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville |
3. Visa and Immigration Requirements
Before considering a move to Spain, you need to carefully examine all the options for visas and residency before you you plan your move. These include, but are not limited to:
- Non-Lucrative Visa: This visa is perfect for retirees and remote workers who can sustain themselves without having to obtain work in Spain.
- Golden Visa: Popular with businesses looking to expand, this visa is only available if you’ve invested at least £500,000 in Spanish real estate.
- Work Visa: This is the generic visa for those who have secured employment from a Spanish employer before they’ve arrived.
- EU citizens: Due to Brexit this is no longer an option for Brits, but if you live in the EU you can move freely from country to country, but you must register residency after 90 days.
Before you even apply for a visa, be sure you have all the necessary documents, such as a valid passport, employment contracts, health insurance, a clean criminal record and proof of financial stability. If you don’t, you run the risk of your visa not being approved.
4. Preparing for Your Move
A. Choosing the Right Removal Company
During your research for a trustworthy International Removal Company, be sure to check if they are members of an internationally accredited association, such as Euromovers or IAM. Also check to see if they have specific case studies that relate to you desired destination. If they’ve not previously shipped goods to your chosen country, we’d advise choosing another removal company.
The services you would typically expect from your chosen International Removal Company should include:
- Packing and Unpacking Assistance
- Secure Transportation of Goods
- Customs clearance and documentation
- Storage Solutions (if required)
B. Shipping Options
With the Atlantic Ocean along the Spanish coast, sea freight is the simplest solution for moving your goods safely to Spain. Although much quicker, air-freight is a lot more expensive.
- Sea Freight: Cost Effective for larger shipments; transit times range from 3-6 weeks.
- Air Freight: More expensive than sea freight, but significantly quicker, making ideal for time-sensitive goods.
*BONUS* – why not check out our article all about Air Freight vs Sea Freight?
C. Customs Regulations
Be aware of Portuguese customs policies. At the very least you need to be able to provide the following:
- Detailed Inventory List
- Passport
- Copy of visas
- Work permit or Residency Documents
In Portugal, and most other countries, certain items like alcohol, tobacco and electronics may attract higher duty payments, or may even require special permits!
D. Decluttering and Packing
Here at Euromovers we’re firm believers in using the three R’s when it comes to decluttering before you pack:
- Reduce: Decrease the amount your taking by removing old clothes and items you no longer need.
- Re-Use: Those boxes you’re about to throw away? They can be re-used for moving!
- Recycle: If you’ve not got a use for it, maybe someone else will? Recycle any old clothes and put them into a donation box for you local clothes bank
5. Estimated Costs
At Euromovers, our calculated cost of moving abroad is based upon 3 main factors: The shipment size (ft³), destination and customs duty! Here’s a further breakdown of these costs:
- Shipping Costs: Sea Freight for a 20ft container can be anywhere from £2000 to £4,500. While air freight can be upwards of £8,000.
- Custom Duties: These will vary depending on the value you have put on your goods. It can range from 0% to 21% of the value of your goods, and will depend on the classification of goods. Typically though, Spain charges a 21% value added tax along with a duty of 3%. For example, your laptop is worth £200. You would pay a total of £249.26 to import it into Spain. Confused? Why not use this handy import calculator to figure out how much VAT and duty you would be due on your current inventory of goods.
- Insurance: At Euromovers we offer varying levels of cover including marine transport insurance. On average, insurance costs are between 1-3% of the shipment value.
- Temporary Accommodation: You may need to factor in the costs of staying short-term if awaiting a visa or a room to become available. Put aside approximately £70-£140 per night for a comfortable night of sleep in the likes of Madrid or Barcelona. Whereas a night’s stay in a more urban area will cost less, at between £40 and £90 per night.
6. Settling In: Housing, Schools, and Healthcare
A. Housing
Spain offers a variety of housing options in varying location across the country. Here at the top 5 locations we’d recommend adding to your list:
- Madrid and Barcelona: The most expensive pair of cities in Spain, with rental prices at around £1500 for a 3 bedroom apartment per month.
- Valencia & Seville: Slightly smaller cities, offering more affordable monthly rental costs of around £800-£1200 a month for a 3 bedroom apartment.
