Moving to Spain from Australia is an exciting decision that offers a rich cultural experience, a relaxed lifestyle, and great weather year-round. Whether you’re planning to work, retire, or simply start a new life in Spain, there are clear steps to follow to become a legal resident.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand what’s involved in making the move.
🔹 1. Choose the Right Visa for Your Situation
Australia and Spain have separate visa agreements, meaning Australians must apply for the appropriate long-stay visa (visado nacional) to live in Spain for more than 90 days.
✅ Visa Options for Australians
1. Work Visa (for employment)
- Needed if you have a job offer from a Spanish company.
- Your employer must sponsor your visa and prove that the role cannot be filled by an EU citizen.
- Usually issued for 1 year and renewable.
2. Self-Employment Visa (Autónomo)
- For freelancers or business owners.
- You must submit a detailed business plan, show relevant experience, and proof of financial means.
- Often takes several months to process.
3. Non-Lucrative Visa (Retirement or Passive Income)
- Ideal for retirees or those not planning to work in Spain.
- You must show a steady passive income or savings (€30,000+ per year, approx.).
- No work allowed, but renewable yearly and a pathway to permanent residency.
4. Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Workers)
- Launched recently for non-EU remote workers.
- Requires proof of employment outside of Spain, stable income (~€2,300/month), and private health insurance.
- Offers tax advantages and 3-year residency.
5. Student Visa
- For study programs longer than 90 days.
- May allow part-time work and is often a stepping stone to other visa types.
🔹 2. Apply for Your Visa from Australia
All long-term visa applications must be submitted at the Spanish Consulate General in Sydney, Melbourne, or Canberra, depending on your state of residence.
Documents commonly required:
- Valid passport
- Visa application form
- Passport-size photos
- Proof of income or job offer
- Health insurance
- Medical certificate
- Police clearance (from AFP)
- Proof of accommodation in Spain
🔸 Tip: Some documents need to be translated into Spanish and apostilled, so start early.
🔹 3. Travel to Spain and Apply for Residency (TIE)
Once your visa is approved, you can travel to Spain. Within 30 days of arrival, you must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) at your local immigration office.
Steps:
- Get an NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) – a tax ID number needed for almost everything in Spain.
- Register your address at the local town hall (padrón).
- Book an appointment to apply for the TIE residency card.
🔹 4. Working in Spain as an Australian
To work legally:
- You must have a work visa or self-employment permit.
- Spain has a high unemployment rate, so jobs are more accessible in specific industries: IT, teaching English, hospitality, tourism, and skilled trades.
- If you’re on a Digital Nomad Visa, you must work for non-Spanish companies.
🔸 Language Note: While many jobs in big cities don’t require fluent Spanish, learning the language significantly improves your opportunities and daily life.
🔹 5. Retiring in Spain from Australia
Spain is a favorite for retirees due to:
- Affordable living
- World-class healthcare
- Mediterranean climate
- Relaxed pace of life
To retire in Spain:
- Apply for a non-lucrative visa.
- Show sufficient savings or pension income (usually ~€30,000/year for an individual).
- After 5 years, you may qualify for permanent residency.
Most retirees choose areas like:
- Costa del Sol (Malaga, Marbella)
- Alicante and Valencia
- The Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza)
- Andalusia
🔹 6. Healthcare in Spain
Spain has one of Europe’s top-ranked public healthcare systems.
- As a resident, you can access public healthcare after registering with social security (if employed or self-employed).
- Retirees must take private insurance initially but may qualify for public healthcare after one year.
- EU-wide EHIC cards are not valid for Australians, so health coverage is essential from day one.
🔹 7. Housing and Accommodation
Spain has a wide range of housing options:
- Apartments (pisos) are common in cities.
- Detached villas are popular on the coast.
- Renting before buying is recommended.
Monthly rent ranges (2025 estimates):
- Madrid/Barcelona: €900–€1,500
- Valencia/Malaga: €700–€1,000
- Smaller towns: €500–€800
🔹 8. Taxes and Finances
As a resident, you’re liable to pay Spanish taxes on worldwide income after 183 days in the country.
Key steps:
- Open a Spanish bank account
- Get your NIE number
- File taxes annually (may need an accountant)
- You may be subject to wealth and inheritance taxes
Double taxation is generally avoided due to treaties between Spain and Australia.
🔹 9. Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship
- After 5 years of legal residence: Apply for permanent residency
- After 10 years: Apply for Spanish citizenship (dual citizenship with Australia is not officially recognized, but many retain both)
- Maintain clean criminal record, stable income, and language integration
✅ Summary Checklist: Moving to Spain from Australia
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. | Choose the right visa (work, retire, remote work) |
| 2. | Gather documents and apply at the Spanish Consulate |
| 3. | Move to Spain and apply for residency (TIE + NIE) |
| 4. | Find housing, register with the town hall (padrón) |
| 5. | Enroll in public/private healthcare |
| 6. | Sort out banking, taxes, and financial setup |
| 7. | Start living, working, or enjoying retirement! |
🇪🇸 Ready to Start Your Spanish Adventure?
Moving from Australia to Spain is a bold but rewarding step. Whether you’re chasing career opportunities, the perfect place to retire, or just craving a change of pace, Spain offers a wealth of possibilities.
With the right planning, documents, and mindset, your dream of living in Spain can become a reality.