How to move to Spain: a complete guide for international families
Moving to Spain with your family involves dozens of simultaneous decisions: which visa, which school, which neighbourhood, which tax regime. This guide walks you through each one, based on the experience of RUGA guiding high-net-worth families through their relocation to Spain.
The first step to relocating to Spain is securing the right visa. Your nationality, family structure and financial situation determine the best option. The most common pathways for high-net-worth families are the Golden Visa (real estate investment of €500,000+), the Digital Nomad Visa, and the Non-Lucrative Visa. Each has different requirements for proof of income, health insurance and background checks. RUGA analyses your case, prepares the documentation and coordinates with specialist immigration lawyers.
Golden Visa: €500,000+ real estate investment, fast-track residency
Digital Nomad Visa: for remote workers, allows Spanish income
Non-Lucrative Visa: for those not working in Spain, proof of means required
Family reunification: spouses and dependent children included
2. Tax residency and planning
Moving to Spain means you may become a Spanish tax resident, which affects how your worldwide income and assets are taxed. The impatriados regime (commonly known as the Beckham Law) can significantly reduce your tax burden for the first six years if you qualify. Proper planning before you arrive is critical: the date you register, the structure of your assets, and your ties to other countries all matter. RUGA coordinates with international tax advisors to optimise your position before you land.
Tax residency is triggered by spending 183+ days in Spain or having your centre of interests here
The impatriados regime can cap income tax at 24–47% on Spanish-source income only
Wealth tax varies by autonomous community (Madrid and Andalusia offer relief)
Pre-arrival structuring of investments and property is essential
3. Finding your home in Spain
Spain's prime residential market spans from flats in Madrid's Salamanca district to beachfront villas in Marbella and historic fincas in Mallorca. The best properties are often never listed publicly. RUGA works with vetted prime agents who grant access to off-market opportunities. We brief your family's lifestyle, visit and shortlist properties, handle due diligence, negotiate the price, and manage notary, reforms and interiorism. Whether you prefer to buy or rent, we secure the right home before you arrive.
Prime areas: Salamanca and La Moraleja (Madrid), Sarrià and Pedralbes (Barcelona)
Golden Mile and Sotogrande (Marbella), Son Vida and Deià (Mallorca)
Off-market access through vetted prime agents
Full negotiation, notary and handover management
4. International schools
Spain has one of Europe's strongest networks of international schools, particularly in Madrid, Barcelona, Marbella and Mallorca. British, American, IB, German and French curricula are all available. Admissions can be competitive and often require entrance exams, interviews and waiting lists, especially for mid-year entries. RUGA maps the schools that fit each child's academic path, manages the full admission process, and coordinates convalidation of previous studies and private tutoring where needed.
Curricula: British (A-Level), American (AP), IB, German (Abitur), French (Baccalauréat)
Admissions involve exams, interviews and often 6–12 month lead times
We handle applications, visits and convalidation of foreign transcripts
Private tutors and extra-curricular coordination included
5. Private healthcare and insurance
Spain's public healthcare is excellent, but most international families prefer private coverage for faster access, English-speaking doctors and international hospital networks. We arrange private health insurance with top-tier international providers, register you with a reference doctor or clinic, and set up second-opinion services. We also configure home, vehicle and liability insurance to match your family's profile and asset level.
International private health insurance with global coverage
Reference doctor, specialist access and second opinions
Home, vehicle and civil liability insurance
Registration with private clinics before arrival
6. Settling in: lifestyle and adaptation
Relocation is not finished when the plane lands. The first months are about feeling at home: registering at the town hall, opening bank accounts, setting up utilities, finding domestic staff, joining clubs, and building a social network. RUGA stays at your side through all of it. From arranging a chauffeur or security detail, to Spanish lessons, to introductions in your community, we make sure your family settles in with confidence.
Town hall registration (empadronamiento), bank accounts, utilities
Domestic staff, chauffeur, security and concierge services
Clubs, golf, sailing, equestrian and cultural activities
Spanish lessons and social circle introductions
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to relocate to Spain?
For a family, plan six to nine months. School admissions and tax residency planning have fixed calendars that cannot be rushed. Urgent relocations are possible but limit your options.
What visa do I need to move to Spain?
It depends on your nationality and situation. Common options include the Golden Visa (investment), Digital Nomad Visa, Non-Lucrative Visa, and work-based residence permits. RUGA analyses your case and recommends the right path.
Can my children attend international schools in Spain?
Yes. Spain has a strong network of British, American, IB, German and French international schools, especially in Madrid, Barcelona, Marbella and Mallorca. We manage the entire admissions process.
What is the tax implication of moving to Spain?
Becoming a Spanish tax resident means you are taxed on worldwide income. However, special regimes like the impatriados (Beckham Law) can significantly reduce your tax burden for the first years. Planning before you arrive is essential.
Ready to plan your family's relocation to Spain?
Every family is different. Request a private consultation and we'll design a plan tailored to your situation.
