20 Critical Mistakes When Moving to Spain
Let’s take a look at 20 mistakes that prevent you from starting the life of your dreams
Moving to Spain is a marathon, not a sprint. And just like in any marathon, you can fall behind right from the start. We’ve compiled a list of 20 mistakes we see time and time again, so you don’t make them.
🗂️ PLANNING AND PREPARATION MISTAKES
1. They plan the arrival date but don't plan the actual relocation
Many people only think about when to buy a ticket, but not about the fact that relocation is like building a house. You need "bricks" (documents), an "architect" (strategy), and the process itself can take months. People focus on the "blooming garden" (life in Spain), not thinking about the foundation (status, documents, legal basis).
It's like waking up tomorrow and running a marathon. You need the right gear, you need to run that distance many times, eat well, be in excellent physical shape. Moving to Spain is not a sprint, it's a marathon. And you need to prepare for a marathon.
2. They don't prepare documents in advance
Apostille, translation, notarization — all of this takes time. Coming with the mindset "I have two days, let's submit" is a path to rejection. Documents need to be prepared 2-3 months before relocation, not 2 days before.
3. They are submitting an incomplete set of documents
Lawyers also get blacklisted if they submit poor document sets. Even if you have a Schengen visa and you "just uploaded documents for the submission date," you have a maximum of 3 days to upload the rest. This is an exceptional measure; it's better not to let it come to this.
4. They expect that "something will work out" or "immigration won't notice"
They're checking more strictly than ever now. Employers are verified for authenticity: how many employees, does the company exist de facto, what products or services does it produce. They can conduct on-site inspections. Forged documents are detected quickly.
5. They don't account for processing times
7-8 months of waiting is the new normal. Many plan to "arrive and start working in a month." In reality, you might wait half a year for a decision. You need a financial cushion for this time.
Many people only think about when to buy a ticket, but not about the fact that relocation is like building a house. You need "bricks" (documents), an "architect" (strategy), and the process itself can take months. People focus on the "blooming garden" (life in Spain), not thinking about the foundation (status, documents, legal basis).
It's like waking up tomorrow and running a marathon. You need the right gear, you need to run that distance many times, eat well, be in excellent physical shape. Moving to Spain is not a sprint, it's a marathon. And you need to prepare for a marathon.
2. They don't prepare documents in advance
Apostille, translation, notarization — all of this takes time. Coming with the mindset "I have two days, let's submit" is a path to rejection. Documents need to be prepared 2-3 months before relocation, not 2 days before.
3. They are submitting an incomplete set of documents
Lawyers also get blacklisted if they submit poor document sets. Even if you have a Schengen visa and you "just uploaded documents for the submission date," you have a maximum of 3 days to upload the rest. This is an exceptional measure; it's better not to let it come to this.
4. They expect that "something will work out" or "immigration won't notice"
They're checking more strictly than ever now. Employers are verified for authenticity: how many employees, does the company exist de facto, what products or services does it produce. They can conduct on-site inspections. Forged documents are detected quickly.
5. They don't account for processing times
7-8 months of waiting is the new normal. Many plan to "arrive and start working in a month." In reality, you might wait half a year for a decision. You need a financial cushion for this time.
💶 FINANCIAL AND REAL ESTATE MISTAKES
6. They invest all their money in real estate immediately
They buy an apartment before getting residence, before understanding which area they want to live in, sometimes even before arriving in the country. Then it turns out the area doesn't suit them, or residence wasn't approved, or money is frozen in real estate with nothing to live on.
7. They don't account for taxes and hidden costs
Buying real estate isn't just the apartment price. It's 10-15% on top for taxes and expenses (ITP/IVA, notary, registration, gestoría). Plus annual costs: IBI, community fees, garbage, insurance. Many don't budget for these expenses.
8. They open a business before obtaining status
They register a company, rent an office, hire people — and then don't get the visa. Or they get the wrong type of residence that doesn't allow running this business. Status first, then business.
