The Irish Guide – Moving to Spain, Andalucia – Our Quick Guide!

The most important step to moving here is, of course, joining the Costa Gaels (and paying your membership fees). Then you get all this lovely health, happiness, and HELP! 

Here’s a step-by-step guide for new residents in Spain on the simplest, most effective ways to complete each phase required to establish residency. Each step includes the necessary documents, locations for completion, and explanations of each document’s significance.

### Summary of Required Documents

1. **Passport** – Proof of identity
2. **Rental Contract** – Proof of address for official processes
3. **Work Contract** – Legal employment proof, essential for certain residency statuses
4. **NIE** – Identification for foreigners in Spain
5. **Padron** – Local registration of residence for healthcare and residency card applications
6. **Residency Card (TIE)** – Physical ID for foreign residents in Spain
7. **Medical Card** – Access to public healthcare services
8. **Digital Certificate** – Enables online completion of government and administrative tasks

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### 1. **Passport**

– **Description**:
Your passport is the primary form of identification required to initiate nearly all official processes in Spain. Make sure it’s valid and keep it accessible for every step.

– **Significance**:
This is a required ID to verify your identity in all official applications.

### 2. **Rental Contract**

– **Description**:
A rental contract is essential for many official processes, as it provides proof of your address in Spain.

– **Process**:
Secure a rental agreement with a landlord or property management company. Keep a signed copy with both parties’ information.

– **Significance**:
This is proof of residence, required for registering in the local population census (Padron) and for obtaining your NIE.

### 3. **Work Contract**

– **Description**:
For employed individuals, a work contract provides legal proof of employment, which can be required for certain residency statuses.

– **Process**:
Ensure you receive a signed copy from your employer, detailing your position, salary, and duration of employment.

– **Significance**:
The work contract may be required for specific visa types, certain residency applications, and to obtain a social security number.

### 4. **NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero)**

– **Description**:
The NIE is a tax identification number assigned to foreigners, crucial for nearly every formal procedure in Spain.

– **Process**:
– Go to the nearest police station or immigration office (Extranjería) with your passport, rental contract, and work contract.
– Fill out Form EX-15 (Solicitud de NIE) and pay the associated fee (you’ll receive a payment form and instructions).

– **Significance**:
The NIE is necessary for legal identification in Spain, essential for activities like opening a bank account, signing rental contracts, and formalizing employment.

### 5. **Empadronamiento (Padron)**

– **Description**:
The Padron is a local registration with your municipality that proves your residency within a specific area.

– **Process**:
– Visit the local Ayuntamiento (town hall) with your passport, rental contract, and NIE (if you have it).
– Complete the registration form provided by the town hall staff.

– **Significance**:
Registering on the Padron is legally required, and it proves your residence in Spain. It’s essential for accessing healthcare, applying for residence permits, and registering for public services.

### 6. **Residencia (Residency Card)**

– **Description**:
The residency card (TIE, Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is a physical card that acts as your legal identification for foreigners residing in Spain long-term.

– **Process**:
– Book an appointment at the police station or Extranjería office and bring your NIE, passport, work contract, rental contract, and proof of empadronamiento.
– Complete Form EX-17 and pay the associated fee. You’ll be fingerprinted and asked to return to pick up your card.

– **Significance**:
The residency card is essential for long-term residency in Spain and is your official ID as a foreign resident.

### 7. **Medical Card (Tarjeta Sanitaria)**

– **Description**:
This medical card allows you access to the public healthcare system in Spain, which includes primary care and emergency services.

– **Process**:
– Go to the local health center (Centro de Salud) with your passport, NIE, work contract (or proof of employment), and proof of empadronamiento.
– Complete a registration form, and you will receive a medical card for appointments and emergency care.

– **Significance**:
The medical card provides access to Spain’s public healthcare system, covering a range of medical services and treatments.

### 8. **Digital Certificate (Certificado Digital)**

– **Description**:
The digital certificate is an electronic ID that enables you to complete a variety of administrative tasks online.

– **Process**:
– Visit Spain’s official digital certification website (FNMT) to initiate your application.
– Complete the registration and take your ID to a designated office to verify your identity.
– Once verified, you can download and install the digital certificate on your computer.

– **Significance**:
This digital certificate allows you to access online services, including tax filing, social security, and residency renewals.

2.

Empadronamiento (Registration at the Local Town Hall):
Empadronamiento is essential for residency and various services.

Here’s how to do it:

• Visit your local town hall (Ayuntamiento) in Andalucia.
• Bring your TIE, rental agreement or property deed, and proof of address (e.g., utility bill).
• Complete the empadronamiento form provided by the town hall.
• Once processed, you’ll receive a certificate of empadronamiento as proof of your residence.

3.

NIE Number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero): The NIE is your identification number in Spain.
To get one:

• Visit the nearest National Police station or designated office.
• Fill out the NIE application form (EX-15) and provide a photocopy along with the original of your TIE, passport, and a reason for needing the NIE (e.g., work, study, property purchase).
• Pay the required fee (usually in the form of a tax called Modelo 790) at a local bank and obtain proof of payment.
• Return to the police station with your proof of payment to collect your NIE certificate.

Remember to always check with the specific town hall and police station in Andalucia for any local variations or updates in the application process.

Keep copies of all documents and follow any additional instructions given by the authorities to ensure a smooth transition to living in Andalucia, Spain.