Free tool
Paperwork Navigator
Spanish bureaucracy is manageable if you do things in the right order. Pick your passport and your plan, and we’ll give you your checklist, step by step, with links to the detail.
Choose a passport and a plan to see your steps.
This is general information, not legal advice. Requirements and fees change; confirm with the consulate, the immigration office or a lawyer before you apply. Figures checked October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What paperwork do I need to move to Spain?
It depends on your passport and plans. Most people need an NIE (foreigner number), padrón registration at the town hall, a residence document (EU registration certificate or TIE card) and a bank account. Non-EU citizens also need the right visa first.
In what order should I do Spanish paperwork?
Usually: visa (if non-EU), then on arrival find a home, register on the padrón, apply for your TIE or EU certificate, open a bank account and register with healthcare.