9. They don't understand the tax implications of residency
Many don't know that becoming a tax resident of Spain (183+ days per year) means you pay taxes on all worldwide income. This can be a shock for those who have income in other countries. You need to monitor taxes — it's your responsibility.
10. They bring cash instead of bank transfers
Amounts over €10,000 need to be declared. Many don't do this or do it incorrectly. Plus, for residence you need to prove legal origin of funds — and with cash that's more difficult.
They buy an apartment before getting residence, before understanding which area they want to live in, sometimes even before arriving in the country. Then it turns out the area doesn't suit them, or residence wasn't approved, or money is frozen in real estate with nothing to live on.
7. They don't account for taxes and hidden costs
Buying real estate isn't just the apartment price. It's 10-15% on top for taxes and expenses (ITP/IVA, notary, registration, gestoría). Plus annual costs: IBI, community fees, garbage, insurance. Many don't budget for these expenses.
8. They open a business before obtaining status
They register a company, rent an office, hire people — and then don't get the visa. Or they get the wrong type of residence that doesn't allow running this business. Status first, then business.
9. They don't understand the tax implications of residency
Many don't know that becoming a tax resident of Spain (183+ days per year) means you pay taxes on all worldwide income. This can be a shock for those who have income in other countries. You need to monitor taxes — it's your responsibility.
10. They bring cash instead of bank transfers
Amounts over €10,000 need to be declared. Many don't do this or do it incorrectly. Plus, for residence you need to prove legal origin of funds — and with cash that's more difficult.
📋 DOCUMENTATION AND STATUS MISTAKES
11. They confuse tourist regime with residency
They think they can live on a tourist visa and "figure it out later." 90 days out of 180 is the limit. Exceeding it threatens deportation and a 3-5 year Schengen entry ban. You can't arrive on a tourist visa with a plan to "figure it out on the spot."
12. They register empadronamiento at someone else's address without understanding the consequences
Registration (empadronamiento) isn't just a piece of paper. It's a legal document that can create problems for the property owner (taxes, squatters) and for you (fake registration can cost you residence). It's important to be registered — it confirms you were in the country.
13. They don't renew residence on time
You need to submit for renewal 60 days before expiration, but not earlier than 90 days. Many miss this moment and then try to "restore" status, which is much more difficult.
14. They don't track their residence conditions
Many don't monitor their residence at all: whether they're registered somewhere, when and where they flew, how many days they were in the country. Each type of residence has its own conditions: how much you can be absent, whether you can work, whether you need to confirm income. Golden Visa — up to 6 months absence per year. Non-Lucrative — can't work officially. Violating conditions = losing status. They don't count days of how long they should be in the country, then can't get permanent residence.
15. They don't exchange driver's license on time
You have 6 months from obtaining residency to exchange your license. After that, your license is invalid and you're driving illegally. Fine + insurance problems.
They think they can live on a tourist visa and "figure it out later." 90 days out of 180 is the limit. Exceeding it threatens deportation and a 3-5 year Schengen entry ban. You can't arrive on a tourist visa with a plan to "figure it out on the spot."
12. They register empadronamiento at someone else's address without understanding the consequences
Registration (empadronamiento) isn't just a piece of paper. It's a legal document that can create problems for the property owner (taxes, squatters) and for you (fake registration can cost you residence). It's important to be registered — it confirms you were in the country.
13. They don't renew residence on time
You need to submit for renewal 60 days before expiration, but not earlier than 90 days. Many miss this moment and then try to "restore" status, which is much more difficult.
14. They don't track their residence conditions
Many don't monitor their residence at all: whether they're registered somewhere, when and where they flew, how many days they were in the country. Each type of residence has its own conditions: how much you can be absent, whether you can work, whether you need to confirm income. Golden Visa — up to 6 months absence per year. Non-Lucrative — can't work officially. Violating conditions = losing status. They don't count days of how long they should be in the country, then can't get permanent residence.
15. They don't exchange driver's license on time
You have 6 months from obtaining residency to exchange your license. After that, your license is invalid and you're driving illegally. Fine + insurance problems.
