First steps

Just landed

Spanish admin is sequential: each office asks for the document the previous one gave you. Work through it in this order and you'll avoid most repeat trips.

1. Week 1

   Get an address on paper

   Sign or confirm your rental contract and ask the landlord for a copy plus their DNI/NIE. Everything downstream needs proof of address.

   Register your empadronamiento

2. Week 1–2

   Apply for your NIE

   Cita previa slots disappear fast — refresh early morning. Book as soon as you land, even if the appointment is weeks out.

   Get your NIE

3. Week 2–3

   Social security and healthcare

   With the NIE and padrón you can request your NUSS, then register at your centro de salud and get assigned a GP.

   Get a social security numberApply for the tarjeta sanitaria

4. Week 3–4

   Money and utilities

   Open a Spanish account, set up domiciliación for rent, and put the electricity and gas contracts in your own name.

   Open a Spanish bank accountRegister as autónomo