Settling-In Services
Settling In: Making "Green Spain" Feel Like Home
Moving to the North of Spain—whether it’s the rugged coast of Galicia or the peaks of Asturias—is an exciting adventure. But once the boxes are unpacked, the real work begins. True relocation isn’t just about finding a house; it’s about navigating the administrative and cultural landscape to build a life.
For clients arriving from the US, Canada, or the UK, the bureaucracy and daily rhythms of Spain can feel distinctively different. Our Settling In Service is designed to bridge that gap, handling the logistical details so you can focus on enjoying your new lifestyle.
Mastering Utilities and Administration
One of the first hurdles expats face is the “alta” (registration) process for household utilities. Spanish bureaucracy is famous for its paperwork, and setting up essential services requires specific documentation and bank formalities.
We streamline this process entirely. Instead of navigating automated phone lines in Spanish, we manage:
Utility Setup: Connection and contract negotiation for electricity, water, and gas.
Connectivity: Sourcing the best high-speed fiber optic internet and mobile plans for your region.
Banking & Direct Debits: We assist in setting up domiciliación bancaria (direct debits), ensuring your bills are paid automatically from your Spanish IBAN, preventing service interruptions.
Navigating Daily Life: Shopping and Smart Savings
The North of Spain offers incredible food quality, but knowing where to shop makes a difference to your monthly budget.
We provide a localized orientation tour to help you shop like a local, not a tourist.
We introduce you to the major supermarket chains (such as Alimerka, Mercadona, or Carrefour) and help you sign up for loyalty programs and club cards.
These cards are essential in Spain for accessing monthly coupons and accumulating points for fuel or future groceries.
We also guide you to the best local mercados (markets) for fresh fish and produce, ensuring you get the authentic “Green Spain” experience.
Building Your Social Circle
Integration is the key to a successful move. The social culture in the North is warm but can be tight-knit. We help you find your community based on your interests.
Sports & Country Clubs: Whether you are looking for a golf membership in Cantabria or a tennis club in Gijon, we facilitate introductions and membership applications.
Expat & Social Groups: We connect you with English-speaking communities and local language exchanges (intercambios) to help you practice Spanish in a relaxed setting.
Cultural Integration: From understanding how to order pintxos correctly to navigating dining hours, we provide the cultural “cheat codes” to help you fit in faster.
Don’t let the logistics overshadow the lifestyle. Let us handle the details of settling in, so your only worry is choosing which beach to visit this weekend.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are you a real estate agent?
No. We are not real estate agents and we don’t represent sellers or landlords.
We work exclusively for you, the client, as an independent relocation consultant and buyer’s agent. This means our advice is unbiased and focused entirely on your relocation and long-term needs.
What exactly does a relocation and buyer’s agent do?
We act as your local advocate and guide throughout your move to Northern Spain. Support can include:
- Area and lifestyle guidance
- Property searches (rental or purchase)
- Viewing coordination and negotiation
- Legal and administrative guidance
- Introductions to trusted professionals such as lawyers and tax advisors
- On-the-ground support during arrival and settling in
You choose the level of support from strategic guidance to full end-to-end
Are you compensated by the selling agent?
NO. We work exclusively for you
How do your fees work?
All services are offered on a transparent, client-paid fee basis.
Depending on the service, this may be a fixed fee, project-based fee. All fees are agreed in advance, with no hidden commissions.
Legal & Administrative
What is a NIE and when do I need it?
A NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is your foreigner identification number in Spain.
You will need it for most administrative and financial matters, including renting or buying property, opening a bank account, setting up utilities, and paying taxes.
What’s the difference between a T.I.E and EU residency?
EU citizens register as residents and receive a green EU residency certificate.
Non-EU citizens receive a TIE card, which is a physical residency card linked to their visa or residence permit.
Both confirm legal residency but follow different application processes.
Do I need to register as a resident (empadronamiento)?
Yes. Empadronamiento is registration with your local town hall.
It is required for healthcare access, school enrolment, residency applications, and many administrative procedures even if you are not yet a tax resident.
What are my tax obligations in Spain?
Tax obligations depend on factors such as how long you spend in Spain and where your main economic interests are based.
Many people become tax residents without realising it, so early advice from a qualified tax professional is strongly recommended.
Finding Accommodation
Pet-friendly rentals – what should I know?
Pet-friendly rentals do exist, but availability can be limited. Flexibility, clear communication, and realistic expectations are essential.
What documents do landlords typically require?
This varies, but commonly includes:
Passport or ID
NIE (sometimes)
Proof of income or savings
Employment contract or pension details
Spanish bank account (often required)
How does the rental process work in Spain?
The process is less standardised than in some countries but generally follows these steps:
Property viewing
Offer and negotiation
Contract review
Payment of deposit (usually 1–2 months) and first month’s rent
Inventory check and key handover
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Tax
Health & Insurance
What are my health insurance options in Spain?
Options may include public healthcare, private health insurance, or a combination of both. Many newcomers use private insurance initially, especially during the residency process.
Is private health insurance required for residency?
In many cases, yes particularly for non-EU residents and for some EU residency applications.
How does the public healthcare system work?
Spain’s public healthcare system is excellent once you are registered. Access is usually based on residency, employment, or social security contributions and is provided through your local health centre.
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Practical Moving Logistics
What should I pack versus buy in Spain?
Spain is well-supplied, and many people overestimate what they need to ship. Furniture, appliances, and household items are often easier and more cost-effective to buy locally. Sentimental or specialist items are usually what’s worth bringing.
Can I ship belongings to Spain?
Yes, but costs, paperwork, and customs requirements vary depending on your country of origin, residency status, and shipment value.
Professional advice is recommended to avoid delays or unexpected charges.
How do I transport my pet to Spain?
Pet travel requires a microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and an approved carrier.
There is no quarantine for compliant pets entering from most countries, but airline rules and routes must be carefully checked.
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Staying Connected
How do I get internet service, especially for remote work?
High-speed fibre internet is widely available in cities and towns and increasingly in rural areas. Availability and speeds should always be checked by exact address, not just by area.
Should I get a Spanish phone number?
Yes. A Spanish phone number is strongly recommended and is often required to open a Spanish bank account, set up utilities, sign contracts, and receive verification codes. Many clients use a dual SIM or eSIM to keep their existing number alongside a Spanish one.
How do I maintain access to my US or home-country bank accounts?
Most people keep their existing accounts and open a Spanish account for local expenses. Some banks also offer multi-currency accounts, allowing you to hold balances in both euros and US dollars. Whether this is useful depends on your personal circumstances and banking fees.
Tax
Financial Matters
Can I open a Spanish bank account before arriving?
Sometimes, but requirements vary by bank and nationality. In many cases, it is simpler to open an account once you are physically in Spain.
How do currency transfers work?
Specialist currency transfer services often offer better exchange rates and lower fees than traditional banks, particularly for larger or regular transfers.
Where can I find English-speaking tax advisors?
We can introduce you to English-speaking tax advisors experienced in working with international clients, so you can get clear and reliable guidance from the outset.
What are the Spanish Tax year dates?
The Spanish tax year for individuals and corporations is the calendar year, running from 1 January to 31 December. Income tax returns (Declaración de la Renta) for the preceding year are typically filed between early April and 30 June