Moving to Spain is not just a change of address. It is a change of life. There are several legal and administrative steps you need to take to truly establish yourself and access public resources.
Below we explain what an EU citizen needs to live in Spain on a long-term basis.
Obtaining Spanish nationality is a major step for many foreigners living in Spain. While the general rules are established by law, the requirements vary depending on personal circumstances, such as place of birth, nationality, and length of legal residence. Below, we explain the most important scenarios in a clear and practical way.
For non-EU nationals, one way to obtain legal residence in Spain is through a family connection. This can be through marriage or a registered partnership (pareja de hecho) or eligible children with either:
Although both routes fall under the general category of “residence as a family member,” the requirements, forms, and legal basis differ depending on whether your partner is Spanish or from another EU country. Understanding these differences is essential to avoid delays or denials.
If you live in Barcelona, keeping your empadronamiento or padrón up to date is essential. But many residents get confused between renewing the padrón certificate and updating the padrón registration itself. Let’s clarify both processes.
We’re pleased to announce that NIE Barcelona will once again take part in the twelfth edition of the Barcelona International Community Day 2025, organized by the Barcelona City Council and scheduled for Saturday the 25th of October, 2025 at the Museu Marítim de Barcelona.
Since Brexit, many British citizens and their family members have obtained residence cards (TIE) under Article 18.4 of the Withdrawal Agreement. These cards granted legal residence rights in Spain for five years. Now, as we move beyond 2025, the first TIE cards issued under this regime are beginning to expire, and many residents are unsure about what to do next to renew them.
If you’re moving to Barcelona, one of the first things you’ll need is empadronamiento, the official city registration that proves you live at a specific address. This certificate is essential for many practical steps in Spain, such as enrolling in healthcare or registering children in school. Read more
Since Brexit came into effect, UK nationals living in Spain have been navigating new residency procedures. One of the most significant changes has been the transition from the old green NIE card (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión Europea) to the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero).
At NIE Barcelona we understand how stressful it is to wait for an appointment or a resolution in your immigration process. And to make matters worse, summer tends to slow everything down even more.
If you’ve noticed that everything seems slower in July and August… you’re absolutely right. And here’s why: