Resources
Resources you may find useful when moving to Spain
Below are links to various resources that you will likely find useful when moving to Spain. There is much paperwork to be completed and you will be able to print or read in the links below.
Please note these from must be submitted in Spanish.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are you a real estate agent?
No. We are not real estate agents and we don’t represent sellers or landlords.
We work exclusively for you, the client, as an independent relocation consultant and buyer’s agent. This means our advice is unbiased and focused entirely on your relocation and long-term needs.
What exactly does a relocation and buyer’s agent do?
We act as your local advocate and guide throughout your move to Northern Spain. Support can include:
- Area and lifestyle guidance
- Property searches (rental or purchase)
- Viewing coordination and negotiation
- Legal and administrative guidance
- Introductions to trusted professionals such as lawyers and tax advisors
- On-the-ground support during arrival and settling in
You choose the level of support from strategic guidance to full end-to-end
Are you compensated by the selling agent?
NO. We work exclusively for you
How do your fees work?
All services are offered on a transparent, client-paid fee basis.
Depending on the service, this may be a fixed fee, project-based fee. All fees are agreed in advance, with no hidden commissions.
Legal & Administrative
What is a NIE and when do I need it?
A NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is your foreigner identification number in Spain.
You will need it for most administrative and financial matters, including renting or buying property, opening a bank account, setting up utilities, and paying taxes.
What’s the difference between a T.I.E and EU residency?
EU citizens register as residents and receive a green EU residency certificate.
Non-EU citizens receive a TIE card, which is a physical residency card linked to their visa or residence permit.
Both confirm legal residency but follow different application processes.
Do I need to register as a resident (empadronamiento)?
Yes. Empadronamiento is registration with your local town hall.
It is required for healthcare access, school enrolment, residency applications, and many administrative procedures even if you are not yet a tax resident.
What are my tax obligations in Spain?
Tax obligations depend on factors such as how long you spend in Spain and where your main economic interests are based.
Many people become tax residents without realising it, so early advice from a qualified tax professional is strongly recommended.
Finding Accommodation
Pet-friendly rentals – what should I know?
Pet-friendly rentals do exist, but availability can be limited. Flexibility, clear communication, and realistic expectations are essential.
What documents do landlords typically require?
This varies, but commonly includes:
Passport or ID
NIE (sometimes)
Proof of income or savings
Employment contract or pension details
Spanish bank account (often required)
How does the rental process work in Spain?
The process is less standardised than in some countries but generally follows these steps:
Property viewing
Offer and negotiation
Contract review
Payment of deposit (usually 1–2 months) and first month’s rent
Inventory check and key handover
xx
Tax
Health & Insurance
What are my health insurance options in Spain?
Options may include public healthcare, private health insurance, or a combination of both. Many newcomers use private insurance initially, especially during the residency process.
Is private health insurance required for residency?
In many cases, yes particularly for non-EU residents and for some EU residency applications.
How does the public healthcare system work?
Spain’s public healthcare system is excellent once you are registered. Access is usually based on residency, employment, or social security contributions and is provided through your local health centre.
Tax
Practical Moving Logistics
What should I pack versus buy in Spain?
Spain is well-supplied, and many people overestimate what they need to ship. Furniture, appliances, and household items are often easier and more cost-effective to buy locally. Sentimental or specialist items are usually what’s worth bringing.
Can I ship belongings to Spain?
Yes, but costs, paperwork, and customs requirements vary depending on your country of origin, residency status, and shipment value.
Professional advice is recommended to avoid delays or unexpected charges.
How do I transport my pet to Spain?
Pet travel requires a microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and an approved carrier.
There is no quarantine for compliant pets entering from most countries, but airline rules and routes must be carefully checked.
Tax
Staying Connected
How do I get internet service, especially for remote work?
High-speed fibre internet is widely available in cities and towns and increasingly in rural areas. Availability and speeds should always be checked by exact address, not just by area.
Should I get a Spanish phone number?
