Moving to a new city is exciting, but we know it can feel a little overwhelming at first—paperwork, procedures, and countless questions. The last thing you want is for these formalities to take away your time and energy just as you’re starting your university experience.
That’s why our partners at Entre Trámites have put together a simple guide with everything you need to know when arriving in Spain. Here you’ll find the most important steps explained, with a special focus on residency registration (“empadronamiento”), to make your arrival as smooth as possible.
This way, you’ll have more time for what really matters: your studies, your social life, and everything that awaits you at Vita Student.
MUST DO PROCEDURES WHEN YOU ARRIVE IN SPAIN
Before you start enjoying your new life in Spain and fully settling into your accommodation, there are a few steps worth completing first. They may sound bureaucratic, but they’re much simpler than you might think once you know where to begin.
1. NIE (Foreigner Identification Number)
This is your personal, non-transferable identification number in Spain. You’ll need it for almost everything: opening a bank account, signing a contract, enrolling at university, and of course, registering your residency. If you’re coming from outside the EU, your NIE will already appear on your student visa. If you’re an EU citizen, you can apply for it at the police station.
2. Opening a Bank Account
Having a Spanish bank account will make daily life much easier. You’ll be able to receive transfers, pay your bills (like your accommodation), and manage your finances without international transaction fees.
3. Getting Health Insurance
While it’s a requirement for your visa, we recommend checking that your travel insurance—or the one required by your university—covers all your needs during your stay. It’s essential for your peace of mind.
4. Residency Registration (“empadronamiento”)
The highlight of this guide. It may sound bureaucratic, but it’s essential for your life in Spain. In the next section, we’ll explain why it’s so important and how to complete it without any hassle.
Empadronamiento para estudiantes internacionales
What It Is and Why You Need It
Residency registration (“Empadronamiento”) is the process by which you enroll in the Municipal Register (“Padrón Municipal”) of the city in Spain where you live. It’s a mandatory and very simple procedure. Essentially, it certifies that you reside at a specific address and makes you a legal resident of the municipality.
What is it for? Residency registration isn’t just another piece of paperwork. It’s the key that gives you access to a range of services and rights as a resident:
- Access to public services: It allows you to obtain a health card to use the public healthcare system or apply for a student public transport card with discounts, among other things.
- Handling other procedures: It’s an essential requirement for many other processes, such as renewing your TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) or applying for grants and scholarships.
- Exercising your rights: It enables you to vote in municipal elections if you’re an EU citizen and to access the municipality’s social and cultural services.
In summary, being registered in the “padrón” officially integrates you into life in your new city and makes it easier to access essential services.
How and Where to Register Your Residency in 2025?
The process is straightforward and takes place at the citizen service office or a residency registration point at your city hall. To speed things up, it’s recommended to make an appointment in advance.
These are the basic documents you’ll need:
- Identification document: your valid passport or NIE.
- Accommodation contract: in your case, the contract you signed with Vita Student serves as proof of address.
- Application form: you can download it from your city hall’s website or pick it up directly at the office.
On the day of your appointment, you’ll just need to submit your documents, and within minutes you’ll receive your residency registration certificate: the official proof that you are now part of your new city.
It’s a quick and simple procedure that lets you start enjoying all the benefits of being registered.
Moving to a new city like Barcelona or Madrid is exciting, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. With your new lifestyle, university, and all the paperwork to handle, it’s normal to feel a little lost at first.
That’s why at Entre Trámites we offer specialized setup services for international students, helping you to:
- Handle your residency registration smoothly and without hassle.
- Process your NIE/TIE and other essential documents.
- Get guidance on healthcare, opening a bank account, and other key steps that will allow you to settle in quickly and safely.
Residency registration is definitely one of the first and most important steps to take when you arrive in Spain in 2025. It not only opens the door to other administrative processes but also ensures that you’re legally and practically settled in the country.
If you’re an international student and want to make the most of your university experience in Spain, be sure to take care of it as soon as possible. And remember — you don’t have to do it alone: Entre Trámites is here to support you every step of the way.
Got questions? Book a free consultation here and discover the benefits of being part of Vita Student. You can also email partners@entretramites.com — just mention that you’re coming from Vita Student.
