How to Move to Spain

Málaga, Spain, is a stunning port city that combines traditional architecture with a modern skyline. Its great fusion of food, culture, and history is why it's such an appealing place for foreigners to settle down. Ready to wave goodbye to the USA and make Málaga, Spain, your new home?

We're here to help guide you through how to move to Spain from the USA and provide a general overview of the culture, visa process, and more. Here's everything you need to know. 

 Why Move to Málaga, Spain

Málaga is a lively Spanish destination perfectly situated on the coast. It has everything a tourist or resident would need. From history museums and restaurants to family-friendly activities and cultural events. If you're set on moving to Spain from the USA, here's what you can look forward to:

Beautiful Weather

Málaga enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year. What’s more, temperatures here are as close to perfect as you could hope for. The Montes de Málaga (Málaga Mountains) protect the city from excessive rain and heat. No matter what it’s like in the rest of Spain, in Málaga, it's always pleasant. Temperatures rarely climb above 90°F or dip below 60°F.

Culture of the World

Málaga is more than a city of chefs, swimmers, and sunbathers. It’s also a city of history, art, and culture. During Holy Week, it's alive with light, color, incense, flowers, and song. Huge processions wind their way through the streets, carrying ornate displays commemorating the city’s faith and spiritual traditions.

Food & Wine

Like any Spanish city, Málaga loves wine and tapas. But eating here isn’t like eating anywhere else. Málaga prefers to put its own spin on Spanish cuisine. Local favorites include:

• Espestos.Málaga’s signature food, salted sardines skewered and roasted over open flames. From May to August, you’ll find it served at dozens of makeshift barbeques springing up along the beach. Or head down to the Marina and eat it fresh, straight off the boat!
• Fritura Malagueña. Málaga loves seafood ‒ particularly fried fish. Squid, shellfish, and smaller varieties are harvested straight from the ocean, floured, battered, and fried to a delicious golden brown. Restaurants serve them on heaping platters or in paper cones, so you can eat on the go.
• Gazpachuelo Malagueño. A fish lover’s take on classic gazpachuelo, made with hake, prawns, mayonnaise, potatoes, lemon, and garlic. It’s a cold dish but pairs well with a cool glass of wine and the warm, subtropical climate.

Moving to Spain Checklist

Whether you’re planning on living in Málaga, Spain, temporarily or permanently, there are a few things you'll need to consider before you relocate. Here’s how to move to Spain as an American: 

How to Move Your Belongings Internationally

If you plan on making Spain your permanent residency, you may want to take your belongings. Moving to Spain with all your belongings can get tricky, especially if you have bulky or fragile items. You may consider investing in custom crating options with a professional international moving company. 

Considering moving to Spain from the USA temporarily? Consider storage solutions in your current city. This is an affordable way to store your belongings while you explore the beauty of Spain for an extended period.

Arrange for a Spanish Visa

Securing a living visa in Spain can be a lengthy process. You'll want to start at least three to six months in advance to ensure you have all of the necessary paperwork. If you plan on living in Málaga, Spain, for less than six months, consider applying for a long-term residency. This is slightly easier to obtain. However, if you want to work in the country, you must apply for a regular resident permit. You may be eligible for a self-employed work visa if you work remotely for a company in a different country.

Decide What Area to Live

From the Historic Center to El Limonar, you'll find many stunning neighborhoods throughout Málaga, Spain. While Málaga is considered one of the most expensive cities in Spain, there are affordable neighborhoods and affordable housing options in and outside the city.

Villas, townhouses, and apartments in Málaga aren’t only beautiful; they’re affordable. The average home price in Málaga is $320,000, compared to $428,000 in the United States. Rent is also cheaper, more than $400 less than what you would pay in the USA.

Look into Health Insurance

Health insurance is free for anyone who lives or works in the country. However, accessing healthcare in Spain requires a lengthy registration process. First, you must find a local healthcare center and schedule an appointment. You must also bring all required documentation, including a passport, NIIE, and residence certificate. 

If you aren't moving to Spain from the USA permanently or with a resident visa, you may consider purchasing health insurance from an authorized reseller, which can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 a month.

Start Looking for a Job

Most foreigners cannot apply for jobs until they obtain a regular resident permit, which can be a lengthy process and cause delays in employment. While looking for a job, you'll want to ensure you have enough money to live comfortably in Spain. However, if you work remotely or for an American company, you can consider applying for a self-employed work visa. 

Secure your Finances

Once you've moved to Spain, you'll want to open a bank account there. You can open a bank account in Spain with proof of address, proof of employment, and a current passport. You'll also need to provide your Spanish tax number.

Learn to Speak Spanish

English is spoken throughout Málaga, Spain. However, if you want to integrate into the Spanish culture, you'll want to learn the language. Consider enrolling in an online class or going to an in-person class. An in-person class will introduce you to new people and help you practice the language with other Spanish speakers. 

Get an International Driving Permit

If you plan to drive when you move to Spain, you'll want to obtain an international driving permit. To get a driving permit, you must take a class at a driving school and pass the driving exam. 

Overseas moves are easy with the right team smoothing the way for you. North American Van Lines® maintains an extensive network of employees and partners who operate globally. Whether you want to learn how to move to Málaga, Spain, or anywhere else, we work with you every step of the way, from packing to passports, ensuring no detail (big or small) is overlooked or mishandled. Reach out for a free, personalized quote today!