GERMANY → SPAIN · EU CITIZEN ROUTE

Moving from Germany to Spain: an EU-citizen route and checklist

A practical sequence for EU citizens leaving Germany for Spain: German deregistration, the local Padrón, Spain’s EU residence certificate, and health and social-security handover.

This route is for EU citizens making an ordinary move from Germany to Spain. If you are not an EU citizen, a German residence permit does not by itself give you Spanish residence rights; check the Spanish route for your nationality and status.

Your checklist

First steps

Your checklist stays on this device.

Before leaving Germany

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After arrival: Padrón, then residence registration

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Common questions

Do I have to deregister from Germany when I move to Spain?

If you leave a German dwelling and do not move into another dwelling in Germany, section 17 BMG requires deregistration within two weeks after moving out; it can be filed no earlier than one week before departure. If you retain another German dwelling, confirm your case with the local registration office.

Do I need the Padrón before registering as an EU resident in Spain?

Spain’s national guidance says municipal registration is needed before applying for residence registration. The Padrón procedure itself is run by each municipality, so check the Ayuntamiento where you actually live.

Does the German residence permit of a non-EU family member transfer to Spain?

No. A German permit is not a Spanish residence authorization. Non-EU nationals and family members should check the Spanish entry and residence route that matches their status before moving.

Does the Padrón decide my tax or health-insurance country?

No. It records your address with the municipality. Tax residence and social-security coverage use different rules and must be checked separately.

Official sources

Read this first

Sources checked 20 September 2026

Rules can vary by nationality, work or study status, and city. Confirm your route with the official authority before you act.