Moving to Spain: The Administrative Checklist for Expats

Moving to Spain is an exciting adventure, but it involves many administrative steps. For an expat moving to Spain, it is crucial to be well-prepared before departure and to follow a clear roadmap upon arrival.

Here is the complete checklist – from leaving your home country to settling in – to ensure a successful expatriation without forgetting anything.

Before Leaving Your Home Country

Important Documents to Gather

• Civil status records and personal documents: multilingual birth certificate, valid passport/identity card, driver's license, European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), and diplomas (apostilled if necessary).
• Documents for administration: S1 form, E104 form, and any document from your national health insurance if you are affiliated.

Inform Your Home Country's Administrations

• Taxes: Declare your change of tax residence.
• Social benefits: Report your departure to suspend your benefits.
• Health insurance: Notify your health insurance fund.

In summary, anticipate all the necessary documents before departure. Good preparation in your home country greatly facilitates your settlement in Spain!

Good preparation is the key to a successful move to Spain.

First Steps Upon Arrival

Priority #1: Get Your NIE

The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is the identification number for foreigners in Spain. Without it, you will be blocked in most of your procedures: renting a home, working, opening a bank account, etc. It is not an ID card, but an essential number.

The application is made by appointment (cita previa) at the foreigner's office of the National Police (comisaría) or via the Spanish consulate in your home country before departure. Plan ahead, as waiting times can vary. Once obtained, your NIE is valid for life.

Open a Local Bank Account

Having a Spanish bank account with a local IBAN greatly simplifies daily life for paying bills, rent, or receiving a salary. Most banks require the NIE to open an account.

Find Housing and Register (Empadronamiento)

Once you have found a place to live, you must register at the municipal register of your municipality: this is the empadronamiento. This procedure is mandatory if you stay for more than 3 months and provides you with a residence certificate (certificado de empadronamiento) that is essential for many other formalities.

Get Private Health Insurance (Temporary)

While waiting to be affiliated with the Spanish public health system, it is advisable to take out private health insurance. It will cover your immediate medical needs and prevent you from having to advance significant costs. The EHIC only covers urgent care.

The first steps are crucial for a smooth settlement.

Register as a Resident (Certificado de Registro)

For a stay of more than 3 months, you must register as a resident EU citizen in Spain. You will get the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión (sometimes called the "green NIE").

This step is mandatory and is done at the foreigner's office. You will need to prove your situation (worker, student, or sufficient resources with health insurance). This certificate is what formalizes your status as a resident.

Get Your Social Security Number

Once you are a resident, you can apply for your affiliation number with the Seguridad Social. If you are an employee, the employer usually takes care of this. Otherwise, the procedure is done at the Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social with your NIE, your residence certificate, and your padrón. The S1 form is necessary if you are transferring your rights from your home country.

With this number, you can register at a health center (Centro de Salud), choose a primary care physician, and receive your health card (tarjeta sanitaria).

Organize Your Practical Setup

Exchange Your Driver's License

If you become a resident in Spain, you are required to exchange your home country's driver's license for a Spanish one after two years of residence. However, it is recommended to start the process (canje de permiso) within the first 6 months.

Enroll Children in School

Enrollment is done in the schools of your area, defined by your place of residence (padrón). The required documents usually include: the empadronamiento certificate, the child's birth certificate, identity documents and NIE, and the vaccination record.

Other Practical Steps

• Contracts and subscriptions: Water, electricity, gas, internet. A Spanish bank account and a NIE are almost always necessary.
• Consular registration: Register at your country's consulate. It is optional but recommended.
• Vehicle: If you import your car, you will need to register it in Spain.
• Insurance: Update your home, car, and liability insurance with Spanish contracts.

Taxation and Insurance

Becoming a Spanish Tax Resident

If you reside more than 183 days a year in Spain, you become a tax resident there. You will then be taxable in Spain on your entire worldwide income (IRPF). The tax treaty between your country and Spain avoids double taxation.

Mandatory Declarations

• Modelo 100: Annual income tax return.
• Modelo 720: Declaration of your assets abroad (accounts, investments, real estate) if their value exceeds €50,000 per category.
• Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio: The wealth tax may apply in certain regions if your worldwide net worth exceeds a certain threshold.

Summary Checklist

Going Further: Tips for Successful Integration

• Learn the local language: It is the key to feeling independent and creating genuine connections.
• Immerse yourself in the local culture: Adopt the rhythm, taste everything, and participate in your neighborhood's festivities.
• Build social connections: Join groups (expat or local) to share your interests.
• Enjoy life in Spain: Explore this beautiful country and savor this new adventure!

A successful expatriation requires preparation. If some steps seem complex, Hiliv offers personalized support to make your life easier.

¡Bienvenido a España! 🇪🇸