This is the same guide we give our clients: what to do, in what order, which documents you need and which office decides. Read it all — it is free.
Before you move
Initial relocation consultation: choosing your route to Spain
This is the starting point of any move to Spain. In a first session we review your situation (nationality, family, work and goals) to define your legal route: EU/EEA/Swiss citizens move freely and only need to register if they stay more than three months, while non-EU citizens normally need a visa or authorisation applied for at the Spanish consulate before travelling. From there we build a personal roadmap with the steps in the right order: entry/visa → NIE/TIE → town-hall registration → Social Security/healthcare → tax. At Relocation Centers we prepare your documents and accompany you at every step; granting the NIE, visa or permit is always the decision of the Spanish authorities.
Timing: The consultation lasts 60–90 minutes and can be in person in Alicante or by video call. The resulting roadmap varies by route: EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can register within days or weeks of arriving; non-EU citizens usually need 1–4 months for the consular visa before travelling (depending on the visa type and country), plus the TIE once in Spain. These are indicative timeframes that we confirm for your case.Cost: The planning stage carries no official government fee; only the Relocation Centers consultation and accompaniment are billed, according to the service engaged. Public fees come at later steps: for example, the EU registration certificate fee (form 790, code 012) is around 12 €. Visa fees are paid at the consulate and set by each consular office: they vary considerably by nationality (including possible reciprocity fees), visa type and country, so we confirm the exact amount for your consulate before starting.
Documents you’ll need
Passport (for every family member)Valid and current. For non-EU nationals it should ideally have at least one year of validity left. A photo or scan is enough for the consultation; the original is used at later steps.
National ID card (EU/EEA/Swiss)Alternative to the passport for EU citizens on the registration route. Not applicable to non-EU citizens.
Family and civil-status documents (marriage and birth certificates)ApostilleSworn translationFor the consultation we only need to see these to plan family routes (reunification or the EU-family-member card). When later filed with the Spanish authorities, foreign public documents usually require the Hague Apostille and a sworn translation (traducción jurada) into Spanish (documents issued in other EU countries may be exempt from the apostille under EU Regulation 2016/1191); we flag them now so apostilles can be started in good time.
Current residence or visa status (non-EU)Any current visa, permit or residence card (in Spain or elsewhere). It helps us know whether you can apply from within Spain or from the consulate in your country.
Income and work snapshot (to choose the visa type)Indicative only at this stage: whether you work remotely, are self-employed, work for a foreign company, or live on passive income. It helps see whether the digital nomad visa, non-lucrative visa or another route fits. No formal paperwork is needed yet.
Appointment (cita previa): The initial consultation is booked directly with Relocation Centers (via WhatsApp, phone or email); it is not an official procedure and needs no government appointment. Official appointments come at later steps: the Spanish consulate in your country for the visa (non-EU), or the Extranjería/Police cita previa for EU registration or the TIE, requested through the official Administraciones Públicas appointment system. sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es ↗
FAQ
I'm an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen — do I need a visa to live in Spain?
No. You have freedom of movement and can enter and live in Spain without a visa. If you stay more than three months you must register in the Central Foreigners' Register and obtain your registration certificate (the 'green certificate'), which includes your NIE.
I'm non-EU — can I just come and sort out the paperwork once I'm in Spain?
Usually not. Most long-stay routes (non-lucrative, work, etc.) are applied for at the Spanish consulate in your country of residence before travelling. A few, such as the digital nomad visa, can be applied for from within Spain if you are legally present, but it needs careful planning — which is why we start with the consultation.
What's the difference between a visa, NIE, TIE and empadronamiento?
The visa is the entry-and-residence permit granted by the consulate (non-EU). The NIE is your foreigner's identification number, needed for almost everything. The TIE is the physical card proving your residence once in Spain. The empadronamiento is your registration at the town hall where you live. These are different things obtained at different moments; the roadmap puts them in order.
Do I need apostilles and sworn translations from the start?
Not for the consultation — passports and family details are enough. But foreign public documents used in official procedures (marriage, birth or criminal-record certificates) usually need the Hague Apostille and a sworn translation into Spanish (those issued in other EU countries may be exempt from the apostille). Because they take time, we identify them in the first session so you can start preparing them early.
Does Relocation Centers get the NIE or visa for me?
No — and be wary of anyone who promises that. We prepare your documents, check everything is correct, and accompany you at each appointment and form. Granting the NIE, visa or permit is always decided by the competent Spanish authority (consulate, Extranjería or Police). Our value is getting you to each step fully prepared, with no surprises.
Ready to start? Lock in your start date and your spot with a deposit. The rest is billed by milestones as we move forward with you.
Timing: ImmediateCost: €500 (on account)
FAQ
Is the deposit deducted from the total?
Yes. The deposit reserves your spot and is deducted from the total price of your relocation package.
Visas and staying in Spain: Schengen tourist, non-lucrative, digital nomad, work/study, and the Beckham Law
Before moving to Spain you must pick the correct legal route, because each profile matches a different visa. If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen you need no visa (you simply register and obtain your NIE); if you are a non-EU national, in most cases you must apply for the visa at the Spanish consulate in your country of origin or legal residence, in person. The main routes are: the Schengen tourist stay (90 days within any 180-day period, no work), the non-lucrative visa (NLV, for those living on passive income/savings without working), the digital nomad visa or authorisation (DNV, for people teleworking for companies outside Spain), and work or student visas; the Beckham Law is not a visa but a special tax regime (flat 24% rate). At Relocation Centers we prepare your documentation and accompany you at every step; we do not process or "obtain" the visa for you (that is done by the consulate and the Administration).
Timing: Tourist stay: immediate (no procedure; ETIAS once in force). Non-lucrative (NLV): consular decision usually 1-3 months. Digital nomad (DNV): at a consulate, roughly 15-45 days; from within Spain before the UGE-CE, around 20 working days (with positive silence). Work visa: variable, the employer first files the authorisation (weeks to months). Study: 1-3 months. We recommend starting 2-3 months before your move date. After approval: enter Spain within the visa's validity and apply for the TIE within 1 month. Beckham Law: file Form 149 within 6 months of Social Security registration.Cost: National visa fee: around €80, varying by consulate and by reciprocity (US citizens pay considerably more, approx. €130-160 depending on the visa type). Digital nomad authorisation filed in Spain before the UGE-CE (form 790, fee 038): ≈€73. TIE card after approval (form 790, fee 012): ≈€16-22. Beckham Law: Form 149 has no fee. Add variable external costs: apostilles (depending on the country) and sworn translations (indicatively €30-60 per document). Official figures may be updated; confirm them with your consulate or the relevant electronic office.
Documents you’ll need
National visa application form (+ relevant EX form)Signed official form. The non-lucrative route uses EX-01; the digital nomad and other permits use their own procedure form. Downloaded from the consulate or the relevant electronic office.
Valid passport (original and copy)At least 1 year of validity and two blank pages. Copy of all written pages.
Passport-size photographsRecent, in colour, plain white background.
Proof of financial means / fundsNLV: 400% of IPREM (≈€28,800/yr, €2,400/mo) + 100% of IPREM (≈€7,200/yr) per family member. DNV: ≈200% of SMI (≈€2,850/mo in 2026; this threshold rises with the SMI, check the current figure). 6-12 months of bank statements, pension/income certificates or payslips. Some consulates request a sworn translation of the statements.
Private health insurance valid in SpainPolicy from an insurer authorised in Spain, full coverage, no co-payments, no waiting periods and no coverage cap, equivalent to public healthcare. The DNV alternatively accepts registration with Spanish Social Security.
Criminal-record certificateApostilleSworn translationFrom your country of origin and any country where you have lived in the last 5 years. Usually issued within the last 3 months (some consulates accept up to 6). REQUIRES the Hague Apostille (or legalisation) and a sworn translation into Spanish. It is the document that delays applications most; prepare it first.
Medical certificateSworn translationIssued within the previous 3 months, certifying you have no diseases with public-health repercussions under the International Health Regulations (2005). Sworn translation if issued in another language; some consulates also require an apostille.
Proof of the remote-work relationship (DNV only)Sworn translationContract or company letter (employment or contractor relationship of at least 3 months) and proof the company has operated for ≥1 year. Maximum 20% of income from Spain-based clients. Sworn translation of documents in another language.