Yes. A Spanish phone number is strongly recommended and is often required to open a Spanish bank account, set up utilities, sign contracts, and receive verification codes. Many clients use a dual SIM or eSIM to keep their existing number alongside a Spanish one.
How do I maintain access to my US or home-country bank accounts?
Most people keep their existing accounts and open a Spanish account for local expenses. Some banks also offer multi-currency accounts, allowing you to hold balances in both euros and US dollars. Whether this is useful depends on your personal circumstances and banking fees.
Tax
Financial Matters
Can I open a Spanish bank account before arriving?
Sometimes, but requirements vary by bank and nationality. In many cases, it is simpler to open an account once you are physically in Spain.
How do currency transfers work?
Specialist currency transfer services often offer better exchange rates and lower fees than traditional banks, particularly for larger or regular transfers.
Where can I find English-speaking tax advisors?
We can introduce you to English-speaking tax advisors experienced in working with international clients, so you can get clear and reliable guidance from the outset.
What are the Spanish Tax year dates?
The Spanish tax year for individuals and corporations is the calendar year, running from 1 January to 31 December. Income tax returns (Declaración de la Renta) for the preceding year are typically filed between early April and 30 June
Forms & Administration
Can I fill these out by hand?
It is highly recommended to type them. Some offices may reject handwritten forms if they are difficult to read. The official website provides “Editable” versions specifically for this.
Is there an English version?
The government provides translated information models in English to help you understand what each box means, but the form you actually submit must be the Spanish version.
Do I need a digital certificate?
Not to download the forms, but having a Cl@ve or Digital Certificate later on will allow you to check the status of your application online without going to an office.
The "Cita Previa" (Appointment) Crisis
The most frequent question online is: “Why are there no appointments available?”
The Issue: In major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, the online booking system often shows “No hay citas disponibles” (No appointments available).
The 2026 Reality: A new centralized digital platform is currently being rolled out to fight “appointment bots” and the illegal resale of slots. You may now receive a Personalized Verification Code via SMS to ensure only you can use the appointment you booked.
Common Advice: People online suggest checking the portal on Thursdays at 3:00 PM or early Monday mornings, as these are common times for new slots to be released.
The "30-Day Rule" Panic
Many people ask: “I arrived 30 days ago and still haven’t gotten a TIE appointment. Am I illegal?”
The Reality: Officially, you are supposed to apply for your TIE within 30 days of arrival. However, immigration officers are generally lenient because they know the appointment system is backlogged.
Evidence: As long as you have proof that you have been trying to get an appointment (like a screenshot of the “no slots” message) and your initial entry visa is still valid, you are usually safe.
Administrative Silence" (Silencio Administrativo)
Common technical question is: “What if I don’t hear back about my residency application?”
The Rule: If you are applying for initial residency, the government has 90 days to respond. If they don’t, it is often legally considered a “Negative Silence” (a rejection).
The Exception: However, due to massive backlogs in 2026, many lawyers advise staying patient. Applications in Barcelona are currently taking an average of 152 days to resolve. Often, a “late” response is still a positive one
Paying the "Tasa" 790 012
People often ask: “Can I pay the fee online or at the office?”
The Answer: No, you cannot pay at the immigration office. You must generate the PDF online, print it, and take it to a bank or a qualified ATM before your appointment.
The ATM Hack: Many people now use the barcode scanner at bank ATMs (like BBVA or CaixaBank) to pay the fee and get a printed receipt, which avoids the need to wait in line for a bank teller.
Common Form Mistakes
Digital vs. Handwritten: There is a common debate about whether forms must be typed. While some offices accept handwriting, the current consensus is to use the “Editable” PDF versions to avoid any chance of a clerk rejecting the form due to illegible writing.
The “Checkboxes” on Form 790: People frequently get stuck on which box to check for the fee. For a first-time residency card (TIE) after a visa, you usually check: “TIE que documenta la primera concesión de la autorización de residencia temporal.