Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Where do most Scandinavians live on Costa del Sol?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Which schools do Scandinavian families on Costa del Sol use?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

What is the NIE and do I need one?

Accepted Answer

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

Flytteprosessen vår

Hvordan vi fant bolig på Costa del Sol

Hvordan velge riktig område å bo i på Costa del Sol

Hvordan er det egentlig å ha barn på Costa del Sol?

Ting som overrasket oss etter flyttingen

Hvordan bygge et nytt liv i Spania

Ting ingen forteller deg om å flytte til Spania

Eie eller leie på Costa del Sol?

NIE-nummer i Spania – trenger du det egentlig med en gang?

Skal du bo i Spania ett år eller lenger? Dette må du vite om flyttemelding fra Norge

Har jeg blitt eiendomsmegler på Costa del Sol?

Hva koster det egentlig å bo på Costa del Sol?

Første året vårt i Spania

Hvordan vite om Costa del Sol faktisk passer deg

Hvordan hverdagen vår faktisk ser ut