When you want to become an official resident in Spain, you will have to deal with Spanish bureaucracy. To become a legal resident and gain access to public services, you need to complete three essential steps: registration in the population register (Padrón), the application for your residence permit (TIE) and healthcare registration (SIP card).
Read more about the steps you need to take beforehand in Belgium.
1. The Padrón: Entry in the Municipal Register
The padrón (Certificado de Empadronamiento) is the official registration in the population register of your Spanish municipality. This registration is mandatory for anyone staying in Spain for more than six months a year and acts as proof of your residence for the Spanish government. You will also need the padrón to enrol children in a local school, apply for a social security card or enter a vehicle.
Documents required for the Padrón
To register at the town hall (Ayuntamiento), you should submit the following documents:
- Proof of accommodation: A notarised deed of sale (Escritura) or an official lease.
- Id: A valid copy of your passport or identity card.
- Recent invoices: The most recent water and electricity bill (not older than 3 months) to prove that the property is occupied.
Expert tip: "The initial padrón is usually valid for only 3 months for administrative procedures. Make sure you request a current version just before submitting your TIE application to avoid delays."
2. The TIE: Your Official Residence Permit in Spain
The TIE (Tarjeta de Identificación de Extranjero) is the physical proof that you are an official resident in Spain. Since 2020, this card has replaced the old "green card" (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión) for new applicants. The TIE contains your photo, NIE number and confirms your status as a permanent resident. The application is made at the Oficina de Extranjería or the national police station.
Criteria and Documentation for the TIE
To obtain the TIE as an EU citizen, you must prove that you have sufficient means of subsistence so as not to be a burden on the Spanish state. You will need:
- Registration forms: A completed form EX18 and proof of payment of the fees (Modelo 790-012).
- Id: Your NIE number and a copy of your passport.
- Proof of income: * Pensioners: Form S1 and bank statements.
- Employees: An employment contract or the Certificado de Vida Laboral.
- Self-employed (Autónomos): Proof of registration and payment of social contributions for the last 3 months.
- Non-working people: Bank statements showing a stable income (minimum €850 net per month) as well as valid private health insurance with full coverage.
3. The SIP card: access to Spanish healthcare
The SIP (Sistema de Información Poblacional) card gives you access to the public Spanish health system and medical care. Once you have the residencia (TIE) and padrón, you can register with the local social security office (Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social) to redeem your right to care.
How to apply for the SIP card?
You should collect the following documentation before your appointment:
- Your NIE and proof of identity.
- The S1 form (if you are retired in Belgium or the Netherlands).
- The completed TA1 form.
- Proof of registration in the municipality (Padrón).
After registration, you will receive a unique number that you can use to contact your local GP (Centro de Salud) you can collect your physical SIP card.
What happens to your health insurance in Belgium?
Tax implications of Residence in Spain
Once you stay in Spain for more than 183 days per calendar year, you are considered a tax resident by the tax authorities. This has far-reaching implications: you are basically obliged to keep your global income and assets declared in Spain and taxed according to Spanish progressive rates.
- 183-day rule: This is the main criterion, regardless of whether you are officially registered.
- Centre of interests: Even if you are in Spain for less than 183 days but your partner or minor children live there, Spain can consider you a tax resident.
Read more about the tax implications of emigrating to Spain, and, for example, the Spanish taxes on rental income.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between an NIE and a TIE? The NIE is only a tax identification number. The TIE is the physical identity document confirming that you actually live in Spain (your residency).
Can I keep my Belgian health insurance if I live in Spain? No, once you are officially resident in Spain, you rely on the Spanish system for your basic care. For pensioners, this is regulated through the S1 form, which settles costs between countries.
How much income do I need to prove for Spanish residency? Although amounts fluctuate annually based on the IPREM index, you should currently assume a minimum net income of around €850 per month for a single person to meet the requirements of the TIE.
About the author: Glenn Janssens is a lawyer specialising in Spanish real estate transactions and tax regulations. Since 2017, he has been helping Belgian and Dutch individuals and entrepreneurs to safely purchase and structure real estate in Spain. He guides files from A to Z: from due diligence, ownership and tax control to estate planning and optimisation for residents and non-residents. Thanks to his years of experience, hundreds of handled files and focus on transparent communication, Glenn makes complex Spanish legislation understandable and practically applicable for every property buyer.
If you wish to become an official resident in Spain, you will encounter Spanish bureaucracy. This article will explain the immigration process through the application of three essential documents: the de padrón, the TIE card and the SIP card.
Read more about the steps you need to take beforehand in Belgium.
