🇪🇸 The First 90 Days in Spain: Your Essential Checklist for New Arrivals

The first 90 days in Spain are critical, especially for non-EU/Schengen citizens who have entered on a visa (such as a long-term residency or Digital Nomad Visa) or who must adhere to the Schengen 90/180-day rule (for short-term stays/tourism). While short-term visitors must leave, those intending to establish residency must use this initial period to complete crucial administrative steps.

Here is a comprehensive checklist for your first three months, focusing on the essentials: accommodation, official registration, and connectivity.

Phase 1: The First 2 Weeks – Urgent Foundations

🏠Securing Your Housing (Alojamiento)

Your first priority is securing a legitimate address and formally registering your presence.

For those planning to stay long-term, you’ll likely need an annual rental contract (contrato de arrendamiento). For short-term stays, a seasonal rental (alquiler de temporada) (3–11 months) is often the best fit.

• Documentation: Ensure you receive a signed, official rental contract, as this is essential for the next step.
• Proof of Address: Keep utility bills (facturas) or a bank statement showing your Spanish address, as these can also be used as proof.

🏨Registering Your Address (Empadronamiento)

The empadronamiento (or Padrón) is the process of registering your address with your local Town Hall (Ayuntamiento). It is legally required for anyone staying in Spain for more than six months, but it is highly recommended and often necessary for almost all administrative procedures for those establishing new residency, even if you are just starting the process.

• Process:
  1. Request an appointment (Cita Previa) at your local Ayuntamiento via their website or phone.
  2. Complete the Application Form (Hoja Padronal).
  3. Required Documents: Valid Passport, original and copy of your signed Rental Contract (minimum 6 months duration is often required for the full Padrón process), and sometimes a utility bill.
  4. Receive the Certificate of Empadronamiento (Volante/Certificado de Empadronamiento): This document proves your legal link to the municipality.

🛂 Identification and Residency Status (The NIE/TIE Step)

For non-EU citizens moving to Spain for more than 90 days, the most important bureaucratic step is obtaining your identification.

NIE or TIE

If you are a non-EU citizen entering Spain with a pre-approved visa (e.g., residence, work, or Digital Nomad), your 90-day countdown is to apply for your Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE), the physical residence card.

• NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero): This is a simple tax/identification number. If you are starting a process, the police may issue you a temporary NIE certificate (Certificado de NIE).
• TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero): This is the physical, plastic card that confirms your residency status. You must apply for the TIE at the local Police Station or Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería) within 30 days of arrival for most long-term visas.

TIE Application Overview (Within the First 30 Days)

1. Book an Appointment: Secure an appointment (Cita Previa) with the local Comisaría de Policía (Police Station) designated for foreign affairs.
2. Required Documents (Standard):
   • Passport (original and copy).
   • Visa stamped in your passport.
   • EX-17 Form (TIE application form) completed.
   • Tasa (Fee) 790 Code 012 (proof of payment).
   • Empadronamiento Certificate (recent, issued within the last 3 months).
   • One passport-sized photo.

🛜Mobile Phone and Internet (Móvil)

Getting local connectivity is straightforward and essential.

• Prepaid SIM Card: The easiest option for the first 90 days. Carriers like Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, and budget options like Yoigo or MasMovil offer prepaid plans (tarjeta prepago) with no contract.
• Required for SIM: Your valid Passport (required by law for activation).
• eSIM: Consider an international eSIM from providers like Airalo or Holafly for immediate data access upon landing.

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🏦 Opening a Spanish Bank Account (Cuenta Bancaria)

Setting up your essential services is crucial for daily life.

While you can rely on international banks or travel cards, a local account is necessary for direct debits (rent, utilities) and often required for the TIE application.

• Non-Resident Account: Since you are newly arrived and do not yet have your TIE, you will initially open a non-resident account (cuenta de no residente). This may involve higher fees.
• Required Documents:
  • Valid Passport.
  • Proof of Address (often the rental contract or a utility bill).
  • Proof of Income/Employment (payslips, employment contract, or student letter).
  • Certificate of Non-Residency (Certificado de No Residente): Your bank may apply for this on your behalf at the Police Station, which takes 1-2 weeks.

