NIE, TIE, padrón, cita previa — navigating Spanish admin after you arrive
15 articlesAfter arriving in Spain, you'll need to navigate a series of bureaucratic processes — getting your NIE, registering for a TIE card, enrolling on the padrón, booking cita previa appointments, and more. These guides explain exactly what each step involves and how to get it done.
Our specialists guide you through the right visa from start to finish — managed entirely online, in English.
The NIE is a tax identification number assigned to foreigners in Spain. You'll need it to open a bank account, sign a rental contract, buy property, pay taxes, or do almost anything administrative in Spain.
The NIE is a tax number (a paper with your number). The TIE is a physical residence card. After arriving on a long-stay visa, you apply for a TIE within 30 days.
A cita previa is an appointment booking — required for almost all in-person administrative processes in Spain including NIE, TIE, empadronamiento, and more.
Spain's social security number (número de afiliación) is needed to work, access public healthcare, and contribute to the pension system. It's separate from your NIE.
