Moving to a new country is an exciting experience – new culture, different language, and, here in Spain, a better climate!

However, it can also be quite overwhelming and not knowing where and how to begin can be stressful and even frustrating.

My advice is to read up on what you should do when you get here before you make the move, so that once here, you have a plan. Here’s a short guide to some of the issues that you will be confronted with living in Spain.

1.    Get a NIE (Non native identity number)
This is an essential document that can be obtained from the police station in your area. There’s a lot of hype about the difficulties in getting this number. It is indeed a time consuming but straight-forward process.

You will need:
Passport & 2 photocopies
* Proof of Address & 2 photocopies - rental contract, title deeds, electricity bill or * * IBI. A telephone bill will not be accepted
* 2 passport–sized photos
* Government fee (approx EUR 8) to be paid on the day you apply for your NIE
* Application form which will be given to you at the police station.

2.    Register yourself with your local Town Hall
This is called Empadronamiento and certifies you as living in a particular district. This document is necessary for a variety of reasons such as registering your children with a school, or opening a bank account.

You will need:
* Proof of Identity & 2 photocopies
* Registration form, available at your Town Hall
* Proof of address – rental contract or Title Deeds if you are the owner of the property, electricity bill or IBI.

3.    Organising accommodation
You may be staying with friends or in a hotel when you first arrive and now it is time to get your own place to live. Take your time and look around. Whether you rent or buy, there are numerous real estate agencies to work with. The local newspapers also have many property listings. You can also walk around to see ´for rent´or ´for sale´signs in windows.

However, be very careful what you sign. The contract must be in Spanish, but if you don´t yet understand the language, be sure that you get someone to check it carefully.

We all know about the various scandals surrounding property developers in Spain, so if you plan to buy, get yourself a good solicitor who will handle the sale for you. Gone are the days of the laid back attitude towards planning permission, (or lack thereof), so don´t fall into that trap.

If you are renting, be very clear with the landlord as to who pays the utility bills, and the community fees, and in whose name are the various contracts – yours or the landlords.

4.    Finding a job
Many people will already have a job lined up before coming out here, and if not, then there are many employment agencies here. Look in the local papers, or don your suit, take out your CV and go door-to-door.

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