EU citizens face very different conditions on the Costa del Sol than non-EU clients. We explain the differences in documentation, visas, mortgages and overall 2026 relocation strategy.
More and more people dream of living in Spain — and it's no surprise. The Costa del Sol combines climate, safety, lifestyle, an international community and attractive investment opportunities.
Many clients quickly realise, however, that relocation to Spain is not the same for everyone. The process differs significantly depending on where you come from and your citizenship. If you are planning a move to Spain, it pays to understand the key differences.
EU citizens: Czechs and Slovaks enjoy a major advantage
For citizens of the Czech Republic and Slovakia, relocation to Spain is substantially simpler than for non-EU clients. They do not need a visa, work permit or any special residency programme.
They can legally move, work, run a business or buy property in Spain with very few restrictions. In most cases the focus is on:
- ◆obtaining the NIE number
- ◆empadronamiento
- ◆registration of residency
- ◆private health insurance
- ◆opening a bank account
- ◆registering as autónomo
- ◆and, where relevant, a Spanish mortgage
Even so, many expats run into problems due to the language barrier, unfamiliarity with the Spanish system, poorly prepared documents or administrative errors. Professional relocation assistance dramatically speeds up the process.
Britons after Brexit: relocation has become more complex
Brexit changed everything. British clients now need a legal residency title just like other non-EU clients — visas, residence permits, proof of income, private health insurance and tax residency must all be handled correctly.
The end of the Spanish Golden Visa
Spain has shut down the popular investor programme that allowed residency in exchange for property investment. Britons today most often use the Digital Nomad Visa, the Non-Lucrative Visa, autónomo status or corporate structures.
Britons nonetheless remain among the most active foreign property buyers on the Costa del Sol — especially in Marbella, Estepona and Benahavís.
Non-EU clients: every situation is individual
Non-EU clients typically face much more complex immigration processes. This includes clients from Morocco, Latin America, Russia, the Middle East and other non-EU countries.
A major topic in 2026 is the Regularización Extraordinaria 2026, which may help thousands of people obtain legal status in Spain. Non-EU clients often need to handle:
- ◆residency legalisation
- ◆work permits
- ◆family reunification
- ◆banking compliance
- ◆more demanding real-estate financing
Every situation is highly individual and requires a properly calibrated strategy.
Mortgages in Spain: EU vs. non-EU clients
EU citizens are usually perceived by Spanish banks as lower-risk clients — the process is simpler and faster. After Brexit, British applicants need more documentation, yet remain very strong buyers thanks to high income or investment capital.
For non-EU clients the process is considerably stricter: deeper checks, more demanding approvals, higher income requirements and more complex banking compliance.
Relocation to Spain today is not only about paperwork
Moving to Spain today means much more than getting a NIE number. Clients address housing, schools, healthcare, business, taxes, financing, networking and an entire change of lifestyle.
This is exactly why demand has surged for end-to-end relocation and concierge services that combine administration, real estate, legal support, financing and trusted local contacts under one discreet roof.
How Dellara Group can help
At Dellara Group we help our clients handle relocation to Spain professionally, discreetly and without unnecessary complications. We support relocation, administration, real estate, financing, legal coordination and the full life setup on the Costa del Sol.
Every client has a different situation — which is precisely why we build individual solutions tailored to specific needs.
