Tjitske
¡Hola! I am Tjitske Leemburg.
In 2024, we took the leap and moved to sunny Spain. It was a grand adventure, as we moved as a true "family clan": my husband, son, daughter-in-law, and at the time, three grandchildren (we’ve since welcomed a fourth!). Our daughter, her partner, and their son still live in the Netherlands, but our guest room is always ready, and thanks to FaceTime, we stay closely involved in each other's lives.
From Outsourcing to Doing It Ourselves
In the early stages of our emigration, we did what many people do: we outsourced everything. But soon, something didn’t feel right. If we truly wanted to integrate, speak the language, and feel at home, we had to understand the process ourselves.
I’ll be honest: it wasn’t always easy. The Spanish administrative jungle is dense, and the rules sometimes seem to have a life of their own. After a lot of research and the occasional grey hair from frustration, we finally mastered it. We cracked the code of Spanish bureaucracy.
Why Easy to Spain?
We don’t want to keep that knowledge to ourselves. I wanted others to have a smoother landing than we did. That’s why we founded Easy to Spain. Instead of handing everything over to others, we help you do it yourself.
We have transformed our experiences into clear, step-by-step modules. This allows you to stay in control of your own emigration, learn how the system works, and save on expensive intermediaries—all while having the peace of mind that it’s being done correctly.
Our mission? To make your emigration process smoother, so you can start enjoying what really matters sooner: a beautiful Spanish life with your family.
Becoming an Autonomo in Spain
An Autonomo is the Spanish equivalent of a sole trader or freelancer. To work as an Autonomo in Spain you must register with the Agencia Tributaria (Hacienda) and the Seguridad Social. You pay a monthly social contribution, known as the Cuota de Autonomo, which is now based on your expected income. You also file quarterly tax returns for VAT (IVA) and income tax (IRPF). As a new Autonomo you can benefit from the so-called Tarifa Plana, a heavily reduced starter rate. The system requires discipline and planning but also offers real freedom. This guide helps you through every step.
Read more →
10 Tips for Moving to Spain from Outside the EU
Moving to Spain from outside the EU is absolutely possible, but the process is more complex than for EU citizens. You need a visa before you arrive, a residency card after you land, and a clear understanding of the rules around healthcare, tax, and driving. This guide covers the 10 most important things to get right, in the right order.
Read more →
Empadronamiento Spain
The Padrón Municipal Spain's official municipal address registration, is the first step in almost every bureaucratic process in the country. Without a valid Padrón certificate you won't get far: no Green NIE, no TIE, no driving licence exchange, no access to healthcare.
Read more →
Moving to Spain After Brexit
Brexit changed the rules for British citizens moving to Spain. Here's what you now need from the TIE card to health insurance and what no longer applies.
Read more →