Move to Spain
NIE, TIE, padrón, EU registration, visas, and residency.
ExploreWhere should we begin?
Vacation in Spain
Short visits, entry rules, transport, places to stay, and practical trip planning in Spain.
Live in Spain
Healthcare, banking, taxes, digital access, and the key admin steps for everyday life in Spain.
Not legal advice. Always verify with official sources before filing.
IberiGo guide
SIM cards, eSIM, and VPN for Spain
Compare physical SIM, eSIM, and VPN options for staying connected in Spain, from major Spanish carriers to traveler-focused eSIM and VPN providers.
SIM cards, eSIM, and VPN for Spain
Staying connected in Spain usually means choosing between a physical prepaid SIM from a Spanish carrier or an eSIM designed for travelers, plus optionally a VPN for secure browsing or accessing home-country content. Physical SIMs from Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, or Digi typically offer the best local rates for longer stays; traveler-focused eSIMs like Holafly or Airalo are faster to set up but can cost more per gigabyte.
Next 3 steps
- Decide between a physical SIM (better value for longer stays, requires an unlocked phone) or an eSIM (instant setup, no physical swap, ideal for short trips).
- Compare data allowances and prices across a couple of providers before buying — needs vary a lot between light browsing and heavy streaming or work use.
- If you need secure access to banking apps or home-country streaming, set up a VPN before you arrive so it is ready to use immediately.
Official links
Movistar
Best overall coverage, especially in rural areas — but usually the priciest of the big carriers.
Orange España
Good coverage and competitive prepaid deals; activation usually needs a visit to a store.
Vodafone España
Strong urban coverage and often English-speaking staff; pricier if you only need a short stay.
Digi España
Cheapest of the main options, running on Orange's network at secondary priority; fewer stores.
Holafly
Unlimited-data eSIM with instant setup and no Spanish ID needed; works out pricier for long stays.
Airalo
Cheaper pay-as-you-go data and easier across several countries; setup is fiddlier than Holafly.
NordVPN
Fast, with a large server network; costs more per month than most alternatives.
ExpressVPN
Easiest to use and the most reliable for streaming; also the most expensive of the three.
ProtonVPN
The only one with a genuine free tier, though the free plan is slower with fewer locations.
This app is a planning guide, not legal advice. Spanish immigration and administration rules, document lists, fees, and appointment labels can change. Always verify your procedure with official sources before filing.
Documents that often slow people down
Identity and civil records
- Valid passport or EU national ID.
- Birth, marriage, or partnership records where relevant.
- Legalization or Hague apostille for many foreign public documents.
- Sworn Spanish translations when documents are not accepted as-is.
Spain-side basics
- Address in Spain and, when requested, padrón certificate.
- Immigration appointment confirmation.
- Correct EX form for your procedure.
- Paid tasa receipt, often Modelo 790 with the matching code.
Money, health, purpose
- Proof of economic means for routes that require it.
- Health insurance or public coverage proof where required.
- School admission, remote-work evidence, family link, or permit approval.
- Criminal record certificate for some visas and residence routes.
Not every document applies to every route. The guide should help you narrow this down.
Official sources
Appointments and fees
Identity and residence
Digital access
Residence routes
This app is a planning guide, not legal advice. Spanish immigration and administration rules, document lists, fees, and appointment labels can change. Always verify your procedure with official sources before filing.
Last reviewed: July 2026