⚠️ The Critical 90-Day Deadline (For Visa Holders)

If you arrived in Spain with a pre-approved visa for residency (e.g., Non-Lucrative or Digital Nomad), the first 90 days is not just a grace period—it’s the window in which you must begin your formal residency process.

Key Action: Apply for your TIE within 30 days of arrival. Waiting longer may jeopardize your approved visa status. Successfully completing these steps ensures your Spanish journey begins on a legally sound footing.

Phase 2: Weeks 3-6 – Setting Up Your Home & Life

With the basics secured, it’s time to turn your house into a home and sort out daily logistics.

1. Furnish and Equip Your Home:
Whether you’re in a furnished or unfurnished place, you’ll need things. From tools to furniture, we’ve done the research for you. Our guide [Setting Up Your Spanish Home: A Guide to DIY & Furniture Stores]() compares Leroy Merlin, Bricodepot, and more to save you time and money.

2. Understand Your Supermarkets:
Grocery shopping is a cultural experience. Learn the differences between Mercadona, Carrefour, and Dia. Want to save time? Our post [Your Guide to Spanish Supermarkets: Online Shopping]() shows you how to get your groceries delivered, with tips on navigating the apps.

3. Kitchen Essentials:
You can’t cook like a local without the right tools. Discover the three key items every Spanish kitchen needs (yes, the minipimer is non-negotiable) in our guide: [Kitchen Essentials for Your New Home in Spain]().

4. Sort Out Transport:

• If you have a car: Spanish car insurance is mandatory and works differently. Get clear, direct advice in our post [Practicalities: Getting Spanish Car Insurance]().
• If you need a car: Research the process of buying or leasing.
• Public Transport: Download local bus/train apps and investigate monthly passes (abonos).

Phase 3: Weeks 7-12 – Integration & Refinement

Now you can breathe, explore, and start refining your new lifestyle.

1. Tackle the Healthcare System:
Once you have your TIE and social security number, you can register for public healthcare (tarjeta sanitaria). This involves registering at your local health center (centro de salud). It’s also wise to look into private health insurance for faster specialist access.

2. Find Your Community & Learn the Language:
This is where “living” begins to feel like “home.”

• Language: Commit to learning. Explore methods in our post [Learning Spanish: From Zero to Conversational]().
• Community: Join local expat groups on Facebook or Meetup, but also seek out Spanish-language clubs based on your hobbies (hiking, cooking, book clubs).

3. Manage Your Homesickness:
It’s normal to hit a low after the initial high. Craving food from home? We’ve got you covered. Check out [Finding a Taste of Home: British & American Food Shops in Spain]() for where to find your favourite comforts.

4. Review Your Budget & Expenses:
Now that you’ve lived through a few billing cycles, revisit your budget. Compare your actual spending on groceries, utilities, and leisure with your plans. Our [General Expenses in Spain]() post provides a realistic baseline to check against.

5. Don’t Forget Security:
Peace of mind is priceless. As you accumulate valuables, consider a home security system. We break down the popular options in Spain in our guide [Practicalities: Home Alarms in Spain]().

Common Mistakes to Avoid (Learn From Others!)

• Procrastinating on Appointments (Citas Previas): They book up weeks in advance. Do it now.
• Underestimating the Siesta & Schedule: Many shops close from 2-5 PM, and dinner starts at 9 PM. Adapt your rhythm.
• Staying in the Expat Bubble: Make an effort to speak Spanish and befriend locals. It’s the key to true integration.
• Assuming Things Work “Back Home”: Bureaucracy, customer service, and business hours operate on Spanish time. Embrace the pace.

Ready for the next phase? Once you’re settled, dive into the rhythms of daily life. Explore our [Life in Spain]() section for guides on culture, deep-dives into regional life, and how to truly thrive in your new home.

¡Mucho ánimo y bienvenido a España! The first 90 days are the hardest, but they set the stage for an incredible new chapter.