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What do you need to come and live in Spain?

A guide to emigrating to Spain: Procedures, steps and some things you need to know.

Before moving to Spain, you will need to make sure that you have the right visa, unless you are a European Union citizen. There are different types of visas depending on the reason for your stay: Student, work or residence. Each has specific requirements and procedures that you must complete before your arrival. Without this document, you will not be able to live or work legally in Spain.

One of the most important aspects when moving to Spain is finding a place to live. The rental price varies depending on the city: In Madrid and Barcelona, a small flat can cost between 660 and 880 euros a month, while in cities such as Valencia or Seville the price drops to around 500 euros. There is also the option of sharing an apartment, which significantly reduces costs, with rooms available for around 300-400 euros a month.

Once you have a residence in Spain, you must register with the town hall. This registration is essential for accessing services such as public health and for carrying out other administrative procedures. You need only submit an identity document and a rental contract or a service invoice that proves your residence.

If you are a foreigner and want to register with the Social Security Institute in Spain, you must legally reside and have an NIE (Foreigner Identity Number). To carry out the online procedure, you need a digital certificate linked to your NIE or access via Cl@ve. You can also do so in person at the General Treasury of Social Security by showing your passport or NIE, and submitting form TA.1, and, if you work as an employee, a document from your company.

This process will allow you to obtain a Social Security number, which is necessary to access benefits and healthcare. If you are going to work, you will also receive a membership number, which is mandatory for contributions.

The NIE (Foreigner Identity Number) is essential for any procedure in Spain, such as opening a bank account, working or paying taxes. It is a unique and non-transferable number that identifies foreigners before public institutions.

EU citizens can request it at a police station specialising in immigration documentation with an appointment, while non-EU citizens must apply for one at a consulate or, if they are already in Spain, justify their entry. Form EX-15, form 790 with the fee paid, passport, residence, justification of the reason and fingerprints is required.

It should not be confused with the TIE, which is the physical residence card. There is the NIE for residents (EU citizens), the NIE for non-residents (for temporary stays) and the temporary NIE (valid for three months for specific procedures).

The Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) is a unique and exclusive, personal and non-transferable document that accredits the legal permanence of foreigners in Spain, their identity, and that they have been authorised or granted the right to remain in Spain for more than six months in accordance with current regulations. It contains a photograph, personal details, type of residence and the Foreigner Identification Number (NIE). Unlike an NIE, which is just an identification number, the TIE is a physical card that has an expiry date and must be renewed.

The application for the Foreigner Identity Card will be filed personally abroad with the National Police Documentation Unit, located at the Foreign Office or the Police Station of the province where the foreign national is residing. The application must be made using the official form (EX-17), duly completed, together with the following documentation: passport, recent photograph, visa, decision to grant the authorisation, proof of payment of the corresponding fees and accreditation of Social Security affiliation and/or registration.

Living in Spain is more affordable than in other European countries, but it is worth planning. Budgets vary depending on the city, but €820-1100 per month can cover a person's living expenses.

• Food: A week's shopping costs around €50 (€200 a month). Basic products: bread (€0.50), milk (€0.78), beef (€10.40/kg).
• Transport: In Madrid, the bus costs €1.50, in Barcelona €2.40. Monthly payments reduce costs.
• Services and leisure: Mobile (€15-€20), gym (€30-€40), electricity, water and Internet (€100).

To optimize your finances, follow Rule 50-30-20 and use an account with digital tools. With good planning, you will really enjoy your new life in Spain.

If you want to be self-employed in Spain, you will need to carry out specific procedures, especially if you are a foreigner. To do this, it is essential to have a residence and work permit that authorises you to be self-employed. You must also meet requirements such as not being in an irregular situation, not having a criminal record and demonstrating sufficient financial resources. Registering as self-employed means registering for Economic Activities Tax (IAE), joining the Special Regime for Self-employed Workers (RETA) and filing form 037 with the Tax Agency. You must also pay a monthly payment to the Social Security Institute, which varies according to your turnover.

Being self-employed has advantages, such as flexibility and less bureaucracy than other business forms, but it also involves risks, since all your assets are liable for debts, and you must pay all your own expenses. When issuing invoices, it is mandatory to include data such as identification number, date, NIF, service description, VAT and Personal Income Tax. To cancel your registration, simply file form TA.0521 with the Social Security Institute.

If you are thinking about going to Spain or becoming self-employed, it is essential to know the tax system. Depending on your situation, you must pay different taxes, such as Personal Income Tax, VAT, self-employment contributions and other specific taxes.

Personal Income Tax is a progressive income tax, which is mandatory if your income exceeds €22,000 gross per year. VAT, on the other hand, is an indirect tax that applies to goods and services. There are also taxes such as Traffic Tax (IVTM), for vehicles, or property purchase and sale taxes.

With regard to cryptocurrencies and NFT, the Tax Agency has already established rules to tax their profits. There are also deductions and write-offs that can reduce your tax burden, depending on your personal and family situation. Understanding these taxes will help you plan your finances better and avoid surprises with the Tax Agency.

If you are looking for work in Spain, knowing the types of contract is key to making informed decisions.

• Indefinite contracts: They have no completion date and offer job stability. There are several types, such as the full-time, part-time or fixed-discontinuous contract.
• Temporary contracts: They are signed to cover one-off needs, such as substitution, work and service contracts and internships.
• Key aspects before signing: Review the type of contract, duration, test period, job details and employment rights.

Each contract has advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the one that best suits your situation and expectations.