Home First 30 Days Checklist migrate.es Spain Relocation Guide First 30 Days in Spain — Bureaucratic Setup Checklist Total time ~30 days from arrival to fully set up Total cost EUR 50-150 in administrative fees (NIE, padrón, TIE) Steps 18 across 5 stages For0 of 18 complete🖨️ Print🔗 Share↻ ResetWeek 1 — Foundation documentsConfirm your NIEIf you entered on a residency visa, your NIE is on the visa sticker. If not, request one via Form EX-15 at the Oficina de Extranjería or designated police station.Complete empadronamiento at your AyuntamientoBring rental contract or property deed. Most municipalities require a cita previa. You get a certificado de empadronamiento same-day or within a few days.Open a Spanish bank accountUse your NIE and passport. Foreigner-friendly options: Sabadell, CaixaBank, Openbank. Some digital banks (N26, Revolut) work but limit direct debits.Week 2 — Digital identityRegister for Cl@ve PIN at clave.gob.esQuick online process. SMS codes for one-off access. Limited capability but simplest to set up.Verify identity in person for Cl@ve PermanenteVisit an INSS, Tax Agency, or municipal office with passport/NIE. This unlocks reusable username/password access to all portals.Request your FNMT digital certificateVisit sede.fnmt.gob.es to request. Wait for verification code by email.Verify FNMT identity and install certificateWithin 30 days of request, visit an authorized office to verify. Then download and install the certificate in your browser.Week 3 — Social Security & healthcareRegister with Social Security (TGSS)If employed, your employer handles this. If autónomo, self-register and choose your contribution base. You receive your Número de Afiliación a la Seguridad Social.Visit your local Centro de SaludBring Social Security number, NIE, and empadronamiento. Request registration for public healthcare.Receive your SIP / Tarjeta SanitariaIssued after registration. Grants access to a primary care doctor (médico de cabecera) and the public healthcare system.Choose or be assigned a médico de cabeceraYour assigned doctor based on your address. You can request to switch if needed.Week 4 — Residence card (TIE)Book cita previa for TIE at the Oficina de ExtranjeríaSlots are scarce in Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Valencia. Check the Sede Electrónica daily.Pay Modelo 790 (Code 012)TIE fee, approximately €16.32. Pay at any bank or online; keep the stamped receipt.Attend fingerprinting appointmentBring passport, NIE resolution, padrón certificate, photos, and Modelo 790 receipt.Collect your TIE cardUsually 30-40 days after fingerprinting. You will be notified when ready.Deadlines within 6 monthsFile Modelo 149 (Beckham Law election) if eligible (optional)CRITICAL 6-month deadline from Social Security registration. Missing this loses Beckham eligibility permanently. Engage a gestor.Convert your driving license (optional)Non-EU licenses valid 6 months only. Apply for canje at the DGT (if your country has an agreement with Spain) OR take the Spanish driving test.Set up your Spanish autonomous community digital health card (optional)Some regions issue additional regional health cards (e.g., Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual in Valencia). ← Back to the full First 30 Days guide
