NIE and EU/non-EU registration process
Before buying property, opening a bank account, or signing up for utilities in Spain, you’ll need a Foreigner Identification Number (NIE). It’s essential for virtually every legal, financial, and administrative process in the country. To apply, you must complete Form EX-15 and present a valid passport and supporting documentation.
EU citizens must register with the Central Registry of Foreigners (Form EX-18); non-EU citizens must enter with the appropriate visa and will also need to apply for a TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) both for temporary and long-term residence. Registering with your local town hall (empadronamiento) is also required to access public services such as healthcare and education.
Visa options for non-EU citizens
Spain offers several visa routes depending on your circumstances, including the Employee Work Visa, Family Reunification Visa, Non-Lucrative Visa, Student Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, and Entrepreneur Visa. Each route has its own eligibility criteria and financial or professional requirements, so it’s worth reviewing the option that best matches your situation before you begin the relocation process.
If you’re planning to live in Spain without working, the Non-Lucrative Visa is generally the most relevant route, while remote workers and freelancers employed by foreign companies typically apply through the Digital Nomad Visa. Those coming to Spain to study can find full details in our Student Visa guide.
For a full comparison of all visa and residency routes, including the Employee Work Visa, Family Reunification Visa, and the Entrepreneur Visa, see our Residency & Visa Solicitors page.
Healthcare registration and social security
Once you complete empadronamiento and hold a residency card, or if you hold Form S1, you can apply for a Social Security number, giving access to public healthcare and other benefits. EU citizens can also use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) iinitially for stays as a tourist; non-EU citizens are typically required to hold private health insurance as a visa condition, although this is not mandatory if you hold Form S1.
Tax residency and fiscal obligations
If you spend more than 183 days per year in Spain, you’re considered a tax resident and subject to Spanish tax on your worldwide income. Key obligations include Personal Income Tax (IRPF), Form 720 for foreign assets exceeding €50,000, and Wealth Tax for global assets above €3,700,000.
Cost of living in Spain
Costs vary significantly by region – coastal hubs like the Costa del Sol carry a premium over northern regions like Galicia or Asturias, but daily expenses such as groceries, transport, and dining remain broadly affordable compared to major Northern European or North American cities. Housing costs depend heavily on whether you rent or buy, and on location within Spain.
