A path through the guides
EU citizen moving to work
The procedures this situation usually goes through, in order. Each step says why it comes where it does, and links to its guide and official sources.
Who this is for
- Citizenship
- EU, EEA and Swiss citizens
- Where you are
- Already in Spain
- Why you are coming
- Work
Where it leaves you
The steps
Register as an EU/EEA/Swiss resident in Spain
Register your residence in Spain if you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen staying for more than three months.
- When
- within the first 3 months
- How long it takes
- certificate issued immediately when the registration requirements are met
- Legal deadline
- 3 months, from entry
- Cost
- current government fee
Official sources
Register your address in Barcelona
Register the Barcelona address where you usually live so the city records your residence and you can prove it for later local procedures.
- When
- week 1
- How long it takes
- about 7 calendar days online when documents are correct
- Cost
- free
Official sources
Get your NIE
Get the foreigner identification number Spain uses to identify you in administrative, economic and professional dealings.
- When
- when a documented economic, professional or social reason exists
- How long it takes
- official maximum 5 days after the application reaches the competent register; appointment wait is separate
- Cost
- current government fee
Official sources
Set up your Spanish digital identity
Set up Cl@ve or an FNMT certificate so you can identify yourself and complete supported Spanish government procedures online.
- When
- after NIE, before the first online procedure that needs electronic identification
- How long it takes
- method-dependent
- Cost
- free for Cl@ve and the FNMT certificate itself
Get your Social Security number
Get the personal Social Security number used for employment and other relationships with Spain’s Social Security system.
- When
- before starting work if no NUSS already exists
- How long it takes
- official maximum 45 days; many cases can be faster
- Legal deadline
- before the first Social Security alta that requires the number
- Cost
- free
Official sources
Get formal recognition of public healthcare entitlement
Have INSS or ISM recognize or confirm publicly funded healthcare entitlement when it is not already registered automatically, before obtaining the regional health card.
- When
- before requesting the TSI if entitlement is not already recognized
- How long it takes
- case-dependent; workers/pensioners/benefit recipients may already be recognized automatically
- Cost
- free
Official sources
Get your CatSalut health card
Get the Catalan public-health identification card after CatSalut has the coverage and identity data needed to assign your CIP.
- When
- after healthcare entitlement/coverage is recognized
- How long it takes
- card timing varies; digital TSI can become usable once a CIP is assigned
- Cost
- no separate card fee
Official sources
Get started with your journey
Talk your situation through with a NEXO Expert, or write to us.
Information, not legal advice.