This guide is a practical reference for New Zealand citizens planning a move to Spain. It walks through the visa routes available to Kiwi nationals, the Ministry of Justice / DIA apostille chain, what to expect on healthcare given ACC and the New Zealand public system don’t transfer, how NZ Superannuation portability and KiwiSaver are treated, the NZ-Spain tax treaty, what to expect on arrival and how insurance fits into a Spanish relocation from Aotearoa. Requirements vary by route, age and family situation. We don’t recommend specific insurers on this page; we explain options based on your situation, in plain English, seven days a week.
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Get a QuoteTalk to an AdviserSpain has become an increasingly attractive destination for New Zealand retirees, remote workers, professionals and families. Drivers include the European base for travel, climate and lifestyle, cost of living relative to Auckland and Wellington, healthcare quality at much lower cost than NZ private options at older ages, and accessible visa routes through the NLV and DNV.
Both New Zealand and Spain are Hague Apostille Convention members, so the document-authentication chain is straightforward: NZ Ministry of Justice or NZ Police criminal record check, Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) apostille, and sworn Spanish translation. Travel distance and the absence of an S1-equivalent arrangement for New Zealanders are the main practical considerations.
This guide explains how to move from New Zealand to Spain step by step: which visa route fits, what documents you’ll need, how to handle the apostille chain, what insurance is required and how to manage the first 90 days after arrival.
European travel base — Spain’s southern European position gives Kiwi movers easy weekend access to France, Italy, Portugal, the UK and most of Europe — substantially closer than from New Zealand.
Climate — Spain’s Mediterranean climate is generally warmer in winter than NZ’s North Island and substantially milder than the South Island. Drier overall.
Cost of living — outside Madrid and Barcelona, Spanish living costs are typically lower than Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch or Tauranga. Rent, groceries, eating out and healthcare are usually noticeably cheaper.
Healthcare — Spain’s public healthcare ranks well internationally; Spanish private cover is comprehensive at a fraction of the cost of NZ private options at older ages.
Cultural depth — Mediterranean food, art, music, history and the social rhythm of Spanish life.
Established expat community — growing Kiwi presence on the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Madrid alongside long-established UK, Australian, US and Northern European communities.
Visa accessibility — NLV (for retirees) and DNV (for remote workers) are accessible to Kiwi applicants.
Time zones — Spain is 10–12 hours behind NZ time. Evening overlap with NZ clients requires planning for remote workers continuing to serve NZ time zones.
Long-established Anglophone retiree and remote-work community. Year-round mild climate, beach, golf, broad English-speaking medical infrastructure.
Growing Kiwi presence alongside UK, Australian and Northern European retirees. Lower cost than Costa del Sol.
Premium destination for Kiwi retirees and remote workers seeking premium Mediterranean lifestyle.
Spain’s third-largest city. Lower cost than Madrid/Barcelona, excellent food, beach, public transport.
The capital. Higher cost than coastal regions but lower than equivalent NZ metros at the high end. Madrid currently rebates wealth tax — significant for high-net-worth movers.
Cosmopolitan international city. Premium cost. Catalonia applies wealth tax (vs Madrid’s rebate).
Smaller but growing expat appeal among Kiwi movers seeking lower-key coastal lifestyle.
The most popular route for Kiwi retirees and semi-retirees with sufficient passive income, savings, NZ Super, KiwiSaver income or investment income. No working in Spain on this route. See NLV health insurance.
For Kiwi remote workers continuing to earn from non-Spanish sources. Eligible: NZ employees of NZ or international companies, Kiwi freelancers serving non-Spanish clients. Beckham Law may apply for the first 6 years. See DNV guide.
For Kiwis studying at recognised Spanish institutions.
For Kiwis taking up Spanish employment.
Expedited route for senior NZ professionals.
For Kiwis starting a Spanish business with ENISA-endorsed plan.
For Kiwi freelancers and consultants.
For dependent NZ family members of non-EU residents in Spain.
Kiwis married to EU citizens.
The Spanish Golden Visa investor route closed to new applications in April 2025. Applicants who held Golden Visa status before closure retain rights under transitional rules. New applicants now use other routes.
Kiwis with EU passports (Irish, Italian, German, Polish, Dutch heritage etc.) can move to Spain as EU citizens via residency registration. This is typically the simpler path where available.
