Moving to Spain in 2025? Avoid These 10 Common Mistakes – Expert Guide by Matthew James Removals Spain
Relocating to Spain can be the beginning of an exciting new chapter—but it’s not without its challenges. The allure of year-round sunshine, rich culture, and a more relaxed pace of life is strong, but many expats underestimate the complexity involved in international relocation.
At Matthew James Removals Spain, we’ve been helping individuals and families make the transition smoothly for over three decades. Our experience has taught us the most common—and costly—mistakes people make when moving to Spain.
This detailed guide will help you avoid those pitfalls, whether you’re retiring, relocating for work, or starting a new life abroad.
1. Underestimating Spanish Bureaucracy and Paperwork
The Spanish administrative system is famously slow and regionally inconsistent. To legally live in Spain, you’ll need to secure your NIE number, register with the ayuntamiento (town hall), set up healthcare, and more.
Pro Tip: Start planning at least three months in advance. Consider hiring a local gestor to assist with documentation, or use our relocation support services that include administrative help.
2. Choosing the Wrong Area for Your Lifestyle Needs
Spain is incredibly diverse—living in bustling Madrid feels very different from life on the Costa Blanca. Many expats choose locations based on tourist experiences rather than lifestyle needs.
What to Do: Consider factors like cost of living in Spain, local expat communities, language barriers, and weather. Visit in both summer and winter before deciding.
3. Not Using a Reputable European Removals Company
Choosing a low-cost mover can cost you more in the long run. We’ve seen shipments delayed at customs, belongings damaged in transit, and clients left stranded without proper insurance.
Matthew James Removals Spain specialises in door-to-door removals between the UK and Spain. We handle customs, provide secure storage, and offer full packing services.
🔗 Explore our https://www.matthewjamesremovalsspain.com/spain/
4. Overlooking Spanish Tax Responsibilities
Moving abroad doesn’t eliminate your tax obligations—it complicates them. Spain has tax residency rules that may affect your global income, pensions, and property.
What to Do: Speak with a bilingual tax consultant before the move. Understand double taxation agreements and the Modelo 720 requirement for foreign asset declaration.
🔗 Helpful Resource: Global Residence Index: Living in Spain & Spanish NIE & TIE Explained
5. Assuming Everyone Speaks English
Outside of major cities or tourist hubs, many public officials, landlords, and doctors speak little or no English. This can create serious issues with contracts, healthcare, and integration.
Solution: Learn the basics of Spanish before you move. Invest in Spanish language classes or hire bilingual legal and medical translators when needed.
6. Not Arranging Proper Health Insurance
Spain’s public healthcare system is excellent, but not always accessible to newcomers, especially retirees or digital nomads who are not yet residents.
Avoid This: Either enroll in the Convenio Especial (state scheme) or secure private health insurance that’s accepted by Spanish immigration authorities.
🔗 Helpful Resource: Care & support services in Spain
7. Misunderstanding Spanish Housing Laws or Rushing Into Property Deals
Rental and purchase contracts in Spain are often not in English, and real estate agents may not disclose all the details.
Advice: Use a bilingual lawyer not affiliated with the seller. Never sign anything without proper translation and legal review. See our ‘expat legal rights and protections in Spain”
8. Failing to Build a Support Network in Spain
Moving abroad can be emotionally taxing. A strong expat network makes it easier to integrate, find services, and even navigate emergency situations.
How to Start: Attend community meetups, join Facebook groups, or explore platforms like InterNations and Meetup.
9. Transporting Unnecessary Items
You might not need to bring your entire wardrobe or furniture. Spanish homes are often smaller, and certain electronics may not work due to voltage differences.
Solution: Use our flexible storage services in Spain or the UK to hold what you don’t immediately need. also see our “ How are removals cost to Spain calculated’
10. Treating the Move as a One-Time Task
Relocation is an ongoing process involving residency renewals, tax filings, driving licence exchanges, and more.
Pro Tip: Maintain a digital file of all key documents. Set reminders for annual renewals and stay informed about legal changes.
🔗 Stay up-to-date with our news and blog section
Conclusion
Spain offers sun, culture, and a better lifestyle—but only if you plan carefully. Avoiding these 10 common mistakes can save you stress, time, and money.
With Matthew James Removals Spain, you gain more than just a removals provider—you gain a trusted relocation partner. We offer everything from vehicle transport to packing services, all designed to make your move seamless and secure.
🔗 Contact us for a tailored quote and let us help you start your new life in Spain with confidence.
FAQs
1. How do I apply for an NIE number in Spain?
You can apply at a Spanish consulate abroad or at a national police station in Spain. It’s essential for contracts, banking, and legal processes.
2. Do I need a visa to live in Spain post-Brexit?
Yes. UK citizens need a valid long-term visa such as the non-lucrative visa, golden visa, or digital nomad visa depending on purpose and income.
3. Can I bring my car to Spain?
Yes, but it must be registered within 6 months. Our vehicle transport service handles documentation, delivery, and customs clearance.
4. How long does an international move to Spain take?
Typically 1–2 weeks. We offer express and part-load services with full tracking and insurance for peace of mind.
5. What documents should I prepare before moving?
Essential documents include: passport, visa/residency proof, NIE number, birth/marriage certificates, health insurance, and property or rental agreements.