Qualification or professional experience (DNV only)ApostilleSworn translationUniversity/postgraduate degree or proof of 3+ years' experience. A foreign degree usually needs the Apostille + sworn translation.
Form 149 – special-regime election (Beckham Law)Not a visa or consular document: filed with the Tax Agency within 6 months of Social Security registration to elect the flat 24% rate.
Appointment (cita previa): Non-EU nationals: book an appointment (cita) at the Spanish consulate in your country of legal residence and file the application IN PERSON (NLV, work, study and DNV from abroad). The DNV can also be applied for from within Spain, online, before the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE-CE) using a digital certificate or Cl@ve. Once in Spain, after approval, book an appointment for fingerprinting and TIE card collection at the immigration/police office (sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es). www.exteriores.gob.es ↗
FAQ
Can I work remotely on the non-lucrative visa (NLV)?
No. The NLV prohibits any work or professional activity, including remote work for a foreign company; it is designed for people living on rental income, pensions or savings. If you will keep working remotely, the correct route is the digital nomad visa (DNV), which also gives access to the Beckham Law.
NLV or DNV: which one fits me?
Choose the NLV if you have enough passive income (pension, rentals, savings) and will not work: it suits retirees or people with wealth. Choose the DNV if you telework for clients or employers outside Spain (max 20% from Spain): it lets you work legally, covers your family and opens the door to the 24% tax regime.
Which documents need an apostille and a sworn translation?
The criminal-record certificate always needs the Hague Apostille (or legalisation) plus a sworn translation into Spanish. Foreign degrees (DNV) usually need both. The medical certificate and some financial statements typically need a sworn translation, and certain consulates ask for an additional apostille. The Apostille is issued by the competent authority of the country that issued the document, not by Spain.
Do I have to apply from my home country?
As a general rule, yes: non-EU nationals file at the Spanish consulate covering their legal residence. The exception is the DNV, which can be applied for from within Spain (while legally present, e.g. as a tourist) before the UGE-CE, obtaining an authorisation of up to 3 years directly.
Is the Beckham Law a visa?
No. It is a special tax regime for relocated workers: you pay a flat 24% on employment income up to €600,000 (above that the general scale applies, up to 47%) during the year of arrival and the following 5 (6 years in total). Key requirements: not having been a Spanish tax resident in the previous 5 years, and relocating because of an employment contract, a director role or digital-nomad activity. You elect it with Form 149 within 6 months of Social Security registration. Classic self-employed autónomos do not qualify, except via the DNV route.
Can I stay longer than 90 days as a tourist?
No. The Schengen stay is a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period and does not allow work or residence. To stay longer you need one of the residence visas. Note that the ETIAS system (electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationalities) is expected to come into force, estimated for late 2026; check its status before travelling.
Legalising foreign documents for Spain: the Hague Apostille and sworn translation
Before a foreign public document (birth certificate, marriage certificate, criminal-record certificate, university degree…) has legal effect in Spain, it almost always needs two steps. First, legalisation: usually the Hague Apostille, a stamp that only the competent authority of the country that issued the document can affix (a foreign document is never apostilled in Spain). If your country is not part of the Hague Convention, diplomatic legalisation (origin-country authorities + Spanish consulate + MAEC) is used instead. Second, a sworn translation into Spanish, signed and stamped by a sworn translator-interpreter appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC); an ordinary translation is not accepted. At Velorix / Relocation Centers we help you identify which documents need each stamp, prepare and organise them, and coordinate certified sworn translators, so you arrive at your Spanish appointment or application with a complete file.
Timing: The apostille is obtained in the country of origin: from same-day to several weeks depending on the country and whether it is done by post. A sworn translation usually takes 2–5 business days per document (24–48 h rush, with a surcharge). We recommend allowing 2–4 weeks of margin before your Spanish appointment or application.Cost: The apostille fee is set by each issuing country (often €0–50 per document; free in some countries). Sworn translation is free-market in Spain: roughly €30–70 per standard document, and more for degrees or long certificates. There is no Spanish state fee for the sworn translation or for recognising a foreign apostille.
Documents you’ll need
Birth certificateApostilleSworn translationNeeded for town-hall registration (empadronamiento), marriage, family reunification and many visa/residence applications. Birth documents issued in another EU country may be exempt from apostille and can carry a multilingual standard form (EU Regulation 2016/1191) that helps avoid translation.
Marriage certificateApostilleSworn translationRequired for spouse/family-reunification visas, entry in the Civil Registry and joint residence. If issued in the EU it may use the EU Regulation 2016/1191 multilingual form, avoiding apostille and translation.
Criminal-record certificateApostilleSworn translationMandatory for most visas and permits (non-lucrative, digital nomad, arraigo, etc.). Usually required from every country you have lived in during the last 5 years and issued recently: as a general rule, within the last 3 months (90 days) when the certificate does not state its own validity; some processes accept up to 6 months. Always confirm the deadline with the consulate or office handling your file. Apostille and sworn translation are almost always needed.
University degree and academic transcriptApostilleSworn translationFor homologation/recognition, professional registration, digital-nomad or highly-qualified-professional visa (EU Blue Card). Homologation is handled by the ministry responsible for universities. Apostille in the country that issued the degree, plus sworn translation.
Death certificateApostilleSworn translationRelevant for inheritance, widow/widower pension or proving civil status. Within the EU it may use the multilingual standard form (EU Regulation 2016/1191).
Power of attorney executed abroadApostilleSworn translationUseful for property, banking or signing on your behalf during the move. The notarised document must be apostilled at origin and sworn-translated.
Medical certificateSworn translationRequired by some visas (e.g. non-lucrative, student) to certify the absence of diseases with public-health implications. A sworn translation is usually enough if it is in another language; some consulates do ask for an apostille, so always confirm with the consulate handling your visa.
Appointment (cita previa): No prior appointment with the Spanish State is needed for this step: the sworn translation is contracted directly from a MAEC sworn translator-interpreter (found via the official search tool). The apostille is requested from the competent authority in your country of origin (usually that country's Ministry of Justice or Foreign Affairs), which may require its own appointment. At Velorix we guide you on where and how to do it and coordinate the sworn translator.
FAQ
Which comes first, the apostille or the sworn translation?
The apostille first. The sworn translation must also cover the apostille, so apostille the document at origin and only then commission the translation of the full document (including the apostille stamp). If you translate before apostilling, you will have to repeat the translation.
Do documents from another EU country need apostille and translation?
Often no. Regulation (EU) 2016/1191 exempts many EU public documents (birth, marriage, death, civil status, absence of criminal record, etc.) from apostille and lets you attach a multilingual standard form that helps avoid translation. A detailed criminal-record certificate usually still needs a sworn translation.
Is a translation done by a translator in my country valid?
Generally no. In Spain the translation must be sworn by a sworn translator-interpreter appointed by MAEC, or done/sworn by a Spanish consulate. You can find translators in the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs search tool. An ordinary translation, even a professional one, is not accepted.
What if my country is not part of the Hague Convention?
Then there is no apostille: diplomatic legalisation is used instead. The document is legalised before the authorities of the country of origin and then before the Spanish consulate with jurisdiction there, ending at MAEC. It is slower, so start well in advance.
How long are certificates valid?
Certificates that reflect a changing situation (criminal record, civil status, town-hall registration) are usually required to be issued within the last 3 months (90 days) when they do not state their own validity; some processes accept up to 6 months. Those reflecting a fixed fact (birth, degree) do not expire, but request a recent copy to avoid problems.
Private health insurance for the non-lucrative and digital nomad visas
Both the non-lucrative residence visa and the digital nomad (international teleworking) visa under Law 28/2022 require full-coverage private health insurance with no copays and no waiting periods, contracted with an insurer authorised to operate in Spain. "Full coverage from an insurer authorised in Spain" means benefits equivalent to the public system —GP, specialists, emergencies, hospitalisation, surgery and diagnostic tests— across the whole national territory and with no spending cap; travel policies and reimbursement-only policies are not accepted. This private insurance is a condition for granting and renewing temporary residence: access to the public health system comes later and by a different route (registering and paying into Social Security or, after one year of effective residence, the special healthcare agreement). At Relocation Centers we prepare your documentation and accompany you so the policy and certificate match exactly what the consulate or the UGE-CE asks for; we do not process or "obtain" the visa for you.
