🇪🇸 Spain, Here We Come!
- Mar 28
- 9 min read
Updated: Apr 1
From vibrant cities to coastal living and rich cultural heritage, Spain offers an appealing lifestyle for individuals, families, and professionals starting a new chapter abroad. With its relaxed pace of life, strong infrastructure, and diverse regions, Spain continues to attract international residents from around the world. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make your relocation from Japan to Spain smooth, informed, and stress-free.
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🛬 1. Preparing for the Move to Spain
Visa & Immigration Requirements
Before relocating to Spain, securing the correct visa or residency permit is essential. The type of visa depends on your employment status, financial situation, and long-term plans.
Common visa categories for relocating individuals and families include:
Non-Lucrative Visa: For individuals who can support themselves without working in Spain
Work Visa: For those with a confirmed job offer
Digital Nomad Visa: For remote workers employed outside Spain
Golden Visa: For investors (e.g., property investment above required thresholds)
Student Visa: For academic study
Family Reunification Visa: For spouses and dependents
Permanent Residency: Available after meeting long-term residency requirements
Spain’s immigration process involves coordination with consulates and local authorities. Momentum works with immigration specialists and destination partners to ensure your application is properly prepared before departure.
Pre-Move Planning Checklist
Relocating to Spain requires careful preparation. Starting at least 2–3 months in advance is recommended.
Your pre-move checklist should include:
Valid passports for all travelers
Visa approval and supporting documents
Certified Japanese versions of birth/marriage certificates (with Spanish translations)
Vaccination and medical records
Driver’s license and international driving permit
Financial records and proof of funds
School records for children
Cancel or transfer services in Japan (utilities, mobile phone, bank accounts)
Momentum helps align your documentation, shipment, and move timeline for a smooth transition to your new home in Spain.
Language Considerations
Spanish is the official language, with regional languages such as Catalan, Basque, and Galician also used in certain areas.
Useful tips:
Basic Spanish is highly recommended for daily life and administration
Government processes are typically conducted in Spanish
English is spoken in major cities and tourist areas but less so in smaller towns
Momentum can connect you with partners offering bilingual or language support services where needed.
🏠 2. Housing & Living Arrangements
Renting a Home in Spain
Spain offers a range of housing options across urban, suburban, and coastal regions.
Key points to understand:
Lease Terms: Typically 12 months or longer
Application Process: Requires proof of income, identification, and sometimes a guarantor
Deposits: Usually 1–2 months’ rent
Furnished vs. Unfurnished: Both options available
Useful Platforms: Idealista, Fotocasa, and local agents
Momentum’s destination partners can assist with property searches and lease processes.
Utilities & Home Setup
Once you’ve secured a rental, you’ll need to arrange utilities. Unlike in Japan, many services in Spain are organized individually and may require separate contracts with different providers.
Common setup services include:
Electricity and Gas: Providers include Iberdrola, Endesa, Naturgy, and other regional suppliers. Tenants typically choose their own provider.
Water & Waste: Water is managed by local municipalities or regional providers and may be included in rent or billed separately. Waste collection is handled by local authorities.
Internet: Providers include Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, and MásMóvil, offering fibre and DSL services depending on location.
Mobile Phone: Major carriers include Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, and Yoigo, along with MVNO providers.
Tip: A Spanish bank account (IBAN), NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero), and proof of address are typically required to set up utility contracts. Deposits may be requested if you do not yet have a local credit history.
Neighborhoods & Commute
Spain has a well-developed transport network, but commuting patterns can vary depending on the city and region.
Key considerations:
Proximity to work or school
Access to public transportation
Urban vs. suburban or smaller town living preferences
Lifestyle factors such as proximity to parks, cultural areas, and business districts
Public transport is well-developed in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville, while suburban and rural areas may require a car.
Momentum helps match your housing choices with your relocation goals.
🏫 3. Daily Life & Integration
Transportation & Getting Around
Spain offers an efficient and well-connected transport system across its major cities and regions.
Key points:
Public Transport: Extensive networks of metros, trams, buses, and commuter trains are widely used, particularly in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia.