- Rural Areas and Coastal Towns: Outside of the major cities, expect to pay a lot less for rent and amenities, making it an ideal location for retirees with a budget in mind.
B. Education
Expatriates typically choose international schools for their children as they offer globally recognised cirricula (e.g. IB, IGCSE).
The top three International schools in Spain are:
C. Healthcare
More advanced than Portugal, and on par with the National Health Service back here in Blighty, the Spanish healthcare system offers public and private care to a very high standard. Medical treatment at a public hospital is free for anyone with a Spanish health card or EHIC. Recognised worldwide, Spain is home to multiple large hospitals, the biggest of which include:
- Hospital Universitario Quirónsalud Madrid: One of the top private hospitals in Spain
- Quirónsalud Barcelona: One of the top private hospitals in Spain
- Clínica Universidad de Navarra: One of the top private hospitals in Spain
Spain and other European Destinations
Cost and Lifestyle Comparison
| Aspect | Spain | Portugal | France | Italy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | Lower than France & Italy, but higher than Portugal | Lowest overall | Highest Overall | Similar to France, but slightly lower |
| Real Estate Prices | Affordable, but rising costs in major cities | More affordable overall | Expensive in Paris, cheaper in rural areas | High in Rome & Milan. Cheaper in southern regions |
| Tax Benefits | Some ex-pat friendly tax policies | More favor with the NHR program | High taxes on income & property | High taxes and bureaucratic challenges |
| Climate | Mediterranean, warm winters | Milder and cooler coastal areas | Diverse. Much cooler in the north. | Similar to Spain, but more humid |
| Expat Community | Large & Established | Growing Rapidly | Established but more costly | Smaller, mainly in big cities |
| Healthcare | Public & Private options. Excellent Quality | Affordable & High Quality | Expensive, but high quality | High quality, but long wait times |
Pros of Moving to Spain Over Popular Expat Destinations:
- Lower cost of living, especially for housing and daily expenses than in France and Italy
- Strong public healthcare system
- Well-connected transport infrastructure
- Large Expat communities to aid integration
Cons Compared to Other Destinations:
- Bureaucracy can be slow at times.
- Higher cost living than Portugal.
- Real estate prices are rising rapidly in major cities
8. Settling Down
Exploring Your New Home in Spain
Depending on what your interests are, you may wish to choose a location that will suit your needs and desires. So if you’re looking for something specific we’d suggest the following locations to explore in your new Spanish home.
- Urban Life: La Sagrada Familia, Prado Museum and Alhambra
- Beach Life: Costa del Sol, Costa Brava and the Canary Islands
- Like Food and Wine?: Try some tapas, seafood paella or enjoy the Rioja wine region
- Festivals: Experience the running of the bulls, or enjoy Spanish festivals in locations like La Tomatina or Feria de Abril
9. FAQs About Moving to Spain
Q: How long does it take to ship household goods to Spain?
Sea freight using 20ft or 40ft shipping containers usually takes between 3-6 weeks, whereas air freight can be as little as 5-10 days.
Q: Can I bring my pet with me to Spain?
Yes, the majority of European pets such as cats and dogs can be brought into Spain or the Canary Islands. However, they must meet specific import regulations, including vaccines, quarantine and micro-chipping if they've not been tagged already.
Q: What are the Living Costs like in Spain?
Compared to the United Kingdom, the cost of living in Spain is slightly cheaper, but not as cheap as Portugal. Monthly expenses range from £1300 to £2300 per month for a single person. However, a family may need upwards of £3000+.
10. Conclusion: Moving to Spain
As of 2025, Spain remains the top choice for Expats looking to move or retire abroad. Offering an excellent quality of life, an affordable cost of living regardless of social class, and a very welcoming culture, it’s no surprise that moving to Spain is the most popular route we offer out of the UK! Compared to countries like France and Italy, Spain provides not only better affordability, it also offers better infrastructure and job opportunities, particularly for Expats. So what are you waiting for? A life of sun, sea, and fresh air awaits you and your family in Spain.
Choose Euromovers as your trusted international removal company, and get a Quote Today!