Timing: The policy can be arranged in 1–3 business days (sometimes same-day) and, having no waiting periods, cover is effective from the start date. Buy it before your visa appointment or before uploading your file to the UGE-CE. Policies are usually issued for 1 year and must be kept without interruption for the whole residence period and renewed with it.Cost: As a rough guide, private insurance typically costs around 45–85€/month (about 500–1,000€/year), depending on age, insurer and cover; over-65s may pay more. There is no public fee for the insurance itself. Later, the special healthcare agreement (convenio especial) with the public system costs 60€/month (under 65) and 157€/month (65 or older).
Documents you’ll need
Full-coverage private health insurance policy (no copays, no waiting periods)Contracted with an insurer authorised by the DGSFP to operate in Spain (e.g. Sanitas, Adeslas, DKV, Asisa, Caser, ASSSA). Coverage equivalent to the public system: GP, specialists, emergencies, hospitalisation, surgery and diagnostics, across the whole national territory with no spending cap. Travel or reimbursement-only policies are not accepted. A 1-year term is usually required.
Insurer's certificate of coverageMany consulates and the UGE-CE ask for a specific certificate (in addition to the policy) that expressly states: no copays, no waiting periods and full coverage. Request it from your insurer stating the exact procedure (non-lucrative residence or international teleworking/Law 28/2022). Some consulates additionally request repatriation cover; confirm with your consulate.
Proof of payment of the annual premiumThe receipt or proof that the policy is paid —often the full year upfront— is usually required to show cover is active from day one, with no waiting period.
Social Security registration or certificate of coverage (alternative, digital nomad visa only)Digital nomad visa only, with two distinct situations: (1) if you register and pay into Spanish Social Security (usually as autónomo in the RETA) you access the public system and are exempt from private insurance; (2) if you stay covered by your home country's Social Security via a certificate of coverage (e.g. a temporary posting by your employer) you are exempt from private insurance but remain covered by your home system, not the Spanish one. Important: registering with Spanish Social Security happens AFTER you hold the authorisation, so to file the application you usually still need to prove cover (private insurance or a certificate). This does NOT apply to the non-lucrative visa, whose holder cannot work or contribute and always needs private insurance.
Appointment (cita previa): The insurance is contracted directly with the insurer (online, by phone or via a broker); no appointment is needed. It is then submitted as part of the file: at your consulate (which does require a visa appointment) or, if you apply from within Spain, electronically to the UGE-CE. The TIE fingerprint appointment is a separate, later step.
FAQ
Does a travel policy or an international "nomad" plan count?
No. Travel insurance and generic international plans are usually rejected. The insurer must be authorised to operate in Spain (DGSFP register), the policy cannot have copays or waiting periods, and it cannot be reimbursement-only. It must give full coverage equivalent to the public system across the whole country.
Is a small copay acceptable?
No. Even 1€ per visit or test usually invalidates the policy before the consulate or the UGE-CE. It must be strictly "no copays" and "no waiting periods" (cover effective from day one). Ask your insurer for a specific "no-copay" visa policy.
Can I use the public health system instead of private insurance?
On the non-lucrative visa, no: you cannot work or contribute, so private insurance is mandatory. On the digital nomad visa, you can access the public system if you register and pay into Spanish Social Security (usually as autónomo), which exempts you from private cover; if instead your home country's Social Security covers you via a certificate of coverage, you are exempt from private insurance but do not access the Spanish system. On both visas, after one year of effective registered residence you can access public healthcare via the special healthcare agreement (convenio especial) by paying a monthly fee.
Do I have to pay the whole year upfront?
In many cases, yes. Consulates usually want an annual policy with the premium paid (or a certificate proving one year of cover) to ensure the insurance is active for the whole visa validity. You must keep it without interruption and renew it together with your residence.
Does the policy need an apostille or a sworn translation?
If you buy it from a Spanish insurer, the policy and certificate are issued in Spanish and need neither an apostille nor a sworn translation. Only if you submitted an insurance document issued abroad in another language could a sworn translation into Spanish be required —and even then the entity must be authorised to operate in Spain—; that is why the usual and safest route is to contract a compliant Spanish policy directly.
NIE and TIE: your foreigner identity number and residence card in Spain
The NIE (Foreigner Identity Number) is your personal tax and identification number in Spain: it never expires, never changes, and you need it for almost everything (opening a bank account, signing a rental or purchase, working, setting up utilities, paying taxes). The TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) is a different thing: it is the physical plastic card, with photo and fingerprint, that proves your legal residence and is issued only to NON-EU nationals who already hold a granted residence authorization. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not get a TIE: they receive the "EU Citizen Registration Certificate" (the green document, often called the "green NIE"), which also carries the NIE number. At Relocation Centers we prepare your documentation and accompany you to appointments; the decision is always issued by the Administration.
Timing: Variable and heavily dependent on the cita previa. The bottleneck is getting the appointment: it can range from a few days to several weeks depending on province and office (coastal areas like Alicante tend to have long waits). A non-resident NIE can be resolved the same day at the police station, or in a few weeks if requested at a consulate. For the TIE, after fingerprinting the card is usually ready to collect in around 30-45 days. We recommend starting to prepare your documentation 4-8 weeks in advance.Cost: Modelo 790 code 012 fee (National Police), a one-off payment depending on the procedure: NIE assignment at the applicant's request, 9.84€; EU citizen registration certificate (green document), 12.00€; TIE issuance, 16.08€ (initial temporary-residence card) and 21.87€ (long-term residence). Amounts are reviewed periodically: always confirm the figure the official form shows when you select the procedure. This does not include sworn translation, apostille or padrón costs, which are paid separately when they apply.
Documents you’ll need
Form EX-15 (NIE application)Official form for the standalone (non-resident) NIE. Submit two signed copies. Free to download from the official Migraciones portal (inclusion.gob.es).
Form EX-18 (EU Citizen Registration Certificate)Only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens registering as residents (stay over 3 months). Produces the 'green document', not a TIE.
Form EX-17 (Foreigner Identity Card application)Only for non-EU nationals with an already-granted residence authorization or visa. Used for the TIE fingerprinting appointment.
Valid, in-date passport or national ID cardOriginal + photocopy of ALL used pages. EU citizens may use their national ID card. A passport NEVER needs an apostille or translation.
Proof of payment of the Modelo 790 code 012 feeFilled in and downloaded on the National Police electronic site, paid at any bank (or by direct debit) and brought paid to the appointment. You select the procedure and the form shows the corresponding amount.
Padrón (municipal registration) certificateRequired for the EU certificate and for the TIE; must be recent (usually issued within the last 3 months). It is a Spanish document, no apostille needed.
Two recent passport-style photosWhite background, ID size (32x26 mm), colour, facing forward, no sunglasses and no glare. Required for TIE issuance (fingerprinting). The green EU certificate usually carries no photo.
Justification of the reason for the NIE (economic, professional or social)ApostilleSworn translationOnly for the non-resident NIE: e.g. deposit contract, job offer, notary appointment. SPANISH documents need nothing; FOREIGN public documents usually do require apostille + sworn translation.
Notarised power of attorney (if a third party acts for you)ApostilleSworn translationIf the power of attorney is granted abroad, it usually needs a Hague Apostille and a sworn translation into Spanish. If granted before a Spanish notary, neither is needed.
Private health insurance and proof of sufficient financial meansSworn translationFor non-working EU citizens (students, retirees, economically inactive) when registering (Royal Decree 240/2007). Statements or policies in another language may need a translation; they normally do not need an apostille. Exact requirements vary by office.
Employment contract or Social Security registration / self-employed registrationFor EU citizens registering as employed or self-employed. These are Spanish documents: no apostille or translation needed.
Favourable residence authorization resolution or visaFor the non-EU TIE: the approval resolution (Beckham, digital nomad, arraigo, family reunification, etc.) or the visa stamped in your passport. Issued by a Spanish/consular authority: no apostille.
Foreign civil-status certificates (EU-family-member route)ApostilleSworn translationMarriage, registered-partnership or birth certificate to prove the tie to an EU citizen. Foreign public documents: usually require a Hague Apostille + sworn translation into Spanish.
