The 3 Most Important Things to Do if You Are Moving to Live in Spain
I still remember my first few months living in Spain.
Not the best.
I mean the living here part was wonderful. The weather was a definite upgrade, the food was amazing and the general rhythm of life made me feel like I was forced to slow down. Life, on the whole, was good. But starting to set up a functioning life as you would back home was not.
Paperwork and appointments took ages to complete. Even if you did go to an appointment chance were that you were in the wrong place, or had the wrong documents with you. To top it all, official information on the web was scarce, even in Spanish!
I wish I could tell you that things had changed, but alas, word on the street is that the moving to live in Spain struggle is still real.
For that reason, I wanted to highlight for you the 3 things you need to do in your first two weeks to ensure smooth sailing.
While none are Spain entry requirements, I delayed doing them and paid the price…learn from my mistakes and hit the ground running.
They are your número de identidad de extranjero (NIE), empadronamiento and social security number (SSN).
*Disclaimer: Spain can be a complicated country to navigate and where to go may be different depending on where you live. Please confirm the specific procedure for your region.
NIE Number
What Is It?
The ID number given to foreigners who are living in Spain.
Why Do You Need It?
Every legal, official and even seemingly minor transaction you will do in Spain will require you to provide it.
If you plan on doing anything, from opening a bank account, working in Spain, buying a car and even walking your dog, you NEED to get your Número de Identificación de Extranjeros (NIE) number. Ok, maybe walking your dog was a bit of an exaggeration. but it needs to be viewed as that important by you if you are planning on moving to live in Spain.
Spain has a numerical identification system for their citizens, the Documento Nacional de Identidad (DNI). In order for us foreigners to assimilate into their system, the government requires us to get one.
This is the sole purpose of the number. Getting it is not proof of residency or permission to work legally in the country. However, you are from a European Union country they will issue you a green card that can be viewed as such from that point on.
To get it you will need to apply in person to the closest immigration office (oficina de extranjeros) or specific police stations (comisaría de policía). In the future, I will break down how to get it, but until then this is the most simple information I have found explaining the steps. It’s very Madrid-centric but without a doubt the clearest explanation.
I can’t stress enough how important it is do this soon as you arrive in Spain. It’s easy to get distracted by the countless cafeterias and tapas bars over your first few weeks, but make it a priority. Everyone from your Amazon delivery driver to the workers at your local Correos will ask you for it.
As the bureucratic process here can take a long time, the sooner you move on this the better.
Empadronarse
What is It?
The Empadronamiento is when you register to be included in the local/national census of Spain.
Why Do You Need It?
Getting empadronado or registered means that you are eligible to access all the local services, including the national healthcare system. Also if you want to buy a car, to register it in your name you will need to be empadronado.
Putting your name down on the local register of residents, known as empadronamiento or padron for short is another must if you are moving to live in Spain long term. In fact, it is a legal requirement if you live here for longer than 6 months.
Its purpose is to note down how many people live in a municipality for the national census. This way the government can assess where public money should be spent, based on the number of local residents.
If you are only going to be here for a year or so then it may not seem too vital, however, there are many advantages. Everything from getting a social security number, to getting married requires you to be empadronado.
Putting your name down is something I personally know many foreigners often put on the back burner and not do. They think, “I’ve got health insurance etc and no one asks me for it so…” but the longer you are here the chances of it you being asked for a certificate go higher and higher. Remember too that if you do wish to eventually apply for residency, this is one of the principal means of evidence used to show that you have lived here for the time that you have.
You don’t need a rental contract either. If you are in the process of sorting out accommodation and staying with friends, they or a landlord can fill out an Autorización de Empadronamiento that proves that they are registered at that address and give you permission to register there.
More details on how to go through the process are to be found here.
Social Security Number
What Is It?
The number that proves that you are registered in the national social security system.
Why Do You Need It?
A requirement to work and access any social services in Spain.
The idea of a social security number (SSN) is pretty commonplace so I won’t go too deep into the in’s and out of them. Just accept that you will need it if working or hoping to use any social service in Spain. This includes healthcare and unemployment benefits should you ever fall on hard times.
Some instructions breaking down how to do this can be found here.
Remember, as long as you have been contributing to the national social security system by paying your taxes, you are eligible for the available services. Life can take unexpected turns, and being a foreigner can sometimes mean that you don’t know where to turn when they happen.
The system is set up to assist, so if you have a baby, lose your job or fall sick, it may be worth finding out what you are entitled to. You may be surprised.
Getting Your House in Order, One Step at a Time
There are other essential things when moving to live in Spain that I would include, like getting a bank account, applying for a national health card and more. But to access any of them, you will need either your NIE, evidence of empadronamiento or a SSN number.
So make these arrangements your priority in your first two weeks. That way more of your mornings can be spent enjoying pan con tomate, or churros con chocolate, and less spent outside of official buildings, documents in hand.
And that sounds far more appealing doesn’t it?