Relocating to Spain with Family: Schooling, Healthcare, and Residency Steps

Moving to Spain with dependants requires careful coordination between visas, schooling, and healthcare. Use this guide to organise timelines and paperwork so your family settles in smoothly.

Table of contents

• Pre-move planning checklist
• Choosing schools in Spain
• Enrolling children in public and private schools
• Healthcare registration for families
• Residency cards for spouses and dependants
• Integrating into the community
• FAQs
• Related guides

Pre-move planning checklist

Start preparations at least six months before your relocation:

• Confirm visa eligibility for each family member (Digital Nomad, Non-Lucrative, EU family permit, etc.).
• Obtain apostilled birth certificates, marriage certificates, and vaccination records.
• Research housing near schools and public transport.
• Plan for private health insurance coverage until Social Security access is activated.

Choosing schools in Spain

Spain offers multiple education options:

• Public schools (colegios públicos): Free, Spanish-language instruction following national curriculum.
• Concertado schools: Semi-private institutions with subsidised tuition and bilingual programs.
• International schools: Offer IB, British, American, or other curricula; ideal for short-term assignments.

Evaluate academic calendars, language support, and extracurricular activities to find the best fit.

Enrolling children in public and private schools

• Registration typically opens between March and May for the following academic year.
• Provide NIEs or passport copies, empadronamiento certificate, vaccination records, and previous school transcripts.
• Apply through your local education authority (Consejería de Educación) or directly with private schools.
• Expect placement results in late June; confirm attendance to secure the spot.

Healthcare registration for families

• Secure private health insurance that covers each family member with zero co-payments for visa applications.
• After arrival, obtain Social Security numbers and register at the local centro de salud.
• Request individual Tarjetas Sanitarias and choose a pediatrician or family doctor.
• Keep vaccination schedules updated in both the Spanish and home-country systems.

Residency cards for spouses and dependants

• Schedule TIE appointments for non-EU family members within 30 days of arrival.
• Submit passports, visa stamps, empadronamiento, proof of relationship, and proof of financial means.
• Biometric appointments require payment of the Modelo 790 Código 012 fee in advance.
• EU citizens bringing non-EU spouses should file for the Tarjeta de Familiar de Ciudadano de la Unión.

Integrating into the community

• Join local parent associations (AMPAs) to access school updates and activities.
• Enroll children in sports clubs or language classes to build friendships quickly.
• Participate in neighbourhood events and cultural festivals to learn regional customs.
• Consider language exchange groups to improve Spanish proficiency as a family.

FAQs

Can children attend school without a NIE? Schools can temporarily accept passports while NIE applications are pending, but you must supply the NIE once issued.

Do dependants need private insurance after registering for Social Security? Coverage extends to dependants linked to your Social Security account, but maintain private policies until the public system is active.

How long do TIE cards take to arrive? Cards are typically ready within 30–45 days after biometrics; pick them up in person with original passports.

Related guides

• Healthcare in Spain for Expats
• Empadronamiento in Spain
• Spanish Social Security Registration for Expats
• Spain Digital Nomad Visa Guide
• Spanish Tax Residency for Expats

Need family relocation support? Book a consultation.