Appointment (cita previa): The appointment is mandatory and FREE. It is booked online on the electronic HQ (the 'icpplus' system): choose your province, then the correct procedure (e.g. 'Toma de huellas (TIE card issuance)', 'EU citizen registration certificate' or 'NIE assignment'), and follow the steps. No account or password is needed to book. Before the appointment, have the 790 012 fee already paid. Be wary of sites charging for the appointment. sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es ↗
FAQ
Do I need both the NIE and the TIE, or just one?
It depends on your nationality. The NIE is the number; the TIE is the physical card. If you are NON-EU and will reside in Spain, you need the TIE, which already has your NIE printed on it. If you are an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, there is no TIE for you: you get the registration certificate (green document), which also contains your NIE. If you are only buying property or signing a contract without moving, a non-resident NIE is enough.
Can I get the NIE from my home country before moving?
Yes. You can apply for a non-resident NIE at the Spanish Consulate or Embassy in your country (details at exteriores.gob.es). This is very useful if you need the number to buy a home, sign before a notary or open an account before you arrive. A representative with a notarised power of attorney can also apply in Spain. We prepare the file and accompany you; the Administration is who assigns it.
Do the NIE, the green certificate or the TIE expire?
The NIE itself never expires or changes: it is yours for life. The EU registration certificate (green document) does not expire either, although its validity depends on you continuing to meet the residence requirements. The TIE does expire: its validity is tied to your residence authorization (it varies by authorization type, typically 1 year for the first card and then longer periods, up to 5 years for long-term residence) and must be renewed before it lapses.
Why is the appointment (cita previa) so hard to get, and how do I get one?
Demand outstrips available slots, especially in provinces with many foreigners such as Alicante. Tips: log in first thing in the morning on the official site (sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es), try several offices within the same province, and refresh daily. Avoid websites or 'bots' selling appointments: the appointment is free and some of them are fraudulent. We monitor availability and alert you when a slot opens.
Which foreign documents need an apostille and a sworn translation?
PUBLIC documents issued outside Spain (marriage or birth certificates, criminal-record checks, powers of attorney) usually need the Hague Apostille and a sworn translation into Spanish by a sworn translator accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. By contrast, your passport is NOT apostilled or translated, and documents already issued in Spain are not either. We review each document with you so you don't pay for unnecessary translations or apostilles.
Empadronamiento: registering on your town hall's municipal padrón
Empadronamiento is your registration on the municipal padrón (population register) of the town hall where you habitually live. It is free and it is the gateway to almost everything else in Spain: you will usually need the certificado or volante de empadronamiento to apply for your TIE card, sign up for public healthcare, enrol your children in school, or exchange your driving licence. The town hall is legally obliged to register you even if you do not yet hold an NIE or a residence permit. At Relocation Centers we prepare your paperwork and accompany you to the appointment so the registration goes through on the first attempt.
Timing: The prior appointment can take a few days to several weeks in large cities (in small towns, often same-day or walk-in). The registration itself is normally recorded on the day of the appointment. A volante is issued instantly or within a few days; the certificado on the spot or within a few days depending on the town hall. For immigration, request a certificate issued within the last 3 months.Cost: Registering on the padrón is free. The volante de empadronamiento is usually free. Some town halls charge a small fee for the certificate or for extra copies (roughly 1-3€), but in most municipalities it is also free.
Documents you’ll need
Valid passport or national ID document (original + copy)EU/EEA/Swiss citizens may use their national ID card; non-EU nationals use the passport. Always bring the original plus a photocopy. Every household member being registered must be identified. No apostille or sworn translation is needed.
NIE or TIE, if you already have one (optional but recommended)Not required to register — you can be entered on the padrón with your passport alone. If you already hold an NIE, EU Registration Certificate or TIE, include it so it is linked to your record.
Proof of home: rental contract, property deed, or a recent utility billOne of these, in your name: (1) a rental contract signed by all parties (many town halls want a minimum 6-month term and sometimes the latest rent receipt); (2) the property purchase deed (escritura); or (3) a recent electricity, water or gas bill (usually within the last 3 months). These are normally Spanish-language documents, so no apostille or translation applies. Each town hall may ask for extra documents — check its website before your appointment.
Authorisation from the holder + copy of their ID (only if the home is not in your name)If you rent informally, sublet, or live with family/friends, the owner or an already-registered resident signs an empadronamiento authorisation and attaches a copy of their DNI/NIE. Most town halls provide a downloadable authorisation form for this.
Empadronamiento form / hoja padronal (town hall application form)The official registration application, signed by every adult being registered. Download it from your town hall's e-office or fill it in at the counter. In some municipalities this is the INE form 60-444 ("Padrón Municipal de Habitantes").
Minors: family book or birth certificateApostilleSworn translationTo register minor children you must prove the relationship with the family book or a birth certificate. A Spanish document needs nothing further. A foreign birth certificate (or family book) usually needs a Hague Apostille and a sworn translation (traducción jurada) into Spanish. Exception: EU certificates issued with the multilingual standard form under Regulation (EU) 2016/1191 normally need no translation.
Appointment (cita previa): Most medium and large town halls require a prior appointment (cita previa), booked on the municipal website (sede electrónica) or by phone; some allow the whole registration online with a digital certificate or Cl@ve. Many small towns accept walk-ins. You book at the town hall where you live (e.g. Ayuntamiento de Alicante if you live in Alicante). Because the booking link differs in every municipality, we point you to yours and, if you wish, book the appointment and come with you.
FAQ
Can I register without an NIE or a residence permit?
Yes. The padrón records where you live, not your immigration status, and the town hall is obliged to register you even without an NIE or residency. A valid passport plus proof of home is enough. In fact, empadronamiento is often a required first step before you later apply for the TIE or residence by arraigo.
Do I need a Hague Apostille or a sworn translation to register?
For the standard registration, no. Your passport, rental contract, deed and utility bills are accepted as-is (Spanish documents are already in Spanish). The common exception is a foreign birth certificate or family book for a minor, which usually needs an apostille and a sworn translation. Note this differs from other procedures (marriage, nationality, some visas) that do require an apostille.
I don't have a rental contract in my name. Can I still register?
Yes. If you sublet or live with family or friends, the owner or someone already registered at that address signs an empadronamiento authorisation and attaches a copy of their DNI/NIE. Some town halls also accept a signed declaration. Even people with no fixed address can register at an address provided by social services.
What's the difference between the volante and the certificado de empadronamiento?
The volante is an informative document stating your address and is fine for most everyday errands. The certificado is the official document that authoritatively proves your registration and carries public faith (fe pública). For the TIE many offices accept a recent volante, but the certificado is always valid; for nationality, civil marriage, courts or a notary the certificado is usually required. When in doubt, request the certificado issued within the last 3 months.
How long does it take, and does the certificate expire?
The registration is usually recorded on the day of your appointment, though it can take a few days to update in the systems. The certificate does not formally 'expire', but for immigration procedures it almost always must be less than 3 months old, so request it right before you need it.
Opening a Spanish Bank Account: Non-Resident vs. Resident Account
Opening a Spanish bank account is one of the first practical steps after arriving — you'll need it for rent, utilities, salary and setting up direct debits (domiciliaciones). The key decision is the account type. A non-resident account can be opened with just your passport plus a "certificado de no residente," even before you have residency; a resident account requires your NIE/TIE and, usually, your padrón (empadronamiento) certificate, and typically comes with lower fees and full access to mortgages, loans and public-sector payments (tax refunds, healthcare, pensions). Under EU anti-money-laundering rules (AML/KYC), banks will usually also ask for proof of address and proof of income or employment. Note too that any consumer without another account in Spain has the right to a basic payment account (cuenta de pago básica, capped at 3€/month, free if you are in a vulnerable situation), a right recognised by the Banco de España. Relocation Centers prepares your document pack and accompanies you to the branch appointment — we don't open the account for you, but we make sure you walk in with exactly what the bank will ask for.