Rail Network: Spain’s high-speed AVE trains connect major cities quickly and comfortably.
Driving: Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road, and road infrastructure is modern and well-maintained.
License Conversion: Japanese driver’s licenses may be exchangeable depending on local agreements and residency status.
Cycling: Growing in popularity in cities, with expanding bike lanes and urban cycling initiatives.
Health Insurance & Medical Services
Spain has a high-quality healthcare system, and access to health coverage is essential for residents.
Healthcare must-knows:
Public Healthcare (Sistema Nacional de Salud): Provides coverage for registered residents and offers a high standard of care.
Private Health Insurance: Common among expats for faster access and additional services.
Registration is required upon arrival to access public healthcare services.
General practitioners (médicos de cabecera) are typically the first point of contact, with referrals to specialists when needed.
Appointments are usually required, though access is generally efficient.
Momentum’s partners can guide you through healthcare registration and insurance setup.
Schools & Education
Spain offers a diverse education system with options for international families.
Options include:
Public Schools: Free and state-run, following the national curriculum and widely available across the country.
Private Schools: Fee-based, including both secular and religious institutions, often with smaller class sizes.
International Schools: Available in major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, offering British, American, IB, and other international curricula.
Bilingual Programs: Many schools offer Spanish-English bilingual education to support integration.
Enrollment requires registration documents, proof of address, vaccination records, and academic history.
Momentum supports families with school selection and transition planning.
🧩 4. Culture, Customs & Etiquette
Everyday Social Etiquette
Spanish culture is warm, social, and relationship-oriented, with an emphasis on friendliness and personal connection.
What to expect:
Greetings: Handshakes are common in formal settings; in social situations, light cheek kisses (usually two) are typical.
Politeness: Greetings such as “Hola” or “Buenos días” are expected before starting conversations.
Communication: Expressive and conversational, often involving gestures and a relaxed tone.
Tipping Culture: Service is usually included; small tips or rounding up are appreciated but not required.
Cultural Differences to Be Aware Of
More relaxed approach to time in social settings compared to Japan
Strong emphasis on social interaction and relationships
Later meal times, with lunch and dinner often scheduled later in the day
Work-life balance is valued, with time for family and leisure considered important
Work Culture for Japanese Expats
Spain’s business environment combines professionalism with a relationship-driven approach.
Key workplace norms:
Hierarchies exist, but workplace interactions can be informal once relationships are established
Building trust and personal relationships is important in business
Meetings may be more flexible and discussion-oriented
Emphasis on collaboration, adaptability, and interpersonal communication
Work-life balance is valued, though working hours may extend later into the day
Momentum can provide cultural orientation and guidance for professionals adapting to Spanish workplaces.
📦 5. Shipping & Settling In
What to Bring vs Buy in Spain
Shipping household goods from Japan to Spain requires careful decisions, especially considering space, costs, and European housing standards.
Recommended to bring:
Personal electronics and devices: Laptops, tablets, and phones are generally compatible with Spanish voltage (230V), but you will need plug adapters (Type C or F).
Favorite kitchen tools or appliances: Japanese rice cookers, donabe pots, and specialty kitchen items are often preferred by expats, but check voltage compatibility.
Specialty clothing and footwear: Spanish sizes and styles may differ, especially for children or petite adults.
Japanese books, learning materials, or toys for children adjusting to the new language environment.
Medications and health supplements not available or difficult to find in Spain.
Better to buy locally:
Large appliances: Many homes include basic appliances, and purchasing locally ensures compatibility and warranty support.
Furniture: Local dimensions and styles may suit your space better. IKEA, El Corte Inglés, and Conforama are commonly used options.
Cleaning supplies and household goods: These are inexpensive and easy to purchase after arrival.
Seasonal clothing: It’s often better to buy locally to match Spain's climate, particularly for regional variations.
Momentum helps optimize your shipment based on practicality and cost.
Customs & Import Procedures
Spain requires accurate documentation and clear declarations when importing household goods, with customs processes managed by Spanish Customs (Aduanas).
Key points:
Transfer of Residence Relief: Individuals relocating to Spain can import used household goods and personal belongings duty-free under relocation provisions.
