Moving House in Spain

A reminder of the organisations, utility and service providers and other companies you may need to contact if you are moving house in Spain - whether moving to another province, a different "Town Hall" or just around the corner.

Moving house always requires planning and preparation, but there are some specifics to remember when moving around in Spain.

DNI Spanish identity Document or NIE Foreigners Identity Document

Spanish citizens with a DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) and foreigners with an NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) must change the address on the documentation when moving house. This document can be used as proof of new address and identity when registering for utilities and services.

For information from the Spanish Interior Ministry: Click here (in Spanish)

Rental contracts

The owner or agent of rental accommodation will need to be given one- to three-months notice (depending on the rental contract). The notice letter should be sent by registered post (certificado).

See AngloINFO INFOrmation page on Renting a House or Apartment in Spain

Electricity

Notify the local electricity company to establish a new contract or move the existing one at the new property. To cancel an existing contract it is necessary to write a letter to the supplying company asking them to stop the service and attach a copy of the account holder's passport or Spanish NIE number.

For a new electricity contract the following is also required:

A copy of the last electricity bill pertaining the property
Passport or NIE number
If renting, details of the rental contract, or details from the title deeds of an owned property
Bank account details in order to set up payment of the bi-monthly bills on standing order
See AngloINFO INFOrmation Page on Services - Electricity, Gas, Water & Telephone - in Spain

Telephone

A Telefónica telephone line can be transferred from one address to another for less cost than a new line. If a new address falls into the same area, the telephone number can be transferred too.

To transfer a telephone line, contact the local Telefónica branch or apply online (in Spanish).

A line transfer can be requested online: Click here (in Spanish) and then click on Contratar
Further information from Telefónica website: Click here

Water

Contact the water supply company to cancel the existing contract. Attach a copy of the passport identity page or Spanish NIE number. The Town Hall in the new district will be able to advise as to the local water suppliers and their contact details.

The following documents are required to open a new account along with payment:

Photocopy of passport or NIE number
See AngloINFO INFOrmation Page on Services - Electricity, Gas, Water & Telephone - in Spain

Gas

If a contract is held with a gas company, notify the supplying company to stop the service and attach a photocopy of the account holder's passport or NIE number.

If the new property is supplied with mains gas, contact the local gas supplier to have the gas switched on, the meter read and to arrange a supply contract.

See AngloINFO INFOrmation Page on Services - Electricity, Gas, Water & Telephone - in Spain

Post

The Spanish Post Office, Correos, offer a service to forward all mail to a new address. Arrangements should be made at least one week before the move. This service can last for one, two or six months. By subscribing to this service the post office will provide 20 pre-paid for notifying contacts of the change of address. There is a fee for the service.

See this page of the Correos website

Insurance

Notify insurance companies of the change of address. Home insurance can be transferred to a new property, but if the new home is a dramatically different size, it may be necessary to have the property re-assessed.

See AngloINFO INFOrmation Pages on Vehicle Insurance in Spain and Home Insurance in Spain

Motor Registration and Driving Licence

Holders of a Spanish driving licence or those with a vehicle registered in their name remaining in the same province after a move should return their licence and registration document (permiso de circulación) to the traffic office (Jefatura Provincial or Local de Tráfico) so that the address can be changed.

People moving to a new province need to inform both the current and new province of the address change.

To find the nearest traffic office (Jefatura Provincial or Local de Tráfico): Click here

Social Security

Those receiving pensions and benefits from the INSS should inform it of the change of address. It may be necessary to re-register if joining a new administrative region.

Registering on the Electoral Roll

It is important to inform the Municipal Register of the change of address even if the move is with in the same administrative region. However, if moving is to a new area then register with the local Padrón Municipal.

To prove the new address the resident will normally need to present the NIE and proof of address (a rental contract or similar).

After registering with the authorities a census registration form (certificado de empadronamiento) will be sent for completion about the household and those living in it.

To find the administrative office for a new address: Click here

Remember to contact:

the present Town Hall and the Town Hall in the new municipality
banks where accounts are held
doctors/dentists in order to have health records transferred to the new doctors.
schools in order to obtain copies of school records and other relevant documents