Turn Your Spanish Address into a Home
You get the visa. You found the property. Now comes the hard part: making it home. We handle the details
98% Client Compliance
30+ Years Experience
Recognized US-SPAIN Experts
Get Your Move in a Road Map.
Here’s what most Americans get wrong
They treat settling in like vacation, not a project. Three months later, they’re still dealing with electricity deposits, furniture
delays, and incorrect tax registrations.
We’ve guided 1,000+ expats through this exact transition. Our 90-Day Roadmap ensures you’re living like a local, not a tourist, within your first quarter.
Your 90-Day Road Map
WEEK 1: GET LIVE AND CONNECTED
- ✓ Activate Electricity and Water (CRITICAL)
- ✓ Set up Internet and Mobile
- ✓ Register your address (Padron) — can wait until Week 2
Estimated Cost: €300 (deposits) + €150 (setup fees).
WEEK 2: TURN EMPTY INTO HOME
- ✓ Furnish your home (IKEA, bespoke, or luxury design)
- ✓ Arrange household goods delivery.
- ✓ Set up security and Wi-Fi.
Estimated Cost:
€2,000 (IKEA basics)
€5,000-15,000 (Mid-range packages)
€25,000+ (Custom design)
Why the sequence matters:
Set up utilities first (Week 1) so furniture delivery (Week 2) doesn’t sit in a dark apartment.
Register for healthcare (Week 3) before enrolling kids in school—most international schools require proof of insurance.
WEEK 3: SETTLE YOUR FAMILY
- ✓ Enroll kids in school (if applicable)
- ✓ Register for healthcare (CRITICAL)
- ✓ Open Spanish bank account
Estimated Cost: €0-€5,000 (school deposits vary).
WEEK 4: GET MOVING
- ✓ Buy or lease your car.
- ✓ Register vehicle with authorities.
- ✓ Get car insurance.
Estimated Cost: €5,000+ (used car purchase)
€300-700/mo (lease, includes insurance)
€0 (Many expats wait 3-6 months and use public transit)
Setting Up Utilities
ELECTRICITY (LUZ)
Providers: Iberdrola, Endesa, Naturgy (market is liberalized—you choose).
Key Consideration – The Potencia Trap: You pay a fixed fee based on your power level (kW). Most apartments need 3.3–4.6 kW. Choose too low? Your breakers trip every time you run AC + washing machine. Choose too high? You’re paying about €30/month extra for capacity you’ll never use.
The Boletines Issue: If the previous owner doesn’t have an Installation Certificate, you must hire a certified electrician (€100–€300) to inspect and certify it—without it, no power.
Timeline: 5–10 business days activation (longer in August).
Cost: €80–€150/month.
WATER (AGUA)
(The Easy One)
The Good News: Water is the easiest utility to set up. Managed by your local Town Hall (Ayuntamiento), it’s cheap (€20-40/month) and rarely causes issues. Just register ownership and you’re done.
Cost: €20-40/month (very affordable).
INTERNET & MOBILE
Providers: Movistar (largest), Vodafone, Orange. Offers are constantly changing.
Internet Cost: €30-60/month for 600Mbps fiber.
Mobile Cost: €20-30/month for unlimited calls/data.
Spain’s fiber internet is world-class. Even small towns get 600Mbps symmetrical speeds—faster and cheaper than most U.S. options
Timeline: 7-14 days for installation
Don’t want to navigate Boletines certificates and Potencia calculations? Our Move-In Coordinator handles all utilities setup—you just show up to a powered, connected home
Turn Empty Into Furnished: Your Furnishing Options
From quick setup to custom luxury, here’s the full cost and timeline breakdown
Fast & Affordable
Description:
• In-store design services
(€29-149)
• Delivery within 48 hours
• Furniture costs: €2,000-4,000 for 2-bed apartment
Best For:
• Quick move-ins
• Rental Properties
• Temporary Setups
Timeline: Immediate (in-stock items)
Cost: €2,000-€4,000+ €50-150 delivery
Curated Style
Description:
• Pre-curated design styles
(Scandi, Boho, Modern)
• Delivery, assembly, and
styling included
• Local designers manage
full coordination
Best For:
• Investment properties
• Rental-ready apartments
• 4-6 week timelines
Timeline: 4-6 weeks
Cost: €5,000-€15,000 (2-bed apartment)
Bespoke Excellence
Description:
• Full-service interior design
• Trade-only suppliers &
artisan sourcing
• Project management form concept to visualization
• Personal 3D renderings and mood boards
Best For:
• Primary Residence
• Luxury villas
• Unique aesthetic vision
Timeline: 6-12 weeks
Cost: €25,000+ (design fees 10-15% of total budget)
Don’t want to navigate Boletines certificates and Potencia calculations? Our Move-In Coordinator handles all utilities setup—you just show up to a powered, connected home
Property Management
Ready to Generate Income? Compare Your Rental Options
Many Americans who buy Spanish property want to generate income while they’re not using it. Here’s how to evaluate your options
SHORT-TERM RENTAL (AIRBNB / VACATION)
Legal Requirements (as of 2025): Community Approval: Building must vote. 60% approval required. Many buildings are now banning tourist rentals.
