Australia to Spain — it’s a big move, but one that thousands of Australians are making each year. Whether you’re relocating for retirement, remote work, family, or simply a lifestyle change, Spain offers diverse legal pathways for Australians seeking to live long-term in the country.
In this legal guide, we’ll explain how to move to Spain from Australia, what types of visas are available, key steps you need to follow, and how Borderless Lawyers makes the process safe and easy.
✈️ Can Australians move to Spain legally?
Yes. Australians can enter Spain visa-free for 90 days, but for any longer stay — whether to live, work, study, or retire — you’ll need to apply for a residence visa before entering Spain.
You must apply through the Spanish Consulate General with jurisdiction over your area in Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, or Canberra).
🔍 Legal Pathways to Move to Spain from Australia
Depending on your purpose, there are several residence visa options:
🔹 Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
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For retirees or those with passive income (no work allowed)
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Requires approx. €2,400/month in income (plus €600 per dependent)
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Full private health insurance required
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Leads to long-term residency after renewals
✅ Ideal for Australians retiring in Spain or living off investments/rentals.
🔹 Digital Nomad Visa
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For remote workers or freelancers with non-Spanish clients
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Requires proof of income (around €2,600/month)
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Valid for 1 year, renewable up to 5 years
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Special tax regime available (Beckham Law)
✅ Ideal for tech professionals, creatives, and location-independent Australians.
🔹 Student Visa
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For university, language school, or vocational programs
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Requires proof of enrollment and income
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Allows part-time work up to 20h/week
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Can transition to other visa types after graduation
🔹 Work Visa (Employed or Self-Employed)
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Requires a job offer or self-employment/business plan
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Employer must request authorization before your entry
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Difficult unless your profession is in shortage
🔹 EU Family Member Visa
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If you’re married to or dependent on an EU/Spanish citizen
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Fast-track to residence and work authorization
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Includes reunification rights for children/spouse
📝 Key Legal Steps Before Moving
| Step | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| ✅ Apply for the correct residence visa | Entry as a tourist won’t let you stay long-term |
| ✅ Get your NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) | Required for all legal, tax, and property matters |
| ✅ Obtain valid private health insurance | Mandatory for most non-working visas |
| ✅ Prove accommodation in Spain | Rental contract or property deed is usually required |
| ✅ Prepare translated & legalized documents | Birth certificates, police checks, etc., must be apostilled and translated into Spanish |
🏡 Can Australians buy property in Spain?
Yes, Australians can legally purchase property in Spain with no restrictions. However, buying property does not automatically grant you residency. To live in Spain full-time, you’ll need a visa.
💡 We explain this in full in Article 3 of the series.
💳 Will you become a tax resident in Spain?
If you spend more than 183 days per year in Spain or your main economic interests are there, you’ll be considered a tax resident, with obligations to:
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Declare worldwide income
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File the Modelo 720 if you own assets outside Spain over €50,000
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Potentially pay Spanish income or wealth taxes
We cover this fully in Article 4.
⚠️ Common Mistakes Australians Make When Moving to Spain
| ❌ Mistake | Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
| Entering as a tourist and overstaying | May result in bans or future visa denial |
| Failing to apply for the NIE early | Without it, you can’t buy, rent, or register |
| Assuming property purchase grants residency | Spain no longer offers Golden Visas |
| Not planning for tax residency | May trigger double taxation without proper planning |
| Skipping legal checks when renting or buying | Risk of fraud or legal trouble |
👩⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Helps Australians Relocate Legally
✔️ We identify the best visa option for your situation
✔️ Prepare and submit all visa paperwork to the Spanish consulate
✔️ Assist with NIE application, Spanish bank account, and property services
✔️ Represent you via Power of Attorney to avoid multiple trips
✔️ Help with translations, document apostille, and legal certifications
✔️ Provide ongoing support for renewals, taxes, or permanent residency
✅ Everything handled remotely or in person — by expert lawyers fluent in English and Spanish.
📞 Call to Action
Planning to move to Spain from Australia?
Let us help you make it legally secure, financially smart, and stress-free.