Immigration procedures in Spain
The day-to-day procedures: NIE, TIE, cita previa (appointment), empadronamiento (registration), Cl@ve and electronic certificate, health card, and online filing through Mercurio. Step by step and free when it is official.
- Customs: how to clear a vehicle imported from outside the EU (DUA → H1) How to clear customs for a vehicle imported from a non-EU country in Spain: DUA submission, documents, payments (VAT 21% + ~10% duty) or traslado de residencia exemption. Output: H1 certificate.
- Change of residence to Spain from a non-EU country: how to prove it and what it's used for Change of residence (traslado de residencia) to Spain: legal concept, importance for customs and tax exemptions, supporting documents, standard route (consulate, visa) and TP/refugee route (TIE + padrón + de facto proof).
- Cita previa for immigration: how to get it (official and free) How to get a cita previa for immigration in Spain: official, free service on the electronic headquarters. Avoid paid intermediaries; many renewals are done online.
- How to get Cl@ve and the Electronic Certificate (FNMT) in Spain with TIE/NIE How to get Cl@ve (PIN, Permanente, Móvil) and the FNMT Electronic Certificate in Spain as a foreigner with TIE/NIE: registration paths (video ID, invitation letter, in-person), differences, what each unlocks.
- Empadronamiento: how to register on the municipal padrón as a foreigner What padrón registration is and how to register as a foreigner in Spain: an obligation for every resident, independent of status, possible without a rental contract.
- Instrucción SEM 1/2024 — legitimated subjects, personal appearance and representation in immigration applications Instrucción SEM 1/2024 sets out who may file Spanish immigration applications, when personal appearance is mandatory and when a representative (notarial, apud acta, standard form or accredited professional) may act.
- First-registration ITV: how to pass technical inspection for a vehicle imported from outside the EU How to pass the first-registration ITV for a vehicle imported from outside the EU: documents (H1, original registration, CoC), individual homologation if no CoC, ITV stations in Valencia, result Spanish reduced technical sheet.
- Registering in Spain a vehicle imported from outside the EU How to register in Spain a vehicle imported from a non-EU country: steps at Customs (DUA, H1), ITV inspection, registration tax (modelo 576), municipal tax (IVTM) and DGT (modelo 9050). Official forms and links.
- Registering a non-EU vehicle in Spain: final steps when you already have DUA and ITV You've cleared Customs (DUA, H1) and ITV (reduced technical sheet): what's left to finish your Spanish registration — IEDMT (form 06 or 576), municipal IVTM and DGT (form 9050).
- Registering a Ukrainian vehicle for Temporary Protection holders: traslado de residencia regime If you hold Ukrainian Temporary Protection and brought your car, you can apply for the traslado de residencia regime (exemption from VAT, import duties and registration tax) via Form 05 at AEAT. Conditions, documents and steps.
- Reference amounts of financial means to cross the external border (entry into Spain) Funds a foreigner must prove to enter Spain from outside Schengen: EUR 122.10 per person per day and a minimum of EUR 1,098.90 per person.
- Mercurio: how to submit an immigration application online How to submit immigration authorisations (initial and renewals) online via Mercurio: digital certificate or DNIe, AutoFirma, steps and the valid receipt (resguardo).
- Form 06 (IEDMT exemption for transfer of residence): how to fill it in, field by field How to fill in Form 06 for the registration-tax (IEDMT) exemption due to transfer of residence: code ET4, form fields, documents and how it is filed (in person or by a registered gestor, NOT online by the individual).
- NIE (Foreigner Identity Number): what it is and how to apply What the NIE is and how to apply: it is only an identification number (not residence or a work permit). Three routes, form EX-15 and fee 790-012.
- How to get the health card and access the SNS as a foreigner How to get a health card in Spain as a foreigner: through work (insured), without legal residence (RD 180/2026), or via the special agreement (€60/€157/month). Requires town registration.
- TIE (Foreigner Identity Card): how to obtain it after approval How to obtain the TIE, the physical card proving your residence: you must apply in person within one month (art. 209 RD 1155/2024). Appointment, fingerprints and collection, with EX-17 and fee 790-012.
General information, not individual legal advice. Check the official source and consult a professional for your case.