Relocation to Murcia as a Brit in 2024: How could you do this and which documents do you need?
How to relocate to Murcia from the UK in 2024, including tips on the application process, supporting documents, and how to get settled upon arrival
You may have heard of family, friends or neighbours taking the leap to move to Murcia, but how can you make your dreams a reality in 2024?
To move to Murcia, you must pursue an online application process that demands accurate details and ample documents. We all know the admin side of moving abroad is not the most enjoyable, but with the help of Spain Immigration Lawyer, you can approach the application process with a calm, confident attitude.
Why relocate to Murcia from the UK?
The beautiful Spanish Region of Murcia is home to 17,562 Brits, but why have they decided to say goodbye to familiarity in favour of a Hispanic way of life? While each resident has their own personal reasons for making the move, here are a few pros of living in stunning Murcia.
One obvious reason to move to Murcia is the weather. Brits are notorious for complaining about rain, wind and humidity, and moving to Murcia can be the ticket to consistently good weather. With an average of 346 hours of sun per month, the city provides more than enough opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
Perhaps influenced by the mild weather, the people of Murcia are known for their friendliness and laid-back attitude; there’s a reason ‘mañana’ is uttered so often by the Spanish. The UK’s stiff upper lip culture isn’t the right fit for everyone, and some Brits feel more at home in the chilled-out culture of Murcia.
Finally, the cost of living in Murcia is significantly lower than in the UK. Being able to enjoy a great work-life balance is important to most of us, and living in Murcia allows many Brits to hold onto more disposable income for fun days out, travel and simply enjoying their charming surroundings.
How to move to Murcia from the UK
Moving to Murcia requires plenty of research and preparation. Firstly, consider whether you could feasibly enter Spain through any of their immigration routes, as this is the first obstacle. British citizens may be able to live in Murcia as a:
- Student
- Family member/dependant of a Spanish resident
- Paid employee of a Spanish company
- Retiree
- Self-employed person with a monthly income of at least £2000
Post-Brexit, Spanish immigration rules state that British citizens need a visa to move to Murcia. The options are:
- Visado de trabajo y residencia (combined Residence and Work Visa)
- Visado de estudios (Student Visa)
- Visado de residencia (Family Reunification or Retirement Visa)
The application process for moving to Murcia differs depending on which type of visa you are pursuing. However, regardless of the type of visa, applications for Spanish immigration must be made online and the correct supporting documents must be attached.
Individuals who have successfully completed the application process must remember to apply for a Spanish Numero de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE) number as soon as they arrive in Murcia. This identifies the British citizen as a foreign national living in Spain, and it is used to pay taxes, open a bank account, work, study, and more.
To obtain an NIE number, you must make an appointment at the Oficina de Extranjeros (N-301, km 388, 30100, Murcia, Spain) and bring:
- 2 copies of the EX-18 NIE number form
- Passport
- Passport-sized coloured photographs
- Original and photocopy of a document explaining why you want an NIE
After obtaining an NIE number, it will be possible to apply for a Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) card, which shows your NIE number, address, workplace and place of study. This can also be done at the Oficina de Extranjeros, or at a police station.
Finally, new Spanish residents must register on the padrón municipal, which is a list of local residents. This can often be done online, though it may be necessary to attend a face-to-face appointment. With padron status, residents can register for local healthcare, access income-related benefits, enrol their children in school and potentially receive a reduction in taxes.
During this application process, British citizens must provide their NIE number, the deeds of their house/rental contract, and a recent utility bill in their name (or proof of payment of municipal taxes). Padrón status must be confirmed every 2-5 years.
Documents required to move from the UK to Murcia in 2024
There is no fixed list of documents that applies to every type of visa, as each immigration route has different requirements. However, here are some examples of documents that are frequently required when moving from the UK to Murcia:
- Original and photocopies of passport
- Proof of health insurance
- Criminal record certificate
- Accommodation details
- Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself in Murcia
The process of moving to Murcia from the UK is not always easy, but with the help of a Spanish immigration lawyer, it’s feasible — even for those who are currently unfamiliar with the immigration process.
Whilst researching Spanish immigration laws and submitting forms may not sound like the best way to spend your time, it’s what is needed to eventually land you in the beautiful area of Murcia, and it will certainly be worth it.