Timing: A non-resident account can often be opened the same day or within 24-48 hours once you have the certificado de no residente. The certificate is normally resolved within a few working days (the legal maximum resolution period is around 5 days from when the request is registered), though appointment availability or requesting it from a consulate abroad can extend this. A resident account is usually opened the same day at your appointment, provided your NIE/TIE and padrón are in order. Allow 1-2 weeks end-to-end if you still need to obtain the certificate or the padrón first. A debit card usually arrives by post within 7-15 days; the IBAN is active almost immediately.Cost: The account is normally free to open. Certificado de no residente: tasa modelo 790 code 012, roughly 7-10€ (amount updated yearly; the fee for a certificate issued at the applicant's request is around 7.31€), or more if the bank obtains it for you. Non-resident account maintenance: typically more expensive than a resident account and varies widely between banks (often in the order of tens of euros per quarter). Resident accounts are often free or low-cost when you meet conditions (e.g. direct deposit of salary/pension or a minimum balance). There is also a right to a basic payment account for a maximum of 3€/month (free if you are in a vulnerable situation). US citizens may face higher fees due to FATCA. Fees vary significantly between banks — always ask for the pre-contractual fee information.
Documents you’ll need
Valid passport (or national ID card for EU citizens)Primary ID for both account types. Always bring the original plus a photocopy. EU/EEA citizens can use their national ID card.
NIE / TIE (Foreigner Identity Number or Card)Required to open a resident account. NOT required for a non-resident account, where the certificado de no residente takes its place. The TIE is the physical card for non-EU residents; EU citizens receive the green registration certificate (certificado de registro) bearing their NIE.
Non-resident certificate (National Police)For NON-resident accounts only. Certifies that you are not a resident in Spain. Requested with form EX-15 plus proof of the tasa modelo 790, code 012, at the National Police / Immigration Office, or at a Spanish consulate abroad; the bank itself can also obtain it for you for a fee. Valid for 3 months from issuance.
Proof of addressFor non-resident accounts: a recent (under 3 months) home-country utility bill or bank statement. For resident accounts: the padrón (empadronamiento) certificate. Some banks may request a translation if the document is not in Spanish or English.
Padrón (empadronamiento) certificateThe usual proof of address for RESIDENT accounts. Issued by the town hall (ayuntamiento) and confirms your Spanish address. Usually requires a cita previa at the town hall. Not needed for non-resident accounts.
Proof of income or employmentUsually required under anti-money-laundering rules to evidence the source of funds. Employees: contract + recent payslips or an employer letter. Self-employed: tax registration (modelo 036/037) + latest tax return or recent invoices. Pensioners: pension award letter. A recent tax return is also accepted. A bank may request a sworn translation (traducción jurada) of foreign documents.
Tax residency self-certification (CRS/FATCA)A form you sign at the branch, not something you bring. You declare your country/countries of tax residence and tax ID (NIF/TIN). US citizens or tax residents must declare their status (form W-9); some banks charge higher fees or decline US persons due to FATCA.
Appointment (cita previa): Traditional banks (Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank, Sabadell, Bankinter, etc.) usually require an in-branch appointment: book a cita previa by phone, app or the bank's website and bring all originals. The certificado de no residente is requested separately at the National Police / Immigration Office, or at a consulate if you are outside Spain; per the Police electronic office there is no mandatory prior appointment, though many stations work by cita previa. The bank can also handle it. Digital/app-based banks may allow remote opening with a video ID check. We prepare your document pack, complete the tasa 790/012, and accompany you to the appointment.
FAQ
Can I open a Spanish bank account before I have my NIE?
Yes. As a non-resident you can open a non-resident account with just your passport and a certificado de no residente. Once you have your NIE/TIE and a Spanish address (padrón), you can convert it into a usually cheaper resident account.
What's the real difference between a non-resident and a resident account?
A non-resident account is for people whose legal/tax residence is outside Spain: it needs the certificado de no residente, tends to carry higher maintenance fees, and the bank must re-confirm your status periodically (usually by renewing the certificate). A resident account needs your NIE/TIE and padrón, tends to have lower fees, and gives full access to direct debits, mortgages, loans and public-sector payments (tax refunds, healthcare, pensions).
Do my foreign documents need an apostille or sworn translation to open an account?
Usually not. Most banks accept your passport, payslips and home-country bills as they are, and the Spanish documents (NIE, certificado de no residente, padrón) are already in Spanish. Occasionally a bank will ask for a sworn translation (traducción jurada) of a foreign income document; an apostille is rarely required for personal banking (it's more relevant for company accounts or civil-registry certificates).
Can I open the account online or remotely from abroad?
Some banks and app-based accounts allow remote onboarding with a video ID check, but traditional Spanish banks generally still require an in-branch appointment (cita previa) with your original documents. Non-residents opening from abroad often use the bank's non-resident service, or have the branch obtain the certificado de no residente on their behalf.
I'm a US citizen — will that be a problem?
It can be. Under FATCA, Spanish banks must report US-person accounts to the US tax authority (IRS). Some banks decline US customers and others charge higher fees. You'll sign a W-9 / CRS-FATCA self-certification. It's best to identify a US-friendly bank before your appointment — something we help you screen for.
Spanish Social Security Number (NUSS/NAF) and registering for public healthcare (SIP health card)
Access to Spain's public system needs two separate but connected things. First, the Social Security Number (NUSS), also called the Affiliation Number (NAF): a unique personal number assigned by the General Treasury of Social Security (Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social, TGSS) that identifies you to the system. It is free and requested either online through the Import@ss portal or in person at a TGSS office with a prior appointment (form TA.1). Second, once your right to healthcare is recognised (through employment, as a family member's beneficiary, or by legal residence), you register with your autonomous region's health service to get a health card and an assigned local health centre. In the Valencia Region (Alicante) that card is the SIP card, managed by the regional Conselleria de Sanitat. At Relocation Centers we prepare your paperwork and accompany you through every step; you (or your authorised representative) carry out the procedures before the official bodies.
Timing: NUSS: immediate or a few working days (online via Import@ss, or on the spot at a TGSS office with a prior appointment). Healthcare (SIP) registration: the online request usually gets an immediate response; the health-centre and doctor assignment happens when you attend the centre; the physical card may be handed over on the spot or arrive within a few days to weeks. Realistic end-to-end: from 1 day to 2-3 weeks, depending on appointment availability and region.Cost: The Social Security Number (NUSS/NAF) is free. Registering for public healthcare and the SIP health card are free. The only possible cost: if you access via the convenio especial (with no other cover), you pay a monthly fee to the region, set at national level at roughly 60 €/month for under-65s and about 157 €/month for over-65s (amounts under RD 576/2013, subject to revision; confirm the current figure); this agreement does not cover medicines. Any sworn translations or apostilles of foreign documents, if needed, are a separate private cost.
Documents you’ll need
Valid identity document (NIE/TIE, passport or DNI)Foreigners use their NIE (or TIE card) and/or passport. A foreign passport needs no apostille or translation just to identify you. You must already have your NIE before these steps.
Form TA.1 (Application for affiliation / Social Security number)Official TGSS form. Required for the in-person request; when applying online via Import@ss the form is completed directly on the platform. A Spanish document, so no apostille or translation.
Certificate or proof of municipal registration (empadronamiento)Proves your address and determines your assigned health centre. For the SIP card in the Valencia Region the administration usually checks your registration electronically; you only need to hand it in if you object to that check or if asked. Keeping a current copy is recommended. A Spanish document; no apostille or translation.
Document proving the right to healthcare (employment history report, employment/self-employed RETA registration, INSS entitlement decision, or EU S1 form)Links your NUSS to healthcare cover. If you are employed or self-employed, registration creates the right automatically. Pensioners from another EU/EEA country use the S1 form (an EU document, no apostille needed). An S1 or other health document issued in a language other than Spanish may need a sworn translation if the health centre asks for it.
Proof of family relationship to register beneficiaries (family book, marriage or birth certificate)ApostilleSworn translationOnly if you register a spouse or dependent children as beneficiaries. A Spanish family book needs nothing extra. A foreign marriage or birth certificate usually requires a Hague Apostille and a sworn translation into Spanish.
Already-assigned Social Security Number (NUSS/NAF)This is the output of the first procedure and a required input for the healthcare (SIP) registration. Keep the decision showing your number; the health centre will ask for it.
Appointment (cita previa): NUSS online: no appointment needed, done on Import@ss (portal.seg-social.gob.es) with or without a digital certificate/Cl@ve; without a certificate, via a selfie and a photo of your ID. NUSS in person: a prior appointment (cita previa) at a TGSS office is required (booked through the Social Security Electronic Office or by phone). SIP card (Valencia Region): the initial request can be made on the Generalitat's electronic office (sede.gva.es) or at the health centre itself; you then attend the health centre assigned by your address to collect the card and be assigned a doctor; many centres work by appointment. portal.seg-social.gob.es ↗
FAQ
Are the NUSS, the NAF and the NIE the same thing?
