Essential paperwork for moving to Spain

If you’re relocating to Spain from the Netherlands or Belgium, taking care of the necessary paperwork is essential. This guide explains exactly what you need, how and where to get it, and where you can find support from experienced emigration professionals via EmigrateWise.

Valid passport or national ID

You need a valid Dutch or Belgian passport or national ID to identify yourself during all administrative procedures in Spain.

Where to apply or check:

• Netherlands: rijksoverheid.nl – passport and ID

• Belgium: belgium.be – identity card

Tip: Always travel with both a physical and a digital copy.

Deregistration from your local municipality

Before you move, you must deregister from your home municipality.

Where to do it:

• Netherlands: MijnOverheid – move abroad → log in with DigiD and go to “Verhuizing doorgeven”

• Belgium: Contact your local gemeente/stad. You can find contact info via belgium.be – municipalities

You’ll receive a confirmation of deregistration, which may be required in Spain.

NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)

This is your Spanish tax and foreigner ID number. You need it to rent housing, open a bank account, register with social security, and more.

Where and how to apply:

• In the Netherlands: via the Spanish consulate in Amsterdam

• In Belgium: via the Spanish consulate in Brussels

• In Spain: make an appointment with a local Policía Nacional via sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es

You’ll need:

• Form EX-15 (download here)

• Form 790 code 012 (available here)

• A passport/ID and copies

• Proof of your reason for requesting the NIE (e.g. a job offer, rental agreement)

Need help? Click on the link to see how to apply for a NIE number. NIE application procedures can be confusing. Use the Find Help button below to connect with experts who can handle the appointment, paperwork and communication with Spanish authorities for you.

Empadronamiento (local registration)

You must register your address with your local town hall (ayuntamiento). This registration is needed for healthcare access, enrolling in schools, and completing other paperwork.

How to do it:

• Search your local town hall via Google (e.g. “Ayuntamiento Málaga”) or check municipios.es

• Book a cita previa (appointment) via the city’s website or by phone

• Bring:

  • Rental contract or property deed

  • Passport or ID

  • NIE (if already obtained)

You will receive a certificado de empadronamiento.

Tip: Experts on EmigrateWise can assist with local registration steps, including Spanish communication and documentation. Click Find Help below to get started.

Social Security number (Número de Seguridad Social)

To work legally or access public healthcare, you need a Spanish social security number.

Where to apply:

• In person: visit your nearest Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social (TGSS). Find offices here

• Online (requires digital certificate or Cl@ve): sede.seg-social.gob.es

Bring:

• NIE

• Passport or ID

• Employment contract or proof of self-employment

Health insurance

Health insurance is required. If you’re not contributing to the Spanish system yet, private health insurance is mandatory.

Options:

• If employed: your employer registers you for public health coverage.

• If self-employed (autónomo): register via RETA and pay monthly contributions.

• If not working: take out private health insurance from providers like:

  • Sanitas

  • Adeslas

  • DKV

Proof of financial means

This may be needed when registering for certain services or applying for a residence certificate.

What to prepare:

• Recent bank statements

• Employment contracts or pay slips

• Pension documents

• Proof of savings or regular income

Have both printed and digital versions. For official use in Spain, documents may need to be translated and/or apostilled (see next section).

Legalisation and translation of official documents

Documents such as birth or marriage certificates may be required for registrations (e.g. with schools or for marriage in Spain).

Steps:

1. Get an apostille:

   • Netherlands: Apostille info – rechtbank

   • Belgium: Apostille – FOD Buitenlandse Zaken

2. Certified translation into Spanish:

   • Use a traductor jurado. You can search for one via traductorjurado.org

Tip: EmigrateWise offers experts who can help with translation. 

Final tips

• Use Google Maps to locate offices near your Spanish address (search for “oficina de extranjería”, “TGSS + city name”, or “ayuntamiento + city name”).

• Save digital copies of all important documents to a secure cloud folder.

• Don’t wait until you’re in Spain to start collecting documents. Begin at least a few weeks before departure.

Need help with translations, registrations, insurance or NIE procedures?
Click the Find Help button at the bottom of this page to connect with trusted EmigrateWise experts who speak your language and understand your situation.