Guides by topic
Identity & documents
8 guides on this topic, in the order newcomers usually need them. Each one cites the official sources behind its facts.
Get your NIE
Asignación de NIE a instancia de interesado
The NIE is the identification number Spain gives foreign nationals with economic, professional or social dealings in Spain.
Set up your Spanish digital identity
Registro en Cl@ve / Certificado electrónico de ciudadano FNMT
Cl@ve and the FNMT electronic certificate are two ways to identify yourself online with Spanish public services.
Book the government appointment you need
Cita previa de extranjería / cita previa del organismo competente
A cita previa is the official appointment you book before an in-person government procedure, with the authority that handles it.
Register as an EU/EEA/Swiss resident in Spain
Certificado de registro de ciudadano de la Unión
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who meet a free-movement condition and stay in Spain for more than three months must register and get the certificado de registro de ciudadano de la Unión.
Get residence as a non-EU family member of an EU citizen
Tarjeta de residencia de familiar de ciudadano de la Unión
The tarjeta de residencia de familiar de ciudadano de la Unión is the residence card for qualifying non-EU family members, including spouses and registered or proven stable partners, of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen in Spain.
Get your TIE card
Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero
The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the physical card that identifies a non-EU national in Spain and proves their legal situation.
Get a criminal record certificate
Certificado de Antecedentes Penales
A criminal record certificate (certificado de antecedentes penales) is the official record, from Spain or another country, that many immigration and nationality procedures ask for.
Get married at the Civil Registry (civil marriage)
Expediente matrimonial y celebración del matrimonio civil
A civil marriage in Spain starts with a marriage file (expediente matrimonial) at the Registro Civil of the place where one of you lives, which checks there is no legal impediment, and ends with the ceremony, in Barcelona usually before a city councillor.