Moving to Marbella
Everything you need to know about relocating to the Costa del Sol. Visas, paperwork, costs, and practical advice.
Moving to Spain is exciting, but the practicalities can be overwhelming. Spanish bureaucracy is famously complex, and the rules for non-EU citizens have changed significantly in recent years.
This section covers the essentials: how to get here legally, what paperwork you'll need, and what it actually costs to live here. We've been through it all and share what we learned.
Visas & Residency
Your options for living in Spain legally.
NIE & Padron Registration
Essential identification and registration steps.
Cost of Living
What you'll actually spend living in Marbella.
Banking in Spain
Setting up your finances in Spain.
Healthcare in Spain
Navigating the Spanish health system.
Driving & Cars in Spain
Getting on the road in Spain.
Schools & Education
Education options for your children.
Renting Property
Finding your rental home in Marbella.
Buying Property
Your guide to buying a home in Spain.
Utilities & Internet Setup
Getting connected in your new home.
Moving with Pets
Bringing your furry family members to Spain.
Becoming Autónomo (Self-Employed)
Starting your freelance or business journey in Spain.
Your First Year: Month by Month
A roadmap for your first year in Spain.
Visa Renewal Guide
Keep your residency valid and stress-free.
Pensions & Benefits Abroad
Your pension entitlements as an expat in Spain.
Buying Property in Spain
How to buy your Spanish home.
Spanish Property Taxes Explained
All the property taxes and costs.
Getting a Mortgage in Spain
Financing your Spanish property.
Understanding Spanish Rental Contracts
Know your rights as a tenant.
Setting Up a Spanish SL Company
Creating a Spanish limited company.
Hiring Employees in Spain
Employing staff in Spain.
Childcare & Nurseries in Marbella
Finding childcare in Marbella.
Spanish Wills & Inheritance Law
Estate planning for expats.
Getting Married in Spain
Tying the knot in Spain.
Best Day Trips from Marbella
Adventures beyond the coast.
Golf in Marbella: Course Guide
Everything about golf in Marbella.
Public Transport on the Costa del Sol
Getting around without a car.
Transferring Money to Spain
Send money without losing it to fees.
Watching UK TV in Spain
Stream British TV from the Costa del Sol.
Health Insurance for Expats
Your guide to Spanish health cover.
Quick Start Checklist
If you're planning to move in the next 6 months, here's what to focus on first.
Before You Leave
- 1Decide on your visa type (NLV, digital nomad, etc.)
- 2Gather and apostille documents
- 3Apply for visa at Spanish consulate
- 4Arrange private health insurance
After You Arrive
- 1Get your NIE number
- 2Register on the padrón
- 3Open a Spanish bank account
- 4Apply for TIE (residency card)