Legal checklist for expatriates in Barcelona

Essential personal documentation

Passport and visa

Before your arrival in Spain, make sure you have a valid passport with at least six months validity. Depending on your country of origin, you may need a valid passport:

• Work visa
• Student visa
• Non-profit residence visa
• Digital nomad visa (very popular among recent expatriates)

Key tip: Start this process in your home country through the Spanish consulate. The process can take several weeks.

2. NIE (Foreigner’s Identification Number)

The NIE is obligatory to carry out any legal transaction, open a bank account, sign contracts or register as a resident.

Where to apply?

• At the Immigration Office in Barcelona
• At National Police Stations by appointment only

Residence related formalities

3. Registration

Registration with the Barcelona City Council certifies your residence in the city and is mandatory to access public services.

Required documents:

• NIE or passport
• Lease or title deed
• Registration form (can be downloaded online)

Important: This procedure is necessary to access the health and schooling system.

4. Supply contracts

Be sure to put your name on the services of:

• Electricity
• Water
• Gas
• Internet

In some cases, you will need to present the NIE and the rental contract or property deed.

Professional and tax documentation

5. Registration with Social Security

If you are going to work as an employee or self-employed, it is mandatory to be registered with the Spanish Social Security. Your company can do this, but if you are self-employed, you must do it yourself.

Benefits:

• Access to public health care
• Pension contribution

6. Tax Agency Number (NIF) and tax obligations

Although the NIE works as a tax number, if you generate income in Spain you will have to:

• Declaring your tax residence
• Filing income tax returns
• Report foreign income (form 720, if applicable).

Health and insurance

7. CatSalut: access to the health system

Once you are registered and registered with the Social Security, you can apply for an Individual Health Card (TSI) from the CatSalut system.

Steps:

1. Registration
2. Social Security registration
3. Application at your health center (CAP)

8. Contracting private insurance

Even if you have access to public health care, many expatriates take out private insurance because of:

• Prompt medical care
• Dental and ophthalmologic coverage
• Repatriation and international coverage)

Other key legal aspects

9. Driver’s license

Expatriates may drive with their international permit for a limited period. After that, they must:

• Exchange (if there is an agreement with your country)
• Or perform theoretical and practical tests

10. Pet registration

If you bring pets, you must comply with:

• Microchip mandatory
• Rabies vaccination
• Registration in the municipal census