Prepare for your Move to Spain
If you are thinking about moving to Valencia, or any other parts of Spain, it is important that you are prepared and informed on what paperwork you will need.
We are on hand to assist you upon your arrival however if you would like everything ready for your arrival, Encantada are able to work on your behalf under power of attorney.
Here are the different documents that are essential to becoming a temporary or permanent legal resident here in Valencia and the rest of Spain:
NIE
TIE
Registration Certificate
Social Security number
Health Insurance
Immigration FAQs
About NIE
(Número Identidad Extranjero)
+ What is a NIE?
The NIE is a Foreigner Identity Number, which is the identification number that is assigned to any foreigner living in Spain. Presenting a NIE is essential to carry out any administration procedures, as well as serving as a personal identification number.
+ What do you need a NIE for?
You will need a NIE for administration procedures and any professional or economic activity in Spain. For example, a NIE is required when buying a house or renting an apartment, setting up a business, studying or working in Spain. It is also necessary to open a bank account, set up a telephone line or internet, register with social security, buying a car and much more…. even to accept parcel deliveries at home!
+ Where can you get a NIE in Valencia?
The only place where you can request a NIE number in Valencia is at “La Comisaría” (Police station) where you will have to make an appointment in advance online and present certain official forms and documents, as well as pay a small fee to obtain it.
About TIE
(Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero)
+ What is a TIE?
The TIE, is a Foreigner Identity Card, which proves the legal residence status of a foreigner, and is necessary for those who are not citizens of the European Union.
In addition to having the NIE identification number printed on it, a photo of the holder appears on the card.
Citizens of a country that is not part of the EU must carry their TIE card at all times.
+ What’s the difference between NIE and TIE
Our clients often come to us very confused about this! We confirm that NIE and TIE are completely different entities.
The NIE is the Foreigner Identification Number, while the TIE is the Foreigner Identification Card. Just as Spanish citizens have an identity number that is shown on their DNI card, foreigners also have a number that identifies them.
+ Where can you get a TIE?
The TIE is processed at the Foreigners Office or at the Police Station of the town where you reside. You will also need to present certain official forms and documents, as well as pay a small fee to obtain it.
About Registration Certificate and Social Security
+ What is a registration certificate?
The registration certificate is an essential document required to be able to access to public services such as health or education.
It is an official document in which the place of residence is indicated and is very necessary, especially if someone is not a citizen of the European Union.
+ Where can you get a registration certificate?
To request the census registration certificate, you must go to the Town Hall of your city and fill out the registration form and submit it. At the same time, you will be asked for documents that validate the registration that you are going to request.
+ Why do you need a social security number?
A social security number is vital if you are planning to work legally in Spain. In fact, it is so important that it is also needed for paid internships. This is because companies are required by law to legally hire a worker and register them with their social security number.
Any citizen, employee or self-employed person who does not have it may request a Social Security Number.
About Health Insurance
+ Why do you need a private healthcare plan to obtain residency in Spain?
To obtain residency in Spain, you must be able to prove that you will not be a burden to the state and provide documents detailing a health insurance plan with wide coverage.
+ What plan should you choose?
Whatever plan you choose, it must have a wide coverage as while there is free medical care in Spain, the people who can benefit from it must already be contributing to social security. For this reason, before obtaining residency, you must have a good healthcare plan.
The services must be comprehensive, without limit of expenses and include repatriation to be accepted within the health requirements of the government to grant residency.
+ How does health insurance payment work?
The forms of payment can be made on a monthly or annual basis, but the contract must be valid for a minimum of one year.
How can Encantada help?
Spanish administration and bureaucracy can be complex and time consuming, particularly if you don’t speak the language.
We at Encantada are here to assist you every step of the way: an English expat and a Spanish lawyer, as a team we have the perfect combination of legal and practical know-how and language skills to be able to sort out anything on your behalf.
We will go the extra mile to make your move run smoothly and have you settled in and enjoying Spanish life in the shortest time possible and with the least amount of stress.
We are on hand to assist you upon your arrival however if you would like everything ready for your arrival, Encantada are able to work under power of attorney on your behalf.
Get in touch.
If you require some assistance on this matter, please don’t hesitate to contact us using the form below