NEXO Spain

A path through the guides

Non-EU employee: your first 90 days

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
Non-EU citizens
Where you are
Still outside Spain
Why you are coming
A job with a Spanish employer

Where it leaves you

The steps

  1. Get a work permit through a Spanish employer (initial employed-work authorization)

    Get an employer-sponsored initial residence and employed-work authorization under the general immigration regime.

    When
    before starting the Spanish job
    How long it takes
    official route and subsequent visa/entry steps determine end-to-end time
    Legal deadline
    employer and visa timelines apply
    Cost
    current residence/work fees

    Lawyer for complex cases

    Official sources

    Read the full guide

  2. 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

    Read the full guide

  3. Get your TIE card

    Get the physical foreigner identity card that documents an already granted qualifying residence or stay status.

    Comes after: Register your address in Barcelona, Get a work permit through a Spanish employer (initial employed-work authorization)

    When
    immediately after the qualifying authorization becomes effective
    How long it takes
    card-production timing varies; recent Barcelona reports often indicate about one month
    Legal deadline
    usually 1 month, from the event stated for the underlying authorization
    Cost
    current card fee

    NEXO Expert for complex cases

    Official sources

    Read the full guide

  4. 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

    Read the full guide

  5. 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.

    Needs first: Get your Social Security number

    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

    NEXO Expert for complex cases

    Official sources

    Read the full guide

  6. 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.

    Comes after: Register your address in Barcelona, Get formal recognition of public healthcare entitlement

    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

    NEXO Expert for complex cases

    Official sources

    Read the full guide

Get started with your journey

Talk your situation through with a NEXO Expert, or write to us.

Talk to a NEXO Expert[email protected]

Information, not legal advice.