If you are planning on Moving to Spain from Northern Ireland in 2024. Then you can use Advance moves to quickly find you a house removal company, and give you an instant online quotation for Moving to Spain from Northern Ireland . Advance moves can save you a lot of time and money when finding a removal company for Moving to Spain from Northern Ireland in 2024.
Advance moves is a removals comparison and referral site that allows you to enter some basic details about your removal to Spain, and then get up to 5 quotes from professional removal companies selected to match your own specific removal requirements.
If you would like an instant online quote in just 30 seconds for a house removal to Spain from Northern Ireland, then click on the link and start the Quick quote process.
Save time Moving to Spain from Northern Ireland with Advance moves.
Save money Moving to Spain from Northern Ireland with Advance moves.
Use advance moves Quick quote system to find a mover quickly for Moving to Spain from Northern Ireland.
How to move to Spain from Northern Ireland.
To get an instant online quote in just 30 seconds for moving to Spain, just click on the link to start the quick quote process.
Once in the Quick quote process you must firstly enter the countries that you are moving from and too. This allows the Quick quote to establish the Collection and delivery locations.
Then you will need to select an icon that best describes the size of your removal to Spain. You can choose from House size, Truck size, or just enter the volume of your furniture and effects if you know it. For smaller moves you can just select the number of boxes you want to move……………The important thing here is to give the best indicator of the size of your removal, to establish roughly how much stuff you are taking.
You don’t have to be too accurate on move size.
When selecting the icon that best describes the size of you move. it is only to establish the most accurate representation of the size of your move. You don’t have to be too accurate. it is just a guide. But the Quick quote is worked out on it so the more accurate the better.
Then enter some basic address and contact details and if you want to, you can enter some additional information into the comments box. If you have a list items to move, or more details about your move then enter them here, the more info the better.
However this will not effect the Quick quote price given, but it will be handy information for the removal companies selected to further quote on your move to Spain. (see below)
You will need to select an approximate moving date for your move to Spain. Again this is just a guide. Please be aware that a removal date too far into the future will not be passed onto our removals agents to quote upon as any quote will be too far in the future to be accurate. Therefore only a Quick quote will be generated.
Now hit the submit button and 30 seconds later you will have a Quick quote emailed to you.
This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in Spain.
Read about the services UK consulates in Spain can provide.
This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Spanish authorities. Read the general guidance on moving to and living in Spain from the Spanish government. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad.
To stay up to date:
- sign up for email alerts to this guidance
- follow the British Embassy Madrid on Facebook and Twitter
If you were living in Spain before 1 January 2021
Some parts of this guide only apply if you were living in Spain since before 1 January 2021. You should read these in addition to the rest of the guidance in each section.
You should also read our Living in Europe page for detailed guidance about citizens’ rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
Visas and residency in Spain
You must tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.
Check the entry requirements for Spain.
Before you move to Spain you must apply for the appropriate visa from the Spanish consulates in London or Edinburgh, or the Spanish consulate in Manchester (details available from the Foreign embassies in the UK list. You must apply for your residence document as soon as you arrive in Spain. Your children must also be registered with their own residency documents.
Read the Spanish government’s guidance on:
- moving to Spain
- the different types of residence permit available to you (in Spanish)
Visas and residency if you were living in Spain before 1 January 2021
If you have been living in Spain legally since before 1 January 2021, you and your family members have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement. You must ensure you are correctly registered as a resident. Your children must also be registered with their own residency documents.
If you are registering for the first time, you will be issued with a biometric residence card called a Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE). This card shows that you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
If you registered as a resident before 6 July 2020, you will have a green A4 certificate or credit card-sized piece of paper from Extranjeria or the police. This is still a valid residency document. You do not have to exchange this document for the new TIE. However, we and the Spanish government strongly recommend that you do.
The TIE biometric card is more durable. It will also simplify administrative processes and border crossings. Read the Spanish government’s guidance on how to apply for the new TIE.
Both the TIE and the green A4 certificate or credit card-sized piece of paper, exempt you from European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and visa requirements.
Residency certificate recognition (certificado de registro – ‘green residency certificate’)
If you have difficulty using your green A4 certificate or credit card-sized piece of paper, you can refer to this Letter confirming the continued recognition of the certificate of registration (green residency certificate) for UK residents in Spain (PDF, 218 KB, 2 pages). This document sets out the most relevant official Spanish government websites that confirm the validity of the green document as valid proof of ‘Withdrawal Agreement beneficiary’ status in Spain. You can refer to this letter when accessing public services and dealing with businesses that provide services.
