Essential Must-Haves for Expats on Arrival in Barcelona

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Key Steps for Expats: Completing Your NIE-TIE Registration and Essential Services

When relocating to Barcelona, completing certain formalities is essential to ensure a smooth transition. These tasks, though bureaucratic, are key to establishing your life in the city. By handling things like obtaining your NIE/TIE, registering with the Town Hall, opening a bank account, and securing healthcare, you’ll have access to vital services that make living in Barcelona much easier for you and your family.

Certificate of Residence (NIE/TIE/CUE)

The most crucial procedure is obtaining a residence certificate, essential for activities in Spain.
Depending on whether you are an EU citizen or not, you will need a CUE or a TIE, along with an NIE number.

Bank Account

Opening a bank account is important for everyday life in Barcelona and may also be a requirement for obtaining a residence certificate.
There are some leading banks where you can do business, although some are better prepared to deal with foreigners.

Social Security (Número de Seguridad Social)

Registration with Social Security (Seguridad Social) is essential to working in a company. In some cases, companies are responsible for registering new employees, but it is common for employees to register before they start working.
Being registered with Social Security will give you access to public health services. Self-employed persons and their families can also register to access social benefits.

Town Hall Registration (Empadronamiento)

Registration at the town hall (Empadronamiento) is one of the most important formalities, as it is required for everything, from opening a bank account to applying for a digital certificate to registering a child at school.
To be able to do this, you must have a rental contract in your name.

Digital Certificate

Although this is not compulsory, having a Digital Certificate will allow you to carry out various procedures securely online, avoiding prior appointments and trips to the different official bodies.

Public Health Card

To access public health care, you must first be appropriately registered with Social Security. Once registered with Social Security, you can apply for a Health Care card.
Please note that even if you have private health insurance, it is very convenient to have a Health Care card for cases such as child vaccinations and justification of sick leave.

Driving Licence

Spain has bilateral agreements with various countries through which it is possible to exchange the driving licence of the country of origin for a Spanish one, which is compulsory for those who have been residing in Spain for more than six months.

Find here other services

Finding School in Barcelona
SCHOOL SEARCH
Neighbourhoods for expats Barcelona
HOME FINDING
Applying for NIE Barcelona
RESIDENCE CERTIFICATE