Moving to Spain: Registration Procedures

Making the Application

You do not need a residence card to stay in Spain but, for some employment or tax formalities, you will need to apply for an NIE or Número de identificación de Extranjeros (Foreigners’ identification number). Although a European Community worker can start the process of applying for a job without the need to obtain an NIE (register with employment offices, apply for Social Security) it is advisable to obtain the card if you plan to stay in Spain for a long period. This personal number will be your foreign citizen identifier, which must be included on all documents issued or processed. To obtain this document, you must produce the following documents at the Provincial Police Headquarters:

• Standard application form.
• Original and photocopy of identity document or passport.
• Documentation certifying the reasons or requirements for the application.
• Registration certificate (original).

Ask for information from the Spanish consular services in your country.

Registration

A registration certificate can be obtained from the local Ayuntamiento [Local Council] whenever you need to prove that you live in Spain. For this you will need to show the rental contract for your accommodation, or your electricity or water bill, etc. as proof that you do live there.

If this is the first time you have worked in Spain, you must obtain your own Social Security membership number. You can arrange this yourself or your company can do it on your behalf. You must produce the following at the Social Security office in order to be issued with the card:

• Application form (TA-1)
• Identity document

You will then be given a Tarjeta de la Seguridad Social (Social Security Card), which must be presented at the corresponding health centre in order to be assigned to a doctor and obtain a tarjeta sanitaria (health certificate).

Last updated 02/08

Source: European Union
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