Practical guide for
foreigners in Spain

Find out about all the steps to make your relocation easier and smoother.

If you're not a European Union citizen, you need a visa to live or work legally in Spain. There are several types depending on the reason for your stay (study, work or residency), and each has its own requirements and procedures which you have to complete before moving. 

Finding somewhere to live is one of the first things you'll need to do when you arrive in Spain in order to legally register (empadronarse) with your local council.

Rental prices vary depending on the city and whether you share a flat or not. For example:

• In large cities like Madrid or Barcelona, a small flat can cost between €660 and €880 per month.  
• However, in smaller cities like Valencia or Seville it drops to around €500. 
• If you choose to share a flat, which is a cheaper option, you can find rooms for €300-400 per month. 

Registering with your local council is a mandatory step for accessing services such as public healthcare and completing other official procedures. 

To do it, you just need: 

• An identity document. 
• A rental contract or a bill (electricity, water, internet, etc.) confirming your address. 

This procedure is mandatory to work, use public healthcare and get other benefits. 

To do this you must be legally resident in Spain and have a NIE (Foreigner Identification Number). 

You can apply: 

• Online, if you have a digital certificate linked to your NIE or access via Cl@ve. 
• In person at a General Treasury of Social Security office, bringing: your passport or NIE, a filled-in TA.1 form and a document from your company (if you are an employee). 

In this process you will get your Social Security number. If you're going to work, you will also receive a membership number which is mandatory for contributions. 

The NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) is a unique number which identifies you to public institutions and is mandatory for almost any procedure in Spain: opening a bank account, working or paying taxes.

There are 3 types of NIE: for residents (EU citizens), for non-residents (for temporary stays) and temporary, valid for 3 months for specific procedures.

To apply for it you will need the following documents: form EX-15, form 790 with the fee paid, your passport, your registration with your local council, proof of your reason for applying and your fingerprints.

You can apply: 

• At an Immigration Office by appointment, if you are an EU citizen.
• At the Spanish consulate, or if you are already in Spain by providing proof of your entry, if you are not an EU citizen.

The TIE (Foreigner Identification Card) certifies that you can legally reside in Spain for more than six months. It is a physical card bearing your photo, personal information, type of residence and your NIE. It has an expiry date so you have to renew it every so often.  

To apply for it: 

• You have to go in person to the Immigration Office or Police Station in the province where you live. 
• You will need the following documents: the completed EX-17 form, your passport, a recent photograph, visa, the decision to grant the authorisation, proof of payment of fees and accreditation of Social Security registration or affiliation. 

To be self-employed in Spain, you need to meet certain requirements: 

• Have a residence and work permit that allows you to work as a self-employed individual. 
• Be legally resident in the country (not in an irregular situation). 
• Have no criminal record. 
• Prove that you have sufficient financial resources to start your business. 

You will also have a number of legal and tax obligations: 

• Register as self-employed, which involves registering for Economic Activities Tax (IAE), joining the Special Scheme for Self-employed Workers (RETA) and submitting form 037 to the Tax Agency. 
• Pay a monthly Social Security contribution, which varies according to your turnover. 
• Issue invoices correctly, including: identification number, date, NIE, description of the service, VAT and personal income tax. 
• Deregister when you finish your activity by submitting form TA.0521 to Social Security. 

Bear in mind that although being self-employed involves less bureaucracy than other legal forms, it also carries more risks and you will be liable for any debts or financial problems with your own assets. 

Living in Spain is more affordable than in other European countries, but we still recommend planning ahead because monthly expenses can vary depending on the city.

In general, a person can live on between €820 and €1,100 per month: 

• Food: a weekly shopping basket costs about €50 (€200 per month) and bread 50 cents, milk 78 cents and beef €10.40 per kg. 
• Transport: in Madrid, the bus costs €1.50, in Barcelona €2.40. However, with monthly travel cards, you can save on your journeys. 
• Services and leisure: a mobile phone costs between €15-20 per month, a gym between €30-40, and electricity, water and internet around €100. 

To ensure your finances are in order, you can follow the 50-30-20 rule to manage your money and harness digital tools to track your spending. 
 

If you're going to work or run a business in Spain, you'll have to pay taxes. So understanding these taxes properly will help you plan your finances and avoid unpleasant surprises with the Tax Agency.

Some of the most common are:

• IRPF (Personal Income Tax): tax on your income if you earn more than €22,000 per year.
• IVA (VAT): it is levied on almost all goods and services.
• Self-employed contributions if you are self-employed.
• Road Tax (IVTM)
• Buying a property

There are also rules for cryptocurrencies and NFTs and you can apply deductions based on your situation.

There are several types of contracts in Spain and being familiar with them will help you make more informed employment choices:

• Permanent contracts (full-time, part-time or permanent intermittent): they have no completion date and offer job stability.
• Temporary contracts (interim, project- or service-based, or internship): these have an end date and are used to meet specific needs.

Before signing, check the type of contract, its length, the trial period and job details and find out about your employment rights.