Moving to Ibiza: The Complete Checklist

Why You Need a Checklist for Moving to Ibiza

Moving to Ibiza is an exciting life change, but the Spanish bureaucracy and island-specific logistics can be overwhelming if you are not prepared. Whether you are relocating from another EU country or from outside Europe, there are essential administrative steps, housing decisions, and practical arrangements that need your attention.

This guide covers everything from getting your NIE number to opening a bank account, finding a place to live, and settling into island life. Follow this checklist step by step, and you will have a smooth transition to your new home on Ibiza.

Many expats who moved to Ibiza wish they had known these things earlier. Some administrative processes take weeks or even months, so starting early is key. We recommend beginning at least three months before your planned move date.

Step 1: Get Your NIE Number

The NIE (Numero de Identidad de Extranjero) is your foreigner identification number in Spain. It is absolutely essential - you cannot open a bank account, sign a rental contract, buy a car, or work legally without it. This should be your very first step.

How to Get Your NIE

Book an appointment (cita previa): Visit the Spanish government website or call the foreigners office in Ibiza. Appointments can be booked weeks in advance, so do this as early as possible.
Required documents: Valid passport or ID card, completed EX-15 form, passport-sized photo, proof of reason for requesting NIE (job contract, property purchase, etc.), and the tax form 790-012 showing payment of the fee (approximately 12 euros).
Where to go: The Oficina de Extranjeros in Ibiza town (Eivissa). Arrive early even with an appointment, as waiting times can be long.
Processing time: You may receive your NIE on the spot, or it can take a few days to a few weeks depending on demand. During peak season (summer), expect longer wait times.

Tip: If you are already in your home country, you can apply for a NIE at the Spanish consulate before you move. This saves valuable time once you arrive.

Step 2: Register Your Residence (Empadronamiento)

The empadronamiento is your registration on the municipal census. It proves that you live in a specific municipality on Ibiza and is required for many things: accessing public healthcare, enrolling children in school, and even getting discounts on inter-island ferries.

Where: At the town hall (Ayuntamiento) of the municipality where you live. Ibiza has five municipalities: Eivissa, Santa Eulalia, Sant Josep, Sant Antoni, and Sant Joan.
Required documents: Passport or ID, NIE, rental contract or property deed, and a completed application form (available at the town hall).
Important note: Your landlord may need to accompany you or provide written authorization for you to register at their property. Discuss this with your landlord before your appointment.

Step 3: EU Residents - Certificate of Registration

If you are an EU citizen and plan to stay in Spain for more than three months, you need to register in the Central Register of Foreigners. This gives you a green certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Union) with your NIE printed on it.

Deadline: Within 3 months of arriving in Spain.
Requirements: Proof of employment, self-employment, or sufficient financial resources and health insurance.
Where: Oficina de Extranjeros in Ibiza, with a cita previa appointment.

Non-EU citizens will need to apply for the appropriate visa or residence permit before arriving. Options include work visas, digital nomad visas, or non-lucrative residence visas. Consult the Spanish embassy in your country for the latest requirements.

Step 4: Finding a Home on Ibiza

The housing market on Ibiza is notoriously competitive and expensive, especially during the high season from May to October. Starting your search early and being flexible with your expectations is crucial.

Rental Market Tips

Start early: Begin searching at least 2-3 months before your move. Long-term rentals (annual contracts) are much cheaper than seasonal ones but are limited in supply.
Budget expectations: A one-bedroom apartment costs between 800 and 1,500 euros per month depending on location and season. Furnished apartments are standard for rentals on Ibiza.
Popular areas: Ibiza town (Eivissa) for nightlife and culture, Santa Eulalia for families, Sant Antoni for budget options, and the countryside for peace and space.
Word of mouth: Many rentals on Ibiza are never advertised. Tell everyone you know that you are looking. Join local community groups and check Ibiza Marketplace for listings.
Watch out for scams: Never send money before viewing a property in person. Verify the landlord owns the property by checking the property registry (Registro de la Propiedad).

Buying Property

If you are buying, you will need a NIE, a Spanish bank account, and a good lawyer (abogado) who specializes in property law. Budget 10-15% on top of the purchase price for taxes, notary fees, and legal costs. Always conduct a full legal check on the property through the Registro de la Propiedad before signing anything.

Step 5: Work and Income

Ibiza offers a variety of work opportunities, but the job market is heavily seasonal. Understanding how employment works here will help you plan your finances and career.

Seasonal work: Tourism, hospitality, nightlife, and entertainment dominate the summer season (May-October). Jobs include hotel staff, bartenders, DJs, boat crew, tour guides, and event organizers.
Year-round work: Healthcare, education, retail, construction, and property management offer more stable employment. Spanish language skills are often required for these roles.
Freelance and remote work: Many expats work remotely for companies abroad. Spain's digital nomad visa (Visado para Teletrabajo) allows non-EU citizens to live and work remotely in Spain. Register as autonomo (self-employed) to work legally.
Social security: Once employed, you will be enrolled in the Spanish social security system (Seguridad Social), which provides healthcare, unemployment benefits, and pension contributions.
Starting a business: Ibiza has opportunities in tourism, wellness, food, and creative industries. You will need to register as autonomo or set up a Sociedad Limitada (SL) depending on your business type.

