ELS-0039Travel · Spain

Your First 72 Hours in Spain: How to Arrive Calm, Prepared and Ready to Settle In

Official sources checked
Written by Sue Berry
Practical guidance

The first few days after moving to Spain can feel exciting, exhausting and confusing all at once. This practical guide explains how British expats can prepare for a calmer arrival, protect their essential documents and deal with the most important first steps without trying to complete everything immediately.

The Quick Answer

A successful move to Spain does not begin when the removal van arrives.

It begins before you leave the UK.

Your first 72 hours abroad are much easier when you already know:

where you will sleep;

how you will collect the keys;

how you will travel from the airport or ferry;

where your passports and residence documents are;

how you will access money;

how to contact the landlord, agent or property owner;

where to buy food and medication;

what to do if the electricity, water or internet does not work;

who to call in an emergency;

which official tasks can wait until you have rested.

The original ExpatChild article makes the important point that the first few days abroad can shape how the whole move feels. Good preparation can reduce stress, confusion and expensive mistakes.

The aim is not to complete every Spanish administrative procedure in three days.

The aim is to arrive safely, make the property usable and give yourself enough breathing space to begin your new life calmly.

Why This Matters

Moving abroad is more than a change of address.

You may also be dealing with:

unfamiliar roads;

a different language;

delayed luggage;

tired children;

anxious pets;

unfamiliar property systems;

banking limits;

mobile roaming;

appointment systems;

keys that do not work as expected;

missing household items;

uncertainty about local services.

Small problems feel much bigger when you are tired.

A missing key, an empty fridge or a phone that will not connect to the local network can quickly turn an exciting first evening into a stressful one.

Preparation does not remove every problem.

It gives you a way to deal with problems without panic.

For British citizens moving permanently to Spain, there are also formal responsibilities involving residence, the municipal padrón and healthcare. Most British citizens moving to Spain need the correct residence permission and TIE, and residents should register on the municipal padrón.

Those procedures matter, but they do not all need to be tackled on your first afternoon.

Frequently asked questions

What Should I Keep in My Hand Luggage? Keep passports, visas, residence papers, medication, insurance details, travel bookings, key information, phone chargers and at least one change of clothes.

Should I Arrange the Padrón Before Arriving? The padrón is completed through the local town hall once you have an address and the required evidence. Check your municipality’s document list after arrival.

Do British Citizens Need a TIE? Most British citizens moving to Spain need the appropriate residence permission and a TIE. The exact process depends on when and under which route they move.

Is an NIE Enough to Live in Spain? No. An NIE is an identification number. It does not, by itself, grant residence.

Can I Use My GHIC After Moving? A GHIC covers necessary healthcare during a temporary stay. It is not a replacement for registering through the appropriate resident healthcare route.

What Is the Emergency Number in Spain? Call 112 for police, ambulance or fire emergencies. It is the single European emergency number and is free to call.

Should I Open a Spanish Bank Account Immediately? It can be useful for bills and local payments, but first make sure you can access money through your existing arrangements. Check account fees and requirements before choosing a bank.

What Happens if My Belongings Are Delayed? Keep enough clothing, medication, toiletries and basic equipment with you to manage for several days.

Should Family Visit Immediately? It is often better to give yourself some time to settle before hosting visitors. Your visitors may be on holiday, but you will still be building your everyday life.

How Can I Help Children Settle? Explain what will happen, keep familiar items accessible, maintain simple routines and listen carefully to their concerns.

What Should I Do if I Feel I Have Made a Mistake? Do not make a major decision while exhausted. Give yourself time to rest, solve the immediate practical problems and allow the first emotional reaction to settle.

Important — Read Before You Act

Do not travel to Spain intending to live permanently without understanding the residence, healthcare and financial requirements that apply to you.

Buying or renting a home does not automatically provide legal residence.

Before moving, confirm:

your visa or residence route;

healthcare cover;

insurance;

access to money;

medication arrangements;

driving position;

pet documentation;

tax responsibilities.

Do not place original identity or legal documents in checked luggage or a removal vehicle.

During your first days, do not attempt electrical, gas or structural repairs yourself. Contact the owner, insurer, community administrator or an appropriate qualified professional.

Call 112 when there is an immediate emergency.