For more information:
- see the Spanish government’s information on residency for UK nationals living in Spain before 1 January 2021
- read the Spanish government’s guidance for UK nationals living in Spain before 1 January 2021
If you need further information on how to register as a resident, you may find the information on the webpages from these organisations in Spain useful:
| Region of Spain | Website |
|---|---|
| Alicante, Valencia and Castellon | Babelia |
| Andalusia, Castilla la Mancha, Castilla León, Ceuta, Extremadura, Madrid, Melilla, Murcia | The International Organization for Migration |
| Aragon, Asturias, Balearics, Basque Country (Pais Vasco), Canary Islands, Cantabria, Catalonia, Galicia, La Rioja, Navarra | Age in Spain |
For details of official Spanish government and non-government organisations including in the voluntary sector, visit the Support in Spain website.
Family members
Your close family members are able to join you and settle in Spain at any time in the future. Read more information on who this applies to in the Living in Europe guidance. They should apply online before moving to Spain (in Spanish) or through a third party in Spain, such as a lawyer. Alternatively, they can apply within 3 months of arrival to Spain.
Depending on their nationality, some non-EU family members may need a visa before travel. The Spanish authorities should issue Withdrawal Agreement family reunion visas free of charge.
Read the Spanish government’s guidance for ‘UK nationals and their family members residing in Spain’. This explains how you and your close family members can apply for the TIE and how to renew your TIE before it expires.
Appeal process
If your request to register under the Withdrawal Agreement is refused, read the refusal letter carefully. It will set out the decision, the reasons for it, and how to appeal. You have 1 month to appeal from the date of the refusal letter.
The appeal process usually has 2 steps:
- administrative appeal, where a different administrative authority reviews the decision
- court appeal
The outcome of an appeal is final. If you want to appeal, we strongly recommend you seek independent, specialised legal advice. The British Embassy cannot get involved in individual immigration applications and we cannot provide legal advice.
You can:
- seek legal advice using the Spanish Bar Association website (Spanish with English translation) or the ‘Find a lawyer in Spain’ directory
- read about access to legal aid in Spain
- get help and advice, or make a complaint about how your
registration request has been processed, free of charge, using the
European Commission’s specialist assistance service
If you do not want to appeal, or do not meet the criteria to reside in Spain under the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement, you should consider other options:
- contact the local immigration services (servicio de atención al
inmigrante) provided by your local town hall or regional government - read the Spanish government information on general immigration routes and criteria
(in Spanish). This includes information on how to apply for residence
status under exceptional circumstances, such as if you are a victim of
domestic violence, or if you can prove strong family, work or social
links to Spain - contact organisations that specialise in migration issues, such as ACCEM (in Spanish) or Migrar.org (in Spanish) run by the Red Cross
- read information on returning to the UK
Passports and travel to Spain from Northern Ireland.
Coronavirus travel restrictions may affect may affect travel to and from Spain.
You can apply for or renew your British passport from Spain. The British Embassy does not issue passports.
Check the Spain travel advice for passport validity requirements.
Always carry your passport when travelling within the Schengen area. If you have citizenship of an EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country, in addition to your British citizenship, you should enter and leave Spain using your EU or EFTA passport.
If you stay in Spain with a Spanish residence permit or long-stay visa, this time does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area.
If you visit other Schengen area countries outside Spain, make sure you do not exceed the visa-free 90 days in any 180-day period. You are responsible for counting how long you stay under the Schengen visa waiver, and you must comply with its conditions.
Different rules apply if you are travelling to other EU and Schengen countries as a resident of Spain. Check each country’s travel advice page for information on entry requirements.
If you were living in Spain before 1 January 2021
When you travel, carry your residence document (the green A4 certificate or credit card-sized piece of paper or the TIE) or frontier worker permit issued under the Withdrawal Agreement, in addition to your valid passport.
You must proactively show your residence document (the green A4 certificate or credit card-sized piece of paper or the TIE) if you are asked to show your passport at border control. If you have applied for, but not yet received, your residence document, show proof that your application is in progress.
