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This is an information resource mainly written for trans US citizens considering emigrating to another country, although we hope it is useful beyond that.

Please treat this wiki as a starting point for your own research, not as an authoritative source of truth or as legal advice.

Many of the authors have gone through the process themselves and want to share what they have learned.

Spain/Arrival

From Trans World Express

Once you secure a visa/permit to enter Spain, there are several identity numbers and documents you'll need. Which documents you get and the order in which you're able to obtain these depends on how you enter Spain.

Here's a summary of what each document gets you:

  • NIE: Mostly for tax purposes but can act as an ID on many gov and business forms
  • Digital Certificate: This crazy thing lets you log into government websites
  • Empadronamiento: Reigistration with the town hall that unlocks government services like health care, library card, etc.
  • TIE: Official ID and travel in/out of Spain
  • NUSS: Social security (pension, welfare)
  • Vida Laboral: Proof of employment history in Spain, some landlords require it

NIE

A Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE) is an ID number assigned to a foreigner. You receive this number when your non-tourist visa, such as a residence or work permit, is approved.[1] It can also be obtained when buying real estate or conducting business in Spain.

Digital Certificate / Cl@ve

You will notice many government websites require a digital certificate to log in. The idea sounds cool - use existing computer operating system and internet browser technologies to seamlessly prove identity. But in practice it's extremely confusing.

There are services like Cl@ve that attempt to create an easier alternative to the digital certificate by offering a username/password + SMS 2FA login. However, redditors claim a digital certificate enables access to more services.

All told, your certificate is just a file containing an SSL certificate signed by the Spanish mint. The way you obtain it is by downloading the Certificado Digital app, proving your identity, and downloading the file from the app onto your computer.

If you already have your TIE, you can simply tap your card on your phone when the app asks you to. If you don't have a TIE yet, you can use the app to generate a request for an in-person identity verification at any Agència Tributària (tax agency) office. They will give you a number to enter into the app that allows you to download the certificate.

Empadronamiento

Known as the "padron" for short, this is your registration of residence with your local town hall.[2] This assigns your local Centre d'Atenció Primària (CAP - the public "urgent care" facility), schools, and other services.

This document is required if you are staying in Spain longer than 180 days. Technically, you are required to register within 30 days of moving into the area, but most officials understand that it can be difficult to get appointments.

Documents needed:

  • Lease, rental contract, or mortgage (this proves you live at a given address)
  • Utility bill (this proves your address actually exists, and you can typically ask your landlord for this)
  • NIE
  • Passport

TIE

If you are staying in Spain longer than 6 months, The Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) proves your legal residence in Spain and allows you to travel in and out of the country without needing a Schengen visa attached to your passport. The TIE will show your residency status and NIE.

You register for this at a CNP (Cuerpo de Policía Nacional) station.[3] It's extremely difficult to find appointments, so expect weeks of searching and times that are only available weeks in the future. In fact, demand is so high that many folks opt to hire consultants who continually check the website for openings. It's an unfortunate situation where paying money gets you access.

Documents Needed:

  • Form EX-17
  • Paid tax form - Tasa modelo 790 Código 012
  • Passport sized photo
  • Original passport and full copy

Note: as of 2025, an Empadronamiento is no longer required, verified by contributor Aster's lawyers.

NUSS

A Número de la Seguridad Social (NUSS) is assigned to anyone who can access the social security (healthcare, retirement, unemployment, etc) system. If you are on a student or work permit you will be granted access. You are required to provide your NUSS to any Spanish employer.[4]

Once you have a NIE you can use that number and your passport to sign up for your NUSS here. You'll need to download the TA1 form, fill it out, sign it in ink, scan, and upload the form when you apply online.

Vida Laboral

If you are employed by a Spanish company or organization, your employer will register your job in the social security system. Since the government tracks this, they can provide your full official job history report. You can log into the social security webiste (requires a Digital Certificate or Cl@ve) to download this document any time.

Some landlords require a Vida Laboral as part of the lease application process.

  1. ↑ https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/losangeles/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/NIE.aspx
  2. ↑ https://ajuntament.barcelona.cat/novaciutadania/en/residents-register
  3. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/SpainAuxiliares/comments/16kdok4/2023_tie_guide_and_faq/
  4. ↑ https://www.gestoraz.com/en/nuss
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