VUT License: Regional Tourist License (varies by region).
NRU Registry: National Short-Term Rental Registry (€27 fee, instant online).
Management Company Charges: 15-20% of gross income.
Income Potential: 3-5x higher than long-term rent (but seasonal—50-70% average occupancy).
Tax: Income Tax on profits + 10% VAT if you provide hotel services (cleaning, linen).
Timeline: 3-6 weeks to get licensed (if building approves).
Best For: High-income potential, flexible use of property, premium locations.
Cons: Regulatory complexity, guest management, seasonal income.
LONG-TERM RENTAL (6+ MONTHS)
Legal Requirements: Standard residential lease (LAU Law). No licenses needed.
Management Company Charges: 10% of rent (Sandtons standard).
Income Potential: 5.5-12.5% yield depending on location. Stable year-round.
Tenant Protection: Spanish law is pro-tenant. Leases are 5-7 years. Eviction is slow (takes 6-12 months).
Occupancy: 95%+ (very stable).
Services Included: Tenant screening, lease management, rent collection, maintenance coordination, tax compliance.
Timeline: 2-4 weeks to place tenant.
Best For: Passive income, stable cash flow, less regulatory burden.
Pros: Predictable income, low management, legal simplicity.
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Living in Spain Made Simple
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NATIVES-DEEP DIVE-SPAIN MADE SIMPLE-THE EXPLAINER
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Everything You Need to Know
VISAS MADE SIMPLE
All Pathways Explained in Plain English Digital Nomad or Non-Lucrative
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Go to Visas Page
TAX MADE SIMPLE
From residency rules to property and pensions, Spain’s tax system explained in plain English.
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Go to Tax Page
MOVING TO SPAIN MADE SIMPLE
From first “Could we?” to landing with a plan, your entire relocation mapped in plain English.
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Go To Moving to Spain Page
Buying Property Made Simple
All pathways explained in plain English, Digital Nomad or Non-lucrative
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Go to Property Page
NIE Made Simple
Your Spanish foreigner ID number, secured quickly and correctly so everything else can move forward.
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Go to NIE Page
COST OF LIVING MADE SIMPLE
All pathways explained in plain English, from first numbers to a move-ready budget
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Go to Cost of Living Page
INSURANCE MADE SIMPLE
Health and home cover that meets Spanish rules, explained and arranged in plain English.
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Go to Cost of Living Page
Money Transfer Made Simple
Move your money to Spain with low fees and smart FX.
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Go to Money Transfer Page
MORTGAGES MADE SIMPLE
All the numbers, options and bank rules explained in plain English.
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Go to Mortgages Page
Living in Spain Made Simple
You’ve got the keys. Now we make everyday life in Spain work smoothly
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Go to Living in Spain Page
Property Management Made Simple
Turn your Spanish property into income, with strategy, compliance and management handled for you.
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Education Made Simple
Public & international schools, Spain’s education options explained in plain English.
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Everything You Need to Know
Visas
Which visa path seems right for you, Digital Nomad or Non Lucrative?
Tax
Can you really live in Spain for less than US?
Cost of Living
Understand your US and Spanish Tax obligations and don’t overpay.
Mortgage
Check your score and get pre-approved for a mortgage in less that 3 minutes
Visas
Which visa path seems right for you, Digital Nomad or Non Lucrative?
Tax
Can you really live in Spain for less than US?
Cost of Living
Understand your US and Spanish Tax obligations and don’t overpay.
Mortgage
Check your score and get pre-approved for a mortgage in less that 3 minutes
Quick Guides
Visas Made Simple
Moving to Spain isn’t about luck; it’s about matching your income source to the right visa.
Tax Made Simple
The headlines say “Spain will take half of your money.” The reality is different with the right structure. It can be incredibly tax efficient for high earners.
Moving Made Simple
Moving to Spain is no just about packing bags; its is a legal and logical operation.