If you cannot prove that you are a resident in Spain, you may be asked additional questions at the border to enter the EU. Your passport may be stamped on entry and exit. This will not affect your rights in the country or countries where you live or work. If a passport is stamped, the stamp is considered null and void when you can show evidence of lawful residence.
If you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, you can enter and exit Spain with a valid passport. You do not need any additional validity on the passport beyond the dates on which you are travelling.
Children travelling from Spain
Children (under 18 years old) resident in Spain, who travel out of Spain without a person who has parental responsibility, may need a certified authorisation by that person. This is required in addition to a valid travel document.
The regulation does not apply to foreign children resident in Spain who are subject to the law of their country of nationality, or to non-resident foreign children visiting Spain.
The Spanish immigration authorities are aware that there is no similar standard regulation in the UK, and therefore British consulates do not provide travel authorisation documents.
British children do not need written permission to travel unless they are subject to a court order which states that written permission is required from those holding parental responsibility. If the child is subject to such a court order, or to ensure that an unaccompanied child will be able to leave Spain without delay, you must obtain a certified authorisation from a public notary in Spain.
If you have parental responsibility for Spanish children in Spain, you can obtain a certified authorisation at a notary, national police station (in Spanish, or at the Guardia Civil (in Spanish).
Flight discounts for residents in Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, Ceuta and Melilla
Read the Spanish government’s guidance on who is eligible to access discounts on flights (in Spanish), and on how this has changed for UK nationals since 1 January 2021.
What is the Quick quote?
The Quick quote will give you a price range and volume range for your house removal to Spain. The price is a rough guide for your own budgeting. The price range is just the basic removal price range.
Further charges may apply for taxes, duties, wrapping, packing, access, storage and insurance.
Multiple quotes for Moving to Spain from Northern Ireland in 2024.
Once you have received your Quick quote you will then start to receive up to 5 more accurate quotes from independent professional removal companies. These removal companies have been selected from the list of Advance moves agents.
They have been selected as the best matches from your own removal requirements that you entered into the Quick quote.
Advance moves selects the movers that are best suited to undertake your removal to Spain.
Not all removal companies are as competitive as others, when it come to Moving to Spain from Northern Ireland. Advance moves selects the movers most likely to offer the best levels of service and the most competitive prices for your move to Spain.
You can then compare quotes. Looking at levels of services and price.
Remember that not all quotes include the same services. The best price might only be because another quote includes more. Also make sure that the mover you choose, is available for the moving dates that you require before you book.
Advance moves makes Moving to Spain from Northern Ireland a lot easier for you. You can save time and money when finding a suitable moving company for any international move with Advance moves.
Saving money on International removals.
You can save money when moving internationally by working on reducing the volume of your consignment. Most international removals are based on a price per cubic metre.
By reducing your volume you should be able to reduce your removal costs.
Firstly really analyze what you are taking. If its cheap, big and bulky maybe its not worth taking? After that then flat pack down any furniture that you can and dismantle items to make them as compact as possible. The smaller the better. Maybe tape bits together or box them to make things easier to move and stack.
When packing boxes use clothes and bedding as padding rather than bubble wrap to further reduce your volume.
Remember not to pack boxes too heavy, make sure you can still lift it yourself. max box weight should really be 15 to 20 Kgs or the removal men will struggle and crushing may occur in the box or within the load on the truck.
More info on Moving to Spain.
The UK government has an information page all about Moving to Spain from Northern Ireland. Check it out for more details on all aspects of Moving to Spain from Northern Ireland and then being able to live and work in Spain legally. Advance moves also has two information pages about moving to Spain and removals to Spain. Click on the links for more info about all aspects of moving to and then being able to live in Spain in 2024.
Working in Spain
If you are planning to move to Spain and work, you must apply for the appropriate visa. Application processing times vary and you should only make travel arrangements once your visa has been issued.
Read the Spanish government’s guidance on:
- working in Spain as a foreign national
immigration routes open to foreign national workers (in Spanish)- how to get a visa
Read the guidance on visas and applying for a visa at the:
To apply for a job, you may need to provide a:
- UK criminal records certificate
Spanish criminal records certificate (Certificado de Antecedentes Penales)
certificate from the Spanish sex offenders registry (Certificado de Delitos de Naturaleza Sexual) to work with children- record of your employment history in Spain from Seguridad Social (a Vida Laboral certificate)
Read:
- working or providing services in Spain
- working in an EU country
- EU guidance on working in an EU country
- guidance on how to get your UK academic or professional qualifications recognised in Spain
- the Spanish government’s guidance on the right of UK nationals to work in the public sector
If you plan to work in Spain, even if you work for a UK-based company, this may affect where you pay National Insurance-type contributions. Read the National insurance and social security contributions section for more information.
