Move to Torrevieja

Moving to Torrevieja: The Complete Guide

Everything you need before and after arrival — from paperwork to property, healthcare to banking.

Torrevieja is home to one of the largest foreign-resident communities in Spain — over 320,000 registered foreigners call the Alicante province home. The process of moving is manageable, but knowing the right order matters. This guide covers every step.

Step-by-step relocation checklist

Before you arrive

  1. Get your NIE number — apply at a Spanish consulate in your home country OR book an appointment at Torrevieja police station
  2. Open a non-resident Spanish bank account (BBVA or Sabadell recommended)
  3. Arrange shipping or removal company
  4. Sort health insurance — either S1 form (UK pensioners) or private policy
  5. Research areas: La Mata, Los Balcones, City Centre, Habaneras

After arrival

  1. Register on the Padrón (municipal census) at the Torrevieja Ayuntamiento — needed for almost everything
  2. Get your SIP health card (tarjeta sanitaria) at your local health centre
  3. Transfer your NIE to a full residency certificate (EU green card or TIE)
  4. Register with a GP (médico de cabecera) at your local Centro de Salud
  5. Notify HMRC/home tax authority of your departure
  6. Set up Spanish utilities (electricity, water, internet) with direct debit

Key guides

Frequently asked questions

The appointment itself takes 30 minutes. Getting the appointment is the hard part — slots at Torrevieja police station fill quickly. Allow 2–8 weeks to get an appointment.
For daily life, no — English is very widely spoken in expat areas. For official paperwork (NIE, padrón, property), a gestor or bilingual solicitor is strongly recommended.
Only for emergency treatment. It is not a substitute for long-term health cover if you are living in Spain.
Budget at least €2,000–3,000 for initial setup costs (NIE fees, padrón, furniture, utilities deposits). Monthly living costs for a couple start around €1,800–2,500 including rent.

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