Not exactly. The NUSS (Social Security user number) and the NAF (affiliation number) are Social Security numbers: the NAF is generated the first time you affiliate and stays with you for life. The NIE is your foreigner identity number, a separate document you must already have. And the health card (SIP in the Valencia Region) is yet another thing: the physical (or virtual) card you use to see a doctor.
Do I need an employment contract to request the Social Security number?
No. You can request the NUSS without a contract: it is just an identifying number. Access to public healthcare is a later step and can come from working (employed or self-employed), from being a family member's beneficiary, from the recognition of the right through legal residence, or from a paid special agreement (convenio especial) with your region.
Can I do everything online or must I go in person?
The NUSS can be requested 100% online on the Import@ss portal, even without a digital certificate or Cl@ve: you fill in your details, take a selfie and attach a photo of your ID. You can also go in person to a TGSS office with a prior appointment. The SIP card registration can be started online on the Generalitat's electronic office (with a certificate or Cl@ve) or directly at your health centre; the physical card is collected at the health centre.
I am a resident but I don't work or pay contributions. Am I entitled to public healthcare?
Generally, yes: the law recognises the right to health protection for people legally and habitually resident in Spain who are not covered any other way; recognition is applied for at the INSS. If you fit no category, there is the convenio especial: you pay a monthly fee to the region and access public healthcare. This agreement requires, among other things, proof of at least one year of continuous effective residence in Spain and being registered on the padrón; it does not include pharmacy benefits (you pay 100% of medicines).
How long does it take and what do I go home with on day one?
The NUSS is usually assigned immediately or within a few days; you receive a decision showing your number. For healthcare, after the SIP request you visit your health centre, where a family doctor is assigned and (depending on the centre) you either get the card on the spot or a provisional document while the physical card is produced, which can take a few days or weeks to arrive.
Finding Housing in Spain: Renting and Buying for Newcomers
Finding a home in Spain as a newcomer follows two paths: renting or buying. To rent, landlords and agencies ask for ID, your NIE, proof of income (payslips, an employment contract or bank statements) and, if you have no Spanish payslip, an additional guarantee or a bank guarantee, on top of the legal deposit. Buying is a staged process — reservation, arras contract, public deed before a notary and taxes — and does not require residency. At Relocation Centers we prepare your documents and accompany you at each step; we do not process or obtain the NIE on your behalf, as it is issued by the Administration.
Timing: Renting: with documents ready, signing can close within a few days; the search itself takes 1-4 weeks in tight markets. Buying: reservation (days) → arras (usually 2-4 weeks) → notarial deed (typically 4-8 weeks after arras, longer with a mortgage). Overall, a purchase typically takes 2-3 months.Cost: Renting (upfront): 1 month's rent + deposit (1 month) + possible additional guarantee (up to 2 months on residential contracts of up to 5 years); by law the agency and contract-formalisation fees fall on the landlord. Buying: taxes and costs of roughly 10-13% of the price — resale ITP (varies by region, approx. 6-11%; in the Comunidad Valenciana the general rate dropped to 9% in June 2026, with 11% on the portion above 1,000,000€) or, for new-build, 10% VAT + AJD (0.5-1.5%), plus notary, land registry and fees. Non-resident mortgage: commonly 60-70% loan-to-value (varies by bank and profile).
Documents you’ll need
Passport or ID documentID for the tenant or buyer. Every adult signing the contract must provide it.
NIE (Foreigner Identity Number)Essential to sign contracts, open a bank account, set up utilities and pay taxes. It is a Spanish document: we prepare your file and accompany you, but the NIE is issued by the Administration.
Payslips or proof of income (last 3)Last 3 payslips or equivalent. If your income comes from abroad, a Spanish translation smooths approval, though it is not legally required for a rental.
Employment contract or employer letterProves employment and stability. Self-employed: business registration and latest tax return.
Bank statements (last 3-6 months)Show ability to pay; especially useful if you do not yet have a Spanish payslip.
Bank guarantee or solvent guarantorCommon alternative if you lack a Spanish payslip: the bank freezes several months' rent, or a solvent guarantor backs the payment. For residential leases of up to 5 years (7 if the landlord is a legal entity), the law caps the additional guarantee at 2 months, on top of the 1-month legal deposit.
Spanish bank account (IBAN)Needed to direct-debit rent and utilities, and for a purchase. Opening an account requires your NIE or passport and a branch appointment.
Proof of source of funds (purchase)For a purchase, the notary and bank require proof of the legal origin of the funds (anti-money-laundering). Foreign documents may require a translation for the notary.
Power of attorney (if signing remotely)ApostilleSworn translationIf you cannot attend the signing, you can grant power of attorney to your lawyer. If granted abroad, it usually needs a Hague Apostille and a sworn translation into Spanish.
Appointment (cita previa): There is no central 'cita previa' to rent. To buy, the deed is signed at a notary by appointment, arranged by your lawyer or gestoría. Note that opening a bank account requires a branch appointment, and the NIE — a prerequisite for almost everything — is requested by prior appointment at immigration or police.
FAQ
Can I rent or buy without an NIE?
Some landlords accept a passport to sign a lease, but you will need the NIE to direct-debit payments, set up utilities and — above all — to buy and pay taxes. We recommend having it before you search. We prepare your file and accompany you; the NIE is issued by the Administration.
I have no Spanish payslip. How do I get approved to rent?
This is the most common hurdle for newcomers. Usual options: a bank guarantee (the bank freezes several months' rent), a solvent guarantor, paying several months upfront, or providing foreign bank statements and an employment contract. For residential leases, the law caps the additional guarantee at 2 months, on top of the 1-month deposit.
How much deposit and upfront payment does renting require?
The legal deposit (fianza) is 1 month's rent, which the landlord must lodge with the autonomous region's housing body. An additional guarantee of up to 2 months may be agreed (on contracts of up to 5 years, or 7 if the landlord is a legal entity). In total the guarantee should not exceed 3 months, plus the first month's rent. Since the 2023 Housing Law (Ley 12/2023), property-management and contract-formalisation fees fall on the landlord by law.
What is the difference between the reservation and the arras contract when buying?
The reservation is a small payment (often a few thousand euros) that takes the property off the market while legal checks are done. The arras contract is the firm commitment: typically around 10% of the price is paid. Under 'arras penitenciales' (art. 1454 of the Civil Code), if the buyer backs out they lose that sum; if the seller does, they return it doubled. The purchase completes in a public deed before a notary.
How much tax and cost do I pay when buying?
Budget roughly 10-13% on top of the price. Resale pays ITP, which varies by autonomous region (approx. 6-11%); for example, in the Comunidad Valenciana the general rate changed from 10% to 9% in June 2026 (11% on the portion above 1,000,000€). New-build pays 10% VAT plus stamp duty (AJD, 0.5-1.5% depending on the region). Add notary, land registry, gestoría and lawyer (~1-1.5%). Important: the tax base is the Catastro reference value when it is higher than the declared price. Always check the rate in force in your autonomous region.
Setting up or transferring utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet/mobile) in Spain
When you move into a home in Spain, the utilities almost always already exist in the previous occupant's name, so the usual task is not signing up from scratch but a "cambio de titular" — putting the electricity, water, gas and telecoms into your name. This is a private process you handle with each company (Iberdrola, Endesa, Naturgy, Movistar, etc., plus the municipal water utility), not with the government. To do it you generally need an ID document (NIE or passport), a Spanish bank account (IBAN) to set up direct debit, the exact address, and — for electricity and gas — the CUPS code of the meter, which appears on any prior bill. Water is run by the town hall or a municipal company, and in many municipalities it also requires your empadronamiento certificate, because the tariff can vary with the number of registered residents. None of the documents in this step needs a Hague Apostille or a sworn translation: you use Spanish-issued documents or your passport, which are accepted as they are. This is practical guidance, not legal advice; final details depend on each company and municipality. At Relocation Centers we help you with document preparation and accompaniment through these procedures.