Buying Property Made Simple
Buying property in Spain is not like buying in the US or UK. It is safe, but the process is different.
NIE Made Simple
The NIE (Número de identificación de extranjeros) is not just a tax number- it is your digital fingerprint in Spain. You do not exist legally or financially without it.
Cost of Living Made Simple
You have heard the headlines: “Spain is cheap.” But cheap is relative. The real story isn’t just about spending less it is about Geo-Arbitrage. .
Insurance Made Simple
Insurance in Spain is not just about protection. It is often a legal gatekeeper for your visa or mortgage.
Mortgages Made Simple
The most common question we get “Can wa foreigner really get a mortgage in Spain?” The Answer: Yes, Spanish banks are eager to lend to UK and UK citizens.
Money Transfer Made Simple
The biggest loss of money is year 1 is not rent, not even on taxes. It is the haircut; on large transfers when buying property or moving you rest egg.
Living in Spain Made Simple
You have the visa. You have the property. Now comes the real work turning a Spanish address into a home.
Property Handling Made Simple
You bought below market, you bought off-plan. Now you need to decide: flip it, ren it, short-term or long=term
Education Made Simple
Spain offers a high quality of life for children. Choosing between public and international schools, has lots of conditions beyond free of ree.
Frequently Asked Questions
First-Time Homeowner: “I just closed on my Spanish property, but I have no idea how utilities work here. If I mess up the ‘Potencia’ or forget the Boletines certificate, what happens—and how do I avoid it?
You’re right to be concerned. The Boletines trap can cost hundreds and delay your electricity connection by weeks. We walk you through every step: what Potencia level your apartment actually needs (not what the previous owner guessed), which provider to choose, and how to get the installation certificate before the technician arrives. We’ll also help you avoid the August activation delays, when thousands of other expats are trying to get powered up at the same time. Most importantly, we coordinate all three utilities—electricity, water, and internet—simultaneously, so you’re not chasing deadlines separately.
Family Relocating: “My kids need a good international school, but we also want to live in a safe neighborhood with beach access that doesn’t bankrupt us—which regions actually offer all three?”
This depends entirely on your timeline and priorities. If you need your place furnished by Week 2, IKEA with 48-hour delivery (€2,000–€4,000 for a two-bedroom apartment) is your best option. If you have 4–6 weeks, mid-range furniture packages from local designers (€5,000–€15,000) offer curated style without the delays of custom design. If you’re building a long-term home and aren’t rushed, high-end custom design (€25,000+) creates something uniquely yours. We coordinate all three paths—handling vendor selection, timeline management, and installation oversight—so you’re not juggling contractors while settling in.
Retiree or Investor: “I’ve heard the Costa del Sol is expensive, but I’ve also heard about hidden gems nearby. How do I know if I should pay premium prices in Marbella or look at alternatives like Estepona?”
This is the most common decision point, and the answer depends on where you’re living and how patient you are. Major cities (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga) have excellent metro systems, where a €30–€55 monthly pass can get you almost anywhere. Outside these cities, you’ll likely want a car within six months. Most Americans lease for the first year (€300–€700/month, including insurance, maintenance, and roadside assistance) while building credit history, then buy in the second year. Buying directly costs 4–8% in transfer tax plus registration (roughly €200), and requires a Spanish bank account and proof of residency. We handle the entire process—from helping you decide whether to buy or lease based on your location, to managing registration and insurance setup—so you avoid overpaying and unnecessary delays with the Traffic Authority (DGT).
What is a "Boletines" and why do I care?
A Boletín is an electrical safety inspection certificate. It proves your wiring is safe. If the previous owner doesn’t have one (common in older properties), you must hire a certified electrician to inspect and issue one. Cost: €100-300. Timeline: 1-2 weeks. Without it, your electricity supplier won’t activate service. It’s a gotcha many expats miss.
Can I do a short-term rental if my building bans them?
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How much does car insurance cost?
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What is the difference between Terceros and Todo Riesgo insurance?
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What is the ITV, and when do I need it?
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Can I lease a car without a TIE card?
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What happens if I don't pay my utilities?
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Can I furnish a rental property BEFORE finding tenants?
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How much do you budget for initial move-in costs?
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Your Move-In Coordinator Awaits
From utilities to furniture to property management. We’ve got you covered.
450+ Americans successful supported for medical care access in Spain.
End-to-end system advice Private, public, hybrid, dental/vision, family retirees, remote workers
Partnerships with market-leading Spanish insurances and clinics trusted by WHO
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Featured testimonials; Americans sharing healthcare wins and system comparisons
