The first weeks in Spain are a chain of appointments where each step unlocks the next. Doing them in the right order saves weeks.
What each document is.
- NIE: your foreigner identification number, used for taxes, contracts, bank accounts and almost everything else.
- TIE: the physical residence card for non-EU nationals, showing the NIE and your permit. It is requested with fingerprints at the police, usually within a month of arriving with a work or residence visa.
- EU registration certificate: for EU citizens staying more than three months; it also shows the NIE.
- Empadronamiento: registration at the town hall of the place where you live. It gives access to public healthcare, state schools and many other procedures.
A sequence that works.
- Week 1: sign the lease or get an authorisation from the host, then book the empadronamiento.
- Week 1–2: book the TIE fingerprint appointment (non-EU) or the EU registration certificate appointment (EU).
- Week 2: employer registers the employee with Social Security, if not done before arrival.
- Week 2–3: open a bank account and set up direct debits for rent and utilities.
- Week 3–4: register with the health centre and request the health card; confirm school enrolment.
Tip. Appointments at police stations can be hard to get in big cities. Book them as early as possible, and always carry originals, copies and passport photos.
How we help. We book the appointments, prepare the forms, go with the family when needed and keep HR informed.