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Moving to Madrid

Order matters more than speed. These are the minimum steps to go from newcomer to legally working, invoicing and incorporating in Madrid.

Who it's for

Foreign founders, digital nomads and relocating operators, with or without a company already incorporated abroad.

What it doesn't cover

It does not cover family reunification, degree recognition or asylum cases. Those need specialised immigration advice.

Steps

  1. 1

    Clarify your legal basis to be here

    EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: register as a Union citizen if staying over 3 months. Non-EU: you need a prior authorisation (digital nomad, entrepreneur, highly qualified or student with work permit).

    Paperwork

    • Valid passport
    • Proof of financial means
    • Health insurance or public cover
  2. 2

    Get your NIE

    It is your foreigner ID number and the key to everything else. Request it with an appointment at the National Police (or at a consulate before moving). If you will be a resident, apply directly for the TIE once your permit is approved.

    Paperwork

    • Form EX-15 or EX-17
    • Paid 790 fee
    • Passport and copy
  3. 3

    Register on the padrón in your district

    The municipal register proves you live in Madrid. It is free, done at Línea Madrid citizen offices, and required by healthcare, banks and several immigration steps.

    Paperwork

    • Rental contract or owner's authorisation
    • ID document
    • Registration form
  4. 4

    Open a bank account and get a digital signature

    With NIE and padrón you can open a resident account. Get your FNMT digital certificate or Cl@ve at the same time: without them everything goes through counters and takes weeks longer.

    Paperwork

    • NIE or TIE
    • Padrón certificate
    • Proof of income
  5. 5

    Healthcare and social security

    Once you contribute in Spain you get a social security number and a SERMAS health card. Until then, keep private insurance: most visas require it.

    Paperwork

    • Form TA.1
    • Padrón certificate
    • NIE or TIE
  6. 6

    Choose your legal form

    With the NIE you can register as autónomo or incorporate an SL. If you plan to raise capital, read the tech startup scenario; if you'll invoice on your own, read the freelance one.

Indicative costs and timelines

NIE fee (form 790)

~€12

Padrón registration

Free

Digital nomad visa

~€80 fee

plus advisor fees if delegated

Realistic timeline

4–10 weeks

depends on appointment availability

Useful links

Central government

Region of Madrid

Madrid City Council

Common mistakes

  • Booking the NIE appointment the same month you arrive: slots are rare.
  • Signing a rental contract that doesn't let you register on the padrón.
  • Cancelling private health insurance before you hold a public health card.
  • Leaving the digital certificate for last and blocking tax registrations.

Indicative information compiled from official sources. Always double-check amounts and deadlines on the original link before filing anything.

Take the next step

Once the basics are sorted, look for funding, workspace and programmes across the rest of Where2.

See funding Find a spaceJoin the community