Documents You NEED When Arriving in Spain

Updated 2025 Guide: All the Documents You Need When Arriving in Spain as a Foreigner (NIE, TIE, Padrón & More)

If you're moving to Spain for studies, work, or long-term residence, these are the essential legal steps no one explains clearly — with official sources and common mistakes to avoid.

Key procedures for newcomers: how to get your NIE, register your address, apply for the TIE and obtain your Social Security Number — step by step, with reliable sources.

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📄 “Documents You NEED When Arriving in Spain (That No One Explains Well)” — Corrected Version with Sources

When a foreigner arrives in Spain — whether for studies, work, family, or long-term stay — these are the official key procedures.

🔹 1. NIE (Foreigner Identification Number)

Topic: Official details / clarifications

👉 What is it?
The NIE is a personal, unique, and exclusive identification number for foreigners who have economic, professional, or social interests in Spain.
Source: Ministry of the Interior

📝 Who needs it?
Anyone engaging with Spain (work, studies, business, long-term stay). Not necessarily “over 90 days” — officially: required if you have economic, professional, or social interests, depending on the case.
Source: Ministry of the Interior

💻 How to apply?
- In person at National Police stations or Immigration Offices: sede.policia.gob.es
- Also from abroad, via consulates (e.g. Paraguay: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- Use official form “EX‑15”

❗ Common issues:
- Appointments are hard to get
- Requirements vary by province
- Mistakes in forms
- Printed documents are mandatory

🔗 Useful official links:
- NIE — National Police Portal

🔹 2. Padrón (Municipal Registration)

Topic: Official details

👉 What is it?
Registration at the City Hall of the municipality where you usually live (“municipal register”). It’s a legal obligation for all residents.
Source: El País — Guide to Padrón

📝 Who needs it?
Anyone who habitually resides in a municipality, even without a formal rental contract. It’s required for many procedures (healthcare, schooling, etc.).

💻 How to register?
- At your local City Hall
- With a prior appointment or in person
- Typical documents: passport/NIE + proof of address (contract, utility bill, signed authorization, etc.)

❗ Common issues:
- Some cities require a minimum rental period
- Trouble registering if you live informally
- Confusion between “volante”, “certificado”, “historical padrón”, etc.

🔗 Useful official links:
- Press article + legal explanation

🔹 3. TIE (Foreigner Identity Card)

Topic: Official details

👉 What is it?
A physical document that proves the legal status of non-EU foreigners. It includes your NIE, type of permit, photo, and validity.
Source: Ministry of the Interior

📝 Who needs it?
Non-EU citizens staying for more than 6 months (e.g. students, workers).
Source: National Police Portal

💻 How to apply?
- In person with prior appointment
- Form EX‑17
- Fee form 790, code 012
- Original documents, passport, favorable resolution, ID photos

❗ Common issues:
- Tight deadlines (1 month from resolution)
- Overloaded police stations
- Incomplete or expired documentation

🔗 Useful official links:
- Ministry of the Interior — TIE
- TIE Renewal for students

🔹 4. Social Security Number

Topic: Official details

👉 What is it?
A number that identifies you in the Spanish healthcare and labor systems. Required to: work, pay contributions, access public healthcare, claim benefits.

📝 Who needs it?
Anyone planning to work, whether self-employed or employed. Employers can apply, but it’s recommended to do it yourself.

💻 How to apply?
- At Social Security offices
- Online with digital certificate (if you already have NIE, padrón)
- Form TA.1
Official portal: Seguridad Social

❗ Common issues:
- Outdated or missing NIE/padrón
- Confusion about required documents
- Delays or saturated appointment systems

🔗 Useful official links:
- Social Security Portal — Registration & Forms

✅ Official clarifications & legal notes

• Not all foreigners staying “more than 90 days” require the same documents or permits — it depends on visa type, country of origin, EU status, etc.
• Some procedures are not 100% online — even if partially online, they still require in-person appointments (for fingerprints, original documents, etc.).
• The TIE must typically be applied for within 30 days after your residence authorization takes effect — missing this deadline can result in legal issues or fines.
• The municipal registration (padrón) is a universal right for all residents in Spain, regardless of their legal status, according to official sources and press reports.

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Link: Learn Spanish - The Use of USTED and TU

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