Your First Month in Spain

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Know which list is yours.

Spain does not have one universal newcomer procedure. Your nationality, intended length of stay, work or study situation and family circumstances decide which documents and appointments apply.

EU, EEA or SwissCheck registration rules for stays beyond three months and what proves work, study, self-employment or sufficient resources.

Non-EU with a visaFollow the exact consular route granted to you, then check whether and when you must complete a TIE step after arrival.

Family routeFamily members of Spanish or EU citizens can follow a different process. Confirm the relationship evidence and route before collecting documents.

Short stay onlyA visit under the applicable short-stay rules is not the same as relocating or becoming resident. Do not use a residency checklist blindly.

Before paying for documents: save the official page for your exact route and write down the form, fee, deadline and issuing authority. If you cannot identify the route confidently, that is the moment to ask for qualified advice.

01 · Before you arrive

Give yourself a landing period.

A short-term base gives you time to understand neighbourhoods and assemble documents without choosing under pressure.

Confirm what applies to you

• Confirm whether you are visiting, studying, working, joining family or relocating without local employment.
• Confirm whether you apply as an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, a non-EU citizen or a qualifying family member.
• Save the official consulate, immigration or EU registration page for your exact route.
• Write down the deadline, form number, fee code and appointment authority for that route.
• Check whether your passport remains valid for the entire application and travel period.
• Confirm what health cover your route requires before arrival.

Prepare before departure

• Book flexible temporary accommodation for roughly three to six weeks.
• Request recent proof of income, work, pension, study or savings that your route may require.
• If required, order criminal-record, medical, birth, marriage or family certificates early.
• Check whether each foreign public document needs an apostille or diplomatic legalisation.
• Arrange an official Spanish translation only where the route requires one.
• Ask your doctor for prescriptions and a medication letter for anything you must carry.
• Check driving-licence validity, pet travel rules and school documents if they apply.
• Scan everything and keep secure copies separately from the originals.

My route, official link and deadline

02 · First 48 hours

Get connected without waiting for every document.

A Spanish number makes apartment calls, deliveries and appointment messages much easier.

Your first practical errands

• Buy a prepaid SIM from an attended shop or authorised point of sale.
• Take your original valid passport and ask what identification is currently accepted.
• Make sure the SIM is registered in your name.
• Save your Spanish number in more than one place.
• Keep the SIM package: it contains the PIN and PUK codes.
• Save your accommodation address exactly as it should appear on forms.

Prepare your arrival folder

• Put your original passport in your arrival folder.
• Add your visa or entry documentation.
• Store secure copies of key documents separately.
• Add your accommodation confirmation and Spanish address.
• Save your local phone number in more than one place.
• Save the nearest pharmacy, health centre and transport stop.

My Spanish number, PIN/PUK location and first errands

03 · Week one

Banking and money: ask for the right route.

Documents vary by provider and by whether you are still a non-resident or already resident in Spain.

Take a complete bank folder

• Original passport.
• NIE, TIE or EU registration certificate if already issued.
• Proof of your Spanish or current address.
• Tax identification from your previous country.
• Proof of work, pension, income or savings.
• A recent statement showing where funds come from.

Before committing

• Confirm whether the account is resident or non-resident.
• Check maintenance fees and card charges.
• Confirm it supports the Spanish direct debit you need.
• Ask for all fees and conditions in writing.
• Compare Wise, Revolut and PayPal by the final euros received.
• Do not rely on one option until approval is confirmed.

Banks compared, documents missing and questions to ask

04 · Weeks one and two

Find a home without rushing the decision.

View in person where possible and get the complete economic terms before paying anything.

At the viewing

• Check noise with the windows open and closed.
• Test air conditioning, heating and water pressure.
• Look for damp, pests and poor ventilation.
• Check natural light at a realistic time of day.
• Test the actual commute.
• Photograph the condition and included furniture.

Before paying and on move-in

• Confirm habitual-home or seasonal contract.
• Request every additional cost in writing.
• Verify who owns or is authorised to rent the property.
• Make sure the address supports the registration you need.
• Record meter readings and photograph every room.
• Keep the signed lease and payment proof together.

Viewings, neighbourhood notes and contract questions

Understand the costs first

What “paperwork costs” can actually include.

You should not have to guess one mysterious administration number. Some costs are fixed official fees; others depend on your country, language, route and how much specialist help you choose.

Police administrationCurrent 2026 examples: standalone NIE assignment €9.84; EU registration or the listed family-category card €12; first TIE €16.08; renewal TIE €19.30; long-term TIE €21.87. Pay only the option matching your procedure.

Consulate and documentsVisa fees, criminal records, apostilles and legalisation are separate. Their cost depends on the consulate, nationality and issuing country, so confirm them before ordering. Allow roughly €10–€25 locally for photos, printing and copies.

Sworn translationsCommon English–Spanish documents are often about €40–€60 plus VAT per page. A multi-document visa pack can reach roughly €200–€400. Language, length, urgency and paper delivery can change the quote.

Optional human helpHello Abroad’s practical support is €69–€299. Published immigration-law examples start around €30–€60 for a consultation and €180+ for casework. Legal, translation and government fees remain separate; request a written quote.

Figures reviewed 28 August 2026. Official police fees come from Modelo 790, Código 012. Document legalisation guidance comes from Spain’s Ministry of Migration. Market examples are planning references, not guaranteed prices.

Now build your arrival budget

Plan with better information.

Enter the amount you want to reserve—not what you think each service “should” cost. If a category does not apply, leave it blank. For uncertain paperwork, use the guide above and add a buffer rather than inventing an exact figure.

