Settling in, from paperwork to everyday life
Moving somewhere is more than choosing an area. Whether you're staying a season or settling for good, these are the practical topics that come up first — organised so you don't have to search for each one separately.
Every newcomer to Marbella goes through roughly the same first weeks: understanding paperwork, sorting out healthcare, working out how to get around, and finding services you can trust. It looks different depending on your situation — a family relocating long-term has different priorities than someone renting for a few winter months — but the topics are the same.
Use the sections below as your starting point. Each one links to a full guide with practical, up-to-date information.
Everything you need to settle in
Six practical areas, each with its own full guide.
NIE, empadronamiento, residency paperwork, taxes and the admin steps most newcomers ask about first.
Public vs private healthcare, hospitals, clinics and how to get set up with cover in Marbella.
Airport transfers, buses, taxis and getting around Marbella without (or with) a car.
Renting, buying or importing a car, driving licences and day-to-day driving in Spain.
Wellness, personal services and the small daily-life details that make settling in easier.
Trusted local services for home maintenance, repairs and everyday property care.
Renting for now, but thinking about buying down the line? Viva Finance can give you a realistic mortgage picture before you commit.
🧮 Check your budget