Considering a move to southern Spain? Nerja, a small town on the Costa del Sol, has quietly become a favourite among expats looking for a change of pace.
Choosing where to move is only part of the process; securing qualified legal advice early on is just as important. Relocating without proper guidance can result in missed deadlines, incorrect paperwork, or tax issues that may affect your long-term stay in Spain. For this reason, working with experienced solicitors in Nerja Spain is essential when planning your move.
This guide outlines the key aspects of relocating to Spain, from lifestyle and living costs to the legal procedures and taxes you should consider before relocating.
Tucked away between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, Nerja is a sun-soaked gem on Spain’s Costa del Sol that perfectly balances natural beauty, cultural charm, and modern comforts. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed coastal lifestyle, a friendly international community, or a safe and scenic place to call home, Nerja ticks all the boxes. With its mild climate, affordable living, and welcoming vibe, it’s no surprise that more and more expats are making the move.
Nerja stands out for its mix of rugged coastline, sandy coves, and accessible hiking trails, while also remaining a bustling local town that sits between the Mediterranean and the Sierra Almijara mountains, offering a diverse landscape within walking distance. It’s also home to the Nerja Caves, one of Spain’s most striking geological sites.
Life in Nerja moves at a manageable pace, and many expats appreciate the town’s rhythm—shops close for lunch, conversations last longer, and people are more likely to know each other by name. And even though there is a sizable international community, Nerja doesn’t feel like a bubble – Spanish is spoken everywhere, and most residents work hard to keep the town local and livable.
In terms of the weather, winters are mild, summers are warm but tempered by sea breezes, and there’s plenty of sunshine without the extreme heat found in inland cities. This means you can swim, hike, or eat outside most days of the year.
Now that you’ve made the decision to relocate to Nerja, the next step is choosing a place to live. This choice will hinge on your preferences and how much you desire to be at the centre of activities:
Town Centre: Ideal if you don’t plan to drive and want to be close to shops, cafes, and local events. Apartments here range from traditional to recently renovated, often with balconies or rooftop terraces.
Burriana: Located near one of Nerja’s main beaches, this area offers a mix of seasonal buzz and permanent homes. It’s more touristy in the summer, but it stays well-maintained year-round.
Capistrano Village: A quiet, green area with communal pools and gardens. Popular with retirees and long-term residents, especially those looking for a more private or spacious home.
Punta Lara and Torrox Costa: Just outside Nerja proper, these spots offer more space, newer developments, and slightly lower property prices. A good option if you’re okay with a short drive into town.
Compared to Spain’s larger cities or even other coastal hotspots, Nerja’s property market is relatively accessible, though demand has been rising.
If you’re looking to rent: A one-bedroom apartment in the centre typically ranges from €600 to €1,000/month. Two-bedroom apartments and small houses generally cost €900 to €2,000/month, depending on location and season.
If you’d rather buy: According to Idealista, expect to pay between €2,500 and €3,500 per square meter. Homes near the coast or with sea views usually sit at the higher end of that range.
Keep in mind that furnished properties are the norm, and long-term rentals (12 months or more) often include community fees.
Overall, Nerja’s cost of living is manageable, especially for those earning a foreign income or with a pension. It’s possible to live comfortably without overspending, especially if you adopt some local habits, like walking instead of driving or cooking at home with market-bought ingredients.
If you’re an EU citizen planning a short-term stay in Nerja, you can enter Spain without needing a visa or additional permits. For those coming from outside the EU, a Schengen visa is required for visits of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Planning to stay longer—for work, retirement, study, or simply a lifestyle change—means applying for residency, and the steps you’ll need to follow depend on your nationality and the nature of your stay
For this same reason, you’ll need a NIE. The NIE, or Número de Identificación de Extranjero in Spanish, is a unique identification number issued to foreigners in Spain, and it’s needed for nearly all formalities, from opening a bank account to signing a rental contract. While you can obtain it in Spain by visiting an immigration office or local police station, many applicants prefer to handle it through a legal representative before arriving to avoid delays.
If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you’re required to register as a resident, and this is mandatory for both EU and non-EU nationals. For EU citizens, this means registering with the Central Registry of Foreigners. Non-EU nationals must first secure a visa that aligns with the purpose of their stay before applying for residency in Spain.
This status gives you legal permission to live in Spain and also means you are subject to Spanish tax obligations.
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If you’re not an EU national, you’ll need to apply for a visa that matches your reason for moving. Options include:
Non-lucrative visa – for retirees or those not planning to work in Spain
Student visa – for academic stays at Spanish institutions
Family reunification visa – for joining close relatives already living in Spain
Digital nomad visa – for remote workers employed by companies outside Spain
According to Spanish tax law (Article 9 of the IRPF), you are considered a Spanish tax resident if you spend more than 183 days a year in the country or if your core financial interests are based here. Residency brings with it several key tax responsibilities:
Get expert legal help for your life in Nerja.
Tejada Solicitors offers legal support tailored to individuals relocating to Nerja. With a multilingual team and deep expertise in Spanish immigration, property, and tax law, we help ensure that your move is legally sound and stress-free.
Whether you’re buying a home or securing the correct residency permit, we guide you through each step. Our services include help with the NIE, visa applications, residency registration, and tax planning. With offices throughout the Costa del Sol, we’re easily accessible and focused on giving clients clear, personal support.
If you’re purchasing a property in or around Nerja, our team can carry out full legal checks and manage the entire conveyancing process.
This includes:
Verifying that the property is correctly listed in the Property Registry under the seller’s name and matches the official description (Spanish nota simple)
Confirming there are no unpaid debts, mortgages, or legal claims on the property
Ensuring no tenants are occupying the property at the time of sale
Having our architect review planning permissions and inspect urban development records
Checking that property taxes and utility bills have been paid in full
Reviewing any obligations with the community of owners
Understanding your tax obligations is crucial when moving to Spain.
At Tejada Solicitors, we help expats determine their tax residency status, file income tax (IRPF), and meet key requirements like the Modelo 720 for foreign assets. We also advise on wealth, inheritance, and double taxation issues to ensure you’re compliant and financially protected. Whether you’re retiring, working remotely, or investing, we make tax matters clear and manageable.
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Yes, Nerja is considered one of the most attractive spots for expats on Spain’s Costa del Sol. With its mild climate year-round, stunning beaches, and charming old town, it offers a fantastic quality of life. The town also boasts a welcoming international community, excellent healthcare and schooling options, and a low crime rate. Regular cultural events and a laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle make it easy for expats to integrate and feel at home.
Absolutely. Foreigners can buy property in Nerja without any special restrictions. Spanish law allows non-residents to own real estate on the same terms as locals. You’ll need a Foreigner’s Identification Number (NIE) and should follow the standard legal procedures, including signing the purchase deed in front of a notary. It’s strongly recommended to work with a lawyer to guide you through the process and ensure everything is handled correctly.
To live in Nerja, you’ll need to take care of a few legal requirements, such as applying for a visa and residence permit before arriving in Spain, and once there, you’ll need to obtain a TIE (Foreigner Identity Card). All foreign residents—including EU nationals—must get a NIE and register with the local town hall (known as empadronamiento). Valid health insurance coverage is also a must when relocating.
Nerja offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other parts of Europe. Rental prices range from around €900 to €2,000/month for a decent apartment, depending on size and proximity to the beach. Daily expenses are generally in line with the Spanish average for coastal towns. Overall, many expats find that Nerja delivers great value for the lifestyle it provides.
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