Category	Planning guide	My reserve
Temporary accommodation (3–6 weeks)	€900–€2,500	€
First month of long-term rent	€700–€1,200	€
Deposit and possible guarantee	1–3 additional months of rent	€
Phone, internet, utilities and transport	€150–€550	€
Household basics for a furnished home	€150–€500	€
Official fees, photos and copies	€25–€150+ depending on route	€
Apostilles and sworn translations	€40–€400+ depending on documents	€
Optional practical or legal support	€69–€800+ depending on help	€
Emergency buffer	€500–€1,500	€

My planned total€0

Planning ranges are deliberately broad. Confirm the exact contract, procedure and professional quote before paying.

05 · The confusing words

Work out which procedure actually applies to you.

NIE, TIE and padrón answer different questions. The explanation below is information; only the preparation steps are checkable.

Before booking anything

• Confirm whether your next appointment is for NIE assignment, a TIE or EU registration.
• Check the current official procedure for your nationality and status.
• Save the official requirements page for your appointment category.
• Confirm which valid identity document you must bring.

Match your documents to the procedure

• Write down the exact form number required for your procedure.
• Confirm which fee form and payment option apply.
• Make the required originals and copies.
• Check whether any document has an issue-date or expiry limit.

Which procedure applies and what I still need clarified

Deadlines worth knowing

Two useful windows that are easy to miss.

These are not universal newcomer steps. They matter only if the relevant immigration or tax route applies to you, but missing the correct window can limit your options.

Digital nomad permission

A consular international-telework visa can be valid for up to one year. If you want to continue under this route, the official guidance says the residence authorisation may be requested during the 60 calendar days before the visa expires, provided the conditions remain satisfied.

Someone already legally in Spain may instead apply for the international-telework residence authorisation, which can be granted for up to three years. Renewals can be for two years. Do not wait until your lawful stay is almost over to establish which route applies.

Official Ministry guidance

The “Beckham Law” tax regime

This nickname refers to Spain’s special tax regime for qualifying workers and certain other people who move to Spain. It is not automatic, and a digital-nomad visa does not by itself guarantee eligibility.

The principal applicant generally submits Modelo 149 within six months from the qualifying activity start date shown by Spanish Social Security registration or the relevant supporting document. Eligibility and the best tax treatment depend on the person’s facts, so this is a deadline to discuss promptly with a qualified tax adviser—not a box to tick alone.

Official Tax Agency instructions

Reviewed 28 August 2026. Rules, evidence and individual eligibility can change. Use the official links and obtain immigration or tax advice for your own circumstances.

06 · Weeks two to four

Prepare the right papers for the right procedure.

Check the current official appointment category before collecting documents.

Prepare for the padrón

• Complete and sign the municipal padrón form.
• Collect the passport or identification accepted by your Ayuntamiento.
• Collect the signed lease plus latest rent receipt, or the correct authorisation.
• Find the property cadastral reference when available.
• Add the telephone, email and previous municipality details requested.

For standalone NIE assignment

• Complete and sign the EX-15 form; prepare the original and a copy.
• Pay Modelo 790, code 012, with the correct option selected.
• Prepare the original and copy of the complete valid passport or accepted identity/travel document.
• Write the explanation and collect evidence of the economic, professional or social reason.
• Prepare written authority if a representative submits the application.

Appointment details, forms, fees and documents still missing

07 · During your first month

Connect the parts of ordinary life.

These steps depend on work, family, health cover and how long you will remain in Spain. Tick only the ones that apply.

Health, work and official life

• Confirm how your healthcare access works: employment, Social Security, S1/EHIC rights, private cover or another route.
• If you are working, confirm your Social Security registration and save your affiliation number.
• Choose a local health centre or private provider and save the appointment process.
• Ask a qualified adviser whether and when Spanish tax residency or reporting may affect you.
• Check whether your driving licence remains valid and whether exchange or registration deadlines apply.
• Save 112 and the appropriate non-emergency contacts.

Household and family details

• Arrange utilities or confirm exactly which bills remain in the landlord’s name.
• Set up internet only after checking installation time, permanence and cancellation terms.
• Register children for school or childcare if applicable.
• Register pets locally and find a nearby vet if applicable.
• Confirm home or contents insurance where the contract or your risk level calls for it.
• Create one folder for contracts, receipts, reference numbers and appointment confirmations.

Tax, healthcare, driving or family questions for a professional

08 · By the end of month one

Build your everyday map.

Settling is also knowing where to go, who to ask and how your ordinary week works.

Save your local essentials

• Save your nearest health centre and pharmacy.
• Find where to check the late-opening pharmacy.
• Choose a market, supermarket and hardware shop.
• Save a copy and print shop for paperwork.
• Save reliable transport routes and taxi options.
• Add a trusted local contact for questions.

Your first sense of home

• Choose one café or local place you enjoy.
• Walk your neighbourhood without an errand.
• Join one social, language or interest group.
• Plan one day with no administration.
• Write down what is still unclear.
• Celebrate what you have already completed.

People, places and routines that will help me feel at home

Keep your own copy

Choose the version you need.

Download your current ticks, notes and budget as a personalised PDF, or download the blank designed checklist to print and complete by hand.

Download my completed checklist PDFDownload the blank designed PDF

Your ticks, notes and budget are stored only in this browser and are not sent to Hello Abroad. The blank PDF does not contain your saved answers. General orientation only; verify current requirements with the relevant authority or a qualified independent professional.