Guides · Moving to Spain

Clear answers for your move to Spain

Short guides to the paperwork that shapes your first months here. Each one shows what applies to you, why it matters and which mistakes to avoid, in a few minutes.

By Liz Navas

Why we write them

Moving to Spain means a lot of paperwork, often in a language that isn’t yours. These guides make the first steps clearer, for free, so you arrive at every appointment knowing where you stand.

in minutes

Know where you stand

Find out which documents apply to your situation, without legal jargon.

before it happens

Avoid costly mistakes

The slips that cost people appointments and weeks, so you don’t repeat them.

from experience

Written from real work

Based on Liz’s day-to-day cases, dated and with official sources.

The guides

In final reviewIn preparationPlanned
  1. October 2026In final review
    NIE or TIE? A paper slip with an NIE number next to a dark TIE residence card

    Guide 01

    NIE or TIE? Which one you need

    One is a number, the other is a card. A 30-second check tells you which one applies to you, and which mistakes cost people weeks.

    Coming soon
  2. Up nextIn preparation
    A calendar with no free slots next to a dark card with a fingerprint

    Guide 02

    The fingerprint appointment for your TIE

    Why it’s the real bottleneck once you arrive, and why timing matters more than most people expect.

    Coming soon
  3. On the wayPlanned

    Next on our list:

    • Town hall registration (padrón)
    • Work permits for non-EU citizens
    • The non-lucrative residence visa
    • EU registration certificate
    • Renting a home as a foreigner
    • Choosing a school for your children
    • Your public health card
    • Exchanging your driving licence
    • The Beckham Law

Can’t wait for the next guide?

Every move has its own order of steps. Fifteen minutes with Liz is often enough to see yours clearly.