What To Do — Step by Step

Enter and Check the Property Before unloading everything, check that you can: open and lock the main door; access any community gate; use the lift where applicable; locate the electricity supply; locate the water stopcock; turn on the lights; flush the toilet; run the taps; use the hot-water system; close windows and shutters safely. Take photographs of any obvious damage before moving belongings into the property.
Confirm Water, Electricity and Hot Water Check: whether the electricity is on; whether the water supply is open; whether the water meter is moving unexpectedly; whether the hot-water system needs a switch or gas bottle; whether any taps are leaking; whether the toilet cistern refills; whether appliances appear safe. Record the emergency or fault number for the landlord, agent, community administrator or utility provider.
Connect Your Phone Confirm that you can: make a call; receive an SMS; access mobile data; use WhatsApp; contact the property owner; reach family in the UK; use online maps. A Spanish SIM or eSIM can be useful, but keep your UK number active where it is still used for banking or account verification. Write down the property address and emergency contacts on paper in case your phone is lost or damaged.
Contact Your Family Send one clear message: you have arrived; everyone is safe; you are at the property; your phone is working; you will contact them again after resting. This prevents several relatives from worrying or repeatedly calling while you are trying to settle in. Where children are involved, allow them to contact someone familiar if that helps them feel secure.
Buy Only the Immediate Essentials For the first day, focus on: bottled or safe drinking water where preferred; simple food; breakfast; medication; basic toiletries; household cleaning items; rubbish bags; pet food; any necessary baby supplies. Do not try to recreate your entire UK household in one shopping trip. You will learn which local products, shops and routines work best once you have settled.
Locate Medication and Healthcare Information Keep regular medication in your hand luggage. Make a note of: medication name; dose; prescribing doctor; allergies; existing conditions; NHS number where useful; insurer or S1 information; nearest pharmacy; nearest health centre; nearest hospital. Residents need to register through the appropriate route to access healthcare in Spain. The route can depend on employment, an S1, private insurance or another entitlement.
Learn the Emergency Number The emergency number throughout Spain and the rest of the EU is: 112 It can be used for police, ambulance and fire emergencies. Calls to 112 are free from fixed or mobile phones throughout the EU. Keep the following written down: your address; postcode; municipality; property or apartment number; nearby landmark; gate code where relevant. In an emergency, being able to state your exact location can save time.
Create a Safe Place for Documents and Keys Choose one secure location for: passports; residence documents; insurance papers; property documents; vehicle papers; spare keys; medical information; emergency cash. Do not leave all important documents visible in a suitcase or handbag. Make sure your partner or another trusted adult knows where they are.
Photograph Meter Readings and the Property Take dated photographs of: electricity meter; water meter; gas meter where applicable; furniture condition; walls and floors; appliances; keys received; existing damage. Send copies to the landlord or agent where appropriate. This provides a record of the property’s condition when you arrived.
Confirm Your Next Official Tasks Once you have rested, create a list of the formal procedures that apply to you. These may include: residence registration; TIE appointment; padrón registration; healthcare registration; Social Security; tax matters; bank arrangements; driving-licence matters; vehicle registration; school enrolment; pet registration; digital access such as Cl@ve. Most British citizens moving to Spain need the correct residence permission and a TIE, while residents should also register on the padrón at the municipality where they live.
Register on the Padrón When Appropriate The padrón is the municipal register held by the local town hall. British residents should normally register at the address where they usually live. The town hall may ask for: passport; rental contract; property deeds; owner authorisation; utility evidence; completed form. Check the requirements of your own ayuntamiento.
Allow Time to Recover Do not fill every day with appointments, shopping and visitors. Everyone needs time to: sleep; unpack; understand the new property; learn the local area; process the move; establish simple routines. Expat families can initially depend heavily on one another until new friendships and support networks begin to form. Leave room for rest.
Helping Children Arrive Well Explain What Will Happen Tell children: where they will sleep; when their belongings will arrive; what food will be available; whether school begins immediately; how they can contact family; what will happen the next day. Do not assume they understand what “moving abroad” means in practical terms.
Keep Familiar Items Accessible Pack: favourite toy; blanket; books; night light; familiar snacks; photographs; electronic device and charger; school information; comfort clothing. A familiar item can make an unfamiliar room feel safer.
Keep Expectations Realistic The first day may involve: waiting; shopping; cleaning; problems with utilities; tired adults; missing furniture; unfamiliar food. Do not promise a perfect first day at the beach. Promise that you will deal with the first day together.
Listen to Small Worries A child may be worried about: where the toilet is; whether their toys have arrived; what the new school uniform looks like; whether grandparents can visit; whether the family pet is safe; whether friends will remember them. These concerns may feel small to an adult but can feel enormous to a child. Emotional preparation and listening are central parts of a successful family move.
Helping Pets Arrive Safely Prepare: water; familiar food; bowls; bedding; medication; lead or carrier; microchip documents; vaccination and travel records; local veterinary contact; secure outdoor area. Keep doors, gates and windows secure. A frightened animal may try to escape from an unfamiliar property. Allow the pet to explore slowly and keep routines as familiar as possible.
Your First Week in Spain After the first 72 hours, gradually deal with: local shops; pharmacy; health centre; town hall; public transport; bank; mobile provider; internet; utility accounts; community administrator; school; veterinarian; Spanish lessons; local groups. Learning some practical Spanish early can make daily interactions much easier. ExpatChild’s advice for first-time expats recommends beginning language learning quickly and using simple phrases in everyday situations. Useful early phrases include: Buenos días — Good morning Necesito ayuda — I need help No entiendo — I do not understand ¿Puede hablar más despacio? — Can you speak more slowly? ¿Dónde está…? — Where is…? Tengo una cita — I have an appointment Es una emergencia — It is an emergency