Post-Brexit, UK passport holders are non-EU from a Spanish immigration perspective. Dual NZ-UK citizens use the same long-stay visa framework as NZ-only passport holders. A UK passport does not provide an EU-style residency route in Spain.
The standard New Zealand criminal record check for Spanish visa applications is obtained from the Ministry of Justice via a Privacy Act request:
Some Consulates may also request a NZ Police Vetting service result depending on circumstances. Verify with the Spanish Embassy in Wellington before applying.
New Zealand documents for use in Spain require apostille via the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) Authentications Unit. Process:
NZ-issued birth, marriage and death certificates from Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM, also within DIA) can be apostilled in the same submission, simplifying the process.
Spanish authorities require translations by an official sworn translator (Traductor Jurado) authorised by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. NZ-side options: a small number of MAEC-authorised sworn translators are accessible to NZ applicants, or send apostilled originals to a Spanish-based sworn translator for translation in Spain. Translation must happen after apostille.
Kiwi visa applicants typically need a Spanish-regulated private health insurance policy meeting specific structural requirements at the Embassy / Consulate application stage.
NZ’s healthcare system has two distinct components Kiwi movers should understand from a Spanish visa perspective.
NZ public healthcare is residence-based and is not designed for Kiwi citizens living permanently overseas. Once you become a Spanish resident, you generally cannot rely on the NZ public system for routine healthcare in Spain.
ACC is New Zealand’s no-fault accident compensation scheme. It covers treatment costs and related compensation for accidents incurred in New Zealand. ACC is not a general health insurance system and does not meet Spanish Consulate structural requirements for visa health insurance — the Consulate is looking for comprehensive Spanish-regulated medical cover (sin copago, sin carencias, etc.), not accident-specific cover.
New Zealand has a reciprocal healthcare arrangement with several countries (e.g. UK, Australia) but not with Spain. Kiwis travelling to Spain don’t have NZ-backed access to Spanish public healthcare; visiting Kiwis use travel insurance, and resident Kiwis use Spanish-regulated cover or, in due course, SNS via convenio especial after 1 year of empadronamiento.
NZ private health insurance (Southern Cross, nib NZ, etc.) is structured around the NZ healthcare system and similarly doesn’t meet Spanish Consulate structural requirements for visa cover.
Spain’s diplomatic representation in New Zealand consists of the Embassy of Spain in Wellington plus Honorary Consulates in additional cities. Territorial jurisdiction (which office covers which part of NZ) is set by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and may be revised. Check the Embassy website for current jurisdiction before booking your appointment.
The Spanish Embassy in Wellington is the main diplomatic representation in New Zealand and handles visa applications within its current jurisdiction. Auckland-based applicants may need to liaise with Wellington for visa appointments.
Honorary Consulates operate in Auckland and other NZ cities. Honorary Consulates typically don’t handle full visa applications — they provide consular assistance and administrative support. Visa applications generally go through the Embassy.
Appointment availability is the rate-limiting step for many applicants. Book as soon as your visa route is confirmed. Processing typically 4–8 weeks but varies.
Total costs typically 10–13% on top of price: ITP (resale 6–10%), IVA + AJD (new build 10%+1%), notario, registro, abogado/gestoría, plusvalía. English-speaking solicitor independent of estate agent and seller is the standard approach. Non-resident mortgages typically up to 60–70% LTV.
Standard framework: NIE (tax/identity number, via visa or after arrival), TIE (physical residence card, within 30 days of arrival), Empadronamiento (town hall registration).
Major Spanish banks: CaixaBank, BBVA, Santander, Sabadell; online options including ING Spain, Openbank, Wise.
NZ and Spain exchange financial account information under the OECD Common Reporting Standard (CRS). Many Kiwi movers retain NZ accounts for NZ Super, KiwiSaver and family transactions. Currency exposure: NZD vs EUR on ongoing pension and KiwiSaver payments. Multi-currency providers (Wise, Revolut) often offer better rates than high-street banks for NZD-EUR transfers.
Tax planning is one of the most important pre-move steps for Kiwi movers.
NZ tax residency is established by 183+ days in NZ in a 12-month period, or by maintaining a permanent place of abode in NZ. Departing Kiwis typically formally update their NZ tax residency with Inland Revenue. NZ doesn’t have a capital-gains-on-departure tax of the Canadian/Australian style, but specific NZ tax rules apply to retained NZ assets after non-residency.
