The Spanish paperwork, in the order you actually need it

NIE vs TIE, empadronamiento at the town hall, and the Social Security number — what each is for, where to get it, and the practical order for a new arrival (2026).

1. NIE — your foreigner ID number

The NIE is a NUMBER (not a card) that follows you through everything: contracts, payroll, banking, taxes. EU citizens get it with the Certificado de Registro; non-EU citizens through their visa/TIE process (the TIE is the physical biometric card). Appointments ("cita previa") via the official sede — demand for slots is high in big cities, so book early and beware of resellers.

2. Empadronamiento — registering where you live

Register your address at the local town hall (ayuntamiento) to get the certificado de empadronamiento — typically needed for the TIE, healthcare card, schools and more. Bring passport, your rental contract (or an authorization from the person you live with) and the local form. It's free.

3. Social Security number — before your first workday

The número de la Seguridad Social is required before you can be put on payroll; you (or your employer) request it once you have the NIE, via portal.seg-social.gob.es. Registration also opens access to public healthcare once you're contributing.

The practical order

For most arrivals: NIE (or EU certificate) → empadronamiento → Social Security number → sign the contract → (non-EU) TIE card. A digital certificate (certificado digital / Cl@ve) is worth getting early — half of Spanish bureaucracy becomes an online form with it.

Orientation, not legal advice: rules change and cases differ. Every section links the official source — always verify there or with a professional (gestor / consultant) before acting. Facts last verified July 2026.

FAQ

How long does the NIE take?

The bottleneck is usually the appointment, not the processing — slots in Madrid/Barcelona can take weeks. Issuance itself is typically days to ~two weeks once you’re seen. Book through the official sede only; never pay "appointment sellers".

The rest of the library: the expat reference index · companies hiring right now. Compiled from official sources.