Moving to Spain from the US: your first 30 days

What should you do in your first week?

Arrive with your residence visa, your passport and a folder with the originals of everything you used in your application, including apostilled and translated civil documents. Keep proof of your entry date, such as your boarding pass, because some deadlines run from the day you arrive.

Your first priority is an address you can register. As soon as you have a signed rental contract or other proof of where you live, book an appointment at the town hall to register on the padrón (empadronamiento). Your padrón certificate will be asked for again and again in the weeks that follow.

In parallel, start looking for your TIE fingerprinting appointment. Visa holders are generally expected to apply for the card within a month of arrival, and in busy areas appointments can take time to find, so don’t leave it until week three.

How do you get your TIE residence card?

The TIE is the physical card that proves your residence status. You apply at a police station in your province, at a fingerprinting appointment (toma de huellas), with form EX-17, your passport and visa, a recent photograph, the fee paid on Modelo 790 código 012 and, often, your padrón certificate. A few weeks later you return to collect the card.

We book appointments only through official channels and never use appointment-selling services. Until your card is issued, keep your passport with the visa and the receipt (resguardo) from your fingerprinting appointment together.

Should you open a resident or non-resident bank account?

You will need a Spanish bank account for rent, utilities, local direct debits and, in many cases, tax payments. Many banks will open a non-resident account with just your passport and NIE, and convert it to a resident account once you have your TIE. Resident accounts usually carry fewer restrictions and lower fees.

As a US citizen, expect more paperwork than other newcomers. Spanish banks must collect information for US tax reporting (FATCA), so you will be asked for your US tax identification number and to sign related forms. Some banks are more used to American clients than others, which is worth asking about before you choose.

How does healthcare work when you first arrive?

Most residence visas for Americans, including the non-lucrative and digital nomad routes, require private health insurance, and that policy is your main cover in the first months. Make sure you know how to find a doctor in its network and how to reach its emergency line.

Access to the public system depends on your status. Employees and self-employed people who pay into Spanish Social Security generally gain access through their contributions, and you will need a Social Security number for that. People who are not working, such as non-lucrative visa holders, generally rely on private insurance, although other options may become available in some cases after a period of residence. Check your own position rather than assuming.

Why do you need a digital certificate and Cl@ve?

Almost every Spanish administration works online, and to use it you need a way to identify yourself electronically. The two main tools are the FNMT digital certificate, a certificate installed on your computer, and Cl@ve, a government login system. With them you can request certificates, book appointments, file and pay taxes, deal with Social Security and track applications without queuing.

The FNMT certificate is requested online and then confirmed in person with your NIE document, so it is easiest once you have your TIE. Cl@ve can be registered in person or, in some cases, online. Getting both early saves a great deal of time later.

Can you drive in Spain on your US licence?

Once you become resident, you can generally drive on your US licence for the first six months of residence. Carrying an International Driving Permit alongside it is recommended, and some rental companies and police officers will expect one.

After that period, you will need a Spanish licence. Most US licences can’t currently be exchanged directly, which usually means taking the Spanish theory and practical tests. Rules on exchange agreements do change, so check the current position for the state that issued your licence. If you are bringing a car from the US, its import and registration is a separate procedure that should be planned in advance.

What else belongs on your 30-day list?

Set up a Spanish mobile number early, because banks and online services will send verification codes to it. Electricity, water, gas and internet contracts may be in your landlord’s name; if not, you will need your NIE, bank details and address to set them up. If you have children, contact schools as soon as you know your address, since admission depends on the padrón and places in some areas fill quickly.

Your US obligations don’t stop when you move. US citizens must file US tax returns wherever they live, and you may also need to report foreign bank accounts (FBAR) and certain foreign assets. Spain has its own reporting rules for assets held abroad. Coordinate both sides with a qualified tax adviser who works with Americans in Spain.

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice, and rules change and vary by province. If you want one person to plan and manage your first month, book a consultation and we will build your arrival checklist with you.