Crown Relocations is NZ’s leading moving company.

Moving To Spain From New Zealand

Relocating to Spain

Have you decided to move to Spain? New Zealanders moving to Spain can look forward to an enriched lifestyle with a slower pace of  life, a strong sense of community, and high value placed on family and social connections. The  Spanish focus on connection and relaxation is embodied in the idea of “sobremesa,” the leisurely  time spent after a meal. Spain is also famed for its Mediterranean cuisine, with tapas and paella the most well-known traditional dishes. Another advantage is  that living expenses in Spain are generally lower than in New Zealand, especially for food,  transportation, and housing. 

However, adjusting to life in Spain can come with some challenges. The language barrier can be  significant, with Spanish being predominantly spoken. It is important to be aware of regional  languages as well, such as Clatalan, Glacian and Basque depending on where you work or live.  Learning the Spanish language is essential for full integration. The typical Spanish workday often  includes a “siesta,” a two-hour break in the early afternoon. This can extend the workday into the  evening, so most families have their evening meal after 9:30pm. This schedule is quite different  from what we are used to in New Zealand and may require some time to adjust. Understanding  these differences is crucial for a smooth transition, helping you to navigate social and professional  interactions effectively.  

Cala S’Almunia in Mallorca. Photo by Reiseuhu
Cala S’Almunia in Mallorca. Photo by Reiseuhu

International Shipping To Spain

Moving to Spain from New Zealand is an exciting adventure! Our expert team at Crown Relocations NZ will make your international shipping experience smooth and worry-free.  With over 55 years experience in relocating New Zealanders internationally, we understand each part of the relocation process and offer a comprehensive moving service.

We offer a range of international shipping options to suit your needs. For large-scale relocations, our sole-use containers provide efficient shipping to Spain. Sharing containers is a more affordable option for smaller shipments. We provide individually crated shipments for unique routes, as well as air transport for urgent items.

Our all-inclusive service doesn’t stop at shipping. We handle all clearances and documentation at  your new destination and can arrange storage as needed. Additional services, such as transit  insurance, international vehicle and pet relocations, and settling in service are also available. We are committed to  making your international move as simple as possible. So you can rely on Crown to support you with every step of your journey to Spain. 

For an international moving quote, call our helpful team on: 0508 227 696 or complete our online form

NZ to Spain Corporate Mobility Services

Moving your staff from New Zealand to Spain? Crown Relocations NZ will guide you through the  entire process. Whether it’s for temporary postings or permanent moves, Crown has the expertise  and experience to ensure your staff and their families have a smooth transition. We handle each employee’s move from  start to finish, guaranteeing success every time. Our consulting services are designed to create  effective mobility programs tailored to your organisation’s unique needs. 

Our local Mobility Specialists will help your employees and their families in adjusting to the  Spanish way of life. This involves providing everything needed, from local services information and  learning Spanish, to house hunting and school searches, enabling your employees to settle in  confidently. 

Obtaining work permits, resident permits or visas can be a lengthy process, but our licenced  Immigration Advisers provide comprehensive support, in accordance with all regulations.  

Relocating successfully requires understanding and adjusting to Spanish culture. Our programs of  intercultural support offer the knowledge and skills required. With our family-centric approach,  Crown emphasises the requirements of the whole family. We provide customised settling-in  programs, temporary housing, and partner career assistance to help everyone feel at home. 

Contact our World Mobility experts via phone on 0800 243 578 or (+64) 9 415 7300. Alternatively, you can email us at [email protected], or complete our contact form, and we’ll be in touch. 

Spain Crowded beach in Calella Barcelona Unexpected Catalonia

Moving to Spain FAQs:

New Zealanders can live in Spain, but there are a number of processes to follow depending on  whether you are wanting to work or study. Moving to Spain requires getting the correct type of visa, finding housing, getting health insurance, and learning the language. Crown has the  knowledge to assist you with visas, customs, and other required paperwork throughout your  relocating process.

Discover how our team at Crown can help you with all the necessary paperwork so you don’t need to. Contact us today on 0508 227 696.

Moving to Spain can be reasonably expensive, especially when factoring in obtaining visas,  shipping costs and finding a place to live, especially if you are relocating to the main urban areas. Fortunately, the cost of living in Spain is usually less expensive than living in New Zealand. Public transport, food, and housing, especially outside of major cities, are generally more affordable than in New  Zealand. 

Our team at Crown can help you move smoothly and at a reasonable price. In addition, we provide  a comprehensive selection of other services for moving abroad, including moving insuranceinternational vehicles and pet relocation, and settling in services, to make your move as stress-free as possible. 

Call our friendly team now on 0508 227 696 or request a free quote so you can find out how much it will cost.

Moving from New Zealand to Spain involves several steps, including obtaining the appropriate visa first, arranging housing, and planning your move. Learning the language is important, especially as  official websites are mainly in Spanish. Sunny weather, stunning natural landscapes, the  welcoming vibrant Spanish culture alongside the affordable cost of living, all combine to make  Spain a desired destination for living. 

Crown provides comprehensive services to make the transition easy and hassle-free, offering help with packing,  shipping, customs clearance, visa guidance, along with information about living and working in  Spain. 

To ensure a smooth, successful move to Spain: call our friendly team on 0508 227 696 or fill in our online form

Crown Relocations offers a range of international shipping options tailored to your needs when moving from New Zealand to Spain. Whether you’re sending a few items or an entire household, Crown provides sole-use and shared containers, as well as air transport for urgent deliveries. 

