Checklist for moving to Spain from Latin America: complete guide with real steps for 2026-2027

If you are planning your checklist for moving to Spain from Latin America, now is the perfect time: July 2026 is ideal to start procedures with enough time before 2027 deadlines. Spain offers job opportunities, education, and quality of life, but the process requires organisation. This guide provides an actionable list with the real steps you need to follow, from visas to cultural integration, to avoid delays or common mistakes.

Use this checklist in Foco to manage each task with its own colour and priority. In Panorama mode, you will see all stages of your move at once, while Foco mode will help you concentrate on a specific area, such as legal procedures or housing search. With the Kanban view, organise tasks into columns like 'To do', 'In progress', and 'Done', and use the calendar to schedule appointments at consulates or banks.

What you need before travelling

Pre-travel procedures are the most critical. In Spain, visa and permit deadlines can stretch for months, especially in high-demand consulates. Start early and use reminders in Foco to keep track of key dates. If you connect your Google or Outlook calendar, you will see your appointments alongside your moving tasks.

• Research the type of visa you need based on your situation: work, study, family reunification, or non-lucrative visa (check the Spanish consulate website in your country)
• Gather documents for the visa: valid passport, application form, passport-sized photos, apostilled criminal record certificate, international health insurance, and proof of financial means
• Book an appointment at the Spanish consulate in your country to submit your visa documents (waiting times vary: book 2-3 months in advance)
• Translate into Spanish and apostille official documents such as birth certificate, university degree, or employment contract (if applicable)
• Purchase private health insurance that covers Spain for at least the first year (required for non-lucrative visas and some work visas)
• Look for temporary housing options for your first months: platforms like Idealista, Fotocasa, or expat Facebook groups in your destination city
• Compare cost of living in Spanish cities: rent, transport, and basic services vary greatly between Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, or smaller cities
• Open a bank account in Spain from your country if possible (banks like BBVA, Santander, or CaixaBank offer accounts for non-residents)
• Apply for your NIE (Foreigner Identity Number) from your country if your visa allows it, or prepare to do so upon arrival in Spain
• Pack and label your belongings for shipping: decide what to take on the plane and what to send by sea (companies like Iberia Cargo or DHL offer international services)
• Check if you need additional vaccines or medical certificates to enter Spain (consult the Spanish Ministry of Health)
• Learn the basics of Spanish if you do not already speak it: online courses, apps, or in-person classes in your country will help with integration
• Research the registration process (empadronamiento): it is mandatory upon arrival and necessary to access public services like healthcare or education
• Prepare a physical and digital folder with copies of all your documents: visa, passport, contracts, insurance, and certificates (store them in the cloud and on a USB drive)
• Find expat communities in your destination city: Facebook groups, Meetup, or forums like Internations can provide practical advice
• Plan your first month in Spain: budget for rent, food, transport, and emergencies (it is advisable to have savings for 3-6 months)
• Book an appointment for empadronamiento at your city hall upon arrival (there may be waiting lists)
• Register with the Spanish Social Security system if you are going to work: your employer should handle this, but verify it is done
• Learn about local customs: meal times, regional holidays, and social norms to avoid misunderstandings
• Explore public transport options in your city: cards like the T-Casual in Barcelona or the Abono Transportes in Madrid are cost-effective and useful