If you were living in Spain before 1 January 2021
You have the right to work without a visa, under the Withdrawal Agreement.You can use your TIE or green A4 certificate or credit-sized piece of paper as proof of your right to work.
If you live in Spain and were regularly commuting to work in another EU or EFTA country before 1 January 2021, read our guidance for frontier workers.
Professional and academic qualifications
You may need to get your professional qualification recognised if you want to work in a profession that is regulated in Spain.
Read guidance on:
Recognition and legalisation of UK academic documents
If you need your UK academic qualification officially recognised in Spain, follow the Spanish Ministry of Education’s guidance (in Spanish).
Your degree certificate or other documents need to be certified by a UK notary public and then legalised by the FCDO Legalisation Office. This legalisation service is not provided by the British Embassy in Madrid, UK consulates in Spain, or the British Council in Spain.
Read guidance on getting your UK degree qualification certified and legalised in the UK.
If you were living in Spain before 1 January 2021
If the relevant regulator in Spain officially recognised your professional qualification before 1 January 2021, or you started the recognition process by this date, make sure you understand the terms of your decision. You should get advice from the relevant regulator.
Studying in Spain
If you plan to study in Spain, carry out an internship or take up a placement as a language assistant, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel.
Contact the relevant higher education provider in Spain to check what fees you may have to pay.
Read guidance on:
- continuing your studies in the EU
- studying in the European Union
- immigration routes for students, internships and language assistants
- visas for students, internships and language assistants from the Spanish Consulates in London, Edinburgh and Manchester
- healthcare for students in Spain
If you were living in Spain before 1 January 2021
The studying in the European Union guidance includes information if you were already living in Spain before 1 January 2021.
Moving to Northern Ireland from Spain.
If you are moving to Northern Ireland from Spain, then Advance moves can help you find a mover. Use the Quick quote to get an instant online quote for Moving to Northern Ireland from Spain, and then get up to 5 quotes from movers competing for your removal to Northern Ireland from Spain.
Save money on removals to Northern Ireland from Spain with help from advance moves.
Save time moving to Northern Ireland from Spain with advance moves help.
Use advance moves to find you a mover today, wherever you are moving.
A Complete Guide on Moving to Spain from Northern Ireland
Moving to Spain from Northern Ireland is an exciting yet complex process that requires thorough planning and consideration. Whether you’re moving for the sunny weather, a change in lifestyle, or to retire, understanding the logistics and necessary steps is essential to ensure a smooth transition. From legal requirements to cost-effective removals, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know when Moving to Spain from Northern Ireland.
1. Research Your New Location in Spain
Spain offers a wide variety of living environments, from vibrant cities to peaceful coastal towns and charming rural areas. The first step when Moving to Spain from Northern Ireland is deciding on the perfect location. Popular areas include:
- Barcelona and Madrid: Great for job opportunities and cultural experiences.
- Costa del Sol and Alicante: Ideal for expats looking for a relaxing retirement near the beach.
- Valencia and Seville: Offer a blend of cultural richness and affordable living.
Make sure to visit these places in person before making a final decision to see which area suits your lifestyle best.
2. Legal Requirements: Visas and Residency
Since the UK is no longer part of the European Union, Moving to Spain from Northern Ireland now requires obtaining the appropriate visa and residency permit. Here’s what you need to know:
- Short-Term Visa: If you’re planning to stay for less than 90 days, you’ll need a Schengen Visa.
- Long-Term Visa: For those planning to live in Spain for an extended period, the Non-Lucrative Visa or Golden Visa (for property buyers and investors) may be suitable.
- Residency: Once you’ve arrived, you will need to apply for a residence permit. UK citizens must now register with local authorities to obtain the Foreigners Identification Number (NIE) and residency card (TIE).
For more information, visit the Spanish Consulate or consult with an immigration lawyer.
3. Health Insurance and Healthcare
One of the important factors when Moving to Spain from Northern Ireland is understanding healthcare:
- Public Healthcare: As a resident, you may qualify for Spain’s public healthcare system. However, you’ll need to contribute to social security if you’re employed.
