Essential Documents for Moving to Spain: What Every Expat Needs to Know
Moving to Spain can feel like a dream — the sun, the lifestyle, the culture. But on a practical level, there is quite a lot of paperwork. Having all your essential documents ready before and after arrival can make your relocation smoother, faster, and free from big administrative headaches.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the must-have documents when relocating to Spain: what you need before you move, what to sort out once you arrive, and how these documents connect to your daily life (banking, healthcare, residency).
1. Before You Move: Key Documents to Prepare
Your Passport and Visa
Your passport is obviously fundamental. Make sure it’s valid for several months beyond your planned arrival. If your stay in Spain requires a visa (for example a non-lucrative visa), you’ll need to gather additional documentation: many visa types demand proof of financial means, a medical certificate, and proof of accommodation. ([movingto.com][1]) For non-EU citizens, a full private health insurance policy might also be required, especially for visa approval. ([SIT Spain][2])
Proof of Financial Means
Immigration authorities often ask for bank statements, proof of income, or employment contracts to ensure you can support yourself once you’re in Spain. ([SIT Spain][2]) If you’re applying for a non-lucrative visa, you may need to show a minimum monthly income or a certain savings level. ([movingto.com][1]) Make sure all financial documents are translated (sworn translator) and properly legalized or apostilled if required. ([SIT Spain][2])
Accommodation Documentation
Spanish authorities want to know where you’ll be living. That’s why a formal rental contract (or property deed) is very important. ([SIT Spain][2]) If you’re staying with family or friends, they will likely need to provide a signed letter, their ID, and their housing contract. ([SIT Spain][3]) This proof of address will also help you later for registering at the town hall (“empadronamiento”). ([Jarnias Cyril][4])
Health Insurance and Medical Certificates
If you need a visa, you’ll probably have to provide a medical certificate confirming you don’t carry any contagious disease and are medically fit to live in Spain. ([movingto.com][1]) Non-EU residents often need private health insurance that meets visa requirements (no exclusions, full cover). ([SIT Spain][2]) Even after arriving, until you’re fully registered, private insurance can be a safety net.
Family Documentation (If Moving with Dependents)
If your spouse or children are coming, you’ll need their marriage certificate or birth certificates. These documents must usually be translated into Spanish and notarised / apostilled. ([SIT Spain][2]) These will be necessary for visa applications, school registration, or social services.
2. After You Arrive: Documents to Establish Residency
Empadronamiento (Town Hall Registration)
One of the first things to do when you arrive is to register at your local town hall (“ayuntamiento”). The certificate you get — certificado de empadronamiento — is essential. It serves as proof of address for many administrative processes (bank account, residency, healthcare, etc.). ([Jarnias Cyril][4]) Without it, many other steps become very hard or impossible.
NIE – Número de Identidad de Extranjero
The NIE is one of the cornerstones of your life in Spain — it’s the foreigner identification number you’ll need for almost everything: opening a bank account, paying taxes, signing contracts, etc. ([exteriores.gob.es][5]) To obtain it, you’ll usually have to go to a police station or immigration office. ([SIT Spain][3]) Documents needed typically include your passport, some visa-related forms, and proof of why you need the NIE (employment, property, business, etc.). ([Français en Espagne][6])
TIE – Foreigner Identity Card
If you are staying in Spain long term and are not an EU citizen, you’ll need a TIE (“Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero”), which is a physical card with your photo, fingerprint, and personal data. ([neurociencies.ub.edu][7]) For the TIE application, you'll need: your NIE, passport, empadronamiento, photos, and proof that you've paid the relevant fees. ([pathwayspain.org][8]) This card is truly your “residence card” in Spain.
Social Security Number
If you plan to work or later contribute to Spain’s social security system, you will need a social security number (Número de Afiliación). ([pathwayspain.org][8]) To apply, bring your NIE, passport, proof of address, and your employment contract (if you have one). ([Jarnias Cyril][4])
Healthcare Registration
Once you have your TIE and empadronamiento, you can register for public healthcare. ([pathwayspain.org][8]) You’ll likely need to present your NIE or TIE, your social security number, and proof of address at your local health centre. ([pathwayspain.org][8]) After that, you can choose your médico de cabecera (“family doctor”).
Driving Documents
If you plan to drive in Spain, check whether your current driving licence is valid or if you need to exchange it or apply for a Spanish one. ([Centre d'Estudis DemogrĂ fics][9]) Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their national licence. ([thinkSPAIN][10])
3. Supporting Documentation & Best Practices
- Originals + Certified Copies: Many processes require not just copies, but certified or notarised versions of your documents. ([SIT Spain][2])
- Translations: Use a sworn (official) translator to translate key documents (marriage certificate, birth certificate, bank statements). ([SIT Spain][2])
- Document Backup: Scan all important documents and store them in a secure, cloud-based folder. Keep physical copies in a safe, accessible place. ([SIT Spain][3])
- Stay Organized: Use checklists and labeled folders. Bureaucracy in Spain can be slow, and having everything ready will save you time and stress. ([SIT Spain][3])
4. Why These Documents Matter (Beyond Bureaucracy)
Having the right documents isn’t just about “ticking boxes.” They are key to building your life in Spain:
- Opening a Bank Account: Without your NIE, many banks will refuse to open a resident account. ([Jarnias Cyril][4])
- Renting a Place: Proof of address and legal status are often required for landlords.
- Healthcare Access: Your social security number and empadronamiento unlock public healthcare.
- Legal Status: The TIE is your proof that you are legally allowed to live in Spain long-term.
- Daily Life: From paying taxes to getting a job, many administrative tasks rely on these fundamental documents.
5. Pro Tips for Expatriation
- Book appointments early: Offices like the police or immigration department can take weeks or even months to get a slot.
- Use a gestor (legal or relocation assistant) if paperwork feels overwhelming: they can help you navigate forms, translations and appointments.
- Translate and legalize documents before you move: this saves major headaches.
- Register at the town hall (empadronamiento) quickly — it’s the gateway to many services.
- Keep copies of everything (digital and physical): losing a crucial document can set you back weeks.
Conclusion
Moving to Spain is as bureaucratic as it is exciting. But with the right documents in hand, you’ll be able to unlock the life you’re building: opening a bank account, accessing the healthcare system, legally working, and truly integrating.
If you want help navigating these administrative steps — obtaining your NIE, managing your visa, or simply understanding which documents to have — we can assist you every step of the way. Contact us for a free consultation and let us help make your move to Spain as smooth as possible.