You've Got Your Visa. Here's What Comes Next.
Getting your visa approved is the first step. Once you land in Spain, there are several important things to take care of — from registering your address to getting your residence card. This guide covers everything, in plain English.
Your First Steps in Spain
These are the things that need to happen — roughly in order — after you arrive on a long-stay visa.
Visit your local town hall (ayuntamiento) and register your address on the padrón municipal. You will need your passport and proof of address (rental contract or property deed). The padrón certificate is required for almost everything that follows — including your TIE application.
Your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is your Spanish residence card. You must apply at a National Police station (Comisaría) or immigration office. You will need your passport, visa, padrón certificate, photos, and the EX-17 form. Book your appointment (cita previa) as early as possible — slots fill quickly in popular areas.
A Spanish bank account makes life significantly easier — paying rent, setting up direct debits, and receiving income. Most banks require your NIE, passport, and padrón certificate. Some banks are more foreigner-friendly than others. In the meantime, Wise or Revolut can serve as a practical short-term solution.
Non-Lucrative Visa holders typically need private health insurance (this was a requirement for your visa). Digital Nomad Visa holders who become tax residents may eventually access the public system. Register with a private insurer if you are not already covered. In some regions, long-term residents on a padrón can access basic public health care — check the rules for your autonomous community.
Most non-EU nationals must exchange their home country driving licence for a Spanish one after 6 months of residency. The process varies depending on your nationality — some countries have reciprocal agreements with Spain (meaning no test required), others do not. Start this process early, as it can take several months to complete.
If you spend more than 183 days in Spain in a calendar year, you are likely to be considered a Spanish tax resident. This means you may need to file a Spanish tax return (IRPF) and potentially declare foreign assets (Modelo 720). Tax residency rules are complex and depend on your income type and country of origin. Professional tax advice is strongly recommended.
Everything You Need to Know
A practical guide to the key areas of life in Spain — from bureaucracy to everyday essentials.
The TIE is your official identity document in Spain as a non-EU resident. It proves your right to live in Spain and is required for most official processes. Applications must be made in person at a designated National Police station with a booked appointment.
Full TIE guide →The padrón is Spain's municipal register. Registering on it is one of the first things you should do after arriving — it is required for your TIE, healthcare access, school enrolment, and many other processes. It is free, straightforward, and done at your local town hall.
Full padrón guide →A Spanish bank account is essential for paying rent, setting up utilities, and managing day-to-day finances. Banks vary in their approach to foreign residents — some require more documentation than others. Online alternatives like Wise can help bridge the gap while you get set up.
Banking guide →Spain has both a public and private healthcare system. Non-Lucrative Visa holders must hold private health insurance as a visa condition. Access to the public system (Sistema Nacional de Salud) depends on your visa type, tax status, and region. Private insurance is widely used by expats and generally offers good coverage and fast access.
Healthcare guide →Non-EU licence holders must exchange their licence within 6 months of becoming resident. Whether you need a test depends on your nationality. The exchange is handled through the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) and requires your NIE, TIE, passport, and current licence. Some nationalities face a long wait — start early.
Driving licence guide →You can buy a car in Spain as a legal resident. You will need your NIE, TIE, and a Spanish bank account. Consider whether you want a new or second-hand vehicle, and be aware of the ITV (Spain's vehicle inspection equivalent to an MOT), insurance requirements, and road tax obligations.
Car buying guide →Spending more than 183 days in Spain in a calendar year typically makes you a Spanish tax resident. This affects how your worldwide income is taxed and whether you need to file a Spanish tax return. Digital Nomad Visa holders may benefit from the Beckham Law regime in certain circumstances. Always seek qualified tax advice for your specific situation.
Tax residency guide →Spain has public, semi-private (concertado), and fully private schools. Public school enrolment requires your padrón certificate. Many expat families choose international or bilingual schools. School places in popular areas fill quickly — research and apply as early as possible, ideally before you arrive.
Schools guide →Setting up a Spanish mobile contract, internet, electricity, and water are all straightforward once you have your NIE and bank account. Some providers offer contracts without NIE for the first few months. Your landlord can often help with initial utility setup if you are renting.
Utilities guide →Your Move to Spain Checklist
A quick-reference checklist of the key tasks after arriving in Spain on a long-stay visa.
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Common Questions
The questions people ask most often after arriving in Spain on a visa.
What is the first thing I need to do when I arrive in Spain on a visa?
The first priority is to register on the padrón municipal — the local council register — and then book your TIE appointment as quickly as possible. You typically have 30 days from your entry date to begin the TIE application, and appointment slots at police stations fill up fast in many areas. Bring your passport, visa, and rental contract or property deed to the ayuntamiento to get your padrón certificate first.
What is the TIE and do I need one?
The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is your Spanish residence card. It proves your legal right to reside in Spain and is required for most official processes — opening a bank account, registering with a doctor, signing contracts, and more. Most non-EU nationals living in Spain on a long-stay visa will need one.
What is empadronamiento and why does it matter?
Empadronamiento is the process of registering your address with your local town hall. It places you on the padrón municipal — Spain's official address register. The padrón certificate you receive is required for your TIE application, accessing public healthcare, enrolling children in school, and various other official processes. It is free and should be one of the first things you do after arriving.
Can I open a Spanish bank account as a foreigner?
Yes. Most major Spanish banks offer accounts to foreign residents. You will typically need your passport, NIE number, and proof of address such as your padrón certificate. Some banks also ask for proof of income. Online banking options like Wise, Revolut, or N26 can be useful in the short term while you get a full Spanish account set up.
Can I drive in Spain on my foreign driving licence?
Initially yes — most non-EU licence holders can drive in Spain on their home licence for a short period after arriving. After 6 months of residency, you are required to exchange it for a Spanish licence. The process and timescales vary significantly by nationality. UK licence holders must exchange after 6 months. Some countries have reciprocal agreements meaning no test is required; others do not. Start the process early as it can take months.
Do I need to learn Spanish before moving to Spain?
You don't need to be fluent before you arrive, but basic Spanish will make bureaucratic processes much smoother. Essential vocabulary for appointments, healthcare, and daily life is achievable with a few months of study. Many expats manage in English initially, particularly in cities and expat areas, but Spanish accelerates integration and is needed for some official processes.
What is the 90/180-day rule and how does it affect me?
The Schengen 90/180 rule means non-EU nationals (including UK, US, Australian, and Canadian citizens) can spend a maximum of 90 days out of every 180 days in the Schengen Area without a visa. To stay longer in Spain legally, you need a long-stay national visa such as the Non-Lucrative Visa or Digital Nomad Visa.
How much money do I need to move to Spain?
Budget depends heavily on lifestyle and location. A realistic estimate for a couple is: €10,000-15,000 for initial setup costs (deposit, first months rent, document preparation, flights), plus ongoing monthly costs of €2,500-4,000 depending on location and lifestyle. The NLV requires demonstrating approximately €2,400/month in income, which serves as a useful baseline.
Can I bring my pet to Spain when I move?
Yes. From the UK and most non-EU countries, you need a microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and an Animal Health Certificate (UK) or equivalent health documentation. EU pet passports are valid for EU nationals. Ensure you check current requirements at the time of travel — rules have changed since Brexit for UK nationals.
Is Spain a safe country to live in?
Spain consistently ranks as one of the safer countries in Europe. Violent crime is low. The main concerns are pickpocketing in tourist areas of major cities (Barcelona, Madrid), particularly around popular attractions and on public transport. Residential areas are generally safe and expats report feeling secure in their daily lives.
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