Moving to the Canary Islands
A practical, step-by-step guide for expats relocating to Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, or any of the other islands — covering residency, healthcare, legal matters, and how to keep your Legacy Vault up to date.
Important: The Canary Islands have their own rules
The Canary Islands are an autonomous region of Spain with their own government (Gobierno de Canarias). Many social services, healthcare administration, and tax rules differ significantly from mainland Spain. Always verify information with local authorities or a qualified gestor based in the islands.
Apply for your NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero)
Your NIE is a tax identification number required for almost everything in Spain — opening a bank account, buying property, signing contracts, and registering as a resident. Apply at the nearest Comisaría de Policía Nacional or Spanish consulate before you move.
Register on the Padrón Municipal
Once you have an address in the Canaries, register at your local Ayuntamiento (town hall). Padrón registration gives you access to public services including healthcare, schools, and social benefits. It is also required for residency permits.
Bring your passport, NIE, and proof of address (rental contract or utility bill).
Apply for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero)
EU citizens need to register on the Central Register of Foreigners (Registro Central de Extranjeros) and obtain a certificate. Non-EU citizens need a TIE residence card. Both are applied for at the Comisaría de Policía Nacional.
Register with the Canarian Health Service (SCS)
The Servicio Canario de la Salud (SCS) is the regional health authority for the Canary Islands. Once registered on the Padrón, you can register with a local health centre (Centro de Salud) and be assigned a GP.
Obtain your EHIC or S1 form
If you are receiving a UK state pension, you may be entitled to an S1 form, which entitles you to full state healthcare in Spain. Apply through the NHS Business Services Authority before you leave the UK.
Without an S1 or private health insurance, you may need to pay for healthcare. Check your entitlement carefully.
Consider private health insurance
Many expats supplement state healthcare with private insurance for faster access and English-speaking doctors. Private policies are also often required for non-EU residency visas.
Register your Advance Directive (MAV)
The Canary Islands have their own Advance Directive register (Manifestaciones Anticipadas de Voluntad). You can register your wishes about end-of-life care directly with the Canarian Health Service.
Understand the Canarian tax advantages
The Canary Islands benefit from a special economic zone (ZEC) and a lower VAT equivalent called IGIC (Impuesto General Indirecto Canario), currently at 7% standard rate vs 21% on the mainland. Income tax and inheritance tax rules also differ from mainland Spain.
Always consult a local gestor (tax adviser) — Canarian tax rules are genuinely different from mainland Spain.
Make or update your will
If you own assets in Spain, you should have a Spanish will drawn up by a Spanish notary (Notario). Under EU Succession Regulation 650/2012, you can choose whether your estate is governed by the law of your nationality or your country of residence. A local notary can advise you.
Register your UK will with the Spanish Notary
If you have a UK will, consider registering it with the Spanish Notary and the International Wills Registry to ensure it is recognised in Spain. Your UK will may not automatically cover Spanish assets.
Open a Spanish bank account
You will need a Spanish bank account for paying bills, taxes, and receiving income. Most banks require your NIE, passport, and proof of address. Some banks offer English-language services.
Declare your worldwide assets (Modelo 720)
Spanish tax residents must declare overseas assets worth more than €50,000 using Modelo 720. Failure to declare can result in significant fines. Consult a gestor to ensure compliance.
Apply for Dependency Assessment (Valoración de Dependencia)
If you or your partner need care support, you can apply for a dependency assessment through the Canarian Social Services (Bienestar Social). This determines eligibility for home help, day centres, and residential care.
Claim your UK State Pension abroad
You can receive your UK State Pension in Spain. Contact the International Pension Centre to arrange payment. Note that your pension may be frozen (not uprated annually) depending on your circumstances — check the current rules.
Check entitlement to Spanish benefits
Once you are a registered resident, you may be entitled to certain Spanish social benefits. Your local Servicios Sociales office can advise on what is available in your municipality.
Update your personal details section
Record your NIE number, TIE card details, Padrón registration number, and Spanish address in your vault's Personal section.
Record your Spanish bank and financial accounts
Add your Spanish bank account details, any Spanish property ownership, and your gestor's contact details to the Financial section of your vault.
Upload your Spanish will and advance directive
Once you have a Spanish will and/or MAV registered, upload copies to your vault's Legal section so your family can find them easily.
Update your country of residence setting
In your vault preferences, set your country to 'Spain — Canary Islands' to see Canarian-specific government resources and charities.