Are you moving to Spain? Discover the prices for an international move and the steps to take to settle in Spain. Like many Irish people who have fallen in love with this country, it is important to prepare your project well before moving to Spain from Ireland.
What is the cost of moving to Spain?
As a national removal, the cost of international removal depends on the volume of your items and the distance between your old and new home. The average price range for moving to Spain from Ireland is estimated between 1000€ and 5500€.
How to estimate the cost of a European removal?
The cost depends largely on your destination within Spain: a removal to the Canary Islands, for example, or to Gibraltar will have a higher cost. The transportation method is also important in determining the price of your move to Spain. This is the case if you wish to transport your vehicle too.
How can I move to Spain and save money?
International removal involves many administrative procedures. The language barrier can also be an obstacle. Due to that, it is easier to be assisted by a professional company. Different companies offer different services and prices. Receive and compare several quotes from specialized international moving companies by filling out this simple and quick online form. This request is free of charge and without any obligation.
How to move to Spain?
The procedures and cost of moving to Spain will depend mainly on your distance. Means of transport and destination’s proximity to a port are also important factors. The most common way of transportation for a removal to Spain is a shipping container.
Cost of moving to Spain from Ireland
Below you will find an estimate of the costs based on the distance and the volume of your move. Prices can also vary depending on the additional services you will require. Finally, you can save around 30% on the total price if you opt for groupage transport (+ or – 1 week).
| House Size | Shipping Container Via Sea | Cost Via Air freight |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 Bedroom Flat | 1300 € - 1900 € | 2600 € - 3200 € |
| 3-5 Bedroom House | 2000 € - 2300 € | 3800 € - 5400 € |
Information on Moving to Spain
Prior to your arrival in Spain, take the time to research the administrative formalities about your new country.
ID in Spain
As a Irish citizen moving to Spain for more than one year or an indefinite period of time, you can apply for a visa at the Spanish Embassy nearest to your city.
Moving to Spain Checklist
1. Apply for an NIE number
Since 2007, the resident card has been abolished. Irish citizens who relocate to Spain are required to register within the province of their new home and to obtain an NIE number (Registration Number for Foreigners). The latter is necessary for many procedures (working, acquiring real estate, opening a bank account, registering your car, etc.).
How Long is the NIE Number Valid?
The NIE is valid for 5 years. It can be requested at the police station of your residential area or from the Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjeros), upon presentation of the duly completed form, an identity document and two photos.
2. Register at the Irish Consulate
When you arrive abroad, you must register with the Irish consulate in the district of your place of residence. Irish citizens are not required to complete this registration, although it is recommended. This will allow you to participate in local elections and ensure your safety in the country (important information, warn your loved ones in case of problems, etc.).
3. Which Spanish Banks to Choose?
To open a bank account, you will need an identity document and your NIE number. The most popular Spanish banks are BBVA, La Caixa and Santander, popular with individuals and Banco Sabadell, more directed towards professional customers. Online banks are very popular and preferred by the Spanish because they provide all services for free.
You can open an account as a non-Spanish resident, i.e. non-taxable and not subject to Spanish income tax if your main residence is defined in Ireland.
4. Social Security Number
To obtain your social security number, you must register with the municipal census (empadramiento) at the town hall of your place of residence.
5. Taxes in Spain
Your taxes will depend on your living situation when registered either in Ireland or Spain. If you work in Spain, you will be considered a resident and subject to income tax. The tax treaty signed between Ireland and Spain specifies the conditions in order to avoid double taxation in matters of income and wealth tax.
6. Will your Qualification be Recognized in Spain?
Qualifications will be sometimes necessary to be able to work in Spain. Although no work permit is required for European nationals, depending on the job you practised in Ireland, you will be asked for a diploma equivalent from the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science to be able to work and you settle in Spain.
Moving to Spain With a Dog?
If you plan to move to Spain with your pet, you will need to follow the Spanish legislation, at least 21 days prior to travel date. Your dog needs to have an ISO pet microchip inserted and be vaccinated for rabies.
How Can you Move to Spain With your Car?
If you are transporting your car to Spain, you will need to register your vehicle in Spain. Be aware that formalities can be long and tedious.
Cost of living in Spain
You’re probably already aware of the low cost of living in Spain compared to Ireland. It may be one of the main reasons why you’re considering moving there in the first place. Renting or buying a house can be quite reasonable, even if living in the city centre. Below you find prices comparisons of certain items:
| Item | Spain | Ireland |
|---|---|---|
| Milk | €0.76 | €0.96 |
| Cinema | €8 | €11 |
| Restaurant | €10 menu | €30 menu |
| Gym | €38 | €43 |
| Bus | €1.40 | €2.55 |
Housing in Spain
The price of rent will be relatively cheaper than rentals in Ireland. However, if you want to live in big cities like Madrid or Barcelona, you should account for a 60% price increase compared to the rest of Spain. Landlords sometimes tend to inflate rental prices for foreign tenants. Below is an estimate of the market prices charged:
| Cities | room/shared apartment | 1 room apartment | 3 rooms apartment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madrid | 200-400€ | 500-700€ | 1200-1400€ |
| Spain | 150-250€ | 350-550€ | 600-950€ |
Quick Facts About Spain
Sunshine all-year-round, wide diversity of landscapes to explore and a relaxing way of life calling are among the main reasons Irish people decide to make Spain their new home.
What you Need to Know Before Moving to Spain
With its favourable climate (although it can still snow in Madrid), the quality of life or its appreciated gastronomy, Spain strongly resembles an El Dorado for many students, retirees and young workers who have come to start a new life there. Here is some basic information about Spanish culture:
- Spanish is the official language, but if you live in Barcelona you will encounter people talking Catalan, or Basque in Navarre
- Lunch or dinner time is later than in Ireland, on average around 2 pm to 3 pm for lunch and not before 10 pm for dinner or even midnight!
- It is not customary or compulsory to leave a tip
Ready to Move to Spain?
To avoid paying more than needed for your international move, compare companies to find out which one offers the best price and service. Use our matching system to find the best company for your international removal and easily organize your move to Spain at the best price! The quote request is free of charge and with no obligation.
