Checklist for American Families Moving to Barcelona

American Real Estate Experts In Barcelona

Moving To Barcelona Checklist: Moving is a big task, and relocating to a foreign country presents unique challenges. While it’s not mandatory to use the services of an immigration lawyer, I strongly recommend that you do. Their is a lot very specific paperwork. It took me about 6 months to get everything completed, but I had a unique circumstance. Your immigration will advise you to your timeline.

What is an Apostille?
When a document is to be used in another country, it is frequently necessary to have the document authenticated.  This is known either as an “apostille” or “certificate of authentication.” 

6-12 Months Before Moving

Moving To Barcelona Checklist:

Immigration:

. Navigating the highly bureaucratic immigration system can be quite overwhelming. But don't worry, we've got your back! Our trusted partner immigration lawyer can provide you with expert guidance and support through the entire process. From filling out paperwork to obtaining visas, our immigration lawyer can streamline the entire process, saving you time and effort.

Certified Translator:

When it comes to obtaining official translations for your documents, it is crucial to choose certified translators who are qualified to legally perform an apostille. This process involves validating the translation and certifying it with a special seal that is recognized internationally. Rates for these services can vary significantly, so it is important to research and compare multiple providers to find the best value for your needs. Many official documents, require an apostille for international recognition.

Private Health Insurance:

Spain requires private health insurance for the first year of your visa. It's best to start researching your options early to ensure you find the best rates and coverage that fit your needs. There are a variety of insurance providers available, so take the time to compare plans and select the one that offers the best value for you. Additionally, it's important to ensure you understand the terms and conditions of your insurance policy to avoid any surprises or hidden costs.

Relocation Costs:

Calculate and easily compare your cost of living in beautiful Barcelona, one of the most vibrant cities in Spain. Our user-friendly calculator will help you accurately estimate your expenses, taking into account various factors such as housing, transportation, food, and entertainment. Click the link to access our calculator and start budgeting for your dream lifestyle in Barcelona.

Finances:

Tax System:

Familiarize yourself with Spain's tax system, which is vital to ensure the smooth running of your finances. We highly recommend consulting with your trusted American accountant to fully understand your tax obligations and maximize savings. We work with an American tax accountant that we highly recommend

Work Opportunities:

Explore a wide range of exciting job opportunities in the vibrant city of Barcelona or become self-employed. If you're a digital nomad, you can determine your eligibility for the Digital Nomad Visa, while others can check their eligibility for a work visa.

Schools:

Choose an International School:

Researching and exploring schools in Barcelona is an essential step in finding the best educational opportunities for you or your children. During your preliminary visit to this vibrant city, take your time to discover and learn about the various schools available. You can also take advantage of the power of social media by joining Facebook groups to get firsthand feedback from current and former students, parents, and faculty members. To help you in your search, we have compiled a downloadable PDF guide to International Schools in Barcelona. This detailed guide will provide you with valuable information on schools that cater to different ages and nationalities, as well as their curricula, extra-curricular activities, fees, and more.

2-6 Months Before Moving

Moving To Barcelona Checklist

Healthcare:

Determine Your Provider: It's crucial to make an informed decision when it comes to selecting your healthcare provider and finalizing your health insurance plan. Take the time to research and carefully consider your options. Consider factors such as locations, reputation, and cost.

Immigration:

Start Earty! Document Preparation is an essential step in the immigration process, as it involves collecting all the necessary documentation and getting them certified by apostille, and translated. This process can be time-consuming. By partnering with an immigration lawyer you can be ensured that they meet all necessary requirements and are ready for submission.

Moving Arrangements

Current Home Plans:

When it comes to dealing with your current home, you can it or rent it. If you decide to sell your home, you can expect to receive a lump sum of money that you can use for different purposes, such as buying a new property, paying off debts, or investing in your future. However, you will also need to deal with the costs and stresses of the selling process, such as hiring a real estate agent, staging your home, negotiating with buyers, and moving out. If you decide to rent out your home, you can turn it into a source of passive income that can help you cover your mortgage payments or generate extra cash.

Decide What to Bring:

Understand Spanish customs regulations thoroughly and meticulously in order to make informed decisions about what products to sell, store, or donate. Familiarize yourself with the intricacies of the country's customs policies to ensure smooth and efficient transactions with local businesses and customers. Take your time researching and studying these regulations to avoid costly mistakes and maximize your profits.

Travel Arrangements:

Get Pricing Quotes for Moving:

Make sure you are getting the best deals by obtaining and comparing quotes from multiple airlines and shipping companies. This not only ensures that you are getting the most competitive rates, but also allows you to compare different services and find the most reliable and efficient option for your specific needs. Don't settle for the first quote you receive - take the time to thoroughly research all available options and make an informed decision. Trust us, it will be worth it in the long run.

Book A Moving Service - if Using

Choose a reputable and reliable moving company that offers exceptional support in handling all the necessary paperwork and customs clearance. With the help of their experienced team, you can have peace of mind knowing that all documentation requirements are taken care of and your belongings will smoothly and efficiently navigate through the customs process. Find a moving company that takes the stress out of international moving and provides a comprehensive range of services to make your relocation as seamless as possible.\

Apply to International Schools:

When they are accepted, then comes the exciting part - choosing which school! Our team will provide you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision. You'll get to explore the different aspects of each school and choose the one that's right for you. t.

