Visa & Residency
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Visa & Residency Pathways: Moving to Northern Spain
The rugged coastlines of Galicia, the peaks of the Picos de Europa, and the culinary delights offer a lifestyle unlike anywhere else in Europe. However, for citizens of the USA, Canada, and the UK, the dream of moving to “Green Spain” often meets a complex reality: Spanish immigration bureaucracy.
Navigating residency requirements as a non-EU citizen requires precision. Our relocation service specializes in streamlining visa applications specifically for the autonomous communities of Northern Spain (Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria). We turn a tangled administrative process into a clear path to your new home.
Navigating the "Third Country" Rules
Since Brexit, UK citizens now join Americans and Canadians in the category of “Third Country Nationals.”
This means you cannot simply move to Spain; you must apply for the correct residency permission before you arrive or, in some specific cases, during your tourist stay.
We assist with the entire lifecycle of the following primary visa categories:
1. The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
Best for: Retirees and those with passive income.
This is the most popular option for clients looking to retire in peaceful regions like Asturias or rural Cantabria. The NLV allows you to reside in Spain without working.
We help you prove the required financial means (IPREM), organize private health insurance, and manage consulate appointments in your home country.
2. The Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)
Best for: Remote workers and freelancers.
Northern Spain is rapidly becoming a hub for remote workers seeking cooler climates and lower costs of living compared to the south.
If you work for a company based in the US, Canada, or the UK, this visa allows you to live in Spain while continuing your employment. We guide you through the social security agreements and income requirements to ensure a successful application.
Beyond the Stamp: Comprehensive Support
Securing the visa is only the first step. True relocation support means handling the critical “on-the-ground” paperwork that follows.
Once you land in Gijon, Santander, or Santiago, the clock starts ticking to formalize your residency. Our local team provides bilingual assistance for:
- TIE Card Processing: Assisting with fingerprints and police registration for your Foreigner Identity Card.
- Empadronamiento: Registering your address with the local town hall—a mandatory step for accessing healthcare and schooling.
- Document Translation: Sworn translations for criminal record checks and medical certificates.
Don’t let paperwork dim the excitement of your move.
Whether you are drawn to the vineyards of La Rioja or the surf of Mundaka, let us handle the bureaucracy so you can focus on the lifestyle.
Contact us today to schedule your initial visa eligibility assessment.
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.
Tax
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