There are
many steps you need to take to move to Barcelona, but what are they,
and which order do you need to do them in? These are some of the
challenges that I faced when I moved over here, and it wasn't as
straightforward because I really didn't do my research. To make this as
simple as possible you can take following steps:
1) First, get over to Barcelona and stay in cheap hotel or
with a friend
2) Open a Spanish bank account, but
for now you are just a visitor so much easier if it is a
non-resident's account
3) Move into rented accommodation
4) Provide bank with new address details
5) Get your NIE number - see
information below
6) Look for a job (those from outside the EU will need to
apply for a work visa)
7) Switch your account to a
resident's account
Getting legal - Your NIE
To register as a legal
resident which will allow you to work, pay taxes and claim the health
and social benefits of a legal resident, you will need to get your NIE
(Numero de Identificación). This is your unique foreign identification
number that allows you to legally work in Spain.
Prior to the beginning of 2008,
the Spanish government issued credit card size NIE photo IDs. These
were especially handy for foreign residents because in Spain credit
card transactions and other legal applications require a photo ID card.
All Spanish nationals are issued with an ID card. However, now you are
simply given an A4 sized certificate with your number and an official
stamp.
NOTE: You will
need to carry your NIE with you at all times. You need it to join a gym
and even to get a mobile phone contract.
1) Go to the Oficina de Extranjeros in a
Spanish police station. You do not need an appointment, simply queue
up.
2) Make sure you
bring:
- Your original
passport and 2 photocopies
- 2 passport photos
- Documentation supporting why
you require a NIE (could be because you are living the and looking for
a job, setting up a business or even buying a house in Spain).
- Pre filled NIE application
form. You can do it there on the spot with the official behind the
desk, but if you cannot speak the language this may be quite a
challenge.
- Any other relevant
documentation, such as your address in Spain (and utility bills to
prove it) or a job offer, for example. If you are staying in rented
accommodation you should register your presence at the local town hall
(ayuntamiento). Once registered this will make your application much
easier.
3) If your application and
supporting documentation is accepted you will be issued with your
number immediately. If not, they will tell you what else you need to
do.