School Records:

Once you have been accepted to the school, the next step is to send them the documents. This includes your immunization records, transcripts, passports, and deposit. We understand that sending these documents can be a daunting task, but we have made it as easy as possible for you. To start the process, simply gather all the necessary documents and make sure they are up-to-date. Then, scan each document or take a clear photo of them.

Book Flights:

Secure your flights to Barcelona in advance to guarantee best prices. Don't forget to inquire about additional baggage fees, as it's likely that you'll have some. Once you have a confirmed travel date, take some time to research the which neighborhood you want to stay in.

Enroll For Overseas Voting

Make sure to take the necessary steps to create or update your voting information so that you can exercise your right to vote electronically while abroad.

Relocation Assistance in Barcelona

Moving To Barcelona Checklist

3 Months Before Moving

Finances:

International Money Transfer:

Open an account with a service like WISE for transferring money, it is much cheaper and faster than a wire transfer from your bank.

Enroll For Overseas Voting

Make sure to take the necessary steps to create or update your voting information so that you can exercise your right to vote electronically while abroad.

Pet Relocation:

Pet Requirements:

Ensure your furry companion meets all the necessary entry requirements for Spain, including up-to-date vaccinations and microchipping. It's essential to comply with these regulations to guarantee a hassle-free entry for your pet. To ensure a smooth relocation process, we highly recommend seeking assistance from a reliable pet relocation company. With their expertise and experience, they can guide you through the entire process, from paperwork to transportation, ensuring the welfare and safety of your beloved pet. Don't take any risks when it comes to your pet's well-being – enlist the help of professionals for a stress-free journey.

Preparing Documents:

Important Documents:

Gather and make digital copies of passports, driver’s licenses, birth and marriage certificates, health and pet records, and insurance documents. Save copies to a cloud account and your phone.

Get a Mailing Address in Barcelona:

Arrange for a temporary mailing address until you have a permanent one.

Update Addresses:

Notify your banks and financial institutions of your upcoming move well in advance so that you don't experience any delays in accessing your accounts from your new location. Additionally, consider setting up mail forwarding to a trusted friend or family member who can collect your mail and send it to you, or set up international mail forwarding to ensure you don't miss any important correspondence.

Cancel Subscriptions:

Cancel any local subscriptions you won’t need, such as the newspaper, magazines, or gym.

Euros in Cash:

Have some Euros on hand for emergencies - it's always better to be prepared than sorry. I strongly recommend having a few thousand Euros readily available, based on a personal bad experience I once had. You never know when you might need them. You can easily purchase them at the main branch of most reputable banks in your area.

Sell Your Car:

Advertise and sell your car to ensure a smoother transition to your new home. It's important to start the process early, ideally as close as possible to your move date, to allow for adequate time to find the right buyer and complete the sale. Consider listing your car on various platforms, such as online marketplaces and social media, to increase visibility and reach a wider audience.

Utilities and Insurance:

Give sufficient notice to cancel all of your utility services and local insurances before your firm move date. It is important to notify these companies ahead of time to avoid any unnecessary charges or complications during your move. Be sure to check with each service provider to understand their specific cancellation requirements and procedures. Planning ahead and giving ample time for cancellations can help make your move stress-free and streamlined.

Start Packing:

Begin the process of packing your belongings well in advance of your move. Take the time to carefully sort through your possessions and consider what you truly need and what you can do without. Consider donating any items that you no longer need to a charity or thrift store. This not only helps those in need but also lightens your load and simplifies the moving process. Additionally, consider purchasing moving insurance to protect your belongings during transit.

Upon Arrival

Paperwork:

Open a Spanish Bank Account:

If you have not already done so, we highly recommend opening a local Spanish bank account as soon as possible. Having a Spanish bank account can be incredibly beneficial for managing daily expenses such as rent, bills, and taxes. By having a local account, you avoid potential fees associated with international transactions.

Phone Services:

Choose a phone company and get a SIM card. Find a number that you like the mobile shops all have lists of phone numbers you can choose from. It is not super important which company that you use. If you don't have wifi setup yet, make sure you get a bundle that has plenty of gigabytes for you to use.

Obtain your NIE.

You will need a Spanish ID card, get it as soon as possible. Your immigration lawyer will advise what and when you need to do. NIE (Foreigner's Identification Card):

Padron Registration:

Spain requires knowing where you live in order to stay legally within the country's borders. As a part of your visa requirement, you need to obtain a 'padron' which verifies your residential status. To do so, you would need to register your address with the local police. This process not only enables you to remain in compliance with Spanish immigration laws but also helps you to integrate better into the local community. Additionally, your Spanish ID card cannot be issued without the aforementioned padron registration, so it becomes all the more crucial. Therefore, we recommend taking this process seriously and ensuring that you have all the necessary documentation in order.

Digital Tax Registration:

Register to get your CL@VE today so you can conveniently and securely pay your taxes online in Spain. With CL@VE, you'll have the peace of mind knowing that your personal and financial information is protected every step of the way. Do this as soon as possible. There are several ways to get it.

Culture Shock

As an expat, moving to a new country can be an exciting and life-changing experience. However, it is important to prepare yourself and your family for the potential culture shock that may come with it. It is essential to understand that living in a foreign country can be vastly different from what you're used to, both culturally and socially. Culture shock can be challenging, but it is very much real. Adapting to a new culture can be overwhelming and requires patience, a willingness to embrace new ideas and customs.

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