Move to Spain

Your new life on the Costa Blanca, step by step

Buying a home is only part of the move. Here is what to arrange before, during and after your purchase, and how Soltura helps you at every stage.

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Since 2002 we have helped hundreds of families settle in Rojales, Formentera del Segura and the rest of the Vega Baja. The same questions come up every time: which number do I need, can I get a mortgage, where will the children go to school, how does healthcare work, and who checks the legal side? Below you will find the answers, organised by topic.

01 · NIE

Your NIE: the number you need for everything

The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is your Spanish identification and tax number as a foreigner. Without it you cannot sign at the notary, open a Spanish bank account, connect utilities or pay your property taxes.

BeforeApply early. You can request it at a police station (extranjería) in Spain, at a Spanish consulate in your home country, or through a representative with power of attorney.

DuringYour NIE is stated on the purchase deed and is needed to pay the transfer tax. The notary will not proceed without it.

AfterStaying more than three months a year? EU citizens register as residents; non-EU citizens need the appropriate visa or residence permit.

How Soltura helps: we help you prepare the forms and arrange the appointment, or have it done by power of attorney so you do not need to travel for it.

02 · Mortgage

Mortgage and finances

Spanish banks lend to residents and non-residents. As a guideline, non-residents can often finance around 60 to 70% of the purchase price or valuation, residents somewhat more. Budget for purchase costs on top of the price: on a resale home in the Valencia region roughly 10 to 13% for transfer tax, notary, land registry and legal fees.

BeforeOpen a Spanish bank account and get an indication of your borrowing capacity before you start viewing. Gather proof of income, tax returns and bank statements.

DuringThe bank carries out an official valuation (tasación). By law you receive the binding offer (FEIN) at least ten days before signing, and the notary checks that you understand it.

AfterRepayments are taken from your Spanish account. Set up direct debits for IBI, community fees and utilities from the same account.

How Soltura helps: we introduce you to banks and independent mortgage advisers, and give you a clear overview of all costs before you make an offer.

03 · Schools

Schools and education

Moving with children? The Costa Blanca offers Spanish state schools, semi-private (concertado) schools and international schools with British and other curricula within driving distance of the Vega Baja.

BeforeDecide which type of school suits your children, as it can influence the area you buy in. International schools often have waiting lists, so contact them early.

DuringTo enrol in a state school you need your registration at the town hall (padrón). Applications for the next school year usually open in spring.

AfterChildren adapt quickly. In the Valencia region lessons are taught in Spanish and Valencian, and many schools offer extra language support for newcomers.

How Soltura helps: we share our local knowledge of the schools near each property and help you register on the padrón as soon as you have your new address.

04 · Healthcare

Healthcare

Spain has an excellent public healthcare system, complemented along the coast by private clinics and doctors who speak English, Dutch and other languages.

BeforeCheck your entitlement. Working residents are covered through Spanish social security; EU pensioners can often transfer their cover with an S1 form. A residency application may require private health insurance.

DuringWhile you are still travelling back and forth, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers necessary care during temporary stays.

AfterRegister at your local health centre (centro de salud) and apply for your SIP card, the health card of the Valencia region. In an emergency, call 112.

How Soltura helps: we tell you which health centre belongs to your new address and can put you in touch with insurers and multilingual practices in the area.

05 · Legal services

Legal services before, during and after purchase

A careful legal process protects your investment. Every property should be checked before you commit any money beyond a reservation deposit.

BeforeChecks on ownership and debts in the land registry (nota simple), building licences, the habitation certificate, and outstanding IBI and community fees.

DuringReservation contract, private purchase contract (usually with a 10% deposit), signing of the deed at the notary and registration in your name at the land registry.

AfterTransfer of utilities, IBI and community fees to your name, annual non-resident tax returns where applicable, and a Spanish will to keep things simple for your heirs.

How Soltura helps: with Soltura Legal Services we guide every step of the paperwork, from reservation to notary and beyond.

06 · After the keys

Settling in: we do not disappear

Electricity and water contracts, your registration at the town hall, a reliable local tradesman or a question about your IBI bill: after the purchase you can still call on us. Our after-sales team helps you through the first months in your new home, in your own language.

How Soltura helps: one familiar point of contact for everything that comes up once you live here.

This page contains general information and is not personal legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, percentages and procedures can change; we always check your specific situation.