Moving to Spain from the UK

Most Spanish residents speak Castilian Spanish. Knowing the language is essential for doing business in Spain. Before relocating to Spain, it is wise to start learning the language up to an intermediate level. Developing your Spanish language skills will not only help your assimilation into Spanish life but also go a long way with locals. 

To learn Spanish as preparation in your home country, consider attending local university classes, language centres, online courses, apps such as Duolingo, books, and CDs. If the move is quite urgent, learn Spanish after you have moved, in Spanish Language schools. If you are moving to Madrid, check out Academia Contacto and Tandem. Alternatively, opt for BCN Languages or LinguaSchools in Barcelona or Alhambra Instituto in Malaga.

Spain is on Central European Time – or 1 hour ahead of the UK. Make sure to plan your meetings and family calls with the UK accordingly.

Before seeking external help for passports, visas, or permits, it’s best to check in with your employer. They should be assisting all their expatriate employees. This will make sure that you remain compliant with Spain’s laws. For more information on British Nationals, visit the dedicated Government page. Alternatively, visit the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more information and MFA for entry requirements.

In terms of passports, make sure that your family member’s UK passports are valid for longer than the intended stay period. Check the UK government’s page for further advice.

If you are a British Citizen moving to Spain post 1st January 2021, the UK will have left the European Union so you will need to obtain a visa. You will be able to do so by applying online and by providing documents such as birth certificates, bank statements, letters of reference, and academic credentials. In some circumstances, you might also be asked to do an interview. It’s important to obtain the correct visa for you, but your employer should be able to advise on the options. Find out more about living in Spain post-Brexit.

If you are moving to Spain from outside of the EU, then you will need to obtain a work visa before moving. You can work in Spain if you have obtained a work visa, but without one a company cannot legally employ you. You should make sure your application for a work visa is successful before deciding on moving to Spain. The EU Blue Card allows skilled professionals from non-EU countries to live and work in the EU for up to four years.

If your Spanish assignment will be lengthy, you might be planning to bring your household goods with you. To do that, you must apply for a change of residence certificate, issued by Spain’s Embassy. Keep in mind that you should be moving to Spain for a minimum of 365 days to import your goods. Moreover, the items must arrive within 3 months after you arrive in Spain. Up to a 3-month extension might be granted if the shipments are delayed. You are also only able to bring in items that you have owned for a minimum of 6 months, as newer items are prohibited.

Once the goods are brought in, you will have to sign a document agreeing to not sell, transfer, or lease any of your belongings for a minimum of 12 months.

When moving abroad, you need to account for all family members – including the four-legged ones. Moving your pets to Spain is a lot less stressful than one might think. Your pet should first have an ISO microchip for identification with up-to-date contact information. Then make sure to contact your vet for the most up-to-date information on the documents needed post-Brexit. At the time this article is written, you should only need a health certificate, which is translated into Spanish and signed by your veterinarian within 10 days of moving.

You are welcome to bring your car or motorcycle for a maximum term of 6 months – for personal use. To extend the period, you will have to reach out to the Spanish Customs Agency – Direccion General de Aduanas.

Spain uses Euro (€) as the main currency. There are a total of seven notes – 5,10,20,50,100,200, and 500 and eight coins – €1, €2, and 1,2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents. Euro coins have an EU motif on one side and Spanish national symbols on the other. As a result, you are going to be able to use your Euros in any other European Union country – great for those European holidays! Furthermore, Spain’s cost of living is considerably lower than the UK if you’re considering a move.

Before travelling to Spain, it might be worth exchanging some Euros at the local post office or money exchange shop. Alternatively, you can take some euros out at Spanish ATMs – keep in mind that your bank issuer may charge some fees. Lastly, you can exchange cash at a Spanish Bank or the airport upon arrival.

Finding housing that fits your needs, in a new country, can be challenging. If you are to source your own accommodation, long-term housing may be easier to find when on the ground. Here are our tips for finding your perfect home.

1. Reach out to your colleagues and other fellow expatriates for information about places to live. In Spain, landlords prefer renting to tenants who are either recommended to them or known in their social circles. 
2. Visit the neighbourhood you’d like to rent, before moving to Spain. Keep your eyes peeled for orange rent placards in windows and note down contact information. If you’d like to go for an apartment, have a chat with the concierges – they will know which apartments are up for rent.
3. Check out local newspapers such as ABC and El Pais. If you are moving to Madrid, check out Segundamano or Guidepost. Alternatively in Barcelona, check out La Vanguardia and El Periodico.

Lastly, search for properties online. Check out idealista.com and fotocasa.com for rental properties.

Whether you are coordinating a team move to Spain or are moving yourself, our professional global mobility services can take care of the majority of the elements of the move. Even better, we can take care of all or just a selection of your problem areas, whether it’s just Household Goods transport and Expense Management or our entire suite of services. We have a range of local partners in Spain to ease employee settlement on the ground, making corporate relocations to Spain that much more seamless. Get in touch today and see how we can help.