Before Moving To Spain
Prepping For
Your Move
Preparing for your move to Spain isn’t just about what happens after you arrive. A big part of the process is wrapping things up in the US. A lot of the issues expats run into aren’t major decisions—they’re smaller details that were easy to overlook before leaving. Mail that no longer reaches you, accounts tied to an old non-working phone number, documents you suddenly need but can’t access quickly. These are the kinds of problems that tend to show up later, once you’re already settled in Spain.
This page focuses on taking care of those loose ends ahead of time. It’s about closing gaps, ensuring access and making sure the things still tied to the US don’t create unnecessary friction once you’re living abroad. For a comprehensive category-by-category guide to everything involved in wrapping up your US life before you move — from mail and banking to documents, vehicles, healthcare and what not to bring — check out our Leaving the US Checklist. It also includes a printable version you can download and work through at your own pace.
Mail And Forwarding Address Setup
Before you move it’s important to decide what will happen to your US mail since it connects to more parts of your life than you might expect. Banks, credit cards, tax documents, insurance notices and even identity verification often still rely on a US mailing address, not international ones.
Some people use a trusted friend or family member to take care of their mail. Others choose a mail forwarding or scanning service that can digitize and send important documents. (If you’re using a US Domiciling service, many provide that as part of their fee or at an additional cost.) The goal is consistency. You need one reliable address that institutions can continue to use without interruption.
It’s also worth thinking ahead to your first few weeks in Spain, when your address may be temporary and package delivery can be less predictable than what you’re used to in the US.
US Phone Number Transition
Your US phone number plays a central role in account access especially for things like two-factor authentication. For those US based services you want to continue to use in Spain (like banks, brokerages, credit cards and email providers) will often default to sending verification codes to that US number. Changing it after you’ve moved can sometimes trigger account locks or extra security checks.
Before leaving the US, decide whether you’ll keep your US number or let it go. Many people choose to port it to a service like Google Voice so they can continue receiving texts and calls over Wi-Fi. Even if you plan to use a Spanish number day-to-day, keeping access to your US number—at least temporarily—can make account transitions much smoother.
There are a couple of limitations worth being aware of with VoIP options. Google Voice accounts can be reclaimed if they’re inactive for a period of time so it’s not something you want to ignore completely once it’s set up. More importantly, not all institutions treat VoIP numbers the same way. Some banks and services either delay or block two-factor authentication codes to numbers like Google Voice which can create issues if you’re relying on it as your only method of access.
Many people assume that you can simply keep your existing US cell plan and use it long-term in Spain. While most major carriers offer international roaming, it’s typically designed for short trips and not permanent use. Costs can add up quickly, data speeds may be reduced after certain thresholds and extended overseas usage can sometimes trigger restrictions or even cancellation. It may be ok for a month or two, but for the long haul you’ll need a Spanish number.
Most treat this as part of a broader setup rather than a single solution, keeping their US number active in some form while adding backup authentication methods where possible. The goal is to avoid being locked out of critical accounts once you’re settling in overseas.
Emergency Access To Funds
One of the easiest ways to create stress during a move is relying too heavily on a single bank account or card. International travel, new locations and unusual transaction patterns can sometimes trigger fraud alerts or temporary account restrictions.
Before you leave, set up multiple ways to access your money. This might include having accounts at more than one bank, carrying backup credit and debit cards and making sure you can move funds internationally without delay. The goal isn’t complexity, it’s redundancy. If one method fails, you still have immediate access through another.
Digital Access To Important Documents
You’ll likely gather a number of important documents as part of your move. Having digital access to them is just as important once you’re abroad. After you leave the US retrieving or replacing physical documents can take significantly more time. Especially if it involves government offices or mailed requests.
Before you move, scan and securely store copies of key documents such as birth and marriage certificates, passports, tax records, insurance policies and anything related to your Spanish visa or finances. A combination of secure cloud storage plus a secondary backup (such as an external drive or secondary cloud storage service) gives you flexibility and peace of mind.
A secure cloud storage setup doesn’t need to be complicated but it should be intentional. Most major providers like Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive or SecureSafe are more than sufficient as long as you use a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication (preferably through an authenticator app rather than SMS). For more sensitive documents, some people add an extra layer by using password-protected files or encrypted services. For most setups combining a reputable cloud provider with proper account security and a simple offline backup is enough to keep everything accessible and protected.
The goal is to be able to access what you need quickly without relying on physical paperwork being shipped internationally.
Digitizing what you can also reduces the amount of sensitive material you need to physically move. Carrying important documents across countries always comes with some level of risk including loss, theft or simple misplacement during travel. Having secure digital copies ensures you still have access even if something doesn’t make it with you.
For the physical documents you do keep that are tied to identity or finances, it’s generally best to carry those with you personally during your move rather than shipping or including them with your household goods. Shipments can be delayed, lost or held in customs. Those are not documents you want out of your control for any length of time.
If you do choose to scan documents and leave originals behind, it’s important to think about how they’re stored or disposed of. Anything that won’t be kept in a secure location should be properly shredded rather than discarded, especially documents containing personal or financial information. Taking that extra step helps reduce the risk of identity theft or fraud once you’re no longer physically present to manage those records.
Several documents you’ll need in Spain — including birth certificates, marriage certificates and background checks — must carry an apostille to be legally recognized. We cover what’s required and how to get them in our guide to apostilles for Spain.
Power Of Attorney
There are still situations in the US that may require someone to act on your behalf, even if most things can be handled online. Financial institutions, property-related matters or certain legal processes may require in-person action or original signatures that are difficult to manage from abroad.
