Moving from the UK to Spain since Brexit involves more sequencing than it used to. This isn't legal advice — see the official gov.uk living in Spain guidance and speak to a qualified immigration adviser for anything specific to your circumstances — but here's a general shape most UK movers follow.
1. Establish your residency route
Before anything else, understand which visa or residency route actually applies to you — retirement, remote work, family reunification and other routes all have different requirements. This decision shapes almost everything that follows, so it's worth getting proper advice early rather than assuming.
2. Decide rent vs buy — and consider renting first
Many movers rent for six to twelve months before buying, which avoids locking in a purchase before you've properly tested an area. See our renting before buying guide.
3. Sort your banking and currency transfers
You'll typically need a way to move money from the UK to Spain for a deposit, ongoing bills or day-to-day spending — a currency specialist usually offers better rates and lower fees than a standard bank transfer for this. We use Currencies Direct ourselves for larger transfers like a deposit (referral link, at no extra cost to you), and Wise for smaller day-to-day spending in both currencies (also a referral link) — though it's worth comparing providers before you commit.
4. Get your NIE
An NIE (foreigner's identification/tax number) is generally needed for almost anything official in Spain, from signing a rental contract to opening a bank account.
5. Register your residency (TIE) and address (padrón)
These are separate processes. See the official gov.uk TIE guidance for the residency card process, and the Ayuntamiento de Orihuela's padrón page for local address registration if you're settling in the Orihuela Costa area.
6. Sort healthcare
How you access healthcare in Spain depends on your residency status, age and whether you're working. See gov.uk's healthcare in Spain guidance for the current position.
7. Plan removals, pets and belongings
Book removals well in advance of your move date, and check current pet travel requirements on gov.uk — these changed after Brexit and continue to be updated.
8. If you have children, time the move around the school year
See our moving with children guide for schooling considerations.