When the first month goes wrong

It is for anyone thinking about, planning or carrying out a move to Spain. Each article is short and aimed at one problem: lost or delayed luggage, lost documents, common sequencing mistakes, fixing paperwork done out of order, and what to do when no appointment is available before a deadline.

Start with "The most common first-month mistakes newcomers make in Spain". It shows you which errors cause the most delays, so you can avoid them or spot one early. Then move to the article that matches your problem:

• "If you lose your passport or visa documents in Spain"
• "Luggage lost or delayed on arrival in Spain"
• "Fixing Spanish paperwork you did out of order"

Key rules

• TIE deadline: If you arrive on a long-stay visa for residence, you must apply for the TIE in person within one month of entering Spain.
• Luggage complaint: Report delayed luggage at the airport desk before leaving the arrivals hall, then send a written complaint to the airline within 21 days of the bag being made available.
• Residence status: Losing your passport does not cancel your visa or residence permit.
• NIE: Your NIE stays the same after a passport is replaced.
• Report first: File the report at the airport desk before you leave the arrivals hall.
• Damaged bag: A damaged bag must be reported in writing within 7 days of receiving it.

When the first month goes wrong: the whole process, step by step

• Report delayed or lost luggage at the airport desk: Before you leave the arrivals baggage hall, on the day you land

• Buy only reasonable essentials and keep itemised receipts: While the bag is delayed

• Send a written complaint to the airline: Within 21 days of the bag being made available

• Report a lost or stolen passport to the police and your embassy: As soon as you notice it is gone

• Apply in person for the TIE, the foreigner identity card, if you arrived on a long-stay visa for residence: Within one month of entering Spain

• Register at your town hall (empadronamiento), which unlocks the health card and school: In your first weeks, as early as you can

• Add your NIE to any rental, bank or phone contract signed with a passport number: As soon as you have the NIE

• If you missed the TIE window, book a fingerprint appointment and apply: As soon as possible after the deadline passes

Documents you may need

Identity and residence

• New or valid passport
• NIE certificate — If you lose your passport or visa documents in Spain, Fixing Spanish paperwork you did out of order
• Application form EX-17 for the TIE duplicate — If you lose your passport or visa documents in Spain

The home and the lease

• Proof of address — If you lose your passport or visa documents in Spain, Fixing Spanish paperwork you did out of order
• A rental contract or title deed for your address — The most common first-month mistakes newcomers make in Spain

Payments and receipts

• Receipt — If you lose your passport or visa documents in Spain, Luggage lost or delayed on arrival in Spain

Other documents

• Appointment confirmation — If you lose your passport or visa documents in Spain, Fixing Spanish paperwork you did out of order
• Boarding pass for the flight your bag — Luggage lost or delayed on arrival in Spain
• Property Irregularity Report — Luggage lost or delayed on arrival in Spain

Each article lists the other documents it asks for, where you need them.

When the first month goes wrong: questions that cross several articles

Do I have to report a lost passport to the police in Spain?

No, reporting a lost passport to the police is not a legal duty, but your embassy will usually ask for the police report and your insurer needs it. See If you lose your passport or visa documents in Spain.

Does losing my passport cancel my visa or residence permit?

No, a lost passport does not cancel your visa or residence authorisation, because they are linked to your file and NIE, not the physical document. If you have a TIE, it stays your residence proof, and your new passport number is updated afterwards.

What if I signed a contract with my passport before I had an NIE?

Yes, a contract signed with a passport number stays valid, and you can add the NIE afterwards. Ask the bank, phone operator or landlord to update your ID, since each sets its own deadline. See "Fixing Spanish paperwork you did out of order" and "The most common first-month mistakes newcomers make in Spain".

What happens if I miss the one-month TIE deadline after arriving on a visa?

If you miss the one-month TIE deadline, apply as soon as possible by booking a fingerprint appointment. Late applications are normally treated as a minor infraction, often with a warning or low fine, and the longer you wait the greater the risk.

Can I claim for essentials bought while my luggage is delayed?

Yes, airlines generally reimburse reasonable essentials such as toiletries and basic clothing if you filed the airport report and keep itemised receipts. Each airline sets its own daily limit, and your written claim must follow within 21 days.