How to Move to Spain from the Ireland: Thinking about moving from Ireland to Spain? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Irish citizens choose to relocate to Spain — attracted by the sunshine, relaxed pace of life, Mediterranean food, and affordable cost of living.
Whether you want to retire, work remotely, or simply enjoy a change of lifestyle, this guide will walk you through how to move to Spain from Ireland in 2025 — step by step — covering visas, healthcare, taxes, housing, and more.
Can Irish Citizens Move to Spain After Brexit?
Yes. Irish citizens have a unique advantage compared to other EU nationals. Even after Brexit, Ireland remains part of the European Union (EU), meaning Irish citizens have the right to live, work, and study in Spain without any visa or residence permit.
That’s right — no visa required! However, you’ll still need to complete some official paperwork once you arrive in Spain.
Step-by-Step: Moving to Spain from Ireland
1. Prepare Your Documents
Before relocating, make sure you have the following ready:
- Valid Irish passport
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
- Proof of income or job (if applicable)
- Rental agreement or proof of accommodation
- Bank account details
2. Find a Place to Live
Most Irish expats settle in coastal areas like Valencia, Alicante, Málaga, or the Canary Islands, though cities like Madrid and Barcelona are also popular for work opportunities. Consider short-term rentals first until you find your long-term home.
3. Register at the Town Hall (Empadronamiento)
Once you arrive, register your address at your local Ayuntamiento (Town Hall). This step is required for nearly everything — healthcare registration, taxes, and getting your residence certificate.
4. Apply for the EU Certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE)
As an Irish citizen, you must register as an EU resident in Spain if you plan to stay more than 3 months. This gives you your NIE number (Foreigner ID) and makes you an official resident.
5. Open a Bank Account
Opening a Spanish bank account will make your life much easier — for rent, utilities, and taxes. Most banks allow EU citizens to open an account with just a passport and proof of address.
6. Register for Healthcare
With your EU residency certificate, you can access Spain’s excellent public healthcare system. You’ll need to register at your local health center (centro de salud) with your passport, NIE, and empadronamiento certificate.
7. Transfer Your Finances
Consider transferring savings to your Spanish account, setting up SEPA transfers, or using low-fee services like Wise or Revolut to move money between Ireland and Spain.
8. Taxes & Residency
If you spend more than 183 days per year in Spain, you’ll become a Spanish tax resident. Ireland and Spain have a double taxation agreement, which means you won’t pay taxes twice on the same income.
Cost of Living: Spain vs Ireland
Living in Spain is generally 30–40% cheaper than in Ireland. Rent, utilities, food, and transportation are significantly lower, especially outside of Madrid and Barcelona.
| Category | Spain (Avg) | Ireland (Avg) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed apartment) | €750 | €1,500 |
| Groceries | €250 | €400 |
| Utilities | €120 | €200 |
| Meal out for two | €35 | €70 |
Driving in Spain with an Irish License
Good news — you can use your Irish driver’s license in Spain without any problem, since Ireland and Spain both recognize EU licenses. If you become a long-term resident, you can exchange it for a Spanish one easily.
Moving with Family or Pets
Family members who are also EU citizens can join you freely. For non-EU family members (like a spouse from outside the EU), they’ll need to apply for a residence card under the EU family reunification process.
Bringing pets from Ireland to Spain is simple — just ensure they’re microchipped, vaccinated for rabies, and have an EU pet passport.
Popular Areas for Irish Expats in Spain
- Costa Blanca (Alicante, Torrevieja, Benidorm)
- Costa del Sol (Málaga, Marbella, Estepona)
- Valencia & Castellón
- Gran Canaria and Tenerife
- Madrid (for professionals)
Why So Many Irish Move to Spain
- Lower cost of living
- Sunshine & outdoor lifestyle
- Great healthcare
- Short flights from Ireland
- English-speaking communities
- Safe and family-friendly environment
Useful Tips for a Smooth Move
- Keep copies of all official documents
- Open a Spanish bank account early
- Learn basic Spanish phrases
- Avoid tourist traps when renting
- Register your residence within 3 months
Final Thoughts
Moving from Ireland to Spain is straightforward for Irish citizens thanks to EU freedom of movement. With a bit of planning and local paperwork, you can enjoy a smooth transition to life under the Spanish sun — whether for a year or permanently.
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