Worldwide income taxable in Spain at progressive rates: roughly 19% rising to 45–50% above EUR 300,000.
NZ doesn’t have a general capital gains tax; Spain does (19–28%). This means Kiwi movers may face Spanish CGT on disposals after becoming Spanish-resident that wouldn’t be taxed in NZ. Realising gains before becoming Spanish-resident is a common planning consideration.
Madrid currently rebates wealth tax to zero. Andalusia similarly rebated. Catalonia, Valencia and other regions apply wealth tax above thresholds.
National tax above EUR 3 million in net assets. 1.7–3.5%.
Annual declaration of assets held outside Spain — NZ bank/brokerage accounts, KiwiSaver, real estate — where each category exceeds EUR 50,000.
Special Expatriate Regime for qualifying inbound employees. Flat 24% rate on Spanish-sourced income up to EUR 600,000 for first 6 years. Doesn’t apply to NLV retirees.
Spanish ISD heavily modified regionally. Madrid, Andalusia and other regions apply near-zero rates for spouses and children.
Engage an NZ-Spain dual-qualified tax adviser before becoming Spanish tax resident.
The Spain-New Zealand Double Tax Treaty allocates taxing rights between the two countries and provides credit mechanisms to prevent double taxation. Key articles relevant to most Kiwi movers:
The treaty interaction with NZ’s lack of CGT, NZ’s FIF (Foreign Investment Fund) rules and Spanish wealth tax for high-net-worth applicants is nuanced. Engage an NZ-Spain dual-qualified tax adviser before becoming Spanish tax resident.
NZ Super is a universal state pension payable at age 65 to qualifying NZ residents. Portability rules apply when the recipient moves overseas:
The specific calculation of NZ Super payable to a Spanish resident depends on individual circumstances and MSD’s current rules. Verify directly with MSD before relying on a specific overseas rate.
KiwiSaver is New Zealand’s workplace retirement savings scheme. Treatment for Spanish-resident Kiwis:
NZ private pension and superannuation scheme distributions follow similar treaty allocation. Lump-sum withdrawals after becoming Spanish-resident may trigger significant Spanish tax.
NZ FIF rules apply to NZ-resident taxpayers’ foreign investments. Once Kiwi movers become Spanish tax resident, NZ FIF rules typically cease to apply (they’re an NZ resident-tax provision). But Spanish reporting (Modelo 720) and Spanish tax may apply to the same assets — the timing of transition matters for planning.
NZD vs EUR exposure on ongoing pension and KiwiSaver income. Multi-currency providers or forward contracts manage this risk.
Both Spain (SNS) and New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora public system) provide universal public healthcare. Spanish private cover EUR 40–220/month depending on age; NZ private cover (Southern Cross, nib) for similar tier is typically more expensive at older ages, with significant variation in coverage scope.
Spanish SNS specialist waits vary by region; NZ public specialist waits similarly vary, with significant regional differences. Spanish private gives specialist appointments typically within a few days.
Spanish prescriptions are typically cheaper than equivalent NZ subsidised retail prescription costs.
Both systems provide universal emergency care.
Both systems comprehensive. Spanish private maternity typically 8–10 month waiting periods on standard plans.
Spanish SNS dental limited; NZ public adult dental similarly excluded. Private dental cover in Spain typically more affordable than NZ private dental.
Spanish SNS mental health varies by region; private cover typically includes therapy and psychiatry.
Both countries rank well internationally for healthcare quality and life expectancy. Spain typically outperforms on certain measures (life expectancy, cardiovascular outcomes); NZ typically outperforms on others.
Universally accessible to entitled residents.
Paid agreement for SNS access after 1 year of empadronamiento. Cost typically EUR 60/month under 65 and EUR 157/month 65+. Pre-existing conditions generally covered. New Zealand doesn’t have an S1 arrangement with Spain (S1 is the EU/UK framework). Convenio especial is the standard Kiwi retiree route to SNS after the 12-month qualifying period.
Common during the visa application and ongoing residency. EUR 40–220/month depending on age.