🧭 PROGRAM AND STRATEGY SELECTION MISTAKES
16. They choose a visa "because everyone does it that way"
Digital Nomad, Non-Lucrative, Student, Golden Visa — each program is for a specific situation. Many go for Non-Lucrative because it's "easier," when they actually need Digital Nomad (can work) or vice versa.
17. They think one visa or one country can solve all problems
This is like expecting your partner to make you happy, wealthy, and fit. Everyone has their own function. A visa is legal status, but it's not a solution to work issues, or money issues, or the fact that your child is misbehaving.
Important to understand: sometimes you enter on one visa, stay on another — that's normal. It's normal to use countries as stepping stones: jump from one step to this one, from this one to the next. Either switch to another visa type or move to another country. It never hurts to pursue a different profession, master another part of yourself.Everything will work out if you show activity and adaptability.
18. They don't plan the path to citizenship and long-term perspective
You need to plan 5-10 years ahead. Some want to stay forever, some for 2-3 years. This determines the choice of residence type. For example, Student Visa doesn't count toward citizenship time the same way Resident Visa does. You need to think long-term because relocation is a marathon.
19. They go without Plan B (or even Plan C and D)
What if residence isn't approved? What if the business doesn't work out? What if the relationship falls apart (for those coming through family reunification)? You should have Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C. If you only have Plan A — that's not good. You need to have insurance for all plans. And a plan in case it doesn't work out. Plan B isn't pessimism, it's common sense.
20. They don't account for the language barrier
"I'll learn Spanish after arrival" — but meanwhile you can't open a bank account, make a doctor's appointment, resolve an issue at city hall, understand a rental contract. Basic level is needed BEFORE relocation.
Without language it's very difficult. So either:
Digital Nomad, Non-Lucrative, Student, Golden Visa — each program is for a specific situation. Many go for Non-Lucrative because it's "easier," when they actually need Digital Nomad (can work) or vice versa.
17. They think one visa or one country can solve all problems
This is like expecting your partner to make you happy, wealthy, and fit. Everyone has their own function. A visa is legal status, but it's not a solution to work issues, or money issues, or the fact that your child is misbehaving.
Important to understand: sometimes you enter on one visa, stay on another — that's normal. It's normal to use countries as stepping stones: jump from one step to this one, from this one to the next. Either switch to another visa type or move to another country. It never hurts to pursue a different profession, master another part of yourself.Everything will work out if you show activity and adaptability.
18. They don't plan the path to citizenship and long-term perspective
You need to plan 5-10 years ahead. Some want to stay forever, some for 2-3 years. This determines the choice of residence type. For example, Student Visa doesn't count toward citizenship time the same way Resident Visa does. You need to think long-term because relocation is a marathon.
19. They go without Plan B (or even Plan C and D)
What if residence isn't approved? What if the business doesn't work out? What if the relationship falls apart (for those coming through family reunification)? You should have Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C. If you only have Plan A — that's not good. You need to have insurance for all plans. And a plan in case it doesn't work out. Plan B isn't pessimism, it's common sense.
20. They don't account for the language barrier
"I'll learn Spanish after arrival" — but meanwhile you can't open a bank account, make a doctor's appointment, resolve an issue at city hall, understand a rental contract. Basic level is needed BEFORE relocation.
Without language it's very difficult. So either:
- Be ready to pay for a translator
- Have a friend who speaks the language
- At least speak English
Want to avoid these mistakes? Turn to professionals who have already walked this path with over 1,600 clients and know all the pitfalls.
We help you realize your dream of moving to Spain by offering a full range of services to assist with obtaining a residence permit and settling into life in the country. Our specialists guide you through every step of the process—from choosing the right visa to registering your residence and obtaining a driver’s license. We are committed to ensuring your comfort and successful integration into Spanish society.
We help you realize your dream of moving to Spain by offering a full range of services to assist with obtaining a residence permit and settling into life in the country. Our specialists guide you through every step of the process—from choosing the right visa to registering your residence and obtaining a driver’s license. We are committed to ensuring your comfort and successful integration into Spanish society.