Moving to Spain? Here Are the 7 Essentials to Handle First
Relocating to a new country is an exciting step, but let’s be honest, it’s not always smooth sailing. If you're moving to Spain, especially to Barcelona, you're probably dreaming of tapas, sea views, and sunny terraces. But before all of that, there’s some admin to handle first.
Whether you're coming for work, studies, or a long-term adventure, here are 7 essential steps to take as soon as you arrive in Spain to set yourself up for success.
1. Get a Social Security Number (SSN)
Your social security number( Número de la Seguridad Social)is the key to accessing Spain’s public healthcare system, getting officially employed, and receiving sick leave or benefits. It's the first administrative step to take after landing in Spain.
Who needs it? Anyone planning to work, intern, or do paid training in Spain.
How to get it? Most companies will help you apply when you sign your contract. If not, you’ll need to fill in the TA1 form and bring it (with your passport) to the nearest Tesorería de la Seguridad Social office.
Documents you need:
Passport (valid)
TA1 Form filled in (in Spanish) and signed by your future employer
Pro Tip: how to complete the full document.
First of all, you should fill in all the fields in Spanish on the first page:
Part 1:DATOS DE SOLICITANTE (personal data)
Punto 1.2: Sexo: put H=hombre/male or M=Mujer/female
Punto 1.3: Put your passport number rather than your ID number
Punto 1.5. NÚMERO DE SEGURIDAD SOCIAL, this one stays empty because this is the request (if it's your first time applying)
Punto 1.8. DOMICILIO, here either you fill in your permanent address in Barcelona or an address of a trusted friend or family member; if you do not have either one of the possibilities, you can fill in the address I will provide to you (please request). The MUNICIPIO and the PROVINCIA would both be Barcelona.
Punto 2. DATOS RELATIVOS A LA SOLICITUD
Make sure the second one "ASIGNACIÓN NÚMERO DE SEGURIDAD SOCIAL" is marked with an "X".
Punto 3. DATOS RELATIVOS A LA NOTIFICACIÓN, make sure "El indicado en datos del solicitante" is marked with an “X”.
Then you just need to enter your signature.The other 2 pages should be just filled in with your name and NIE number (if you don't have your NIE number fill in your passport number). In order to conclude the administrative process, a copy of your valid passport is needed.
2. Apply for Your NIE (Foreigner Identification Number)
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is your foreigner ID in Spain. You'll need it to sign a work contract, open a bank account, rent a flat, or even buy a SIM card.
How to apply: Appointments are often fully booked, so act fast. Book online on the official government portal (Cita Previa Extranjería), and be patient, it might take a few tries to find a time slot.
Can someone help? Yes. Many expats use local relocation agencies (approx. 80–100€) that can get an appointment, prepare your paperwork, and go with you to the appointment
Documents you need:
Valid passport
Job offer or signed employment contract
Appointment confirmation
Photocopy of your passport
12€ in cash for the administrative tax (Modelo 790 form)
3. Open a Spanish Bank Account
Even if you're not planning to stay long-term, having a local bank account simplifies your life. Most employers will pay your salary into a Spanish IBAN.
Resident or Non-resident account? If you already have your NIE and address in Spain, go for a resident account, it gives you more flexibility.
What you need:
Passport
NIE
Proof of Spanish address (rental contract or empadronamiento)
Employment contract or student proof
Online banks (2025 favorites):
N26 Spain – fully online, English interface
BBVA Online Account – with no maintenance fees
CaixaBank Imagin – good app, easy to use for younger users
Once you have a place to stay (even if it’s temporary), you must register at your local town hall. This is called the empadronamiento, and it's proof of your official residence in Spain.
Why it matters:
Required for many administrative processes (NIE, CAP, public schools, healthcare)
Required to assign your healthcare center (CAP)
Needed to apply for your tax certificate, driver’s license exchange, or renew your residency
Where to register (Barcelona): Online at ajuntament.barcelona.cat or in person at your Oficina d'Atenció Ciutadana (OAC).
Documents you’ll need:
Passport (and copy)
Rental contract with your name
Completed application form (Solicitud de Empadronamiento)
Authorization letter if you’re subletting or living without a lease
5. Register with Your Embassy
It’s optional, but highly recommended. Registering with your embassy means they can help you in case of emergencies, lost documents, or political issues, and you’ll be able to vote from abroad.
Embassy registration also allows you to:
Renew your passport abroad
Access consular support
Vote in national elections
Most embassies let you register online or in person with your passport and a proof of residence.
6. Sign Up for Public Healthcare (CAP Registration)
Once registered at your local town hall (step 4), you’ll automatically be assigned a CAP (Centre d’Atenció Primària)based on your address. This is where you’ll go for general medical appointments, check-ups, and sick leave certificates.
How to register:
Visit your assigned CAP with the following:
Passport and copy
NIE
Proof of address (empadronamiento)
Job contract or payslip (to prove your right to public healthcare)
Need sick leave? Your CAP doctor is the only one who can issue official baja médica (sick leave) in Spain.
7. Get Cl@ve PIN (Digital ID Access)
The Cl@ve PIN app is Spain’s official digital ID system. It allows you to access tax forms, social security records, medical records, and other government services online. It’s a must-have for handling digital admin tasks in 2025.
How to get it:
Download the “Cl@ve PIN” app
Register online or in person at a registration office
Use your NIE and an SMS confirmation to activate it
Bonus Tips for Relocating to Barcelona in 2025
Start admin early – Appointments can take weeks.
Carry printed copies – Even in 2025, Spanish admin offices still ask for paper.
Practice patience – Bureaucracy here isn’t fast, but it gets done.
Use trusted platforms – When renting, use verified apps like Idealista, Badi, or HousingAnywhere.
Join local groups – Facebook and Meetup groups like "Barcelona Expats" are great for housing, events, and networking.
Ready to Move to Spain? Whether you're just starting your relocation or already packing your bags, we’re here to help.
At Blu Selection, we support international professionals moving to Spain with job opportunities, relocation tips, and insider advice on living in Barcelona.
If this procedure is too stressful or doesn’t work out for you, you could also use the help of an agency. Agencies will get you an appointment, will make sure you have the right paperwork and they will accompany you to the office. The costs usually range from 80€ to 100€.