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Putting Essential Documents in Checked Luggage - Keep passports, visas, residence papers and healthcare information with you.
Assuming the Keys Will Be Easy to Collect-Confirm the location, time, contact person and late-arrival arrangements.
Arriving Without Basic Food or Water - Shops may be closed, especially after a late flight or on a public holiday.
Trying to Complete Every Official Procedure Immediately - Rest first and prioritise tasks according to deadlines.
Assuming the Internet Is Already Working - Confirm the connection before arrival and keep mobile data as a backup.
Forgetting Chargers and Adaptors - Keep them in hand luggage rather than shipping boxes.
Bringing Medication Without a Record - Carry the prescription or medication details where possible.
Assuming a GHIC Replaces Resident Healthcare - Permanent residents need the appropriate healthcare-registration route.
Forgetting to Photograph Damage and Meter Readings - Create an arrival record before unpacking fully.
Overbooking Visitors -Your first weeks are for settling in. Living abroad may attract visitors, but their holiday expectations should not take over your new routine.
Ignoring Emotional Exhaustion - A move can be successful while still feeling difficult.
Expecting Children to Adapt Without Questions - Encourage them to talk and take their concerns seriously.
Assuming Property Ownership Gives Residence - Residence must be obtained through the correct legal route.
Leaving One Person to Understand Everything - Both partners, or another trusted adult, should know where the documents, keys and emergency information are kept.

Your Action Checklist

BEFORE TRAVELLING
Confirm accommodation and full address.
Confirm key collection.
Confirm late-arrival arrangements.
Arrange airport or ferry transport.
Prepare an arrival folder.
Copy passports and residence documents.
Pack medication in hand luggage.
Pack first-night clothing and toiletries.
Pack chargers and adaptors.
Pack children’s comfort items.
Pack pet essentials.
Check travel and property insurance.
Save all contact details offline.
Tell family the travel plan.
ON ARRIVAL
Check keys, doors and locks.
Check electricity.
Check water.
Check hot water.
Check the toilet and taps.
Photograph damage.
Photograph meter readings.
Connect the phone.
Contact family.
Buy basic food and water.
Locate the nearest pharmacy.
Write down the full address.
Save 112 as the emergency number.
Secure documents and spare keys.
DURING THE FIRST WEEK
Check residence and TIE deadlines.
Check padrón requirements.
Arrange healthcare registration.
Confirm bank and payment access.
Arrange internet and mobile service.
Locate the health centre.
Locate the nearest hospital.
Locate the town hall.
Check driving and vehicle requirements.
Register children for school where required.
Find a local veterinary practice.
Learn key Spanish phrases.
Learn key Spanish phrases.
Allow time for rest.

In Summary

The first few days after moving to Spain can influence how the whole experience feels.

You do not need to complete every administrative task immediately.

Your priorities should be:

Arrive safely.

Access the property.

Check water, electricity and hot water.

Contact family.

Secure important documents.

Locate food, medication and emergency services.

Give children and pets time to settle.

Photograph the property and meters.

Identify the official tasks and deadlines.

Rest before trying to solve everything.

Good preparation does not guarantee a problem-free arrival.

It means that when something does go wrong, you know what to do next.

Sue’s final thoughts & experiences

A personal note from Sue Berry

When Pete and I first arrived abroad, it was very late at night and even finding the key became part of the adventure.

At the time, it felt confusing and stressful because we were tired and everything was unfamiliar.

That is why I believe the first-night details matter so much.

People spend months thinking about visas, furniture and removal companies, but sometimes forget the simple questions: Who has the key?

Is there any food? Does the water work? Where is the medication?

You do not have to make your new life perfect in the first three days.

You only need to make it safe, comfortable and manageable.

Once you have slept, eaten and unpacked the kettle, everything usually feels a little easier.