Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our services and settling in Spain. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, we’re happy to help.
Moving to Spain
If you are planning to live in Spain for an extended period, you may need to register as a resident depending on your nationality and personal circumstances. The requirements are different for EU and non-EU citizens. We can help you understand the process and prepare the necessary documentation.
EU citizens generally have a different registration process from non-EU citizens. Depending on your situation, this can include your NIE, registration as an EU citizen, empadronamiento, healthcare and tax registration. We can guide you through the steps that apply to your situation.
Yes. We can assist with various administrative procedures for non-EU citizens, including NIE, TIE and other Spanish administrative processes. The exact requirements depend on your visa or residency situation.
Yes. Many procedures can be prepared before you arrive in Spain. We can explain which documents you need, help prepare your paperwork and, where possible, arrange appointments so you know what to expect when you arrive.
NIE & Residency (CUE)
An NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is a Spanish identification number for foreigners. You may need an NIE for many activities in Spain, including buying property, opening a bank account, working, paying taxes or registering a vehicle. Having an NIE number does not, by itself, mean that you are a Spanish resident.
An NIE is simply your identification number as a foreigner in Spain. Residency is your legal status as a resident in Spain. You can have an NIE without being a Spanish resident, so the two are not the same thing.
Yes. We can assist with the preparation and appointment process for your NIE application and explain what you need to bring with you.
The required documents depend on the type of NIE application and your individual circumstances. Usually, you will need valid identification, the appropriate application form and supporting documentation. We will tell you exactly what you need before your appointment.
Yes. An NIE and Spanish residency are two different things. An NIE is an identification number for foreigners, while residency refers to your legal status as a resident in Spain.
If you are planning to live in Spain for an extended period, you may need to register as a resident depending on your nationality and personal circumstances. The requirements are different for EU and non-EU citizens. We can help you understand the process and prepare the necessary documentation.
TIE Card
A TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the physical identification card issued to eligible non-EU nationals who have permission to live in Spain. It contains your personal details, photograph and immigration information. The TIE is different from your NIE, which is your foreigner identification number.
Whether you need a TIE depends on your nationality and immigration/residency status. TIE requirements are different for EU and non-EU citizens. If you are unsure whether you need one, we can help you determine which procedure applies to you.
Yes. We can help prepare the required documentation, arrange the relevant appointments and guide you through the process.
Yes. We can assist with TIE renewals and explain which documents you need for your particular situation.
If your TIE is lost or stolen, you should report it and arrange the appropriate replacement procedure. The exact steps depend on your circumstances. We can help you understand what needs to be done.
Your NIE is your Spanish foreigner identification number. Your TIE is a physical identification card that proves certain residence or immigration rights in Spain. Not everyone who has an NIE needs a TIE.
Empadronamiento
The empadronamiento, or padrón municipal, is the registration of your address with your local municipality. It records that you live at a particular address and is commonly required for various administrative procedures in Spain.
Your padrón registration can be important for many aspects of life in Spain, including certain residency procedures, healthcare, education and other municipal or administrative matters.
Yes. We can assist with arranging the appointment and help you prepare the documents required by your municipality.
The requirements can vary depending on your circumstances and municipality. Commonly requested documents include identification and proof of address. We will provide you with the relevant document list for your situation.
Healthcare & S1
An S1 is a healthcare entitlement document that can allow eligible people who are insured in another EU country to register for healthcare in their country of residence. Whether you are entitled to an S1 depends on your individual circumstances and the country responsible for your healthcare.
Yes. We can assist with the administrative process of registering an S1 and guide you through the required documentation.
Vehicle Registration & Driving License
Yes. We can assist with the administrative process involved in importing and registering a vehicle in Spain, including the documentation and steps required.
The required documents depend on the vehicle, its country of origin and your circumstances. Depending on the case, documents can include the vehicle registration documents, identification, proof of ownership, technical documentation, COC and other import or tax paperwork.
A COC (Certificate of Conformity) is a document issued by the manufacturer confirming that a vehicle complies with relevant European type-approval requirements. It is important when registering a vehicle in Spain.
Yes, an imported vehicle needs to go through the relevant ITV process before it can be registered in Spain. The exact procedure depends on the vehicle and where it comes from.
Yes. We can assist with certain driving licence procedures in Spain, including exchanging eligible foreign licences for a Spanish licence. However, not all countries have an agreement with Spain, so not every foreign driving licence can be exchanged. The requirements also depend on the country that issued your licence, your residency status and your individual circumstances. We can explain the process, help you prepare the required documentation and guide you through the relevant appointment.
If your driving licence is eligible for exchange in Spain, you will generally need your valid foreign driving licence, valid identification, proof of residence in Spain, a medical fitness certificate from an authorised driving medical centre. The exact requirements can vary depending on your country of origin and the type of licence you hold.
Documents
We don’t provide translations ourselves, but we work closely with a professional translation company that offers official and sworn translations. We can provide you with their information or arrange the translation for you, depending on your needs.
This depends on the document, the country where it was issued and the Spanish procedure for which you need it. We can check the requirements for the specific procedure before you start.
Yes. Tell us which document you are missing and what procedure you are trying to complete. We can explain what is required and, where possible, help you find the appropriate solution.
Working With Settle Easy
Settle Easy specialises in administrative services on the Costa Blanca, helping clients with procedures in and around the Alicante province.
Absolutely. Our multilingual team can assist you in English, Dutch, German and Spanish. We help make Spanish administration easier to understand and guide you through the process from start to finish.
No, not at all! Most of our services can be arranged remotely, so you don’t need to visit our office. You will only need to attend appointments where your personal presence is required. Depending on the service you choose, we may also meet you face to face to provide guidance or assistance. We will explain exactly what is required for your particular service and take care of the rest.
Yes, depending on the service you choose, we can accompany you to your appointment and provide guidance and support throughout the process. The availability of accompaniment depends on the type of procedure and the location of the appointment.
Simply contact us and tell us what you need help with. We’ll ask for some basic information about your situation and explain the next steps, documents and costs involved.
Our prices depend on the service you require. We aim to make our pricing clear before you proceed, so you know what is included and what additional government or third-party fees may apply.
Possibly. Spanish administration covers many different procedures, so if you don’t see what you need, contact us and tell us what you’re trying to arrange. We’ll let you know whether we can help.
Absolutely. You don’t need to know the name of the Spanish procedure before contacting us. Tell us what you’re trying to achieve, where you are in the process and what your situation is. We’ll explain which steps may be relevant and how we can assist.
Still have a question?
We’re here to make Spanish administration simple. Tell us what you need help with and we’ll explain the next steps.