Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland can live and work in Spain freely. But if they are staying for more than three months, they must register with the Central Register of Foreigners and obtain the EU citizen registration certificate, commonly known as “EU residency” or the “green card”. Who has…
If you live, work or run a business in Spain, sooner or later you will need a digital certificate. It is the easiest way to deal with the Tax Agency, Social Security or the town hall without travelling or booking appointments. Here is what it is and how a foreigner can get one. What a…
Any foreigner can register as self-employed (autónomo) in Spain, but the order matters: first the NIE, then the digital certificate, then the tax registration (form 036 or 037) and finally the social security registration (RETA), which must be filed before you start trading. Non-EU nationals also need a residence and self-employment work permit. Requirements by…
The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is the personal number Spain assigns to any foreigner with economic, professional or social interests in the country. Without it you cannot sign an employment contract, buy a property, open a bank account, register as self-employed or accept an inheritance. You apply using form EX-15, pay the 790/012…
