Living in Spain
Expat Guide to Living in Spain’s Mediterranean Coast
Moving from Northern Europe to Spain’s sun-soaked Mediterranean coastlines is more than a dream—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. Whether you’re captivated by the whitewashed villages of Costa Blanca North, the golden beaches of Costa Blanca South, the Costa Cálida and Almería, or the cosmopolitan Costa del Sol, this guide—brought to you by Prime Estate Luxury Homes—will help you start your new life in Spain.
At Prime Estate, we don’t just sell properties—we guide you through the entire relocation process. From choosing the right region to handling Spanish paperwork, our expertise ensures your move is smooth and stress-free.
Legal & Administrative Essentials
NIE Number
Your NIE is essential for:
- Buying property
- Opening a bank account
- Registering for utilities
- Accessing healthcare
A Spanish lawyer can handle this entire process via a Power of Attorney, meaning you don’t even need to be in Spain to start your relocation.
Town Hall Registration
Register at your local Ayuntamiento (town hall) within 90 days. Required for:
- Healthcare & school access
- Voting rights in local elections
- Proof of residence
Residency Certificate
EU citizens staying longer than 90 days must apply for a residency certificate. Benefits include:
- Full healthcare coverage
- Social services access
- Long-term residency rights
Tip: At Prime Estate, we connect you with multilingual lawyers who can manage all paperwork—including NIE, residency, empadronamiento, tax registration—on your behalf.
Finding Your Dream Home in Spain
Popular Expat Areas We Cover
- Costa Blanca North (Jávea, Denia, Altea, Calpe): Mountain views, charming old towns, strong Dutch & German communities.
- Costa Blanca South (Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Guardamar): Sandy beaches, modern developments, vibrant British & Scandinavian expat life.
- Costa Cálida (Murcia, Mar Menor Area, Cartagena, Mazarrón): Peaceful lifestyle, affordable villas, warm microclimate.
- Costa Almería (Mojácar, Vera, Aguilas): Authentic Spain, unspoiled beaches, growing French & Belgian communities.
- Costa del Sol (Málaga, Marbella, Estepona, Fuengirola): Luxury living, international schools, vibrant nightlife, golf & yachting.
Banking, Utilities & Daily Life
Banks with Expat Services:
- Banco Sabadell – +34 963 085 000 | bancsabadell.com/expats
- CaixaBank – +34 900 101 010 | caixabank.es
- BBVA – +34 902 200 200 | bbva.es
Utilities Providers:
- Electricity: Iberdrola (+34 900 225 235 | iberdrola.es)
- Gas: Naturgy (+34 900 100 251 | naturgy.es)
- Internet & TV: Movistar (1004), Orange (1470), Vodafone (123)
Healthcare in Spain
Spain offers excellent healthcare through both public and private systems.
Public Healthcare (SIP Card): Free for registered residents. Register at your local Centro de Salud.
Private Healthcare (popular with expats for faster, multilingual service):
- Sanitas – +34 902 102 454 | sanitas.es
- Adeslas – +34 902 200 200 | adeslas.es
- DKV – +34 902 499 499 | dkvseguros.com
- ASISA – +34 902 010 010 | asisa.es
- Mapfre Salud – +34 918 366 240 | mapfre.es/salud
Many expats choose dual coverage: Spanish public healthcare + private insurance for English-speaking specialists and shorter waiting times.
Transport & Connectivity
- Airports: Alicante (Costa Blanca), Murcia-Corvera (Costa Cálida), Almería, Málaga (Costa del Sol).
- Public Transport: ALSA buses (+34 902 422 242 | alsa.es), Renfe trains (+34 912 320 320 | renfe.com).
- Driving: EU licenses valid, easily exchangeable for Spanish licenses.
Expat Communities
- Dutch & Belgian Expats: Strong presence in Costa Blanca North and Costa Cálida.
- French Expats: Popular in Costa Almería and Costa del Sol.
- German Expats: Settled in Costa Blanca North and Marbella.
- Nordic Expats: Found in Fuengirola, Marbella, Alicante.
Connect through local clubs, Facebook groups, and cultural associations for faster integration.
Useful Contacts Directory
Emergency Numbers:
- General Emergency: 112 (English-speaking operators available)
- National Police: 091
- Local Police: 092
- Ambulance: 061
Residency & Taxes:
- NIE & Residency: Local Police Stations (Comisaría de Policía)
- Tax Office (Agencia Tributaria): agenciatributaria.gob.es | +34 901 335 533
Hospitals & Health Centers:
- Hospital Costa del Sol (Marbella): +34 951 976 669
- Centro de Salud Alicante-Babel: +34 965 938 824
Transport:
- ALSA Bus: +34 902 422 242
- RENFE: +34 912 320 320
- Alicante Airport (ALC): +34 913 211 000
- Málaga Airport (AGP): +34 952 048 838
Banks & Services:
- Banco Sabadell: +34 963 085 000
- CaixaBank: +34 900 101 010
- BBVA: +34 902 200 200
Why Choose Prime Estate Luxury Homes?
- Local expertise in Costa Blanca North & South, Costa Cálida, Costa Almería, and Costa del Sol.
- Multilingual team (English, French, Dutch, Spanish, German).
- Full relocation support: property search, legal paperwork (NIE, residency, taxes), banking, utilities, and after-sales care.
- Trusted by expats across Europe for transparent, secure, and personalized property services.
