Frequently asked questions

Our step-by-step modules walk you through every form, appointment, and document so you get it done quickly and know you have everything right. The alternative is days of research across outdated blogs, conflicting advice, and expensive mistakes that are hard to undo.

The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a tax identification number — it does not give you the right to live in Spain. The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the biometric plastic residency card for non-EU nationals, including UK citizens post-Brexit. You can hold an NIE number and still need a TIE. They are not the same document, and confusing the two is the most common mistake made at Spanish immigration offices.

In Spain, the rule is: better three copies too many than one too few. Almost every official will want to keep a copy of your NIE and passport for their own file.

Our modules are crafted with care by our team. You'll receive a clear, step-by-step guide — from filling in the first form and paying the necessary fees, to booking your appointment online. Where possible, we provide the exact PDF you need, with translated guides to help you fill it in correctly. Once you've completed a module, you'll be fully prepared: the right paperwork, filled in correctly, and an appointment at the right office. No more searching online, no head-scratching, no uncertainty — just everything you need to get settled in Spain.

Not at all. We offer a wide range of modules for both EU and non-EU citizens.

Yes. Freedom of movement does not mean registration is optional. After 90 days in Spain, EU citizens are legally required to register and obtain the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión — commonly known as the Green NIE. The Padrón (municipal address registration) must come first. Skipping this step causes problems with banking, healthcare, and every official process that follows.

The Padrón Municipal is Spain's official address registration system, administered by your local town hall. Almost every bureaucratic process in Spain — NIE, TIE, healthcare, schools — requires a valid Empadronamiento certificate. It is the first thing you should arrange after arriving, and the certificate expires after a few months, so it often needs to be renewed for each new application.

Non-EU citizens have exactly 30 days from entering Spain on their visa to apply for their TIE card. This is a legal requirement, not a suggestion. TIE appointment slots in major cities fill up weeks in advance, so you should start looking for a cita previa before you even land.

The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is for people with passive income who do not work at all — including remote work for a foreign employer. The Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is designed for remote workers and freelancers earning income from outside Spain. Choosing the wrong visa leads to rejection. Since May 2025, NLV holders must also spend a minimum of 183 days per year in Spain to renew — which automatically triggers Spanish tax residency.

The minimum income requirement for the Digital Nomad Visa is approximately €2,850 per month for a single applicant in 2026, based on 200% of Spain's minimum wage. This threshold increases with dependants. Bank statements alone are not sufficient — you need to demonstrate the source and stability of your income through employer letters, contracts, invoices, or tax returns.

The Beckham Law is a special tax regime that allows qualifying expats to pay a flat 24% rate on Spanish-sourced income for up to six years, instead of Spain's standard progressive rates of up to 47%. It is available to Digital Nomad Visa holders and others who become Spanish tax residents for the first time. The critical catch: you must apply within six months of registering with Spanish Social Security. Miss this window and the benefit is gone permanently.

Private health insurance is mandatory for visa applications including the Digital Nomad Visa and Non-Lucrative Visa. The policy must be from a provider authorised to operate in Spain and must be 100% copay-free — policies with any copayments are automatically rejected. Once you are employed and contributing to the Seguridad Social, you gain access to Spain's public healthcare system. Non-working residents can also access public healthcare via the Convenio Especial for approximately €60–70 per month.

It depends on your nationality. EU citizens can exchange their licence directly. UK citizens must exchange within six months of establishing residency or face fines of up to €500 and potentially invalid car insurance. US citizens have no exchange agreement with Spain whatsoever — they must pass the full Spanish theory and practical driving test, with the theory exam available in Spanish only.

Spending 183 or more days in a calendar year in Spain automatically makes you a Spanish tax resident, regardless of your visa type. Since October 2025, the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) records all Schengen border crossings automatically, making this rule strictly enforceable for the first time. US citizens must still file a US tax return on top of any Spanish obligations. Spain has double taxation treaties with the US, UK, and all EU countries to prevent being taxed twice.