Bureaucracy before arriving
Almost no one enjoys dealing with bureaucracy, but it’s something you can’t really avoid. With a bit of determination, organization, and patience, you’ll be able to get through it—even if many forms are only available in the local language and it’s not always easy to find officials who speak your language.
Since some of the formalities required to live in Barcelona may be quite different from what you might be used to in other countries, this chapter provides a general overview of the most important ones, along with some useful tips. The exact procedures you need to follow will depend on your personal situation.
For instance, immigration steps for citizens of the European Union are not the same as those for people coming from outside the EU. Requirements can also change depending on whether you are moving alone or with family members, and on whether you are bringing a pet or a car with you.
BEFORE AND AFTER YOUR ARRIVAL
Planning is important when you are moving to a new destination. Remember to make your arrangements, including any procedures, before you go. You will find an overview below with an itinerary for guidance on the various procedures you will have to carry out, ordered chronologically:
* BEFORE ARRIVING TO SPAIN:
1 >>> Immigration: visa/residence permit
If you are from outside the EU, you will have to apply for a permit to reside in the country. The type of permit will depend on your profie and the reason for your moving.
2 >>> If you have a pet, it is possible you will have to carry out some procedure.
* ARRIVING TO SPAIN:
3 >>> Spanish number:
It is important for you to operate different things like opening a bank account.
4 >>> Bank account:
Main subject for your relocation is opening a bank accounk in Spain. From here you will start paying the rental, supplies payments and many other things.
5 >>> Municipal registration:
It is essential for you to register with the “padrón”, which is the register of residents normally living in a town or city.
6>>>Identifying documents:
You are under a legal obligation to have a national identity document at hand. The type of document will vary depending on your nationality and the period of your stay in the country.
7 >>> Social Security number:
You will need to request a Social Security number, without which you cannot work and/or pay your contributions to Spain’s Social Security system. You will also need to show you are paying your contributions
before you can access the public healthcare system.
8 >>> Health-Care Card:
You can have the card that gives you access to the Catalan public healthcare system (CatSalut).
9 >>> Pets:
If you want to bring your pet, you will have to carry out several procedures such as registering it with the animal register.
10 >>> Vehicle and driver’s licence:
If you want to bring your vehicle or drive, depending on your nationality, you will have to exchange your driver’s licence and/or register your vehicle. Or make everything again.