After You Arrive in Spain
¡Bienvenido! You made it. Now begins the critical “first 30 days” of establishing your legal residency. Following these steps in order is the key to a permanent, protected transition.
Get Settled InYour Key Steps
1. Prove Your Entry (2026 EES)
Since 2026, biometric EES records have replaced manual stamps. If you arrived via a layover in another Schengen country, your entry date into Spain is not digitally recorded.
- You must visit a police station or the airport within 72 hours for a Declaración de Entrada stamp.
- Without this proof, your residency card application may be rejected due to a “missing entry date”.
2. The Padrón (Address Registration)
Registering at your local Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) is mandatory. It is the foundation for every other administrative process in Spain.
- It proves your local residence and is required for TIE appointments and health care registration.
- You need your passport, visa, and a valid rental contract or utility bill.
3. TIE Residency Card
Non-EU citizens must apply for their physical biometric residency card (TIE) within 30 days of arrival.
- Book your fingerprint (huella) appointment as soon as you have your Padrón certificate.
- Prepare your visa, passport, padrón, and proof of the Tasa 790-012 tax payment.
TIE processing service →
4. Social Security Number (SSN)
Mandatory for Digital Nomads and workers; obtaining your SSN is the key to the public health system.
- Apply via Form TA.1 to get your individual Social Security number.
- This number is required before you can be registered as an employee or freelancer.
5. Phone, Banking & Utilities
A Spanish number (+34) and a local bank account are essential for managing local utilities and government portals.
- Phone: Set up a local SIM while keeping your home number via VOIP for 2FA access.
- Banking: Switch to a local account to manage rent and direct debits effortlessly.
SIM Options (Lobster) →
6. Tax & Autónomo Registration
Tax strategy and legal registration have strict deadlines in your first 6 months.
- DNV Contractors: If you obtained your Digital Nomad Visa as a contractor, you must register as Autónomo to pay Social Security.
- Beckham Law: Apply within 180 days of your Social Security registration to secure the 24% flat tax rate.
Consult a Tax Expert →
7. Digital Certificate & Cl@ve
These electronic IDs allow you to sign government documents and manage residency online, skipping physical lines.
- Digital Certificate: Best for your laptop for complex tax and residency filings.
- Cl@ve PIN: An essential mobile app for checking medical records and traffic fines.
8. Integration & Community
Long-term success depends on building a local social landing pad and integrating into local life.
- Register with your local health center (CAP) to access public healthcare.
- Join expat or regional groups early to meet others and reduce relocation stress.
- Register with your home country’s consulate for local passport services.
Stuck in the bureaucracy?
Spain’s administration is complex. If you need expert help with your TIE, Padrón, or Autónomo registration, email us at hello@spainguru.es.
Important Disclaimer & Professional Advice
Please note that this checklist provides a general roadmap for your move to Spain. Immigration laws, tax requirements, and financial obligations are highly complex and vary significantly depending on your personal circumstances, nationality, visa type, and family situation.
To ensure a successful and compliant relocation, SpainGuru strongly recommends engaging with qualified professionals for immigration, tax residency planning, and financial advice.