Timing: Transferring electricity is usually fast: from the same day up to about 5 business days (some suppliers finalize it almost instantly). Gas is usually slower: from a few days up to a couple of weeks, depending on the distribution company. Water, if you provide all the correct documents, can be immediate or take a few days. In telecoms, a prepaid SIM works immediately, porting an existing number usually completes in around 1 business day, and installing new fiber typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. Recommendation: start all procedures as soon as you have your NIE and bank account.Cost: Electricity and gas: the change of holder is free by law (the supplier cannot charge you for the transfer itself), although it may ask for a refundable deposit if you have no payment history. Water: free in many municipalities, though some charge a small administrative fee or ask for a deposit (amount varies by town). If instead of a transfer you need a new connection of a cut-off supply: connection/access/extension fees of a few tens of euros plus VAT, and if an electrical boletín is required, roughly 80-150€ for the installer's certificate (varies with the installation). Empadronamiento: normally free. Telecoms: no processing fee, only the plan you contract (and, where applicable, the cost of the SIM).
Documents you’ll need
NIE or passport of the new holder (DNI if Spanish)Primary ID. Foreigners use the NIE (green certificate or TIE card) or passport. Many water companies and postpaid mobile/internet contracts specifically require the NIE; a prepaid SIM usually accepts a passport. A foreign passport is accepted without translation.
Spanish bank account (IBAN) for direct debitNeeded to direct-debit the bills. The IBAN and the account holder must appear. A Spanish account is recommended; some companies accept EU SEPA accounts, but a Spanish IBAN avoids direct-debit rejections.
CUPS code of the supply point (electricity and gas)A 20- or 22-character alphanumeric code (always starting with 'ES') that uniquely identifies the meter. It appears on any prior bill; if you don't have one, the distribution company provides it from the address. There is one CUPS for electricity and another for gas. Water does not use CUPS but a policy (póliza) or meter number.
Exact property addressStreet, number, floor and door, with postcode. It must match the supply address so the company locates the correct point.
Proof of the right to occupy the home: title deed or rental contractThe deed if you are the owner; the rental contract if you are a tenant. Not always requested for a simple electricity/gas transfer, but water and some cases do require it. A Spanish-issued document, no translation needed.
Previous holder's details or authorizationName and DNI/NIE of the outgoing holder. For water and gas, some companies ask for a signed authorization form from the previous holder. If they can't be reached, it is processed as a cancellation of the old contract plus a new one in your name.
Empadronamiento certificate (water — depends on municipality)Many municipal water companies require it because the tariff blocks can depend on the number of people registered at the home. Obtained at the town hall, usually with a prior appointment, and normally free of charge. Usually not required for electricity or gas.
Installation certificate (electrical boletín/CIE or gas certificate) — only for a new connection or a disconnected supplyNOT needed for a normal change of holder with active supply. Only required if the electricity was cut off for a long time or the installation is old (electrical boletín/CIE more than 20 years old), or if the gas installation's periodic inspection has expired (it is done every 5 years). Issued by a licensed installer and has a cost.
Special-case documents: death certificate and declaration of heirs, or divorce rulingOnly if the change is due to death (death certificate + declaration of heirs) or separation/divorce (ruling and settlement agreement). Spanish documents; no apostille or translation required.
Appointment (cita previa): The transfer of electricity, gas and internet/mobile is done without an appointment: by phone, web or each company's app, submitting documents digitally. Water depends on the municipality: some companies handle it online or by phone, others require an in-person visit. You will need a prior appointment (cita previa) at the town hall if they ask for the empadronamiento certificate (a common water requirement) or if you must register on the padrón first.
FAQ
Do I need the NIE or is a passport enough to put the utilities in my name?
For electricity and gas, many suppliers accept a passport, but the NIE greatly simplifies the process and is practically essential for municipal water contracts and for postpaid phone/internet with direct debit. A prepaid SIM usually accepts a passport. Recommendation: get the NIE as early as possible, since you also need it to open the bank account required for direct debit.
How much does the change of holder cost?
Transferring electricity and gas is free: the law does not allow the supplier to charge you for the transfer itself, although it may ask for a refundable deposit if you have no payment history as a customer. Water depends on the municipality: some municipal companies charge nothing while others apply a small administrative fee or ask for a deposit. Setting up a supply that had been cut off (a new connection) is different — it does involve connection/access fees and sometimes an electrical boletín.
What is the difference between a change of holder and a new connection?
Change of holder: the supply is active and you only change the contract name. It is free, fast and needs no boletín. New connection: the supply had been cancelled or never existed; it requires paying connection and access fees and, if the installation is old or long unused, an installation certificate (electrical boletín or gas certificate) issued by a licensed installer. Before signing a rental, confirm the utilities are active — it saves time and money.
Do I need to be registered on the padrón to contract the utilities?
For electricity and gas you do not need to be registered. For water, many municipal companies do ask for the empadronamiento certificate, because the tariff can be calculated by the number of people living in the home. Registration is also commonly required to prove your main residence when applying for the bono social eléctrico (a discount on the electricity bill).
Can I direct-debit the bills from a foreign bank?
Some companies accept SEPA accounts from other EU countries, but in practice many direct debits with a foreign IBAN are rejected or cause problems. The safest option is to open a Spanish account (for which you normally need the NIE) and direct-debit electricity, water, gas and internet there. That avoids cut-offs from involuntary non-payment.
Enrolling your children in school in Spain: admission, school types and recognition of prior studies
Schooling is compulsory and free from ages 6 to 16 (Primary and lower Secondary/ESO), and the right to education outranks immigration status: with the child's passport and your padrón (residence registration) you can enrol them even while your paperwork is pending. The process has two independent parts: admission/enrolment in a school (run by each autonomous region) and, when the child arrives with studies already completed abroad, the homologación or convalidación of those studies before the Ministry of Education. At Relocation Centers we prepare and organise all your documents and accompany you to every appointment; you sign and file the application yourself.
Timing: Padrón registration: same day to ~2 weeks depending on the municipality. Ordinary admission: applied for in spring (March-April) to start in September; mid-year, the enrolment commission usually assigns a place within days or a few weeks. Homologación/convalidación: the decision can take several months (often 3-6 months, sometimes longer); the conditional enrolment certificate lets the child enrol in the meantime.Cost: Padrón registration: usually free. Public school: free (books, canteen and activities are extra; many regions run book-loan schemes). Concertado: subsidised tuition, but with 'voluntary' fees for activities or the foundation (roughly 50-300€/month). Private/international: enrolment plus monthly fees from ~300€ to 1,500€+ per month (indicative). Non-university homologación/convalidación: fee 079 (form 790), around 48.78€ for the Bachiller/VET title and 24.39€ for convalidación by courses; homologation to the Graduado en ESO diploma is fee-EXEMPT. Confirm the current amount on the Ministry's site.
Documents you’ll need
Padrón (residence) certificate — collective, including the childRequested at your town hall, usually by appointment. It sets your 'zone' and which schools you're entitled to by proximity. Ask for the collective (family) certificate that includes the child.
Passport of the child and parents (or NIE/TIE if you already have one)The child's valid passport is enough to identify and enrol them, even if your immigration status is still pending.
Birth certificate of the childApostilleSworn translationProves parentage and age when you don't hold a Spanish family book. General rule: apostille (or legalisation) plus sworn translation. EU multilingual standard-form certificates (Regulation (EU) 2016/1191) are usually exempt from apostille and translation.
Vaccination record / certificateSworn translationNot legally required to exercise the right to education, but the school and the health centre ask for it; a translation helps. Any vaccines missing from the Spanish schedule are completed at your local health centre.
Academic transcript / school report from the previous schoolApostilleSworn translationHelps place the child in the correct year. For Primary and lower ESO schools are usually flexible; for the formal recognition procedure it must be legalised/apostilled and officially (sworn) translated into Spanish.
Foreign qualification or certificate of studies (for homologación/convalidación: ESO, Bachillerato, VET)ApostilleSworn translationNeeded to recognise completed studies (essential for Bachillerato and to certify the ESO diploma). Documents must be official, legalised/apostilled and accompanied by an official translation into Spanish. Filed with the Ministry of Education together with the transcript of subjects and grades.
Proof of payment of fee 079 (form 790)Receipt for the non-university homologación/convalidación fee. Homologation to the Bachiller or Técnico/VET title carries a fee (around 48.78€) and convalidación by courses/modules is 24.39€; homologation to the Graduado en ESO diploma is fee-EXEMPT. Confirm the current amount on the Ministry's site.