- Private Healthcare: Many expats choose private health insurance for quicker access to specialists and treatments. Private health insurance can also be required for certain visa applications.
For more information on healthcare, visit the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) website.
4. Cost of Living in Spain
The cost of living is generally lower in Spain compared to Northern Ireland, but it varies depending on your location. Consider the following factors when Moving to Spain from Northern Ireland:
- Rent: In smaller towns, rent is much more affordable compared to cities like Barcelona or Madrid. A one-bedroom apartment in a city center may cost between €700 and €1,000 per month, whereas outside the city, prices can drop to €500 or lower.
- Groceries: Expect to spend around €200-€300 per month for a couple on groceries.
- Utilities: Utilities such as electricity, gas, and water will cost between €100-€150 per month depending on usage.
You can calculate detailed living costs for various Spanish regions on sites like Numbeo.
5. Finding a Place to Live
Buying or renting a house is a crucial part of Moving to Spain from Northern Ireland. When house-hunting:
- Renting: Many expats rent initially before deciding where to buy property. Rental contracts are usually for one year with the option to renew. Property portals like Idealista or Fotocasa are popular for finding rentals.
- Buying: If you plan on buying, Spain offers attractive property prices, especially outside of large cities. However, hiring a lawyer to navigate the property laws and ensuring the property has legal status is highly recommended.
For more tips, check out Idealista.
6. Employment Opportunities in Spain
For those considering employment when Moving to Spain from Northern Ireland, it’s essential to research job opportunities in advance:
- Language Requirement: Fluency in Spanish will significantly improve your job prospects. However, there are opportunities in international companies or tourism-based sectors where English speakers are in demand.
- Popular Sectors: Tourism, education (especially teaching English), IT, and healthcare are common sectors that employ expats.
You can explore job listings on LinkedIn or Indeed.
7. Education in Spain
For families Moving to Spain from Northern Ireland, education is an important consideration. Spain offers:
- Public Schools: Education in Spain is free in public schools, but the language of instruction is Spanish.
- Private and International Schools: These are options for expat families looking for English-based or bilingual education, though fees can be high.
For more information on schools, check out International Schools in Spain.
8. Pension Transfers and Taxes
If you’re retiring, transferring your pension when Moving to Spain from Northern Ireland is critical:
- Pension Transfers: UK pensions can generally be transferred to a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS) in Spain, which can offer tax advantages.
- Taxes: Residents in Spain are required to pay taxes on their worldwide income. You should seek advice from a tax professional to ensure you’re compliant with Spanish and UK tax laws.
For detailed advice on pension transfers, visit Gov.uk.
9. Driving in Spain
If you’re Moving to Spain from Northern Ireland and plan to drive, you’ll need to:
- Exchange Your License: UK licenses are valid for six months, after which you’ll need to exchange it for a Spanish one. The process is relatively straightforward but may require some patience with bureaucracy.
- Car Insurance: Ensure that your car insurance policy is valid in Spain or purchase a new one locally.
You can find out more about driving in Spain on the DGT Spain website.
10. Removals to Spain from Northern Ireland: How Advance Moves Can Help
One of the biggest challenges when Moving to Spain from Northern Ireland is coordinating the logistics of moving all your possessions. Advance Moves offers a quick quote system that allows you to compare multiple removal companies quickly and easily, ensuring you find the best deal on removals to Spain.
- Quick Quote: Simply input your moving details, and Advance Moves will provide you with competitive quotes from reputable removal companies.
- Tailored Service: Whether you’re moving a few items or an entire household, Advance Moves can customize services to suit your needs.
- Cost-Effective: The Advance Moves system ensures that you get the most competitive prices for removals to Spain from Northern Ireland, saving you time and money.
For more information, visit the Advance Moves website.
Conclusion
Moving to Spain from Northern Ireland is a thrilling opportunity to enjoy a new lifestyle, but careful planning is essential. By researching the right location, understanding visa and residency requirements, and using a trusted removal service like Advance Moves, you can make your transition to Spain as smooth as possible. Whether you’re retiring, working, or seeking a new adventure, Spain offers plenty for those ready to embrace a Mediterranean way of life.
Racing in Europe.
Advance moves sponsors the Supermotoland Husqvarna race team. Follow them on the link as they race in the Spanish, European and World supermoto championships. Read more blogs about moving to Gibraltar with advance moves.