Emigrating to the Costa del Sol, in the right order
Buying a property is the smallest step. Residencia, tax residency, healthcare, schools, and your car determine whether your first year runs smoothly. We put those steps in the right order and guide you through them.
What needs to be arranged in the first year
Not everything can be done at once. The order is crucial, as some applications can only be completed once a previous step has been finalised. This is the route we follow.
Applying for a NIE and registering with the municipality
Registering for residencia as an EU citizen
Deregistering in the Netherlands at the right time
Arranging healthcare: public system or private policy
Choosing a school and enrolling in time
Importing a car or buying one here
Residencia is not just a formality, it is a sequence
As an EU citizen, you do not need a visa, but you do need to register. If you are staying for longer than three months, you must report to the immigration office to obtain your residencia. To do this, you must demonstrate that you have your own income or assets and that your healthcare is covered. Without this registration, you will face difficulties with banks, the healthcare system, and registering your car.
You become a tax resident sooner than you think
If you stay in Spain for more than 183 days a year, you are a tax resident here and must declare your worldwide income in Spain. The tax treaty between the Netherlands and Spain then determines which country can levy tax on what and prevents double taxation. For people moving to Spain for work, there is a special regime with a fixed rate of 24 percent, subject to strict conditions and for a limited period. Our tax specialist can calculate your situation in advance. This is not tax advice or investment advice.
Arrange healthcare before you need it
If you work here and pay social security contributions, you will be covered by the public system. If you are retired, you arrange this via an S1 form from the Netherlands. If you fall into neither category, you should take out a private policy. Choose this before you move, as both municipal registration and residency require proof of cover. There is a wide range of public and private hospitals around Marbella and Estepona.
School, car, and the rest of the household
Children can attend Spanish state schools or an international school. The latter often have waiting lists, so apply before you choose a property. The school often determines the location more than the other way around. You can import your Dutch car, but you will need to have it inspected, pay import tax, and register it with Spanish plates. You must exchange your driving licence within the legal timeframe after registering.
Client testimonials
The best validation of our work comes from the people we have had the pleasure of assisting.
From a first investment in Spain to the purchase of a dream villa: every client has different wishes and objectives.
What remains the same is our personal approach and commitment throughout the entire process.
Property developer and estate agent on the Costa del Sol.
We guide clients through the buying and selling of property, develop our own projects, and provide access to a carefully selected range of new-build, existing, and exclusive properties.
Behind every transaction is a local team of property consultants, project developers, and operational specialists. Together, we support clients with a wide range of property decisions: from a second home on the Costa del Sol to an exclusive villa or a complete property portfolio.
Property purchases managed
2023 - 2026
Clients assisted
Own projects launched
Officially registered as an estate agent in Spain
Years of local experience on the Costa del Sol
Questions about emigrating
On residency, tax residency, healthcare, school, and your car
You become a tax resident if you stay for more than 183 days per calendar year, or if your economic interests are based here. It is not a choice you make; it is a result of the facts. Keep track of your days in the year you move. This will save you from arguments with both tax authorities.
If you live outside the Netherlands for more than eight months a year, you must deregister from your municipality and register with the Spanish Foreigners' Register. Follow that order. Deregistering affects your health insurance, any benefits you receive, and your state pension (AOW) accrual, so write down the consequences before you take the step.
In that case, you should apply for an S1 form via your Dutch health insurer or the CAK. This allows you to register with the Spanish system and use healthcare here as a local resident. Many expats also keep a private policy to avoid shorter waiting times. Sort this out before you leave, not after.
Yes. State education is in Spanish and free of charge, while international schools operate in English and are fee-paying. Young children pick up the language quickly; teenagers need more time. Choose the school first and the neighbourhood second. The commute to school will dictate your daily routine more than the view will.
You can, but it is a lot of work. You will need to import the car, have it technically inspected, pay import tax based on its value and emissions, and register it with Spanish plates. Expect a lead time of several weeks and costs that may exceed the value of an older car. In that case, you are better off buying something new here.
Ready for your next step on the Costa del Sol?
Whether you are looking for a second home, an attractive investment or a place under the Spanish sun: we are happy to help you make the right choice. Book a free introductory call and discover which options match your wishes.