Setting up a limited power of attorney allows someone you trust to handle specific tasks if needed. It doesn’t have to be broad or permanent. Having it in place before you leave can save a significant amount of time and stress if something comes up later. It’s much easier to arrange while you’re still in the US than trying to coordinate it internationally.
It can also be useful to have a power of attorney in Spain, particularly if you’re working with a lawyer or representative to handle tasks before you arrive. This might include property-related matters, administrative steps or early setup items that require a local presence. Having someone authorized to act on your behalf can help move things forward while you’re wrapping things up in the US and reduce delays once you land.
US Subscriptions And Account Cleanup
Before moving, it’s worth taking a close look at recurring subscriptions and accounts tied to your US life. Streaming services, memberships, magazine and software subscriptions and various autopay expenses can continue quietly in the background if they’re not reviewed.
Even if you plan to keep some services, updating billing addresses, payment methods and contact details can prevent issues with declined payments or fraud alerts once your location changes. Many expats find that this step alone helps simplify their finances and avoids the slow accumulation of unnecessary charges over time.
The year you move is also worth flagging from a tax perspective. Your filing situation changes when you become a foreign resident mid-year and it’s worth reviewing with a CPA before you leave. We cover the basics in our guide to US taxes as an expat in Spain.
Voter Registration And Absentee Ballots
It’s easy to overlook voting while you’re focused on visas, finances and shipping logistics, but registering before you leave — or confirming your registration is current — makes it much simpler to vote from abroad once you’re settled in Spain. Many states allow you to request an absentee ballot online and some have specific deadlines tied to moving overseas. We cover the process in more detail in our post on voting from Spain as an expat.
Driving Timing And License Planning
If you plan to drive in Spain, timing matters more than people expect. Your US driver’s license is typically only valid for a limited period after establishing residency. While an International Driving Permit (IDP) can help in the short term, it’s not a long term solution.
Depending on your situation you may eventually need to obtain a Spanish driver’s license. This can involve both written and practical exams. Because the process can take time, it’s helpful to understand your timeline before you move so you’re not caught off guard. This is especially important if you expect to rely on a car early on, whether for daily life or house hunting.
If you’re considering shipping your car rather than selling it, that decision also has timing and cost implications worth understanding before you commit.
Initial Housing Transition Planning
The timing of your arrival in Spain doesn’t always align perfectly with your long-term housing plans. Many people arrive before they’ve secured a permanent home or prefer to spend time exploring different areas before committing.
Having a short-term housing plan in place gives you flexibility and reduces pressure to make quick decisions. It also helps with practical matters like receiving deliveries, setting up services and getting oriented in your new environment. Even a few weeks of temporary accommodation can make the transition significantly smoother.
If you’re bringing pets, the process requires more lead time than most people expect. EU entry requirements include microchipping, vaccinations and health certificates with strict timing. We cover the full process in our guide to moving to Spain with pets.
Healthcare Gap Planning
Healthcare coverage is often tied to your visa, insurance policy or residency status. It doesn’t always begin immediately upon arrival. Depending on your setup, there can be a gap between when you land in Spain and when your coverage in Spain is fully active.
Planning for this period ensures you’re protected from the start. Many expats use private health insurance to bridge the gap or as part of their visa requirements, with the option to transition into the public system later if eligible. Understanding how your coverage starts in Spain and what it includes helps avoid uncertainty during your first weeks in the country.
Whether you need private insurance as a visa requirement or simply want coverage from day one, getting your policy in place before you leave rather than after you arrive, eliminates one more variable.
Ready to start working through the details? Our Leaving the US Checklist covers everything on this page and more, organized by category with a downloadable printable version you can use to check items off as you go.
FAQs
Should I keep a US bank account after moving to Spain?
Most expats continue using at least one US bank account for things like tax refunds, investment accounts, Social Security payments, credit history and ongoing US-based expenses. Keeping a US account also makes it easier to transfer funds internationally and maintain access to US financial services that may not work well with foreign addresses.
Is it worth setting up an authenticator app before leaving the US?
Absolutely. Many expats discover too late that relying only on SMS-based verification becomes difficult once their US phone situation changes. Setting up an authenticator app such as Google Authenticator, Authy or Microsoft Authenticator before you move gives you a more reliable backup for account access and two-factor authentication.
What happens if I move to Spain before all my paperwork is finished?
It’s common for some loose ends to remain after moving, especially for larger transitions involving property, finances or legal matters. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s reducing the number of issues that require urgent attention once you’re overseas. Having digital access, backups and trusted contacts in place makes unfinished tasks much easier to manage remotely.
Should I notify US financial institutions before moving abroad?
In many cases, yes. Banks and credit card companies can sometimes flag foreign logins or international transactions as suspicious activity, especially immediately after a move. Updating contact details, travel notifications and security settings ahead of time can reduce the likelihood of temporary account restrictions once you arrive in Spain.
How much should I simplify before moving overseas?
More than you probably think. International moves tend to expose how many accounts, subscriptions, documents and small obligations quietly accumulate over time. Even if you aren’t downsizing aggressively, simplifying your financial accounts, recurring services and physical paperwork before leaving usually makes the transition significantly less stressful once you’re abroad.
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Before Moving
Everything you need to sort before you leave — visas, NIEs, finances and the hundred other things on your pre-move list.
After The Move
What you need to get sorted once you arrive — utilities, healthcare, paperwork and all the practicalities of your new life in Spain.
Property Guide
Here’s what to know about buying property in Spain as an American — from your first search to signing at the notary.
Resources
Checklists, glossaries and vetted websites to help you plan, prepare and hit the ground running in Spain.
Our Journey
Follow along as we document our move from Portland, Oregon to Jávea, Spain — the highs, the headaches and everything in between.
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