Identity numbers and local registration
Helps you get the identity numbers and registrations everything else needs.
Get the identity numbers, local registration and digital identity everything else depends on, in the right order: NIE, padron and Cl@ve or a digital certificate.
- topics
- 6
- articles
- 54
- of reading
- 4 hours
Begin with
Spanish ID numbers and the right order
You will know what each Spanish ID number and card is, which ones you need, and in what order to get them.
The Spanish ID numbers you will meet and what each is for · Foreigner number (NIE) or residence card (TIE): which goes on which form? · The right order for your NIE, address registration and digital ID
More in identity numbers and local registration
5 more topics in this section, about 4 hours of reading in all.
Getting your NIE
You will know whether you need an NIE, which route to take and how to handle its paperwork.
Do you need an NIE, and when? · What to expect when you apply for your NIE in Spain · Getting an NIE before you move, from a consulate or in Spain
Registering your address (empadronamiento)
You will be able to register your address with your town hall even when your housing is informal, temporary or unusual.
What registering your address (empadronamiento) is and why Spain needs it · Must you register your address, whatever your immigration status? · How to register your address at the town hall (ayuntamiento)
Keeping your address registration current
You will keep your registration valid and get the right certificate when an office asks for it.
Which address certificate (certificado de empadronamiento) do you need? · Updating your address registration when you move within Spain · Does the address registration renewal rule (renovacion padronal) apply to you?
Digital ID (Cl@ve) and certificates
You will know which digital ID you need, how to get it and how to keep it working.
The digital ID options in Spain and what each one does · Do you need an online login (Cl@ve), a certificate or both? · Registering for your online login (Cl@ve) as a foreigner
Keeping your personal data consistent
You will avoid rejections caused by mismatched details and know whom to contact to correct a record.
Keeping your name identical on every Spanish record · Filling Spanish forms with one surname or several given names · Updating your records after a name change or new passport
Other sections in Moving, documents, and setup
Documents, appointments, translations, and apostilles
Helps you prepare usable documents and get through appointments.
Belongings, shipping, and pets
Helps you move belongings and pets to Spain and keep pets legal.
Utilities, phone, internet, and services
Helps you get utilities, phone and internet working and keep bills under control.
Driving, vehicles, and transport
Helps you drive and get around legally in Spain.
First month operational setup
Helps you sequence the move from leaving home to an operational first month.
Need certainty before you act?
For important relocation decisions, speak with a qualified human specialist.
Always verify important information with the relevant official authority or a qualified adviser before acting. This website uses large language models together with various public data sources, official government documents and other established sources. Due to the amount of data on this website, some information might be wrong. Information may also be incomplete or outdated.