Application Process: Documentation must confirm that goods have been owned and used prior to arrival and are intended for continued personal use.
Used household items are generally duty-free, provided they meet relocation requirements.
New or high-value items may be subject to customs duties and import VAT depending on declared value and classification.
Prohibited or restricted items include: firearms (strictly regulated), certain food products, plants and seeds, hazardous materials, and counterfeit goods.
Food: Many food items are restricted, particularly meat, dairy, and fresh products. Commercially packaged goods may be allowed but must be declared.
Alcohol and tobacco: Subject to strict limits, duties, and taxes, and must always be declared.
Customs inspections: Spanish Customs (Aduanas) may inspect shipments to ensure compliance with import regulations.
Momentum’s Spainish destination agent will guide you through documentation requirements and coordinate with customs authorities to ensure efficient clearance.
Delivery, Unpacking & Settling In
Once your goods arrive in Spain, your destination agent takes over the final delivery process.
You can expect:
Delivery arranged to match your move-in schedule
Placement of furniture in designated rooms
Basic unpacking of boxes and removal of packing materials
Debriefing on how to file claims for any missing or damaged items
Storage options if your new home is not yet ready
Momentum works closely with trusted partners to ensure a smooth handoff from Japan to your new home in Spain, keeping communication open from door to door.
🤝 6. Support & Resources
Community & Support Networks
Spain offers a growing network of expat communities, cultural groups, and professional organizations across major cities.
Popular support networks include:
Japanese Chambers of Commerce in Spain (e.g., Madrid, Barcelona), supporting business networking and community engagement.
Japanese cultural and language organizations, including cultural centres and associations that promote Japanese language and cultural exchange.
Japanese Embassy and Consulates in Spain, including the Embassy of Japan in Madrid and Consulates in cities such as Barcelona and Las Palmas, providing passport services, consular support, and community information.
Parent groups and cultural clubs connected to Japanese schools and supplementary weekend programs across major cities.
Online communities on platforms like Facebook and Meetup for networking, family support, business connections, and cultural exchange.
Momentum’s partners can provide introductions to local networks and expat communities based on your destination.
Local Government Services & Registration
While structured and sometimes administrative, Spain’s national and local government systems provide a wide range of services for new residents.
Key services to take advantage of:
Residence registration (Empadronamiento): Required at the local town hall to confirm your address and access services.
Foreigner Identification Number (NIE): Essential for most legal, financial, and administrative activities in Spain.
Driver’s license services: Managed through the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) for license exchange and vehicle registration.
Public libraries: Many offer free or low-cost access to books, internet, language courses, and community programs.
Local municipal offices (Ayuntamiento): Provide services such as local registration, waste and recycling information, and community services.
Healthcare registration: Access to the public healthcare system (Sistema Nacional de Salud) requires registration, depending on residency status.
Public schools and regional education offices: Assist with enrollment, assessments, and language support services for children.
Documentation such as your passport, visa or residence permit, proof of address (Empadronamiento), and NIE may be required for many of these registrations.
Momentum’s Role After the Move
At Momentum Worldwide Movers, our support doesn’t end once your shipment leaves Japan. Through our trusted network of partners in Spain, we ensure continuity of service, communication, and care on the ground both before and after your move to Spain.
Our support continues beyond your arrival:
Coordination with Spanish destination agents
Support navigating customs procedures and insurance claims
Introductions to bilingual real estate professionals or school consultants
Follow-up check-ins to ensure everything arrived safely
Local guidance tailored to your destination, lifestyle, and family needs
Your journey may be global, but we at Momentum ensure continuity, clarity, and confidence throughout your relocation journey from Japan to Spain.
🇪🇸 Wrapping Up
Relocating to Spain offers a unique combination of lifestyle, culture, and opportunity. With proper planning and expert support, your move from Japan can be smooth and well-coordinated. Momentum Worldwide Movers works with trusted partners across Spain to guide you every step of the way.
✉️ Let’s Get Moving
Have questions about relocating to Spain? Reach out to our team for personalized advice, timeline planning, or a no-obligation consultation. We’re ready when you are.
