Society Talk

Moving to Spain? A realistic paperwork checklist

Several foreign customers at the pharmacy have asked me for help over the years, so I wrote down what usually trips people up when moving here. This is general advice, not legal advice, and rules change, so always confirm with the official office.

1. The foreigner identity number comes first. Almost everything, from a bank account to a phone contract, asks for it. Appointments can be hard to get, so start early.

2. Register at the town hall (empadronamiento). It sounds minor but you need it for health care registration and school places.

3. Health card. Once you are registered you can get assigned to a local health centre. Bring copies of everything.

4. Keep paper copies. Spain is more digital than before, but someone will always ask for a printed document.

If you have moved somewhere else, I would love to know what the equivalent first step was in your country.