How do you move to Spain from Norway, Sweden or Denmark?

As an EU/EEA citizen you can move to Spain freely, but you need to: 1) apply for a NIE (foreigner identification number), 2) register as a resident at the local town hall (empadronamiento), 3) apply for the green residency certificate, 4) sign up with the Spanish healthcare or private insurance, 5) enrol children in school, and 6) open a Spanish bank account. Susan documents each step from her family's own move to Costa del Sol.

Where do most Scandinavians live on Costa del Sol?

The largest Scandinavian communities are in Marbella, Nueva Andalucía, San Pedro de Alcántara, Benahavís, Estepona, Fuengirola and Mijas. Marbella and Fuengirola also host the Norwegian and Swedish international schools.

Should I rent or buy when I first move to Spain?

Susan recommends renting for the first 6–12 months. It lets you learn the difference between areas like Nueva Andalucía and Estepona in practice, avoid expensive mistakes, and only commit to buying once you know where your family actually wants to live.

Which schools do Scandinavian families on Costa del Sol use?

The most common choices are the Norwegian School in Marbella (Den Norske Skolen Costa del Sol), Svenska Skolan in Fuengirola, several British international schools (Aloha College, Swans, Sotogrande International, Laude San Pedro), and the local Spanish concertado/public schools for full immersion. The right choice depends on age, language, length of stay and where you live.

What is the NIE and do I need one?

The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is a Spanish tax/identity number that every foreigner needs to sign a rental contract, buy property, open a bank account, register a car or start a job. You apply at a Spanish police station or consulate; the appointment system is the main bottleneck.

Flytte til Spania — fra en drøm til virkelighet

Flytte til Spania

Å flytte til Costa del Sol handler om så mye mer enn sol og palmer. Her deler jeg våre erfaringer, tanker og tingene vi selv skulle ønske vi visste før vi flyttet hit som familie.