New Zealand and Spain have had a Driver Licence Exchange Agreement in force since 2 June 2023, allowing eligible New Zealand licence holders to exchange a current valid NZ licence for a Spanish equivalent through the DGT. Visitors can usually drive for up to six months with a valid NZ licence plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by the NZ Automobile Association (AA), or an official Spanish translation. Residents should confirm the current DGT exchange requirements (documents, medical certificate, eligible licence classes) before relying on the process, as administrative details can change.
Theory test available in English at some centres; many Kiwis use a Spanish driving school (autoescuela). A medical certificate (psicotécnico) is also required.
Possible but complex and rarely cost-effective given the distance: import duty, VAT, ITV (Spanish MOT), conversion of NZ-only standards. Most Kiwis buy a Spanish-plated vehicle instead.
Mandatory for Spanish-plated vehicles. Three tiers: Terceros, Terceros Ampliado, Todo Riesgo.
NZ pets travelling to Spain face longer lead times due to NZ’s rabies-free status and specific export requirements:
Travel options: cargo via Air NZ, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Emirates or specialist pet logistics companies. Direct flights are limited — most journeys involve multiple sectors via Asia or Australia. Depending on size, route and transport method, costs can range from several thousand dollars to over NZD 10,000.
Once in Spain, register your pet with a local vet. Spanish pet liability insurance may be required for certain dog breeds (PPP). See pet insurance Spain.
Typically 25–35 percent cheaper in Spain than equivalent NZ cities.
Menu del día EUR 12–18 typical for lunch. Mid-range dinner for two EUR 40–60.
SNS free at point of use. Spanish private insurance EUR 40–220/month. Lower than NZ private equivalents at older ages.
Madrid metro monthly pass EUR 54; Barcelona T-Usual EUR 21. Substantially cheaper than NZ equivalents.
Public Spanish schools free. International schools EUR 5k–25k/year.
NZ-Spain travel is the most significant logistical consideration:
Spanish-regulated health, home, car, pet and other cover for Kiwi movers. English-speaking advisers, seven days a week.
Get a QuoteTalk to an Adviser247 Expat Insurance helps Kiwi citizens move to Spain — Spanish-regulated health, home, car, pet and other cover, in plain English, seven days a week.
Get a QuoteTalk to an AdviserYes — via a Type D long-stay visa (NLV, DNV, Student, Work, HQP, Entrepreneur, Self-Employed, Family Reunification, EU Family Member).
The standard NZ criminal record check obtained via Privacy Act request to the Ministry of Justice. Accepted by Spanish Consulates for visa applications.
Yes. NZ is a Hague Apostille Convention member — the DIA Authentications Unit issues apostilles for NZ documents to be used in Spain.
No. NZ public healthcare is residence-based and doesn’t cover Kiwis long-term abroad. Use Spanish-regulated cover for the visa and ongoing residency.
No — ACC is NZ’s accident compensation scheme and doesn’t meet Spanish Consulate health insurance requirements.
Generally yes, subject to MSD portability rules. The rate may be adjusted based on NZ residence history and the current status of any bilateral arrangement with Spain. As of writing, NZ and Spain do not have a Social Security Agreement in force, although this can change — verify directly with MSD before departure.
KiwiSaver distributions to a Spanish tax resident are typically taxable in Spain under the NZ-Spain treaty.
Yes. The Spain-New Zealand Double Tax Treaty allocates taxing rights and provides FTC mechanisms to prevent double taxation.
Yes — a NZ-Spain Driver Licence Exchange Agreement has been in force since 2 June 2023. Eligible NZ licence holders can exchange a current valid NZ licence for a Spanish equivalent through the DGT. Confirm the current document and medical requirements before applying.
Typically 25–32 hours from Auckland/Wellington/Christchurch to Madrid or Barcelona including connections. No direct flights.
Yes — many Kiwi movers retain NZ accounts for NZ Super, KiwiSaver and family transactions.
Indicative EUR 40–80 at 30, EUR 130–220 at 65. Lower than NZ private equivalents at older ages.
Some Spanish-regulated insurers offer refund on visa refusal subject to specific terms.
No — the Spanish Golden Visa closed to new applications in April 2025.
Yes but NZ pet export to Europe has specific lead times (rabies vaccination, microchip, MPI documentation) and significant cost. Plan well in advance.
Visa applications generally go through the Spanish Embassy in Wellington. Honorary Consulates in Auckland and elsewhere typically don’t handle full visa applications. Verify on the Embassy website.