Conditional enrolment certificate (volante de inscripción condicional)Ministry document proving the homologación/convalidación is in progress; it lets you enrol the child conditionally while the decision is pending (useful mainly for Bachillerato).
Child's health card / SIP (recommended)Not always required to enrol, but schools often ask for it; obtained at your health centre once you're registered on the padrón (in the Valencia region it is the SIP card).
Admission/enrolment application and passport-size photosOfficial admission form of your autonomous region (online or at the school) plus 2-3 passport-size photos of the child.
Appointment (cita previa): There are three linked appointments: (1) padrón registration at the town hall, usually by prior appointment; (2) school admission, run by each autonomous region through its enrolment portal during the ordinary period (spring) or, if you arrive mid-year, through the local enrolment office/commission; (3) homologación/convalidación, filed online at the Ministry's electronic office (sede.educacion.gob.es) or by appointment at a public registry. There is no single national booking URL — it varies by municipality and region. At Relocation Centers we prepare the documents for each appointment and accompany you; you sign and file the application yourself.
FAQ
What's the difference between public, concertado, private and international schools?
Public: free, funded by the regional government. Concertado: privately run (often with a religious ethos) but state-subsidised; tuition is free, though there are usually 'voluntary fees' for activities or the foundation. Private: fully fee-paying, Spanish curriculum. International: private, with a foreign curriculum (British, American, French, German) or the International Baccalaureate (IB), aimed at families who may relocate again or want language continuity.
Do I need to have my child's studies recognised before enrolling?
To place a child in Primary or the early years of ESO you don't need recognition: the school assigns them by age. Homologación (or convalidación) is essential to enter Bachillerato and to officially certify the ESO diploma. While the decision is pending, the 'conditional enrolment certificate' lets you enrol provisionally.
When do you enrol, and what if we arrive mid-year?
The ordinary admission period is in spring (around March-April) to start in September. If you arrive after the year has begun, the right to a place in compulsory education applies all year round: the local enrolment commission/office assigns a school, usually within days or a few weeks.
Which documents need a Hague Apostille and a sworn translation?
The birth certificate and any foreign academic transcripts/qualifications: Hague Apostille (or legalisation) plus an official/sworn translation into Spanish. The padrón certificate, passport and the fee receipt need neither. EU multilingual standard-form certificates (Regulation 2016/1191) are usually exempt.
How are places assigned when a school is oversubscribed?
By a points system (baremo): proximity of your home (which is why the padrón matters), siblings already at the school, family income, large or single-parent family, disability, and other criteria set by each region. When demand exceeds places, the highest score wins.
The "canje" is the homologation of your foreign driving licence for an equivalent Spanish one issued by the DGT (the national traffic authority). If you hold an EU or EEA licence (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) you may drive in Spain for as long as it remains valid: exchanging it or registering it in the Spanish registry is voluntary, though renewal becomes mandatory in Spain two years after you establish residence here if the licence has indefinite validity or one over 15 years (car/motorbike) or over 5 years (bus/lorry). If your licence is from outside the EU, you may only drive on it for a maximum of 6 months from acquiring normal residence in Spain; after that it must already be exchanged. A direct exchange is only possible if your country has a bilateral agreement with Spain; without one you must sit the exams. Velorix / Relocation Centers helps you with document preparation and accompaniment through the process; we do not carry out the procedure for you or obtain the licence on your behalf.
Timing: Timing is the critical part: non-EU licences are only valid for driving for 6 months from when you acquire normal residence in Spain, so it is best to start the exchange as soon as you register (empadronamiento) and hold residence. Getting an appointment can take from days to several weeks depending on the province. On the appointment day you receive a provisional receipt that lets you drive in Spain; the definitive card usually arrives by post within a few weeks (up to 1-3 months). EU/EEA licences have no 6-month limit, but renewal becomes mandatory in Spain 2 years after establishing residence if the validity is indefinite or over 15 years (car/motorbike) or over 5 years (bus/lorry).Cost: DGT exchange fee (Tasa 2.3): 28.87€ for car/motorbike licences (classes A/B) and, generally, for EU licences. When the exchange requires tests (e.g. some professional C/D classes from agreement countries) the Tasa 2.1 applies: 94.05€. On top of this, the psychophysical report from the Driver Assessment Centre is paid separately and typically costs 40€ to 60€ (indicative). Rough total for a car licence: ~70-90€. Always confirm the current amount on the DGT electronic office.
Documents you’ll need
Exchange application (official DGT form)Completed when booking the appointment or at the Traffic Office. It includes a declaration that you reside in Spain and that you are not judicially disqualified from driving and do not hold another Spanish or EU licence of the same class.
Original foreign driving licence, valid and in forceSworn translationLicences obtained while already a legal resident in Spain are not exchangeable (for agreement countries, when obtained after the agreement was signed and while already resident). The original is surrendered on exchange. Licences not in Spanish require a sworn translation; EU/EEA licences do not. The DGT usually verifies authenticity with the issuing country, so an apostille on the licence itself is normally not required, though the requirement can vary by country.
Identity and residency document: TIE (or EU citizen registration certificate) + passportA valid Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) proves legal residence. EU citizens: registration certificate (green document) + passport/national ID. Some Traffic Offices may also ask for the padrón (empadronamiento) certificate.
Psychophysical fitness report from an authorised Driver Assessment CentreThis is the 'psicotécnico': a sight, hearing and reflex assessment at an authorised centre. The centre sends the report to the DGT electronically and, since 6 Nov 2024, captures your photograph and signature there (the paper photo-slip is no longer required). Group 1 for classes A/B; Group 2 (extra tests) for C/D.
Photograph (in most cases no longer submitted separately)Since Nov 2024 the photo and signature are captured at the Assessment Centre together with the medical, so a paper photo is normally not needed. Best to confirm with your centre.
Proof of legal residence (date residence was acquired)Non-EU licences only: shows when you established normal residence in Spain, which is key for the 6-month window and to prove the licence was obtained before you were a resident. The residence resolution/TIE and, if requested, the padrón certificate serve this purpose.
Appointment (cita previa): The in-person procedure at the Traffic Office requires a prior appointment. Book it for 'Canje de permiso de conducir' at the Provincial Traffic Office (e.g. Alicante) via the DGT electronic office or by calling 060. Since May 2025 the DGT also offers a digital exchange for some EU licences; for non-EU licences the process is usually in person. Bring ALL originals; on completion you receive a receipt (resguardo) that lets you drive in Spain (not abroad) while the definitive card is produced. sede.dgt.gob.es ↗
FAQ
I hold an EU licence. Am I required to exchange it?
Not immediately. You may drive in Spain for as long as your EU/EEA licence remains valid. Exchanging it or registering it with the DGT is voluntary, but renewal becomes mandatory in Spain once 2 years have passed since you established residence if the licence has indefinite validity or one over 15 years (car/motorbike) or over 5 years (bus/lorry). Registering it makes future renewals and paperwork easier.
My country has no agreement with Spain. Can I exchange?
Not by direct exchange. If your country is not on the DGT's list of agreements, you must obtain the Spanish licence by sitting the exams (theory and practical) at a driving school. A limited exchange route exists for certain professional licences from non-agreement countries. Always check the official list of agreement countries before planning.
Can I drive while I wait for the appointment or the final card?
With a non-EU licence, only within the first 6 months of becoming a resident; once that window passes without exchanging, you cannot drive. After completing the procedure, the receipt you are given does let you drive in Spain (not abroad) until the card arrives. That is why booking the appointment early is essential.
Do I need a sworn translation or an apostille of my licence?
Sworn translation: yes, if your licence is not in Spanish (EU/EEA ones are exempt). Apostille of the licence: usually not, because the DGT verifies authenticity with the issuing country; even so, the requirement can vary by country. Some supporting documents may require an apostille; we confirm your specific case based on your country.
I got the licence when I was already a resident in Spain. Can I exchange it?
No. Foreign licences obtained after the agreement was signed while the holder was already a legal resident in Spain, or obtained while resident, are not exchangeable. The exchange requires that the licence was obtained before you established residence in Spain. In that case, the route is to obtain the Spanish licence by sitting the exams.