Welcome students to Spain.

Moving to Spain is an exciting journey, but it requires a very specific administrative sequence. If you miss a step, you could find yourself stuck in a loop of appointments. We’ve mapped out the exact process so you can secure your stay and focus on your academic goals.

Roadmap: How to Settle in Spain in 8 Steps

Step 1. Spanish Phone Number (+34) — Digital Key

- When? 4–5 months before departure, from the country of origin.

- Why? It is the first mandatory step. All residency forms and secure applications of traditional Spanish banks require a number of exactly 9 digits (Spanish format) to send the SMS-OTP security codes. Without it, the computer systems block you.

Step 2. Traditional Non-Resident Bank Account — The Financial Engine

- When? Immediately after obtaining the Spanish phone number, before departure.

Step 3. Securing Housing (Housing) and Guarantee Methods

- When? 3–4 months before departure.

Step 4. Obtaining the NIE Number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero)

- When? Before departure (at the Spanish Consulate in your country of origin Non EU/SEE citizens) or immediately upon arrival for EU/SEE citizens .

Step 5. Empadronamiento (Domicile Registration)

- When? In the first few days after physically settling in your new home in Spain.

Step 6. Compulsory Health Insurance

- When? It must be active from the first day of validity of the contract or visa.

Step 7. Requesting a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) — Non-EU/SEE Only

- When? Within a maximum of 30 days of physical entry into Spain/Schengen area.

- Why? The student visa in the passport is usually only valid for 90 days. In order to legally reside for the entire duration of their studies, Non-EU students must exchange their visa for a physical residence card (TIE).

Step 8. Integration & Cultural Integration

Step 1

Spanish Phone Number (+34) — Digital Key

 Spanish Phone Number (+34) 

- When? 4–5 months before departure, from the country of origin.

- Why? It is the first mandatory step. All residency forms and secure applications of traditional Spanish banks require a number of exactly 9 digits (Spanish format) to send the SMS-OTP security codes. Without it, the computer systems block you.

- How is it done legally? According to the Spanish law Ley 25/2007, anonymous cards are prohibited. The student buys a prepaid plan (Prepago) online via eSIM (Vodafone, Orange/Simyo, Yoigo) or orders a physical card from Amazon. Identification is officially done with the Passport.

1. Residencias de Estudiantes (High Standard Private Residences)