With over 55 years of experience, we ensure a seamless and reliable relocation process, assisting you every step of the way. Talk with our friendly team on 0508 227 696 or request an online quote. 

What do I need to know about moving to Spain?

What are the best places to live in Spain?

Spain is famous for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, flamenco dancing, delicious cuisine and  fascinating history. It also offers expatriates a wonderful variety of places to live, from vibrant cities like Madrid and Barcelona to picturesque towns like Granada and Valencia. Coastal regions  such as Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca are popular for their gorgeous beaches and warm climate.  Each area has its own unique charm and lifestyle, catering to different preferences. Lifestyle preferences, job opportunities, climate and access to amenities are some of the factors to keep in mind when researching the best places to live in Spain.

How easy is it to find housing in Spain?

The Spanish housing market offers a diverse range of options, from modern urban apartments to  charming rural villas. Whether buying or renting, the ease and affordability of acquiring property  can vary greatly between different regions. Major cities like Madrid and Barcelona are typically more expensive. Smaller towns and coastal areas usually offer more affordable options. Buying a home in Spain is generally straightforward, with a well-regulated property market. Renting is also a viable option, with flexible lease terms and a wide range of choices to suit different budgets. Our team at Crown can help you find accommodation in Spain as well, making your move even easier.

What healthcare is available in Spain?

Spain’s healthcare system is renowned for its quality and accessibility, providing a blend of public  and private options. Public healthcare is generally free as it is funded by taxes. This guarantees all  residents have access to medical care, regardless of income. Spain ranks highly in healthcare quality, with well-trained medical  professionals and world-class medical facilities. Preventive care and early intervention are  key focuses, contributing to better health outcomes. However, there can be significant wait times for non-emergency treatments and specialist visits. Private health insurance can enable faster access to specialists and elective procedures, allowing  for greater flexibility and personalized care. 

What is the education system in Spain?

Studying in Spain provides a wonderful blend of academic and cultural benefits. Spain features a robust education system with numerous public and private options, including international schools that follow various curricula such as the British, American, and International Baccalaureate systems. There are some notable differences to New Zealand’s education system, such as starting primary school at age 6 through to age 12 with no separate intermediate school. Spain is also home to prestigious universities such as the University of Barcelona and the Complutense University of Madrid. Many Spanish universities offer courses in both Spanish and English, with affordable fees.

What is the official currency in Spain? 

Spain uses the Euro (€) as its currency. Setting up a bank account is relatively straightforward for  expatriates, with many banks offering English-speaking services. When transferring NZD to EUR,  Crown recommends using OFX as they have competitive rates, with lower fees than traditional  banks. Having some cash available to use is recommended when making small purchases or in rural areas. 

How does transportation work in Spain? 

Spain has an efficient and extensive public transport network, including high-speed trains (AVE),  buses, and metro systems in major cities, as well as connecting smaller towns. Driving is also a  viable option, with well-maintained roads and highways. Understanding the local transportation  options can significantly ease daily commutes and travel within the country. Spain’s public transport train system, Renfe (Red Nacional  de los Ferrocarriles Españoles), is used for both local  commuting and traveling throughout the different Spanish regions. 

Learning the Spanish language

Learning Spanish can be relatively easy for English speakers due to its phonetic nature and  straightforward grammar rules. However, the ease of learning can depend on an individual’s  language learning abilities and commitment. Listening to Spanish music, watching Spanish movies, and conversing with native speakers will help improve your Spanish language learning.  While many people speak English, especially in tourist areas, learning Spanish is highly  recommended for better integration and daily communication. Numerous language schools and  online resources such as Duolingo are available to help expatriates learn Spanish. Crown also offers Spanish language learning as part of our additional services, supporting you in your move to Spain.

Networking in Spain

Building a social and professional network in Spain can be facilitated by joining expatriate groups,  attending local events, and participating in community activities. Online platforms and local organizations offer networking opportunities for newcomers to connect with others. 

Spain Mercado de Colón of Valencia Columbus Market Juan Gomez
Mercado de Colón of Valencia Columbus Market. Photo by Juan Gomez

For professional networking, you can join professional associations, or networking events organized by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce. For social networking, Meetup is ideal for finding and joining  local groups based on shared interests and activities. Additionally, Internations provides valuable  resources and events for expatriates in Madrid and other cities around Spain. 

Outdoor eating in Mijas Andalusia. Photo by Simon Hermans

Moving to Spain? Go knowing

Let Us Make Your Journey to Spain Simple

Spain is undoubtedly one of the most attractive European countries for social life, culture, and  seaside landscapes, as well as a perfect place to live in stimulating contact with nature. From the Canary Island beaches to the Sierra Nevada mountain range, the mild Mediterranean climate makes living in Spain very easy. In deciding to move to Spain, you can be confident you have made an exceptional life choice.

Engaging a reliable moving company like Crown NZ will significantly make your move easier. Our team at Crown can offer tailored services, including help with securing accommodation, full door to door moving services, and providing local knowledge of your specific destination; ensuring a smooth transition into your new life in Spain. 

Our team at Crown is ready to assist you with your journey to a new life in Spain, ensuring your move is simple and hassle-free. Find out more about our comprehensive moving packages: 

Call us on 0508 227 696, fill in our online quote request, or visit Crown Relocations NZ for more information.

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