Emigrating to Spain from the Netherlands or Belgium
Table of Contents
Emigrating to Spain from the Netherlands or Belgium
Everything you need to know about living, working and building a new life in Spain
Dreaming of a new life in Spain, but not sure where to begin? Whether you’re drawn by the sun, the lifestyle or the idea of a fresh start, emigrating is a big step—and there’s a lot to figure out. For Dutch and Belgian citizens, the process can quickly become overwhelming: legal paperwork, housing, job permits, healthcare and more.
This page is your starting point. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know, including links to detailed topics. EmigrateWise connects you with trusted local experts and helps make your move to Spain smooth and stress-free.
Why move to Spain
Spain is one of the top destinations for Dutch and Flemish expats, thanks to:
A mild climate and relaxed lifestyle
Lower cost of living outside the big cities
Friendly, international communities
Familiar EU regulations and systems
A high overall quality of life
But the move itself comes with challenges. Without the right information and support, it’s easy to run into delays, confusion or costly mistakes.
What do you need to arrange
Below are the key topics you’ll need to consider before moving. You can click each topic to read more specific guidance for Spain.
Essential paperwork and registrations➔
How to get your NIE number, register with the municipality (empadronamiento), and handle key documents.
Visa options and residency permits➔
When and how to register your EU residence, or apply for other permits depending on your situation.
Jobs, careers and work permits➔
Where to find work, how to register as self-employed, and which sectors need Dutch- and Flemish-speaking workers.
Finding a place to live➔
Renting or buying, understanding contracts, avoiding scams and choosing the right region for your lifestyle.
Education and learning opportunities➔
International and local schools, enrolling children, and learning Spanish as an adult.
Healthcare access and insurance➔
Signing up for public healthcare, what coverage to expect, and when private insurance is useful.
Daily life and local living tips➔
Everyday essentials like shopping, etiquette, banking hours and adapting to Spanish routines.
Banking and managing finances➔
Opening a Spanish bank account, setting up payments, and using online banking.
Taxes and financial obligations➔
Understanding when you become a tax resident, avoiding double taxation, and how to manage income or pensions.
Getting around and public transport➔
How trains, buses and metro systems work in Spain—and how to use them efficiently.
Driving rules and license conversion➔
Whether your Dutch or Belgian license is valid, and how to exchange it for a Spanish one.
Planning your move abroad➔
How to prepare your move step by step, with practical timelines and moving checklists.
Phone, internet and staying connected➔
Choosing a provider, mobile and internet setup, and keeping in touch with friends and family.
Leisure, culture and social life➔
How to meet people, join local communities and make the most of Spanish life.
A real-life story: from overwhelmed to settled in Valencia
Emma (34) and Lars (36) from Breda dreamed of giving their children more space and sunshine. But after weeks of searching online, they were overwhelmed by conflicting information and unclear rules.
“We were almost ready to give up. We didn’t even know where to begin with the paperwork,” says Lars.
Through EmigrateWise, they were matched with a Dutch-speaking expert in Valencia. In just two weeks, they:
Applied for NIE numbers and registered with the town hall
Found a rental home with help from a verified estate agent
Enrolled their children in a bilingual school
Set up health insurance and opened a Spanish bank account
Received step-by-step guidance for local taxes and social security
“It was the clarity we needed. We still made the decisions ourselves, but we finally knew what to do and in which order.”
How EmigrateWise supports your move
Personal support from trusted local experts
Help with legal paperwork, housing, job search and admin
Country-specific guides, checklists and tools
Verified service providers in your destination area
A platform built specifically for Dutch and Belgian expats
Ready to take the next step
Join EmigrateWise today and get:
A personalised step-by-step relocation plan
Access to experienced local advisors
Free guides and tips tailored to your situation
On average, between €2,500 and €5,000 including relocation, registration, insurance and basic setup costs.
Not necessarily. In tourist areas and international workplaces, English or Dutch may be enough, but basic Spanish will improve your experience.
We connect you with screened experts who understand both your home country and Spain, so you can avoid mistakes and move with confidence. Next to that, we connect you to people who provide housing and jobs. Everything you need to for your journey.
Only temporarily. Once you register as a resident in Spain, you are usually required to join the Spanish healthcare system or get private insurance.
Yes. You must officially deregister to avoid issues with taxes, healthcare and benefits. EmigrateWise helps you with this step.
You can continue to receive your pension, but the tax implications may change. We’ll help you understand how to avoid double taxation. Below, you can find tax advisors who can assist with possible implications thay may occur.
In some cases, yes—especially within the EU. We’ll guide you through the coordination between Dutch/Belgian and Spanish systems.
We generally recommend renting first, especially if you’re unfamiliar with local markets. EmigrateWise can connect you with verified rental agents.
You’ll need a NIE number and some form of ID. Some banks may ask for proof of address or income. We’ll show you how and where to open one easily.
Yes, but if you become a resident, you may be required to exchange it for a Spanish license within 6 months to 2 years, depending on local rules.
Popular areas include the Costa Blanca, Valencia, Málaga and Barcelona. These regions offer active expat communities and Dutch-speaking services.
You’ll need your municipal registration (empadronamiento) and NIE, plus proof of vaccinations and previous school reports.
You may pay income tax, property tax, and possibly capital gains tax if you sell property. EmigrateWise offers help with local tax advisors.
Services that can help your Spain journey
Disclaimer
At EmigrateWise, we do our best to keep the information on this page as accurate, complete, and up to date as possible. However, emigration rules and procedures can change frequently and may vary depending on individual circumstances. Despite our efforts, errors or outdated information may still occur. Ifyou notice any mistakes or missing details, please feel free to let us know in the comments section below. Together, we can help ensure the information stays as reliable as possible for everyone. Thank you for your contribution!
