International Move to Marbella: Complete Relocation Guide

Moving to Marbella from abroad is an exciting decision, but it also requires planning. This international relocation guide to Marbella brings together everything you need to know about paperwork, transport, housing, healthcare, education, and adapting to the local lifestyle.

Whether you plan to invest in a second home or settle permanently, here you’ll find a practical and realistic roadmap to make your transition stress-free.

Why choose Marbella when moving from abroad?

Marbella is not just about sun and beaches. It’s a destination with modern infrastructure, a privileged climate, international services, and a multicultural community that makes integration easier.

More than 150 nationalities coexist on the Costa del Sol, making Marbella an open and safe environment for those seeking quality of life and stability.

Main advantages of moving to Marbella:

• ☀️ Mild weather all year round (over 300 days of sunshine).

• 🏫 International schools (British, French, German, Scandinavian).

• 💼 Infrastructure for remote work and global business.

• 🏠 Wide selection of luxury and new-build properties.

• 🏥 High-quality healthcare system with private and public clinics.

In addition, its strategic location allows for easy travel: Málaga Airport is less than an hour away, offering direct flights across Europe.

What documents do I need to move to Marbella?

The first step in any international move to Marbella is documentation. Requirements vary depending on your country of origin (EU or non-EU), but there are certain common procedures that all foreigners should know.

Basic documents:

• Valid passport or ID.

• NIE (Foreigner Identification Number). Required to open a bank account, sign contracts, or purchase property.

• Certificate of registration (empadronamiento). Obtained from the Town Hall, it proves your local residence.

• Health insurance. Mandatory if you are not covered by the public system.

• Rental contract or property deed.

If you are an EU citizen:

You can reside in Spain without a visa, but you must register in the Register of EU Citizens if your stay exceeds 3 months.

If you are a non-EU citizen:

You will need a residence visa.
👉 More information about residence visas here.

How to organise an international move?

One of the most delicate parts of the process is the transport of belongings. Marbella has specialised companies for door-to-door international removals, which handle packing, customs, and final delivery.

Tip: plan your move at least 8–10 weeks in advance.
If you purchase a new property with FM Properties, we can put you in touch with trusted providers to coordinate your relocation.

How to open a bank account in Spain?

Opening a bank account is essential to manage payments, utilities, and contracts.
Major Spanish banks (Santander, CaixaBank, BBVA) offer non-resident accounts, which can later be converted into resident accounts once you are registered locally.

Required documents:

• Passport and NIE.

• Proof of income or employment contract.

• Proof of address.

Many banks have multilingual staff and comprehensive digital services, which makes adaptation easier for foreign residents.

How does the healthcare system work in Marbella?

The Spanish healthcare system combines high-quality public and private centres.
In Marbella you’ll find leading hospitals such as:

• Hospital Quirón Marbella

• Hospital Costa del Sol

• HC Marbella International Hospital

European residents can use the European Health Insurance Card, while non-EU citizens must take out private health insurance.
Comprehensive family policies range between €80 and €150 per month, depending on coverage.

There is also an excellent range of wellness and preventive medicine, with clinics such as Buchinger Wilhelmi or Marbella Club Wellness, focused on holistic well-being.

👉 More information about health and wellness in Marbella here.

Where to school your children in Marbella?

One of the advantages of moving to Marbella is its wide range of international education.
Foreign schools follow British, French, German or Scandinavian curricula, with English as the main language and excellent facilities.

Many parents value that their children can continue the same educational system while enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle.

👉 More information about schools in Marbella here.

How much does it cost to move to Marbella?

The cost of an international move to Marbella varies depending on your country of origin, the volume of belongings, and the type of service chosen.
Below is an indicative estimate for European families:

At FM Properties, we can advise you on residential areas according to your lifestyle: Nueva Andalucía, Sierra Blanca, La Zagaleta, Los Flamingos or Guadalmina Baja, among others.

What permits or taxes should I consider?

• NIE: mandatory for any transaction.

• Registration (empadronamiento): allows access to local services.

• IRNR (Non-Resident Income Tax): if you maintain your tax residence in another country.

• IBI and municipal taxes: annual property taxes.

• Vehicle: if you import a car, you must register it in Spain within six months.

Our team works with tax lawyers and real estate experts to facilitate all these procedures and avoid delays or penalties.

How to integrate into Marbella’s social life?

Moving doesn’t just involve logistics — it also means building a new environment.
Marbella offers an active international community with clubs, associations, and cultural events.

There are also networking centres, coworking cafés, and wellness spaces where it’s easy to meet like-minded people.
Most foreigners agree that Marbella combines the safety of a small city with the cosmopolitan energy of an international destination.

How long does it take to adapt?

Adaptation is usually quick thanks to the climate, local friendliness, and multilingual services.
In the first months, it’s advisable to rely on professionals who know the area: real estate agents, lawyers, tax advisors, and moving specialists.

At FM Properties, we assist our clients throughout the process:
from home search, to handling paperwork, and after-sales support.
Our goal is to make the change not only logistical but also emotional — to feel at home from day one.

Conclusion: moving to Marbella means starting a new life

An international move to Marbella is not just a change of residence but a step towards a more fulfilling lifestyle.
The combination of sunshine, quality of life, international connections, and safety makes this city an incomparable destination for those seeking balance between work and well-being.

With good planning and the right support, moving to Marbella can be a smooth, inspiring, and deeply rewarding experience.
At FM Properties, we put our 30+ years of experience at your disposal to make this process as simple as enjoying the first sunrise in your new home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What do I need to move to Marbella from another country?
Passport, NIE, housing contract, and health insurance.

2. How much does an international move cost?
Between €2,000 and €4,000 from Europe, depending on volume and service.

3. Can I live in Marbella with a Golden Visa?
Yes, if you invest more than €500,000 in real estate.

4. Are there international schools in Marbella?
Yes, there are British, French, German, and Scandinavian schools.

5. How long does it take to process the NIE?
Between 2 and 6 weeks, depending on the season.</p