Moving from the UK to Spain since Brexit involves more sequencing than it used to. This isn't legal advice — see the official gov.uk living in Spain guidance and speak to a qualified immigration adviser for anything specific to your circumstances — but here's a general shape most UK movers follow.
1. Establish your residency route
Before anything else, understand which visa or residency route actually applies to you — retirement, remote work, family reunification and other routes all have different requirements. This decision shapes almost everything that follows, so it's worth getting proper advice early rather than assuming.
2. Decide rent vs buy — and consider renting first
Many movers rent for six to twelve months before buying, which avoids locking in a purchase before you've properly tested an area. See our renting before buying guide.
3. Get your NIE
An NIE (foreigner's identification/tax number) is generally needed for almost anything official in Spain, from signing a rental contract to opening a bank account.
4. Register your residency (TIE) and address (padrón)
These are separate processes. See the official gov.uk TIE guidance for the residency card process, and the Ayuntamiento de Orihuela's padrón page for local address registration if you're settling in the Orihuela Costa area.
5. Sort healthcare
How you access healthcare in Spain depends on your residency status, age and whether you're working. See gov.uk's healthcare in Spain guidance for the current position.
6. Plan removals, pets and belongings
Book removals well in advance of your move date, and check current pet travel requirements on gov.uk — these changed after Brexit and continue to be updated.
7. If you have children, time the move around the school year
See our moving with children guide for schooling considerations.