FIRST STEPS…. on arriving in Spain CHECK THE LIST OF BASIC STEPS WHEN YOU ARRIVE ¾
NIE: Número Identificación Extranjero, (Foreigner’s Identity Number). This can be applied for at the Oficinas de Extranjería (Immigration Offices) or the police. This number is needed for all paperwork with the civil service and for many services (for example, to become self-employed, to open a bank account or to buy property). This number is the equivalent of the DNI (identity card number) for Spanish citizens. For foreigners, your NIE number will also be your tax ID number or NIF. http://www.mir.es/SGACAVT/modelos/extranjeria/modelos_extranje/ex_14.pdf
¾
REGISTRATION. EU citizens who are going to remain in Spain for more than three months must apply to be registered with the Registro Central de Extranjeros at the Oficinas de Extranjería or the police station in the town where you live. To do that, you must present a valid passport or identity document and pay a fee. A registration certificate will be given to you which includes your NIE (foreigner’s identity number). This process has replaced obtaining a residence card. http://www.mir.es/SGACAVT/modelos/extranjeria/modelos_extranje/ex_16.pdf
¾
LOCAL REGISTRATION. Empadronamiento, as it is known in Spanish, means registering with the town where you live. This is required for many administrative purposes, such as voting in municipal elections or getting children into school.
¾
REGISTERING AS A JOB SEEKER. To search for employment and receive professional guidance, you can register with the employment office in your town. The complete list of unemployment services in Spain is available at: www.sistemanacionalempleo.es/mapa_ccaa.html
¾
EXPORTING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS. If you are bringing in an unemployment benefit that has been exported from your country, when you arrive in Spain it is necessary to register at the unemployment office in your town within 7 days and to apply for the benefit on form E-303.
¾
RECOGNITION OF DIPLOMAS. There are two types of recognition: professional and academic. Check what is needed to get recognition with the information point: NARIC tel. 91-506-5593, e-mail: nieves.trelles@educ.mec.es or consult the nearest EURES adviser Before you start work:
¾
SOCIAL SECURITY REGISTRATION NUMBER. When starting to work, you must request this at the Social Security office.
¾
HEALTH CARD. Once you have registered with the Spanish Social Security scheme, a health card will be given to you. More detailed information and useful links can be found in the guide book “Working in Spain”