The "6-Month Roadmap" to Spain 🇪🇸⏳
Moving to Spain isn't just a flight; it's a project. In 2026, the bureaucracy is digitalizing, but the timing is still everything. Over the next four weeks, I’m breaking down the exact 180-day countdown to transition your life to Andalusia (or beyond) without the "relocation burnout."
Here is the Roadmap we are covering:
- Post 1: T-Minus 6 Months: The Paperwork & Visa Strategy.
- Post 2: T-Minus 4 Months: The "Housing Hunt" & Selecting Your Base.
- Post 3: T-Minus 2 Months: The Financial Bridge (Banking, Tax, & Logistics).
- Post 4: Month 1 in Spain: The "Empadronamiento" & Settling In.
Article 1 of 4: T-Minus 6 Months — The Paperwork Foundation 📄✍️
If you want to be sitting in a Malaga plaza six months from now, your journey starts today—not with a suitcase, but with a folder.
In 2026, the "Golden Week" of Spanish bureaucracy is gone. You need a strategy. Here is your Month 6 Checklist:
1. Choose Your "Key" (The Visa)
Don't just pick a visa; pick the one that fits your 2026 tax goals.
- The Digital Nomad Visa (DNV): Best for remote workers wanting the 24% Beckham Law tax rate.
- The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV): The go-to for retirees or those with significant passive income (no working allowed).
- The Entrepreneur Visa: For those launching a business that benefits the Spanish economy.
2. The "Background Check" Clock
The most common delay? The FBI or State Criminal Background Check (for US citizens) or ACRO (for UK citizens). These must be issued within a specific window (usually 3-6 months) before your appointment and require an Apostille.
- Pro-Tip: Start the request now. In 2026, Apostille processing times can still be the "bottleneck" of your move.
3. Medical Insurance (The "Spanish Way")
You cannot use your US or UK health insurance for residency. You need a Spanish provider with:
- No co-payments (sin copagos).
- No waiting periods (sin carencias).
- Full repatriation coverage.
- The 2026 Shift: Consulates are increasingly strict about the "no co-payment" clause. Get this sorted early to ensure your policy is active for the application.
4. Professional Translation (Traductor Jurado)
Every non-Spanish document (Birth certificates, bank statements, background checks) must be translated by a certified "Jurado" translator.
- Don't use Google Translate. The Spanish consulate will reject any document not stamped by an official translator registered with the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Goal for Month 6: You should have your "Master Folder" ready and your Consulate appointment booked.
Are you stuck at the "Which Visa?" stage? Or are you currently waiting on an Apostille? Let’s troubleshoot the paperwork together! For assistance email philippe@milcham.com
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