Moving on to another country

It is for anyone considering, planning or carrying out a move that involves Spain, and who now needs to move on. After reading it, you will know how the Spanish exit differs by destination and how to avoid being registered nowhere, or in two places at once.

Start with "Moving from Spain to another EU country: what changes?". It sets out the Spanish exit steps and the registration you will need in your new country. From there, pick the page that matches your destination, or read the page on avoiding a gap or overlap before you set a departure date.

Nationality, cross-border social security and tax residency on leaving are not covered here.

Key rules

• Ordinary Spanish permit: An ordinary Spanish residence permit gives no right to live or work in another EU state, only travel for up to 90 days in any 180 days.
• Visa before cancelling: Secure the visa or entry permission for a non-EU destination before cancelling your Spanish status.
• Long-term status lapse: Spanish EU long-term resident status lapses after 12 consecutive months outside the EU, or after 6 years away from Spain while living in another EU state.
• EU stay limit: An EU citizen can stay in another EU state for 3 months with just a valid ID or passport, and after that usually has to register locally.
• Long-term resident application: A Spanish EU long-term resident must apply for a permit in the second EU state within 3 months of entering it.
• Rental notice: After the first six months of a main-residence lease, you can end it with 30 days' written notice to the landlord.

Moving on to another country: the whole process, step by step

Moving on from Spain: the sequence

• Choose your route and check what your Spanish status allows (read: Moving from Spain to another EU country: what changes?, or What Spanish long-term residence lets you do in another EU state): Before you start planning dates

• If your destination is outside the EU, secure the visa or entry permission first (read: Moving from Spain to the UK, US or another non-EU country): Before you cancel your Spanish status

• Plan your leaving and arrival dates, and give notice on your lease (read: Avoiding a gap or overlap between leaving Spain and registering abroad): Before you leave; after the first six months of a main-residence lease, 30 days' written notice to the landlord ends it

• Gather documents such as the Spanish criminal record certificate with apostille if the destination asks for it (read: Moving from Spain to Portugal or Andorra): Before you apply; it can take days to about 10 working days

• Start your Spanish exit steps: cancel the padrón registration, update tax residence and end Spanish health cover (read: Avoiding a gap or overlap between leaving Spain and registering abroad): Around the date you leave, so you are not registered in two places

• Enter the new country; as an EU citizen you can stay with just a valid ID or passport (read: Moving from Spain to another EU country: what changes?): For the first 3 months after arrival

• Register locally at the town hall or equivalent office; deadlines are set by each country, for example about two weeks in Germany and five days in the Netherlands: Usually after the first 3 months, but sooner in some countries

• If you hold Spanish EU long-term resident status, apply for a permit in the second EU state (read: What Spanish long-term residence lets you do in another EU state): Within 3 months of entering it

• Wait for the decision on a long-term resident permit; refusal means you must leave: Four months from the application, extendable by up to three months in complex cases

• Keep your Spanish status in mind if you may return: long-term resident status lapses after 12 consecutive months outside the EU, or after 6 years away from Spain while living in another EU state: While you live abroad

Documents you may need

Identity and residence

• Your ID
• Your valid Spanish EU long-term residence card — What Spanish long-term residence lets you do in another EU state
• Valid Spanish residence permit and padrón registration — Moving from Spain to the UK, US or another non-EU country

Income and work

• Proof of work such as an employment contract — Moving from Spain to another EU country: what changes?

The home and the lease

• Proof of address in the new country — Moving from Spain to another EU country: what changes?
• Proof of address in Portugal — Moving from Spain to Portugal or Andorra

Guarantees

• Health insurance covering you in the new country — Moving from Spain to another EU country: what changes?
• Sickness insurance that covers all risks in the second state — What Spanish long-term residence lets you do in another EU state

Other documents

• Spanish criminal record certificate — Moving from Spain to the UK, US or another non-EU country, Moving from Spain to Portugal or Andorra
• Proof of stable and regular resources that support you and your family without — What Spanish long-term residence lets you do in another EU state
• Proof of why you are moving — What Spanish long-term residence lets you do in another EU state

Each article lists the other documents it asks for, where you need them.

Moving on to another country: questions that cross several articles

Do I have to cancel my padrón registration when I leave Spain?

No law strictly requires you to cancel your padrón registration, but it is wise to ask your town hall for a baja when you leave. Deregistering ends local services and sometimes healthcare access, and it can support your case on tax residence. Read Avoiding a gap or overlap between leaving Spain and registering abroad, and Moving from Spain to another EU country: what changes?

Can my Spanish residence permit be used to live in another EU country?

No, an ordinary Spanish residence permit gives no right to live or work in another EU state, only travel for up to 90 days in any 180 days. You need that country's own permit or visa, or EU long-term resident status. Read Moving from Spain to Portugal or Andorra, and What Spanish long-term residence lets you do in another EU state.

Do I lose my Spanish long-term resident status if I move to another EU state?

Not straight away: moving to another EU state does not by itself end the status. It lapses after 6 years away from Spain, or earlier if you gain long-term resident status in the other state. Read What Spanish long-term residence lets you do in another EU state, and Avoiding a gap or overlap between leaving Spain and registering abroad.

How long can I stay in another EU country before I must register?

You can stay 3 months with just a valid ID or passport, but some countries set shorter local deadlines, such as the Netherlands. After that you usually register locally. Read Moving from Spain to another EU country: what changes?