Step 6: Open a Spanish Bank Account

A Spanish bank account is essential for paying rent, utilities, and receiving your salary. Most landlords and employers require a Spanish IBAN.

Major banks on Ibiza: CaixaBank, BBVA, Banco Santander, and Banco Sabadell all have branches on the island. CaixaBank has the most ATMs on the Balearic Islands.
Required documents: NIE, passport, proof of address (empadronamiento or rental contract), and proof of income or employment.
Digital alternatives: N26, Revolut, and Wise are popular among expats for day-to-day spending. However, some Spanish utilities and direct debits may only work with a traditional Spanish bank account.
Tip: Book an appointment at the bank beforehand. Walk-ins are rarely accepted, and some branches have English- speaking staff if you ask.

Step 7: Healthcare and Insurance

Spain has an excellent public healthcare system, and once you are registered in the social security system, you can access it. Here is what you need to know:

Public healthcare (SIP card): Register at your local health center (Centro de Salud) with your social security number and empadronamiento. You will receive a SIP card for free medical care.
EU citizens: Bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) as temporary coverage until your Spanish registration is complete.
Private insurance: Many expats take out private health insurance (from 50-150 euros per month) for faster access and English-speaking doctors. Providers like Sanitas, Adeslas, and Asisa operate on Ibiza.
Hospital: Ibiza has one public hospital (Hospital Can Misses) in Ibiza town. For specialist care, patients are sometimes referred to Palma de Mallorca.

Step 8: Practical Essentials

Once the big administrative tasks are done, there are several practical things to arrange that will make your daily life on Ibiza much easier.

Phone and Internet

Get a Spanish SIM card from Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, or budget providers like Lycamobile or Digi. You will need your NIE and passport to register.
Home internet options include fiber (available in most towns) and 4G/5G home routers for more rural areas. Expect to pay 30-50 euros per month for fiber.

Transport

A car or scooter is almost essential on Ibiza. Public transport exists but is limited, especially outside Ibiza town. Check our guide to buying used cars on Ibiza for tips.
To register a foreign car in Spain you need an ITV inspection (technical check), and it can be expensive due to import taxes. Many people buy a car locally instead.
EU driving licenses are valid in Spain. Non-EU license holders should check whether their license is recognized or if they need to exchange it.

Utilities and Bills

Electricity is provided by Endesa (main provider) or Naturgy. Bills are often higher than expected due to air conditioning in summer and heating in winter.
Water is a precious resource on Ibiza. Bills come from the local municipality and are generally affordable, but water conservation is taken seriously.
Set up direct debit (domiciliacion bancaria) for your utilities to avoid missed payments. This requires a Spanish bank account.

Step 9: Taxes and Fiscal Obligations

Spain has specific tax obligations for residents. If you live in Spain for more than 183 days per year, you are considered a tax resident and must declare your worldwide income.

IRPF: The income tax (Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Fisicas) ranges from 19% to 47% depending on your income bracket.
Modelo 720: If you have assets abroad worth over 50,000 euros (per category: bank accounts, property, investments), you must file this declaration annually.
Beckham Law: Some new tax residents may qualify for the special tax regime (Ley Beckham), which offers a flat 24% tax rate on Spanish income for up to 6 years.
Get a gestor: A gestor or tax advisor (asesor fiscal) is essential for navigating Spanish taxes. Budget around 50-100 euros per month for ongoing tax and administrative support.

Step 10: Settling In - Life on Ibiza

Once the paperwork is sorted, it is time to enjoy what makes Ibiza special. Here are tips for making the island feel like home:

Learn Spanish: While many people speak English, basic Spanish makes daily life much easier and opens doors for friendships and career opportunities. Catalan (Eivissenc dialect) is also spoken locally.
Join the community: Ibiza has a vibrant expat community. Join local groups, attend markets, participate in fiestas, and support local businesses to build connections.
Prepare for seasonality: Ibiza has two very different faces. Summer is buzzing and social; winter is quiet and slower. Many restaurants and businesses close from November to March. Plan activities and social connections for the off-season.
Budget carefully: Ibiza is one of the most expensive places in Spain. Groceries, dining out, and rent are significantly higher than on the mainland. Build a financial buffer for the first few months.

Your Moving Checklist Summary

Use this quick-reference checklist to track your progress:

Apply for NIE number (at Spanish consulate or on Ibiza)
Register on the municipal census (empadronamiento)
Obtain EU registration certificate or residence permit
Find and secure housing (rental or purchase)
Open a Spanish bank account
Register for social security and healthcare (SIP card)
Get a Spanish phone number and internet connection
Arrange transport (buy or register a vehicle)
Set up utility contracts and direct debits
Find a gestor or tax advisor
Understand your tax obligations (IRPF, Modelo 720)
Learn basic Spanish and connect with the local community

Need to Furnish Your New Home?

Once you have found your place on Ibiza, you will likely need furniture, appliances, and household items. Browse Ibiza Marketplace for affordable second-hand items from people on the island. It is a great way to furnish your home quickly and sustainably while connecting with the local community.

For tips on buying safely, check our safe buying guide.