Moving to Spain: your first-steps checklist

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1. Register at the town hall (empadronamiento)
   By law, everyone who lives in Spain must register in the Padrón of the municipality where they usually live. The certificate is needed for the health card, schools and many other procedures.
2. Apply for your TIE card within one month of arrival
   If you entered on a visa for a stay longer than 180 days (work, study, non-lucrative residence…), the visa is usually valid for only 90 days, and you must apply for the TIE within one month of entry at the Foreigners’ Office or police station of the province. Book the appointment (cita previa) at once: slots can be weeks away. Your NIE number is printed on the card.
3. Get a Social Security number (NUSS)
   You need it to work and for healthcare. Request it from the Social Security (TGSS) online or by appointment; sometimes your employer requests it for you.
4. Health card (tarjeta sanitaria)
   Apply at your local health centre. Requirements differ by region; you usually need your padrón certificate and Social Security number.
5. Open a bank account
   For your salary and rent. Choose a current account with no fees and no interest.
6. Get a SIM card
   Prepaid SIMs must be registered with your passport or NIE.
7. Driving licence
   Your foreign licence is valid for at most six months after you become resident. Then you exchange it if your country has an exchange agreement with Spain; otherwise you need to pass the Spanish driving test.
8. If you have children
   Enrol them in school through the town hall or region; the padrón certificate is usually required.

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